Isotope fractionation of neon during stepheating extraction?: a comment on ‘Re‐interpretation of the existence of a primitive plume under Australia based on neon isotope fractionation during step heating’ by Gautheron and Moreira (2003)

Using a Rayleigh distillation fractionation model, we calculate that the maximum isotope fractionation potentially achievable is less than 5% during the early stages of gas release from a sample. Our calculation corrects the erroneous conclusions of Gautheron and Moreira (2003), who re‐interpreted the plume‐like neon isotopic compositions found in metasomatic apatite from a south‐eastern Australian xenolith (Matsumoto et al., 1997) to be the result of Rayleigh‐type isotope fractionation of originally MORB‐type neon during stepheating gas extraction. We stress that the modelling of neon isotopic fractionation by Gautheron and Moreira (2003) is incorrect, and that the finding of a plume‐like neon isotopic composition in the apatite by Matsumoto et al. (1997) remains a quite valid and robust conclusion.     

Mezen Bay—a key area for understanding Weichselian glaciations in northern Russia

Sediment successions in coastal cliffs around Mezen Bay, southeastern White Sea, record an unusually detailed history of former glaciations, interstadial marine and fluvial events from the Weichselian. A regional glaciation model for the Weichselian is based on new data from the Mezen Bay area and previously published data from adjacent areas. Following the Mikulinian (Eemian) interglacial a shelf‐centred glaciation in the Kara Sea is reflected in proglacial conditions at 100–90 ka. A local ice‐cap over the Timan ridge existed between 75 and 65 ka. Renewed glaciation in the Kara Sea spread southwestwards around 60 ka only, interrupted by a marine inundation, before it advanced to its maximum position at about 55–50 ka. After a prolonged ice‐free period, the Scandinavian ice‐sheet invaded the area from the west and terminated east of Mezen Bay about 17 ka. The previously published evidence of a large ice‐dammed lake in the central Arkhangelsk region, Lake Komi, finds no support in this study. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Growth, interaction and seismogenic potential of coupled active normal faults (Isernia Basin, central-southern Italy)

The inception and growth of the active Carpino-Le Piane Basin Fault System (CLPBFS; central-southern Apennines, Italy) was analysed with respect to the neighbouring Isernia and Surrounding (ISFS) and Boiano Basin (BBFS) extensional Fault Systems. ³⁹Ar–⁴⁰Ar dating showed that the BBFS was already active 649 ± 21 ka bp and that the ISFS was active at least 476 ±10 ka bp , whereas the activity of the CLPBFS started certainly later than 253 ± 22 ka bp , and very probably as recently as <28 ka bp . These ages, combined with structural data (geometry and kinematics of the fault systems), indicate that the inception and development of the CLPBFS could be strictly related to the stress changes caused by earthquakes occurring on the BBFS.     

Diagenesis, palaeoclimate and tectono-sedimentary influences on clay mineralogy and stable isotopes from Upper Cretaceous marine successions of the Basque-Cantabrian Basin (N Spain)

Clay mineralogy and whole-rock stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) of Upper Cretaceous marly sediments on the Basque-Cantabrian Basin have been integrated to determine the main effects of diagenesis, palaeoclimate and tectono-sedimentary factors in sections belonging to deep- (Barrika) and platform-marine (Isla de Castro, Villamartín and Olazagutía) settings.The mean values for the clay assemblages and δ¹⁸O exhibit notable differences among the sections, partially explainable by the influence of diagenesis. The Barrika sediments, with more diagenetically advanced illite-smectite (I-S) mixed-layer (R1, 70% illite), authigenic chlorite, and low δ¹⁸O (−4.05‰ PDB), experienced higher diagenetic grade than Isla de Castro and Olazagutía, which have R0 I-S (20% illite) and heavier δ¹⁸O. Villamartín was also affected by higher diagenesis than Isla de Castro and Olazagutía, given the occurrence of R1 I-S (60% illite) and low δ¹⁸O (−4.11‰ PDB). However, the absence of other clays in Villamartín (e.g. authigenic chlorite) is indicative of less diagenetic grade than Barrika. These results show the useful integration of clay mineralogy and stable isotopes to detect different diagenetic grades in distinct marine successions of the same basin.Despite being influenced by diagenesis, the clay mineralogy partially preserves its inherited signature. This allows detection of major contents of I-S and mica, and minor kaolinite, interpreted as indicative of warm palaeoclimatic conditions. High kaolinite content in Villamartín and absence of kaolinite in Isla de Castro, though, are considered to be a product of neither diagenesis nor palaeoclimatic influences. Instead, tectono-sedimentary causes, related to unsuitable conditions for clay formation and transport from the local source areas, contributed to original clay differences. The inferred effects of diagenesis, palaeoclimate and tectono-sedimentary factors make this work important to show the potentially great variety of controls on the clay mineralogy of marine sections, which are often uncritically treated in studies concerning the Late Cretaceous.     

