Prolonged Magmatic and Tectonic Development of the Caribbean Igneous Province Revealed by a Diving Submersible Survey

Using the diving submersible survey NAUTICA we investigated the central part of the Caribbean large igneous province (CLIP) to observe and sample internal portions of this proposed oceanic plateau. Most of the samples are gabbroic and doleritic rocks; basalts are scarce. Radiometric dating by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar incremental heating experiments indicate that the intrusive rocks are Campanian in age (81–75 Ma). In some places these intrusive rocks underlie older Santonian (85–83 Ma) extrusive basaltic rocks, suggesting that the Campanian rocks represent a sill injection and an underplating episode. Results of the diving program supplemented by information from ODP and DSDP drilling sites document a 20 m.y. period (94–75 Ma) of igneous activity in the submerged portion of the Caribbean large igneous province (CLIP). In the northern part of the Beata Ridge late Campanian and/or post Campanian uplift is documented by prominent Maastrichtian (71–65 Ma) erosion and the establishment of a Paleocene-middle Eocene (65–49 Ma) carbonate platform. During and after the uplift an extensional period is indicated by seismic images and the subsidence (3 km depth) of the carbonate platform. Paleocene ages (55–56 Ma) determined on some volcanic samples are attributed to localised decompression mantle melting that accompanied the extension. We document a prolonged period of magmatic and tectonic events that do not fit with the current models of short-lived plateau formation during mantle plume initiation but shares many similarities with the constructional histories of other oceanic large igneous provinces.     

Cartographic Design and the Space–Time Cube

This paper reports on the results of an empirical evaluation that aimed to define the effectiveness and efficiency of different visual variables in depicting the Space–Time Cube’s (STC) content. Existing STC applications demonstrate that the most used visual variables are size and colour hue. Less is known, however, about their usability metrics. The research sets design criteria for STC contents, such as space–time paths, based on the cartographic design theory. The visual variables colour hue, colour value, colour saturation, size and orientation have been applied in two different use case studies. Besides, to support the three-dimensional visual environment, depth cues such as shading and transparency were considered too. User tests have been executed based on real-world problems with particular attention for the visualization strategy and data complexity. The outcomes revealed the most efficient and effective visual variables to represent data of various complexities in the STC.     

The space-time cube as part of a GeoVisual analytics environment to support the understanding of movement data

This paper reports the results of an empirical usability experiment on the performance of the space-time cube in a GeoVisual analytics environment. It was developed to explore movement data based on the requirements of human geographers. The interactive environment consists of multiple coordinated views incorporating three graphical representations. For the experiment, two groups of the user, domain experts and non-domain experts, had to execute several map-use tasks to answers specific question. The data collected during the experiment were analysis resulting in a set of usability metrics related to the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of developed application. The comparison of both groups showed that domain experts were able to operate the visual analytical environment more effectively and efficiently due to their interest to explore their data. The user feedback derived from the analysis of both experiments was further processed for the improvement of the application.     

Characterisation and multifaceted anisotropy assessment of Corvio sandstone for geological CO2 storage studies

We present a comprehensive characterisation of the physical, mineralogical, geomechanical, geophysical, and hydrodynamic properties of Corvio sandstone. This information, together with a detailed assessment of anisotropy, is needed to establish Corvio sandstone as a useful laboratory rock‐testing standard for well‐constrained studies of thermo–hydro–mechanical–chemical coupled phenomena associated with CO₂ storage practices and for geological reservoir studies in general. More than 200 core plugs of Corvio sandstone (38.1 and 50 mm diameters, 2:1 length‐to‐diameter ratio) were used in this characterisation study, with a rock porosity of 21.7 ± 1.2%, dry density 2036 ± 32 kg m^?3, and unconfined compressive and tensile strengths of 41 ± 3.28 and 2.3 ± 0.14 MPa, respectively. Geomechanical tests show that the rock behaves elastically between ～10 and ～18 MPa under unconfined conditions with associated Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of 11.8 ± 2.8 GPa and 0.34 ± 0.01 GPa, respectively. Permeability abruptly decreases with confining pressure up to ～10 MPa and then stabilises at ～1 mD. Ultrasonic P‐ and S‐wave velocities vary from about 2.8–3.8 km s^?1 and 1.5–2.4 km s^?1, respectively, over confining and differential pressures between 0.1 and 35 MPa, allowing derivation of associated dynamic elastic moduli. Anisotropy was investigated using oriented core plugs for electrical resistivity, elastic wave velocity and attenuation, permeability, and tracer injection tests. Corvio sandstone shows weak transverse isotropy (symmetry axis normal to bedding) of <10% for velocity and <20% for attenuation.     

