Formation of mountains on Io: Variable volcanism and thermal stresses

Thermal stresses are potentially important drivers of Io's tectonics and mountain building. It has been hypothesized that sustained local or regional shut down of heat-pipe volcanism on Io could lead to deep crustal heating and large compressive stresses [McKinnon, W.B., Schenk, P.M., Dombard, A.J., 2001. Geology 29, 103-106]. Such large stresses would then be relieved by thrust faulting and uplifting of crustal blocks, producing mountains like those observed on Io. Here we analyze the tectonic consequences of the heat-pipe model in detail, considering both the initial thermal stress state of a basalt or peridotite crust created by heat-pipe volcanism, and relative roles of subsidence stresses (due to burial of preexisting layers) and thermal stresses arising from variable volcanism and changes in crustal (∼lithosphere) thickness. We limit the magnitude of the potential subsidence stresses in our study, because the magnitude of subsidence stresses can be quite large, if not dominant. Results indicate that for a fixed crustal thickness, the region of failure and faulting moves closer to the surface as eruption rate decreases and time increases. When the crust melts at its base as volcanism decreases (as might occur under steady state tidal heating), resulting in crustal thinning, the region of failure is brought even closer to the surface. Naturally, when compressive, subsidence stresses are included, the vertical extent of crust in brittle failure thickens to include most of the lithosphere. In contrast, increases in eruption rate cause the extent of the region in compressional failure to decrease and be driven very deep in the crust (in the absence of sufficient subsidence stress). Therefore, regions of declining volcanism are more likely to produce mountains, whereas regions of extensive or increasing volcanism are less likely to do so. This is consistent with the observation of a global anticorrelation between mountains and volcanic centers on Io. Finally, we find that the choice of crustal composition/rheology (dry basalt vs. dry peridotite) has little effect on our results implying that basalt, peridotite and komatiite are all similarly “stiff” in the Io environment.     

On the composition and differentiation of Ceres

The dwarf planet Ceres has a density of 2040-2250 kg m⁻³, and a dark non-icy surface with signs of hydrated minerals. As opposed to a differentiated internal structure with a nonporous rocky core and a water mantle, there are arguments for undifferentiated porous interior structure. Ceres’ mass and dimensions are uncertain and do not exclude undifferentiated interior even if hydrostatic equilibrium is attained. The rocky surface may be inconsistent with a large-scale water-rock differentiation. A differentiated structure with a thick water mantle below a rocky crust is gravitationally unstable and an overturn would have led to abundant surface salt deposits, which are not observed. A formation of hydrated surface minerals caused by internal heating implies a major density increase through devolatilization of the interior. A later accumulation of hydrated materials is inconsistent with anhydrous surfaces of many asteroids and with a low rate of the cosmic dust deposition in the inner Solar System. Ceres’ internal pressures (<140-200 MPa) are insufficient to significantly reduce porosity of chondritic materials and there is no need for abundant water phases to be present to account for the bulk density. Having the porosity of ordinary chondrites (∼10%), Ceres can consist of rocks with the grain density of pervasively hydrated CI carbonaceous chondrites. However, additional low-density phases (e.g., water ice) require to be present in the body with the grain density of CM chondrites. The likely low-density mineralogy of the interior implies Ceres’ accretion from pervasively aqueously altered carbonaceous planetesimals depleted in short-lived radionuclide ²⁶Al. Abundant water ice may not have accreted. Limited heat sources after accretion may not have caused major mineral dehydration leading to formation of water mantle. These inferences can be tested with the Dawn spacecraft in 2015.     

Shell thickness variations and the long-wavelength topography of Titan

The long-wavelength topography of Titan has an amplitude larger than that expected from tidal and rotational distortions at its current distance from Saturn. This topography is associated with small gravity anomalies, indicating a high degree of compensation. Both observations can be explained if Titan has a floating, isostatically-compensated ice shell with a spatially-varying thickness. The spatial variations arise because of laterally-variable tidal heating within the ice shell. Models incorporating shell thickness variations result in an improved fit to the observations and a degree-two tidal Love number h_2t consistent with expectations, without requiring Titan to have moved away from Saturn. Our preferred models have a mean shell thickness of ≈100 km in agreement with the observed gravity anomalies, and a heat flux appropriate to a chondritic Titan. Shell thickness variations are eliminated by convection; we therefore conclude that Titan’s ice shell is not convecting at the present day.     

Sizes, shapes, and derived properties of the saturnian satellites after the Cassini nominal mission

The Cassini spacecraft has provided data on over twenty satellites orbiting Saturn. In this study we update the shape measurements derived from imaging data of nearly all the observed regular satellites (those with low eccentricities and inclinations) and briefly discuss some of the implications of their properties. In particular, the improved data show that Rhea’s shape is hydrostatic.     