Origins of high pH mineral waters from ultramafic rocks, Central Portugal

This paper reviews the geochemical, isotopic (²H, ¹⁸O, ¹³C, ³H and ¹⁴C) and numerical modelling approaches to evaluate possible geological sources of the high pH (11.5)/Na–Cl/Ca–OH mineral waters from the Cabeço de Vide region (Central-Portugal). Water–rock interaction studies have greatly contributed to a conceptual hydrogeological circulation model of the Cabeço de Vide mineral waters, which was corroborated by numerical modelling approaches. The local shallow groundwaters belong to the Mg–HCO₃ type, and are derived by interaction with the local serpentinized rocks. At depth, these type waters evolve into the high pH/Na–Cl/Ca–OH mineral waters of Cabeço de Vide spas, issuing from the intrusive contact between mafic/ultramafic rocks and an older carbonate sequence. The Cabeço de Vide mineral waters are supersaturated with respect to serpentine indicating that they may cause serpentinization. Magnesium silicate phases (brucite and serpentine) seem to control Mg concentrations in Cabeço de Vide mineral waters. Similar δ²H and δ¹⁸O suggest a common meteoric origin and that the Mg–HCO₃ type waters have evolved towards Cabeço de Vide mineral waters. The reaction path simulations show that the progressive evolution of the Ca–HCO₃ to Mg–HCO₃ waters can be attributed to the interaction of meteoric waters with serpentinites. The sequential dissolution at CO₂ (g) closed system conditions leads to the precipitation of calcite, magnesite, amorphous silica, chrysotile and brucite, indicating that the waters would be responsible for the serpentinization of fresh ultramafic rocks (dunites) present at depth. The apparent age of Cabeço de Vide mineral waters was determined as 2790 ± 40 a BP, on the basis of ¹⁴C and ¹³C values, which is in agreement with the ³H concentrations being below the detection limit.     

Methodology for preliminary assessment of Natech risk in urban areas

Concern for natural hazard-triggered technological disasters (Natech disasters) in densely populated and industrialized areas is growing. Residents living in urban areas subject to high natural hazard risk are often unaware of the potential for secondary disasters such as hazardous materials releases from neighboring industrial facilities, chemical storage warehouses or other establishments housing hazardous materials. Lessons from previous disasters, such as the Natech disaster during the Kocaeli earthquake in Turkey in 1999 call for the need to manage low frequency/high consequence events, particularly in today’s densely populated areas. However, there is little guidance available on how local governments and communities can assess Natech risk. To add to the problem, local governments often do not have the human or economic resources or expertise to carry out detailed risk assessments. In this article, we propose a methodology for preliminary assessment of Natech risk in urban areas. The proposed methodology is intended for use by local government officials in consultation with the public. The methodology considers possible interactions between the various systems in the urban environment: the physical infrastructure (e.g., industrial plants, lifeline systems, critical facilities), the community (e.g., population exposed), the natural environment (e.g., delicate ecosystems, river basins), and the risk and emergency management systems (e.g., structural and nonstructural measures). Factors related to vulnerability and hazard are analyzed and qualitative measures are recommended. Data from hazardous materials releases during the Kocaeli, Turkey earthquake of August 17, 1999 are used as a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology. Limitations of the proposed methodology are discussed as well as future research needs.

The Distribution of Amphipoda in a Brackish-Water Lagoon in Greece

Abstract. The distribution of the benthic Amphipoda was studied in the brackish-water lagoon Mazoma of Amvrakikos Bay, Ionian Sea, Greece. Eleven amphipod species typical of the sublittoral zone, some with preference for enclosed bays and lagoons, were identified. Gammarus crinicornis, Microdeutopus bifidus, C. rotundirostris , and Erichthonius difformis are mentioned for the first time for Greek waters. The distribution of amphipods in the lagoon is governed by the vegetation and is probably modified by interspecific relations.