Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronostratigraphy of proposed Turonian-Coniacian (Upper Cretaceous) stage boundary stratotypes: Salzgitter-Salder, Germany, and Wagon Mound, New Mexico, USA

Abstract A knowledgeable choice for a stage boundary stratotype is dependent upon obtaining high-resolution stratigraphic data. Detailed analyses conducted for the two potential Turonian-Coniacian stage boundary stratotypes that were considered at the Second Cretaceous Stage Boundary Symposium provide both positive and negative insights for consideration. The Salzgitter-Salder Quarry in central Germany (which was recommended by the symposium) contains abundant bivalve fossils, including the recommended boundary datum: the lowest occurrence of the inoceramid bivalve Cremnoceramus deformis erectus. Foraminifera are also abundant, but extensive diagenetic recrystallization seriously degrades nannofossil and palynomorph recovery and limits the potential of the section for stable isotope stratigraphy and radiometric dating. Furthermore, palaeoenvironmental analysis indicates that much of the Salzgitter stage boundary interval has resulted from allochthonous sedimentation, indicating that the well-developed lithological cyclicity between limestone and marlstone that occurs in the section is largely autocyclic. The orbital cyclostratigraphic potential of the section is therefore also in question. The Wagon Mound outcrop in northeastern New Mexico, USA, has good recovery and biostratigraphic control for all three microfossil groups, but the base of C. deformis erectus occurs above the section, by definition placing the section entirely in the Upper Turonian Well-preserved ammonites and inoceramid bivalves are also recoverable in over half of this section. Facies have not been recrystallized and represent continuous autochthonous sedimentation with sharply defined lithological cyclicity between limestone/marlstone couplets on a fine stratigraphic scale. In addition, a number of bentonites with proven datability occur in the section. Thus the bio- and chemostratigraphic dating potential, as well as the radiometric dating potential, of the section are good. However, much of the section is composed of carbonaceous, dysoxic facies with abnormal marine micro- and macrofossil assemblages, limiting study of the stratigraphic or palaeoecological trends leading up to the boundary. The absence of the datum at Wagon Mound is puzzling, because microfossil biostratigraphy suggests that the section is substantially coeval with the Salzgitter-Salder section. The C. deformis erectus datum may thus be diachronous. Until the suitability of the recommended boundary datum is addressed, a reasoned choice of a section for the boundary stratotype is not possible. In any case, the absence of C. deformis erectus and the abnormal facies in the lower part of the Wagon Mound section, and the extensive diagenesis and partly allochthonous nature of the Salzgitter-Salder section, are serious enough problems to warrant rejection of both sections as stratotypes.
Testing rival tectonic uplift models for the Lechaion Gulf in the Gulf of Corinth rift

Abstract: The Gulf of Corinth, central Greece, is a rapidly extending continental rift, the eastern part of which bifurcates into the active northern Alkyonides Gulf and the southern Lechaion Gulf. The Lechaion Gulf is considered an inactive relict of early rifting, yet the presence of late Quaternary shorelines is evidence of continuing uplift of the north, east and south margins of this basin. Models to explain uplift include uplift on the footwall of the southern Alkyonides Gulf fault system and the Xylocastro–Perachora faults or ‘regional' isostatic uplift independent of fault slip. These models are tested by comparing predicted spatial uplift trends with those observed. Uplift rates since Marine Isotope Stage 7 of 0.31 ± 0.04 mm a−1 on the Lechaion Gulf north coast are explained as displacement on the footwall of active faults. However, the south coast uplift cannot be explained by footwall uplift and is evidence for isostatic uplift that probably affects the whole of the southern Gulf of Corinth rift. Isostatic uplift rates of 0.22 ± 0.01 mm a−1 at the Corinth canal increase westward towards the mouth of the Lechaion Gulf where it meets the modern rift, the Gulf of Corinth. Supplementary material: Details of Holocene marine notches that identify raised shorelines from exposures on the southern Perachora peninsula between Heraion and Loutraki, and of the cumulative displacement of sequences by minor faults on the Isthmus, exposed in the Corinth canal walls, are available at http://www.geolsoc. org.uk/SUP18429.
The influences of ENSO on tropical cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal during October–December