关于环境地球物理学的思考

分析了环境科学的研究领域，世界及我国的环境状况，世界范围的环境问题对地球科学提出了的和带来的机会。以此为基础提出了环境地球物理学的对象及研究方向。提出水资源的污染监测及水源保护应例为环境地球物理学的优先领域。     

Recognition of the hydrogeological potential using electrical sounding in the Khemisset-Tiflet region,Morocco

The low recharge of reservoirs and the increasing demand for water limit the potential of mobilized resources, especially in arid to semi-arid areas like Morocco. Integrated management is essential to safeguard this resource. In respect with this perspective, this work provides the analysis of hydrogeological potential of Khemisset-Tiflet region, which falls within the action area of the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency. The basis of our studies was as follows:(1) The interpretation of the existing geoelectric data;(2) application of geophysical methods for non-destructive reconnaissance and their integration into a Geographic Information System(GIS). The analysis demonstrates that: The map of the isohypses and the geoelectric cross-section of the substratum of the superficial roof aquifer show clearly a plunge associated with development of the Paleozoic roof in the South and the direction of flow of the surface water is from south to north, from the upper zone to the north of the El Kansera dam. These conclusions constitute very useful contribution for any resource management projects in this area.     

Plio-Pleistocene transpressional reactivation of Paleozoic and Paleogene structures in the Rhine-Bresse transform zone (northern Switzerland and eastern France)

Pliocene to recent uplift and shortening in the southern Rhinegraben is documented by deformation of Pliocene fluvial gravels, deposited on a nearly planar surface, as well as by progressive deflection and capture of rivers. This deformation is suggested to result from thick-skinned tectonic movements as evidenced by observations on seismic records, which demonstrate a spatial coincidence between en-échelon anticlines at the surface and faults located in the crystalline basement. These findings contradict the often invoked thin-skinned tectonism in the recent tectonic history of the Rhinegraben. In particular the transfer zone between the Rhinegraben and the Bressegraben is very suitable for reactivation under the present day stress field. Thick-skinned reactivation of faults in the basement is also expressed by focal plane mechanisms of recent earthquakes showing strike-slip- rather than reverse faulting characteristics. This is of importance for the densely populated and industrialised southern Rhinegraben, previously affected by large earthquakes in historical times (e.g. Basel 1356).     

The Western Carpathians—interaction of Hercynian and Alpine processes

The complicated structural and rheologic properties of Western Carpathian lithosphere reflect the complex geodynamic history of the Carpathian orogen. Based on critical analysis of earlier models, new interpolation of existing geophysical data and results of integrated modelling, a new map of the lithosphere thickness for the Carpathian–Pannonian region has been constructed. The map allows for the distinction of a frontal orogen collision zone in the NE (from increased lithosphere thickness) as well as a zone of oblique collision with the Bohemian Massif in the West, where lithosphere is not significantly thickened. The MOHO discontinuity beneath the Western Carpathian hinterland (Danube and East Slovak Basins), as defined by deep reflection seismic profiling, is relatively shallow. This probably reflects recent crustal extension related to oblique collision between the European plate and the ALCAPA block and an increase of the asthenospheric updoming from the Middle Miocene onward.Crustal thickness reflects the combined effects of deep-seated orogenic processes and mantle thermal evolution beneath the Pannonian Basin system. In this study, we focus particularly the structures of: (1) the Late Alpine collision and Neogene back arc basin development, including deep-seated contacts between colliding plates, a zone of slab detachment, the compressional accretionary wedge of the Outer Western Carpathian Flysch Belt, and extensional structures produced by subduction rollback and asthenosphere upwelling; (2) Early Alpine structures related to Cretaceous thrust-stacking, including subhorizontal reflection packages (interpreted as multi-generational extensional structures), the underplated intra-Penninic (Oravic) continental ribbon, and ophiolite traces of the Meliatic oceanic suture; and (3) north-dipping reflectors interpreted as remnant Hercynian lithotectonic fragments with opposed vergency to the subducted Alpine units.     

综合物探方法在DQ地区地热勘查中的应用

DQ市国土资源局在目标区内投入重磁电综合物探方法进行地热勘查。通过适合城市施工的测网布设与高精度的数据采集，结合地质地球物理特征的资料处理和针对地热目标的异常提取，解释该区水文构造地质条件与地热远景预测，提出地热开发的有利井位。并以近期施工的钻井试水情况，阐明综合物探方法在地热资源勘查中的有效应用。     

大型超大型金属矿床综合信息成矿预测方法研究

大型超大型矿床在其时空分布、控矿因素、形成机制、成矿模式诸方面与一般中小型矿床有相似甚至雷同之处,也有其特殊、独特方面,研究预测大型超大型矿床相当复杂,需要从不同学科、不同侧面、不同角度、不同途径、不同方法及不同思路进行综合研究。本文给出大型超大型矿床预测的综合信息方法,认为地质地球物理地球化学多学科综合分析是今后找矿的最主要途径。通过对大型、超大型矿床的趋群性特点分析,给出了矿床密集区的概念以及圈定的基本原则和边界条件。通过对大型超大型矿床发现途径的分析,指出大型超大型矿床的分布具有可预测性。并表述了综合信息预测方法流程,以矿床密集区为模型单元,以异常密集区为预测单元,通过地质、地球物理、地球化学等综合信息控矿地质变量的提取和合理赋值,加上数理统计方法的合理应用,达到对大型超大型矿床的预测目的。