Benthic respiration and stoichiometry of regenerated nutrients in lake sediments with Dreissena polymorpha

The effect of patchy colonies of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on sedimentary processes was investigated in a mesotrophic lake (Plateliai Lake, Lithuania). Benthic fluxes of O₂, TCO₂, CH₄, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, N₂, the inorganic forms of N, Si and P and dissolved organic C and N were quantified by dark incubations of sediments cores, with and without D. polymorpha. Individual mussels also were incubated for metabolic measurements. Sediments with D. polymorpha had significantly higher O₂ and TCO₂ fluxes and displayed higher rates of denitrification. The presence of mussels also resulted in higher regeneration of P and N (mostly as ammonium) while the effect on Si was not significant. However, likely due to the low zebra mussel biomass (57.2 ± 25.3 g_SFDW m^?2), biodeposition has not changed the ratio between anaerobic and total respiration. Methane and reduced metals fluxes were in fact similar in the presence and absence of D. polymorpha. Incubations of mussels without sediments confirmed that bivalve metabolism was the main driver of benthic respiration and nutrient recycling. Nitrate production suggested the presence of nitrifiers associated with the molluscs. The main outcome of this study was that zebra mussels alter the quantity and the stoichiometry of nutrients regenerated by the benthic compartment. The enhancement of nitrogen loss via denitrification, by a factor of 1.5, was much less pronounced than the increase in ammonium recycling rate, stimulated by a factor of 33. Negligible PO₄ ^3? fluxes in bare sediments (?3.4 ± 6.8 μmol m^?2 h^?1) increased in the presence of mussels and considerable amounts of this nutrient (69.6 ± 29.4 μmol m^?2 h^?1) were mobilized to the water column. Further research should address other nutrient sources to the lake to verify whether altered rates and stoichiometry of benthic regeneration can affect primary producer community composition and activity.     

Growth and grazing rate dynamics of major phytoplankton groups in an oligotrophic coastal site

There has been more attention to phytoplankton dynamics in nutrient-rich waters than in oligotrophic ones thus requiring the need to study the dynamics and responses in oligotrophic waters. Accordingly, phytoplankton community in Blanes Bay was overall dominated by Prymnesiophyceae, remarkably constant throughout the year (31 ± 13% Total chlorophyll a, Tchl a) and Bacillariophyta with a more episodic appearance (20 ± 23% Tchl a). Prasinophyceae and Synechococcus contribution became substantial in winter (Prasinophyceae = 30% Tchl a) and summer (Synechococcus = 35% Tchl a). Phytoplankton growth and grazing mortality rates for major groups were estimated by dilution experiments in combination with high pressure liquid chromatography and flow cytometry carried out monthly over two years. Growth rates of total phytoplankton (range = 0.30–1.91 d⁻¹) were significantly higher in spring and summer (μ > 1.3 d⁻¹) than in autumn and winter (μ ∼ 0.65 d⁻¹) and showed a weak dependence on temperature but a significant positive correlation with day length. Microzooplankton grazing (range = 0.03–1.4 d⁻¹) was closely coupled to phytoplankton growth. Grazing represented the main process for loss of phytoplankton, removing 60 ± 34% (±SD) of daily primary production and 70 ± 48% of Tchl a stock. Chla synthesis was highest during the Bacillarophyceae-dominated spring bloom (Chl a_synt = 2.3 ± 1.6 μg Chl a L⁻¹ d⁻¹) and lowest during the following post-bloom conditions dominated by Prymnesiophyceae (Chl a_synt = 0.23 ± 0.08 μg Chl a L⁻¹ d⁻¹). This variability was smoothed when expressed in carbon equivalents mainly due to the opposite dynamics of C:chl a (range = 11–135) and chl a concentration (range = 0.07–2.0 μg chl a L⁻¹). Bacillariophyta and Synechococcus contribution to C fluxes was higher than to biomass because of their fast-growth rate. The opposite was true for Prymnesiophyceae.     