[1] The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence on tropical cyclone (TC) activity (frequency, genesis location, and intensity) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) during the primary TC peak season (October–December) are studied for the period of 1993–2010. The study shows that during primary TC peak season, accumulated cyclone energy in the BoB is negatively correlated with Nino3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly. Under La Nina regime number of extreme TC cases (wind speed >64 kt) increases significantly in the BoB during the primary TC peak season. The analysis further shows that negative Indian Ocean dipole year is also favorable for extreme TC activity in the BoB during the primary TC peak season. The existence of low-level cyclonic (anticyclonic) vorticity, enhanced (suppressed) convection, and high (low) tropical cyclonic heat potential (TCHP) in the BoB provides favorable (unfavorable) conditions for the TC activity under La Nina (El Nino) regimes together with weak vertical wind shear and high sea surface temperature (SST). The genesis location of TC shifts to the east (west) of 87°E in the BoB during La Nina (El Nino) regime due to the variability in convective activity. The probable reason for the intense TC during a La Nina regime is likely explained in terms of longer track for TCs over warm SST and high TCHP due to eastward shifting of genesis location together with other favorable conditions. The variability of Madden-Julian Oscillation and its influence on TC activity in the BoB during La Nina and El Nino regime are also examined.
A parameterization of ice cloud optical properties for climate models

We present a new parameterization of the optical properties of ice crystal clouds which is suitable for use in climate models. Five spectral intervals in the shortwave and five intervals in the infrared are employed, with the ice cloud optical properties parameterized in terms of ice water path (IWP) and the effective radius (re) of the ice crystal size distribution. The parameterization thus allows the flexibility of varying the ice water path and effective radius independently of each other. The parameterized optical properties are used to calculate the bulk reflectivity, transmissivity, and emissivity for cirrus clouds with realistic ranges of IWP and re. For a given change in cloud optical depth a change in re alone is more effective than a change in IWP alone in altering the shortwave reflectivity and therefore in altering the strength of the cloud albedo feedback.
Long-term effect of Mali phosphate rock on the grain yield of interspecifics and saltiva rice cultivars on acid soil in a humid forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire

To generate knowledge of upland rice intensification in West Africa, the grain yields of four interspecific cultivars (V2 = WAB450-1 B-P-38-HB; V3 = WAB450-11-1-P-40-HB; V4 = WAB450-11-1-P-40-1-H; and V5 = WAB450-24-3-2-P-18-HB) were compared with that of a soil acidity tolerant sativa (WAB 56-104 = V1) on acid soil at Man in the humid forest zone in Cote d’Ivoire during five cropping seasons (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002). Nitrogen and potassium were annually applied at 100 and 50 kg ha -1 respectively. Mali phosphate rock from Tilemsi was applied once in 1998 at 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg P ha -1 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed a grain yield ranging from 0.5 t ha -1 to 2.6 t ha -1 with highest productivity of interspecific cultivars V3 and V4 even at 0 kg P ha -1 compared to acid tolerant saltiva (V1). Annual optimum rates of P application were determined at 31.5 and 45 kg P ha -1 respectively for V3 and V4. Applying Mali PR at 31.5 and 45 kg P ha -1 respectively for V3 and V4 was recommended for upland rice intensification in the humid forest zone of Cote d’Ivoire. Keywords: Mali phosphate rock, rice, Cote d’Ivoire, interspecific, acid soil.
Using shear waves to predict lateral variability in vertical fracture intensity

During the last five years, the use of shear‐wave splitting in geophysical exploration has made the transition from research project to very promising field technique. The measurement of the azimuth of the fast shear‐wave and analysis of the S-wave splitting (or birefringence) are now commonplace. Furthermore, a very timely practical application is suggested by the recent proposal that reflectivity on post‐rotation S1 and S2 data sets should indicate lateral variation of anisotropy. This could be of great value because the determination of lateral variation in fracture intensity in a vertically fractured sedimentary layer is necessary to insure high efficiency in a horizontal drilling program designed to drain the fractures.
Relationships between Growth Stress and Some Tree Characteristics in South African Grown Eucalyptus grandis

SYNOPSIS Possible relationships between the crown, the centre where wood formation is regulated, and growth stresses have been investigated. A sample of 120 trees showing a very large variation in growth stress was randomly taken from an Eucalyptus grandis compartment in the north-eastern Transvaal. Multiple regression analysis was used to study the relationship between mean tree splitting (the value used as an indirect measure of the level of growth stresses) and a number of tree and crown properties. Mean tree splitting correlated well with variables related to rate of growth but the latter accounted for only a small proportion of the total variability in growth stresses. No relationship could be found between growth stress levels and other crown properties considered in this study. Results obtained in this study suggest that factors of environment which affect crown development and, in turn, exert variations in wood quality, have no significant effect on the level of growth stress generated in the tree.
Influence of the mineralogical composition on microbial activities in marine sediments: an experimental approach

We investigated the influence of the mineralogical composition of marine sediments on bacterial activity in experimental microcosms. Calcite and quartz were added to natural marine sediments and microbial response in terms of total bacterial abundance and biomass, β-D-glucosidase exo-enzymatic activity and bacterial incorporation of a radio-labelled (3H-leucine) substrate were investigated for a period of one month. We report here that after 15 days the mineralogical composition of the sediment (calcite vs. quartz) had an impact on bacterial abundance and activity (reduced for ca 15% and 56%, respectively). However, such impact was mitigated or even disappeared in high organic nutrient conditions.
The bivariate lognormal distribution to model a multivariate flood episode

