Luminescence and ESR dating of the sedimentary infill from the multi-level cave system of Alkerdi-Zelaieta (Navarre,N Spain)

The finding of Upper Paleolithic engravings in 2016 triggered a multidisciplinary investigation of the Alkerdi cave system (Urdazubi, N Spain). The study of the speleogenetic processes led to the identification of at least 6 paragenetic cave levels with associated sedimentary infill. In order to unravel the timing of changes in the karst dynamics and to get some insights about sediment origin, two sediment samples were collected from cave levels 4 and 1 for numerical dating purpose, using both Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methods. One additional modern-age sample was also taken from the entrance of the karst to evaluate the magnitude of the optical bleaching achieved by the quartz grains before entering the cave system. Last, one sample was collected from a flowstone for U-series dating, providing independent age control.OSL measurements were carried out using small quartz multi-grain (MG) and single-grain (SG) Single Aliquot Regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol. Initial Equivalent Dose (D_e) results show evidence of saturated OSL signal for the sample of the higher level (with ∼60% of saturated aliquots). Unlike SA data, SG analyses do not meet the usual quality criteria (e.g., relatively high recuperation ratios, only a few grains with useable signal), suggesting that corresponding dating results should be treated with caution.Hence, both MG and SG TT-OSL and MG ESR methods were subsequently employed, as the corresponding signals are known to have higher saturation levels than OSL ones. ESR analyses were based on the Multiple Centre (MC) approach using the standard multi-grain multi-aliquot additive (MAA) dose method, while TT-OSL measurements were performed following Demuro et al. (2020). The latter, however, did not return any useful results for both samples. MC ESR data show the usual D_e pattern (D_e(Al)>D_e(Ti op. D)>D_e(Ti–H)) indicating that among the three ESR signals analyzed, the Ti–H most likely provides the closest estimate to the true burial age. However, low measurement repeatability and goodness-of-of fit indicate that the reliability of the ESR results may be reasonably questioned.Results derived from this multi-technique dating approach provide the first chronological constraints for the sedimentary infill of the Alkerdi cave system. In particular, they suggest that sediment deposition in Cave Level 4 (ALK-OSL01) occurred around 130 ka, which is in good agreement with the minimum age constraint given by the speleothem (80.5 ± 9.0 ka). In comparison, the young age obtained for sample ALK-OSL02 (5.0 ± 0.9 ka) suggests recent Holocene formation of the lowest cave level 1.Finally, the MG De value obtained for the modern sample is close to zero (<1 Gy), indicating that the OSL signal is almost fully reset at a multi-grain level before entering the cave. Additionally, despite the large De overdispersion measured in this modern sample, the De values are one to two order of magnitude lower than those obtained with the same model in the other two samples. Therefore, the large OSL D_e overdispersion (OD) values of up to 64% obtained for the two samples from Cave Level 4 and 1 are most likely related to re-sedimentation processes inside the cave system.     

滇西思茅盆地景谷地区曼岗组石英颗粒表面特征及其指示意义

石英具有硬度大和化学稳定性高的特点,其颗粒表面特征能很好的反映沉积环境,通过扫描电镜观察石英表面微细特征是判别沉积环境行之有效的方法。思茅盆地白垩系曾一度被认为是陆相水成沉积,笔者通过野外识别及室内基础研究发现,景谷地区下白垩统曼岗组具有风成沉积特征,需对该套地层开展石英颗粒表面特征的系统研究来进一步确定其沉积相,研究结果表明:研究区曼岗组石英颗粒表面具有明显的风成特征,磨圆度高,普遍发育典型的蝶形撞击坑、新月形撞击坑、毛玻璃化表面,存在沙漠漆,极易与水成特征相区别;而其较强的溶蚀作用与沉淀作用则显示了当时干旱炎热的气候条件。在风成沉积确定的基础上,笔者再结合典型沉积构造,粒度分析、岩性特征等沉积特征进行综合分析,认为研究区曼岗组应属沙漠沉积。     

Identification and evolution of hydrogeochemical processes in the groundwater environment in an area of the Palar and Cheyyar River Basins,Southern India

The Palar and Cheyyar River Basins in Tamil Nadu state of Southern India are characterised by different geological formations, and groundwater is the major source for domestic, agricultural and other water-related activities. Hydrogeochemical studies were carried out in this area with the objective of identifying the geochemical processes and their relation to groundwater quality. Groundwater samples were collected once a month from 43 groundwater wells in this area from January 1998 to July 1999. Sampling procedures and chemical analysis were carried out as per the standard methods. Chemical data are used for mathematical calculations and graphical plots to understand the chemical process and its relation to the groundwater quality. The chemical composition of groundwater in the central part of the study area mainly depends on the recharge from lakes and the river, which is explained by a mixing mechanism. In addition, weathering of silicate minerals controls the concentration of major ions such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium in the groundwater of this area. Further, the activity ratios indicate that the groundwater is in equilibrium with kaolinite, smectite and montmorrillonite. The reverse ion exchange process controls the concentration of calcium, magnesium and sodium in hard rock formations, and dissolution of carbonate minerals and accessory minerals is the source of Ca and Mg, in addition to cation exchange in the sedimentary formations. In general, the chemical composition of the groundwater in this area is influenced by rock–water interaction, dissolution and deposition of carbonate and silicate minerals, ion exchange, and surface water interactions.     