Shear effects on hollow section piers under seismic actions: experimental and numerical analysis

Shear effects are often a very important issue on the seismic behaviour of piers, particularly for hollow section bridge piers. In fact, for this type of piers the cyclic response is similar to that of a structural wall in which both the transverse reinforcement ratio and the detailing can play an important role on its performance, even likely to be determinant in terms of the failure mechanism. On the other hand, codes and design guidelines are usually very conservative concerning shear capacity in order to avoid any shear failure mechanism likely to trigger well known catastrophic consequences. Therefore, research studies on this topic are still needed for a better understanding of pier cyclic shear response and also for improvement of the performance under seismic actions. Pursuing this general objective, this paper partially reports on an experimental/numerical campaign carried out on 1:4 reduced scale bridge piers in order to highlight and investigate shear-type problems. Within the scope of this paper, two specimens types were selected having equal rectangular hollow section (900 × 450 mm², 75 mm thick) but different transverse reinforcement detailing, namely one with a single stirrup per wall (representative of typical bridge construction without seismic design requirements) and another with multiple stirrups, according to Eurocode 8 provisions. Numerical simulations of the experimental results were also conducted aiming at contributing for complete and consistent interpretations of experimental results. Detailed modelling was performed allowing for realistic simulations of the non linear behaviour, particularly suitable when a significant shear component is involved. Therefore, the numerical strategy was based on a detailed 3D FEM discretization using a two-scalar variable damage model for the concrete constitutive law and a suitable cyclic behaviour law for steel bars represented by truss elements. Results have shown that shear deformation and failure modes are well simulated, while providing detailed insight concerning concrete damage pattern and distribution of yielding on the transverse and longitudinal reinforcement.     

Lateral variations of the local magnitude at Ebre station,Northeastern Iberian Peninsula

Since 1984, a seismic surveillance at the Baix Ebre Region (NE of the Iberian Peninsula) has been carried out from a seismic network consisting of two digital and one analog stations. Large discrepancies between the recorded amplitudes and the magnitude estimates given by different agencies have been observed. To explain these discrepancies, that consist of a large reduction of amplitude and a strong dependence of the azimuth, a local magnitude formula for the area has been computed, using the analog records obtained at EBR short-period station. Global results show an average station correction factor between the computed local magnitude and the reported magnitude of the order of 1, presenting large variations around the mean value with a clear dependence on the azimuth. A detailed analysis of this variation around the mean value reveals that earthquakes can be classified according to their location in different geological units, thus obtaining for each zone a distinct station correction factor that can fluctuate as much as 0.6 around the average. These large lateral variations of the magnitude are in good agreement with previous studies of coda-Q attenuation.     

Multifrequency study of the nuclei of Sbc galaxies

A sample of 100 Sbc galaxies has been observed at different wavelengths and resolutions. The ultimate aim of the project is to probe the origin of their nuclear activity, e.g., blackhole, starbust, etc.The results from radio observations with the VLA (New Mexico) at 20 and 6 cm, with a resolution of 1–2 arc sec, for the inner kpc of nineteen sources are presented. Six of the galaxies show extended emission consistent with starburst activity. The remaining thirteen are unresolved or marginally resolved compact sources. Their steep spectra indicate synchrotron emission. They show total nuclear energies similar to those found for a sample of Seyfert galaxies.Optical spectroscopic observations with a similar resolution to the radio data have been made for approximately 90 galaxies. A sample of the derived rotation curves is included.     

On the frequency contents of local events: source or path effect?

Local events which occurred in the Timanfaya volcanic field are analysed and their spectral contents are interpreted as being due to the effect of a finely layered medium with large impedance contrast, the presence of which is well known from well-logging data. By considering the layered medium as a filter, its spectral response (amplitude and phase) is computed from different randomly generated values of its parameters (total thickness, mean thickness of the individual layers and impedance contrast), showing that this stratigraphic filter acts as a low-pass filter. This effect can be correctly modelled by means of an exponential correlation function. However, in some cases resonant peaks appear in the spectrum superimposed on the low-pass filter effect, which can only be attributed to resonant scattering. An analysis of the phase and group delay associated with the amplitudes is made and strongly suggests that it is necessary to incorporate the theory of resonant scattering for the retrieval of medium properties. From the point of view of the amplitudes, the superposition of both effects, low-pass filter and resonant peaks, allows us to reproduce the gross features that are usually attributed to source effects. The need for a careful analysis of the local site response previous to any interpretation of the spectral features in terms of source characteristics is thus emphasized.