A combined numerical–empirical method to calculate finite-time Lyapunov exponents from experimental time series with application to vessel capsizing

This paper presents a method to calculate finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) for experimental time series using numerical simulation to approximate the local Jacobian of the system at each time step. This combined numerical–experimental approach to the calculation of FTLE is applicable to any physical system which can be numerically approximated. By way of example, the method is applied to the problem of vessel capsize.     

Mirdita Zone ophiolites and associated sediments in Albania reveal Neotethys Ocean origin

The Mirdita Ophiolite Zone in Albania is associated with widespread mélanges containing components of up to nappe-size. We dated matrix and components of the mélange by radiolarians, conodonts, and other taxa. The components consist of radiolarites, pelagic limestones and shallow-water limestones, all of Triassic age, as well as ophiolites. Triassic radiolarite as a primary cover of ophiolite material proves Middle Triassic onset of Mirdita ocean-floor formation. The mélange contains a turbiditic radiolarite-rich matrix (“radiolaritic flysch”), dated as Late Bajocian to Early Oxfordian. It formed as a synorogenic sediment during west-directed thrusting of ophiolite and sediment-cover nappes representing ocean floor and underplated fragments of the western continental margin. The tectonic structures formed during these orogenic events (“Younger Kimmeridian or Eohellenic Orogeny”) are sealed by Late Jurassic platform carbonates. The geological history conforms with that of the Inner Dinarides and adjoining areas; we therefore correlate the Mirdita-Pindos Ophiolite Zone with the Vardar Zone and explain its present position by far-distance west-directed thrusting.     

Quality Assessment Of Digital Surface Models Generated From IKONOS Imagery

The growing applications of digital surface models (DSMs) for object detection, segmentation and representation of terrestrial landscapes have provided impetus for further automation of 3D spatial information extraction processes. While new technologies such as lidar are available for almost instant DSM generation, the use of stereoscopic high-resolution satellite imagery (HRSI), coupled with image matching, affords cost-effective measurement of surface topography over large coverage areas. This investigation explores the potential of IKONOS Geo stereo imagery for producing DSMs using an alternative sensor orientation model, namely bias-corrected rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs), and a hybrid image-matching algorithm. To serve both as a reference surface and a basis for comparison, a lidar DSM was employed in the Hobart testfield, a region of differing terrain types and slope. In order to take topographic variation within the modelled surface into account, the lidar strip was divided into separate sub-areas representing differing land cover types. It is shown that over topographically diverse areas, heighting accuracy to better than 3 pixels can be readily achieved. Results improve markedly in feature-rich open and relatively flat terrain, with sub-pixel accuracy being achieved at check points surveyed using the global positioning system (GPS). This assessment demonstrates that the outlook for DSM generation from HRSI is very promising.     

Geochronology,stratigraphy and geochemistry of Cambro-Ordovician,Silurian and Devonian volcanic rocks of the Saxothuringian Zone in NE Bavaria (Germany)—new constraints for Gondwana break up and ocean–island magmatism

International Journal of Earth Sciences - Stratigraphically well-defined volcanic rocks in Palaeozoic volcano-sedimentary units of the Frankenwald area (Saxothuringian Zone, Variscan Orogen) were...     

Homogeneity and mechanical behaviors of sands improved by a temperature-controlled one-phase MICP method

Acta Geotechnica - Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been actively investigated as a promising method to improve soil properties. A burning issue impeding its wide application...     

The entrainment of high-viscosity magma into low-viscosity magma in eruption conduits

We report experiments on the flow of two fluids of contrasting viscosity through a pipe in which low-viscosity fluid occupies the center of the pipe. The volume flux of the low-viscosity fluid in the pipe increased during an experiment but did not reach 100% in most cases. The transition from high- to low-viscosity-dominated outflow involved a drop in pressure gradient and an increase in flow rate due to reduced viscous resistance in the pipe. Initially, the central flow was thin and parallel-sided, but as its diameter increased the flow became unstable. A sequence of instabilities was observed during the course of each experiment, both in time and as a function of height in the pipe. In the most commonly observed instability the central flow adopted a helical geometry. The transition from parallel-sided to unstable flow first appeared at the top of the pipe and propagated downwards against the flow. Axisymmetric instabilities originating at the pipe entrance were also observed. All forms of instability exhibited entrainment of viscous fluid into the faster moving central flow. Entrainment was extensive early in the existence of the central flow, but later on the volume flux of lower-viscosity fluid in the central flow rose more rapidly than the rate of entrainment and the proportion of lower-viscosity fluid increased with time. These compositional changes determined the viscosity of the central flow which was found to control its diameter and velocity. In banded pumice deposits, silicic pumice without mafic component is commonly erupted alongside banded pumice blocks. We infer that banded pumice may correspond to the central flow in our experiments, i. e., that viscous magma has been incorporated into less viscous melt, and that pure acid pumice is derived from the outer flow. Changes in eruption style may be caused by variations in pressure gradient and flow rate due to changes in the viscosity of the melt in the conduit. Varied mafic/silicic proportions and degree of mixing in magmatic associations are controlled by the bulk volume erupted, discharge rate, initial temperature difference and aspect ratio of the conduit.     

Investigation of electrical anisotropy in the deep borehole KTB

Information about electrical anisotropy in and around the deep borehole of the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) has been acquired using three different methods: (1) Under surface temperature and pressure conditions, the azimuthal dependence of resistivity has been measured in horizontal planes perpendicular to the axes of drill cores. (2) Simulated in-situ conditions (high temperature and pressure) have been applied to mini cores drilled at different orientations to structural features such as foliation. The resistivity was then measured in the direction of the mini cores' long axes. (3) Under quasi-in-situ (downhole) conditions, the azimuthal dependence of resistivity has been measured in horizontal planes using the Azimuthal Resistivity Imager (ARI), a down hole logging tool.These investigations have shown that electrical anisotropy is strongly related to structural features. The anisotropy of gneisses is the highest due to the strong foliation (averaged anisotropy factor 2.8). Lamprophyres are most isotropic (factor 1.2). Most rocks from KTB are amphibolites with intermediate anisotropies (factor 1.3). The anisotropies measured under surface temperature and pressure conditions and quasi-in-situ conditions on amphibolites are approximately the same, whereas anisotropies under simulated in-situ conditions are partially higher.Furthermore, the anisotropies measured on the cm to m scale using the various methods outlined above shall be compared with large scale anisotropies of the km scale measured around KTB using Magneto Tellurics.