Improvement and Application of the Similarity Saltation Model: Wind-Tunnel Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of the Vertical Sand Mass Flux Distribution in the Saltation Layer

Based upon comparisons between published experimental data and simulated results on the vertical sand flux distribution in the saltation layer, Shao’s similarity saltation model has been greatly improved by correcting the average vertical particle lift-off velocity and using a more suitable universal roughness length. By the improved model, the vertical sand flux profile over the bare, dry and loose uniform sandy surface, which is quite representative of real desert surfaces, can be reproduced very well. Meanwhile, the surface transport rate and the characteristic and average saltation heights have been simulated and analyzed in detail, disclosing their relationships with friction velocity, particle size and roughness length, and the possible underlying mechanisms. Besides, the average particle lift-off velocity and the average mean vertical aerodynamic action upon the ascending particle, which determine the saltation process, are explicitly expressed by parameters involved in the similarity model, and their relationships with friction velocity, particle size and roughness length are also described concisely. The corrected average particle lift-off velocity makes it possible to investigate the characteristic particle trajectory, whose initial velocity equals the average lift-off velocity, so as to estimate the average particle against surface impacting velocity and the average aerodynamic action upon the saltation process.     

由盐湖卤水合成球形纳米硅酸镁锂

用青海柴达木盆地的盐湖卤水为原料,经浓缩后用水热法直接合成球形纳米硅酸镁锂,此方法充分利用了盐湖资源,无需镁锂分离。同时对样品进行了X-ray、TEM表征、计算了比表面积和粒径。     

Seasonal variation in nature and chemical compositions of spring water in Cuihua Mountain,Shaanxi Province,central China

Two springs (Cuihua Spring, Shuiqiuchi Spring) in Cuihua Mountain of the Qinling Mountains were observed and sampled monthly during 2004 and 2005 to trace their physical properties and chemical compositions with seasons. Although both pH values and cation (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺) contents of Cuihua Spring are higher than those of Shuiqiuchi Spring, seasonal variations in both springs are obvious. The pH values of both spring waters are between 5.69 and 6.98, lower than that of rainwater during summer and autumn. From January to November, the pH values of both springs similarly vary from high to low and then to high again. Variations in electric conductivities of two spring waters are contrary, although their electric conductivities are positively correlative with the cation content respectively. This can be attributed to different water sources of the two springs or different acidic rocks they passed. The contents of HCO₃ ⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ are low, indicating a low silicate weathering that the strata in this district are mainly composed of granite and schist of quartz and mica. Differing from change in spring water in karst regions of South China where abundant precipitation and dilution of rainwater cause low pH and electric conductivity in summer and autumn, the seasonal variations in the pH values and the electric conductivities of two springs in Qinling Mountains are attributed to seasonal changes in CO₂ produced by microorganisms’ activity in soil within respective year, rather than rainfall. The microorganisms’ activity in soil produces more CO₂ during summer and autumn. Therefore, the water nature of springs in silicate regions chiefly reflects the seasonal changes of CO₂ produced by the microorganisms in soil.     

非饱和土粒间吸力研究的若干思考和进展

非饱和土粒间吸力是建立非饱和土有效应力原理和抗剪强度理论的基础前提,从各力的本质、概念、大小等不同角度出发,对目前非饱和土研究中常见的几种吸力进行了详细地对比和分析。基质吸力表示土壤吸水的趋势,强调的是土颗粒与水之间的相互作用,并非土颗粒间的相互作用,与有效应力概念的本质不符,是Bishop和Fredlund强度理论中分别存在着物理意义不明确参数x和φb的根本原因;广义吸力虽然考虑了结构吸力的作用,但仍将基质吸力作为有效应力的一部分,使原本“实用、简化”的目标更加复杂化;附加内压力将基质吸力以及表面张力的作用进行叠加,存在力作用大小上的重复,同时未考虑结构吸力的作用;张力吸力将表面张力沿两土颗粒连线方向的分量——张力吸力和基质吸力进行叠加,一是仍将基质吸力作为有效应力的一部分,二是同样未考虑结构吸力的作用;粒间吸力（湿吸力和结构吸力）考虑了因土体结构性引起的结构吸力作用,同时也考虑了气液界面上收缩膜的效应——湿吸力的作用,基于粒间吸力的非饱和土有效应力及强度理论不仅符合有效应力定义的本质,而且合理地解释了非饱和土中诸如收缩膜张力的方向性、土中应力概念的平均性、土体物理本质的唯一性、随含水率变化的连续性以及对不同类型土的适应性等众多现象。因此,从粒间吸力的角度出发来研究非饱和土的有效应力原理是正确、可行的。     