Complex hydrological events such as floods always appear to be multivariate events that are characterized by a few correlated variables. A complete understanding of these events needs to investigate joint probabilistic behaviours of these correlated variables. The lognormal distribution is one of frequently selected candidates for flood-frequency analysis. The multivariate lognormal distribution will serve as an important tool for analysing a multivariate flood episode. This article presents a procedure for using the bivariate lognormal distribution to describe the joint distributions of correlated flood peaks and volumes, and correlated flood volumes and durations. Joint distributions, conditional distributions, and the associated return periods of these random variables can be readily derived from their marginal distributions. The approach is verified using observed streamflow data from the Nord river basin, located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. The theoretical distributions show a good fit to observed ones. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular fossils reveal fluid composition and flow intensity at a Cretaceous seep

An isolated Hauterivian marine limestone from the Crimean Peninsula containing masses of articulated specimens of the dimerelloid brachiopod Peregrinella has previously been interpreted to represent a hydrocarbon-seep deposit. In order to constrain the intensity of seepage and the composition of fl uids, we investigated the lipid biomarker inventory of this seep limestone. The dominant biomarkers are (13)C-depleted isoprenoids including tail-to-tail linked pentamethylicosane (delta(13)C value: -108 parts per thousand), representing molecular fossils of methanotrophic archaea. This observation reveals that the seepage fl uids contained methane. Because the seep carbonates have been found to be only moderately (13)C-depleted (delta(13)C values as low as -14 parts per thousand), a signifi cant contribution from a less (13)C-depleted carbon source than methane, probably marine carbonate, is apparent. Such a degree of admixture of marine carbonate is typical for seep limestones resulting from low fl ow rates. The observed biomarker pattern with the prominent occurrence of biphytanes, but lacking crocetane, reveals that the methanotrophic archaea at the Hauterivian seep site were similar to archaea of the ANME-1 cluster. Archaea of this cluster are known to be able to cope with lower methane concentrations than ANME-2 archaea; therefore ANME-1 archaea are better adapted to low seepage rates and diffusive fl ow. The Peregrinella limestone contains only a small amount of early diagenetic cement. Based on a comparison with biomarker patterns of other ancient seep deposits, it is apparent that diffusive seepage typically results in limestones with little cement, whereas advective, more intense seepage appears to favor cement precipitation. If applied with caution, this supposed relationship can be used as a fi rst approximation of seepage intensity.
Ice thickness variability, isostatic balance and potential for snow ice formation on ice floes in the south polar Pacific Ocean

Spatial and temporal characteristics of snow and ice thickness were determined for data, acquired during five cruises into the Bellingshausen/Amundsen and Ross Seas between September 1993 and 1995. When sorted into distance classes from the ice edge, snow and ice thicknesses show a pattern of spatial and temporal variability that reflects the relative regional importance of different sea ice growth mechanisms, motion and deformation as well as of oceanographic processes. The potential for snow ice formation was directly investigated for the drilling data. Flooding, measured prior to drilling, has a strong correspondence with negative freeboard, while moist snow shows a lesser correspondence. Wetness and flooding are strongly correlated with the ratio of snow load and ice thickness while the relation to the amount of ridging is less conclusive. Using an isostatic argument, the contribution of snow ice formation to the overall ice growth was shown to be considerably higher than that of congelation ice growth. It was found that one length unit of snow accumulation or bottom ice melt on an ice floe leads to approximately the same amount of subsidence for the floe. Further, rates of subsidence, due to snow load and ice melt, appear to be similar to uplift from congelation ice growth. The degree of isostatic balance on different spatial scales was evaluated by introducing a generalized density-weighted snow/ice thickness ratio (GSI) for the drilling data. The GSI includes slush densities in order to account for the suggested importance of snow ice formation. Deviations from isostatic balance occur locally but decrease quickly on spatial averaging scales of a few meters. The closest fit to isostatic equilibrium is reached by choosing a maximum value for the slush density.
Microfossil and Fourier Transform InfraRed analyses of Lapita and post-Lapita human dental calculus from Vanuatu, Southwest Pacific

