Improved Petrological Modal Analyses from X-ray Powder Diffraction Data by use of the Rietveld Method I. Selected Igneous, Volcanic, and Metamorphic Rocks

Mineral modes have been determined for specimens of eight rocktypes from CuK X-ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveldmethod. The samples include two granites, a granodiorite, adamellite,gabbro, basalt, trachyte, and two granulite-facies metamorphicrocks. Up to eight individual mineral components have been measuredin each sample (no glassy phases were observed), with a detectionlimit of {small tilde}1 wt.%, depending on the mineral assemblage.Marked variations in grain size (i.e., granite vs. trachyte)provide no difficulties for the X-ray method. The X-ray resultscompare very favourably with (1) optical modes determined forthe medium–coarse-grained samples by point counting, (2)normative calculations obtained using locally enhanced catanormand mesonorm software, and (3) corresponding Rietveld modesdetermined, for two samples, from neutron powder data. Wheredifferences occur, these are discussed in relation to the limitationsof each of the methods. The improved accuracy of the X-ray method is due primarily tothe incorporation of the full diffraction profile in the Rietveldanalysis calculations, and the elimination of preferred orientationby collecting the data from samples packed in glass capillaries(i.e., Debye–Scherrer mode). The good agreement of theX-ray and neutron modes shows that the usual problems encounteredwith microabsorption, extinction, and sampling are of littleconcern in these rocks. The results highlight one of the majoradvantages provided by Rietveld modal analysis over the moretraditional ‘reference intensity’ X-ray methods,namely, that the crystal chemistry (and thus the calibrationconstants) of the individual phases can be adjusted dynamicallyduring each individual analysis. This not only provides moreaccurate phase abundances, but also gives important supplementaryinformation about the mineralogy of the major components.     

Holocene temporal and spatial variation in the radiocarbon reservoir age of three Danish fjords

Holocene temporal and spatial reservoir age variations have been investigated in three Danish fjords (Horsens Fjord, Tempelkrog in Isefjord and Skælskør Nor) by ¹⁴C dating paired samples of terrestrial plant material and marine molluscs in sediment cores. The local reservoir age offsets at all three sites show significant temporal and local variations, with ΔR(t) values ranging from −425 to 620 yr. The ΔR(t) values for Horsens Fjord range from −425 to 0 yr, for Tempelkrog from −230 to 360 yr and for Skælskør Nor from 30 to 620 yr. The differences are best explained by differences in local hydrographic configuration, catchment characteristics and connection with the inner Danish seas. The observed temporal ΔR(t) variations are not synchronous, which is probably due to the overriding role played by numerous local factors affecting the ΔR(t) values. Based on the reservoir data from Horsens Fjord and Tempelkrog, it is suggested as a working hypothesis that the ΔR value for Kattegat prior to 4500 cal. yr BP was negative, i.e. between −130 and −200 yr. The temporal and local variations in the reservoir age underline the problems and uncertainties connected with radiocarbon-dating fossil human skeletons with marine diets. Overall, our data show that reservoir ages in Danish fjords and estuaries are both site-specific and time-specific, implying that modern reservoir ages cannot simply be applied back in time. This conclusion may also be valid in the case of fjords and estuaries in large parts of the Baltic too.     

On measuring time-averaged velocities in open channel flow

The problem of finding the necessary measuring time to determine the mean velocity in open channel flow is treated. The result shows an ‘on the safe side’ relation between measuring time and standard deviation of measured velocities.     

Recent foraminifera in shelf sediments of the Scoresby Sund fjord, East Greenland

A study of sea-bottom samples from shallow waters in the northern part of Scoresby Sund, off Jameson Land, East Greenland, reveals four different foraminiferal assemblages between 1.3 and 35.6 m water depth. The shallowest samples. Assemblage SA (1.3–2.2 m), contain only very few foraminifera, presumably due to the annual repeated formation of an ice foot. Assemblage SB (3.7 and 4.3 m) is characterized by the calcareous species Haynesina nivea and H. orbiculare , while the arenaceous species Spiropleclammina biformis, Reophax arctica , and Recurvoides turbinatus dominate all the faunas of Assemblage SC (9.3–25.9 m depth). The change in fauna to the succeeding Portatrochammina bipolaris - Spiropleclammina biformis fauna (Assemblage SD, 29.6 and 35.6 m) presumably corresponds to the transition from the shallow Fjord water layer to the deeper and relatively more stable Polar water. Elphidiella hannai (Cushman & Grant) is recorded live for the first time in recent assemblages from the Atlantic Ocean.     

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GROUND WATER LOWERING ON SOME PEAT SOILS IN SJÆLLAND

Petersen, Leif og Madsen, Henrik Breuning: Possible Effects of Ground Water Lowering on Some Peat Soils in Sjælland. Geografisk Tidsskrift 77:25–35 København, June 1, 1978.

In four peatlands in the central part of Zealand nine profiles have been investigated to estimate the effect of a lowering of the groundwater level.     

WRITING FOR NONGEOGRAPHERS: LESSONS FROM THE J. B. JACKSON PRIZE

ABSTRACT. Recent presidents of the Association of American Geographers have made it clear that as a discipline we need to do more to reach outside the confines of academia. Since 1985, the J. B. Jackson Award has recognized individuals whose books provide examples of how to share professional geographical knowledge with the educated lay public. Through correspondence with these individuals, recommendations for improving geographers' outreach are presented.