On the interest of using the multiple center approach in ESR dating of optically bleached quartz grains: Some examples from the Early Pleistocene terraces of the Alcanadre River (Ebro basin,Spain)

The present work reports the first numerical ages obtained for the two highest fluvial terraces (Qt1 and Qt2) of the Alcanadre River system (Northeastern Spain) representing the earliest remnants of Quaternary morphosedimentary fluvial activity in the Ebro basin. ESR dating method was applied to optically bleached quartz grains and both the Al and Ti centers were measured, in accordance with the Multiple Center approach. The results are overall in good agreement with the existing preliminary chronostratigraphic framework and our interpretation indicate that terraces Qt1 and Qt2 have an ESR age of 1276 ± 104 ka and 817 ± 68 ka, respectively. These data provide some chronological insights on the beginning of the fluvial sedimentary processes in a scenario of incision maintained over Quaternary in the Ebro Basin. These are among the first numerical ages obtained for such high terraces in the Iberian Peninsula.Our results demonstrate the interest of using the Multiple Center approach in ESR dating of quartz, since the two centers provide complementary information, i.e. an independent dose control. The overall apparent consistency between the ESR age estimates and the existing preliminary chronostratigraphic framework may be considered as an empirical evidence that the Ti–Li center may actually work for Early Pleistocene deposits, whereas the Ti–H center shows some clear limitations instead. Finally, these results demonstrate the interest of using ESR method to date Early Pleistocene fluvial terraces that are usually beyond the time range covered by the OSL dating method.     

出渗对均匀大粒径泥沙附近水动力特性影响

为探讨出渗对均匀大粒径泥沙颗粒周围水流特性的影响,基于粒子图像测速技术（PIV）对出渗影响下的均匀大粒径泥沙颗粒群周围水流结构进行测量,并对不同出渗强度下颗粒群周围立面二维流场结构进行了分析。试验结果表明:出渗能够减小颗粒群周围原水流运动方向的流速,而增大垂直向上的流速,且两者均随着出渗强度的增强而对流速的影响愈加明显;根据实测数据,拟合出考虑出渗影响下的均匀大粒径泥沙周围纵向流速分布公式,相关性较好;出渗能增强颗粒群附近的紊动强度,加剧周围水体的能量耗散;随着出渗强度的增强,颗粒群周围的涡量值随之减小。     

Optical Dating Equivalent Dose (De) Comparison of Global Standardised Growth Curve (gSGC) and Single-aliquot Regenerative-dose (SAR) Methods for Quartz Grains

Optical dating is a method of measuring the time since the sample was buried from last thermal event or light exposure. Samples such as quartz and feldspar grains are the most commonly used sediment of measurement. Single-Aliquot Regenerative-dose (SAR) method has become the most acceptable procedure for obtaining the equivalent Dose (D_e) of a sample. The Standardised Growth Curve (SGC) method provides a possible procedure for measuring a large number of samples; the limitation is that the growth curve fitted by different samples or even different aliquots is divergent. The global Standardised Growth Curve (gSGC) method improves the shortage by normalizing the dose response curves using one regenerative dose OSL signal. The gSGC provides a possible method for obtaining the D_e value of the sample efficiently and quickly. However, due to the radiation dose rate, operating procedures and instrument error and the selected regenerative-dose normalized dose value, etc., each laboratory should develop their own gSGC which has unique parameters. This study established the gSGC curve and measurement process of our laboratory, and then compared the consistency of the equivalent Dose (D_e) values from gSGC and SAR methods. In gSGC procedure, the D_e value of an aliquot can be estimated from the nature signal, one regenerative dose signal and their corresponding test dose signal. It will speed up the optical dating measurement rate of our laboratory and provide reference to establish gSGC in other laboratories. It is found that in the low dose range (0~100 Gy) the obtained D_e values were well consistent by gSGC and SAR methods. There were obviously differences in the higher dose range (>100 Gy) compared to the SAR results. It may be due to the insufficient number of older samples used to fit gSGC in this study. It is necessary to gradually accumulate more samples to improve the gSGC parameters in the future work. For some aliquots, individual quartz grains do not follow the global standardised growth curve, which leads to some deviations of D_e from gSGC. However, these two methods could obtain the similar average De value when multiple aliquots measuring.