Here we report on microfossil analysis of human dental calculus from Lapita (3000–2600 yr BP) and post-Lapita (2300–2000 yr BP) burials from Vao and Uripiv, Vanuatu. Phytoliths of introduced Musa and indigenous Heliconia in the calculus suggest the use of these taxa as food wrappings. Phytoliths and most other material in the calculus, namely sponge spicules, calcium oxalate crystals, xylem and charcoal, are unequivocal identifications. Another type of material, comprising degraded objects with a general morphology suggesting starch grains, is uncertain, however, as the unequivocal starch indicator, the Maltese cross, was not observed. We used a new method for calculus analysis, Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), comparing the suspected starch with modern reference starch of prehistoric Pacific crops. Although the ancient FTIR analysis was limited to a small number of suspected starch grains, the results provide another line of evidence for starch. The calculus data are consistent with previous microfossil studies of Lapita deposits at the sites, and demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in contributing to the definition of the history of plant use and diet of early Pacific Island populations.
Transient Upwelling Generated by Two-Dimensional Atmospheric Forcing and Variability in the Coastline

Abstract The present paper deals with two-dimensional transient upwelling in a two-layer ocean of constant depth. Motions generated by several two-dimensional atmospheric forcings are investigated. Using asymptotic expansions in time, it is shown that the component of the wind parallel to the coast generates an interface elevation which propagates along the coast as an internal Kelvin wave front. Strong horizontal baroclinic motions are linked to this phenomenon. The velocity within the deep layer is in the opposite direction to that of the wind on the surface. It is found that the spin-up time of mean motions is of the order of the Coriolis period. The motion generated by a wind blowing over a bay is then studied. The bay is idealized by a right angle corner. Two independent cases are considered, depending on whether or not the wind is parallel to one coast or the other.
A Defective Bolt Detection Model With Attention-Based RoI Fusion and Cascaded Classification Network

In unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transmission line inspection images, the detection of defective small-size objects such as bolts on towers is important and challenging. Although using multiscale features of deep neural networks has improved the performance, it is still inadequate in mining fine-grained associations between multiscale features and dealing with the high similarity between normal and defective bolts. Therefore, this article proposes an improved defective bolt detection model mixed attention RoI fusion (MARF)-cascaded classification network (CCN), based on region of interest (RoI) feature fusion and CCN. First, a MARF network is built to adaptively compute fine-grained weights for features at different scales of the feature pyramid network (FPN) and enhances the difference between foreground and background. Second, CCN is designed to divide the original classification results into more easily identifiable categories based on morphological features, which are rectified via a secondary classifier to reduce false detection. Third, this article defines atypical defects based on occurrence frequency and utilizes Focal Loss to address the resulting imbalanced classification loss. Experiments show that MARF-CCN improves the average precision (AP) of defective bolts by 14.33%–84.40% compared with the commonly used models.
Tropical Cyclones within the Sedimentary Record: Analyzing Overwash Deposition from Event to Millennial Timescales

Abstract : Tropical cyclone activity over the last 5000 years is investigated using overwash sediments from coastal lagoons on the islands of Vieques, Puerto Rico and Koshikijima, Japan. A simple sediment transport model can reproduce the landward fining deposits observed at Vieques, and reveals that although the record exhibits centennial-tomillennial changes in hurricane overwash frequency, the magnitude of these flooding events has remained relatively constant. Stochastic simulations of hurricane overwash show that breaks in activity at Vieques are extremely long and unlikely to occur under current hurricane climatology and the present barrier morphology. Periods of less frequent hurricane deposition at Vieques are contemporaneous with intervals of increased El Nino occurrences and reduced precipitation in West Africa, suggesting a dominant influence by these two climatic phenomena. Hiatuses in overwash activity between 3600- to-2500 and 1000-500 years ago are longer than what is generated by overwash simulations under a constant El Nino-like state, indicating that mechanisms in addition variability in the El Nino/Southern Oscillation are required to completely produce the overwash variability at Vieques. Periods of low overwash activity at Vieques are concurrent with increased overwash activity at Kamikoshiki and may indicate a correspondence between tropical cyclone activity in the western Northern Atlantic and the western North Pacific.
Elastic and Large-Strain Nonlinear Seismic Site Response from Analysis of Vertical Array Recordings

AbstractStrong ground motions from the Mw=6.6 2007 Niigata-ken Chuetsu-oki earthquake were recorded by a free-field downhole array at a nuclear power plant. Site conditions consist of about 70 m of medium-dense sands overlying clayey bedrock, with groundwater located at 45 m. Ground shaking at the bedrock level had a geometric mean peak acceleration of 0.55g, which reduced to 0.4g at the ground surface, indicating nonlinear site response. One-dimensional ground response analysis of relatively weak motion aftershock data provides good matches of the observed resonant site frequencies and amplification levels, provided small-strain damping levels somewhat larger than those from laboratory tests are applied. Nonlinear ground response analyses of strong-motion data using laboratory-based modulus reduction and damping relations valid up to moderate strain levels (<∼0.5%) produce unrealistic strain localization at a velocity contrast. A procedure is presented to more realistically represent the large-strain por.