Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depositional History of the Chhattisgarh Basin, Central India: Constraints from New SHRIMP Zircon Ages: A Discussion

In the past 4 decades, extensive field-based studies in unmetamorphosed and mildly deformed Indian Proterozoic basins have produced significant findings in physical sedimentology, in general, and the uniqueness of vegetationless yet biomat-influenced sedimentation patterns, in particular. In comparison, geochronological and geochemical appraisal of the basin fills was limited, rendering the time framework for these basins highly tentative. Use of more and more high-precision instrumental facilities in recent times has provided significant information on time constraints and sediment provenances of these Proterozoic Indian basins (Chakraborti et al. 2007; Malone et al. 2008; Absar et al. 2009). The contribution by Bickford et al. (2011) is a welcome addition to this list. While these contributions have undoubtedly enriched Indian Precambrian geology by adding a new database, the conclusions drawn from this new database have swept the field observations into oblivion in many instances. The contribution of Bickford et al. (2011) is one such example. From U-Pb SHRIMP age determinations of zircon grains from interbedded tuffaceous layers and coarse arenaceous rocks, Bickford et al. (2011) constrained the time domain of Chhattisgarh depositional history (i.e., between ∼1400 and ∼1000 Ma) and concluded that there had been a change in provenance through Chhattisgarh depositional history. Without underplaying their contribution, we felt it necessary to point out the following discrepancies between Bickford et al.’s (2011) conclusions and field observations made by
Los nummulítidos (Nummulites y Assilina) del Paleoceno Superior-Eoceno Inferior de la Cuenca Pirenaica: Sistemática

Se ha realizado el estudio sistematico de los nummulitidos pertenecientes a los generos Nummulites y Assilina del intervalo Paleoceno Superior-Eoceno Infeior de la Cuenca Pirenaica, a partir de muestras procedentes principalmente del sector meridional de la cuenca. Los taxones descritos se han comparado con especimenes procedentes de otras cuencas de la Mesogea: Alpes suizos (Schlieren- y Gurnigelflysch) y austriacos (unidades aloctonas helveticas), norte de Italia (Verona y plataformas marinas adriaticas (Eslovenia y Croacia), peninsula de Crimea (Ucrania), Cuenca de Haymana (Anatolia central, Turquia), y Salt Range (Pakistan). Se han descrito 98 taxones de nummulitidos -entre especies y subespecies-, de los cuales: a) 66 taxones del genero Nummulites, pertenecientes a los grupos de N. perforatus, N. partschi, N. rotularas, N. minervensis, N. globulus, N. laevigatus, N. distaras, N. heberti y N. Spirectypus b) 32 taxones del genero Assilina, pertenecientes a los grupos de A. spira, A. exponens, A. subgranulosa, A. ammonea, A. canalifera y A. alpina. En este trabajo -y siguiendo las consideraciones de Loeblich y Tappan (1987)- Assilina integra las denominaciones genericas tradicionales de Assilina y Operculina. Palabras Clave: Sistematica, Nummulites, Assilina, Paleoceno Superior, Eoceno Inferior, Cuenca Pirenaica.
Early evolution of Martian volatiles: Nitrogen and noble gas components in ALH84001 and Chassigny

Studies on SNC meteorites have permitted the characterization of modern Martian atmospheric components as well as indigenous Martian nitrogen and solar-type xenon. New isotopic and elemental abundances of noble gases and nitrogen in ALH84001 and Chassigny provide important constraints on the early evolution of the planet. A primitive solar Xe component (Chass-S) and an evolved Xe component (Chass-E), augmented with fission Xe are identified in Chassigny. Both components represent interior reservoirs of Mars and are characterized by low 129Xe/132Xe ( 130, respectively. Light nitrogen (δ15N = −30‰) is associated with the Chass-S component and is enriched in melt inclusions in olivine. An ancient (presumably incorporated ∼4 Gyr ago) evolved Martian atmospheric component is identified in ALH84001 and has the following signatures: 129Xe/132Xe = 2.16, 36Ar/38Ar ≥ 5.0, 36Ar/132Xe = ∼50, 84Kr/132Xe = ∼6, and δ15N = 7‰. The trapped Xe component in ALH84001 is not isotopically fractionated. We observe major shifts in nitrogen signatures due to cosmogenic N component in both Chassigny and ALH84001. A heavy nitrogen component of comparable magnitude (δ15N>150‰) has previously been interpreted as (heavy) Martian atmospheric N. In situ produced fission Xe components, due to 244Pu in ALH84001 and due to 238U in Chassigny, are identified. The ALH84001 data strongly constrain exchanges of Martian atmospheric and interior reservoirs. Mars retained abundant fission Xe components, and this may account for the low observed fission Xe component in the modern Martian atmosphere. Chronometric information regarding the evolution of the early Martian atmosphere can be secured from the relative abundances of radiogenic and fission Xe, as ∼80% of the Martian 129Xer is observed in the atmospheric 129Xe/132Xe ratio ∼4 Gyr ago.
Geochemical Characteristics of Late Mesozoic Dikes, Jiaodong Peninsula, North China Craton: Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Setting

Widespread Cretaceous dikes in the Jiaodong Peninsula of eastern China are genetically related to gold deposits. Bulk-rock major element analyses show that they are composed of medium-K, subalkaline to shoshonitic rocks characterized by wide ranges of SiO2 (48.98-71.38%) and MgO (0.63-10.02%), and extremely high contents of Al2O3 (14.32-16.06%). They are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., K, Rb, Sr, Ba) and light rare-earth elements (LREE), but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSE, e.g., Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf), and display consistent primitive mantle- and chondrite-normalized multi-element patterns on spidergrams, different from Cenozoic basalts in the Peninsula. These data suggest a magma origin by partial melting of an ancient enriched lithospheric mantle. High Th/Yb and Pb/Ce ratios and weak negative Ce anomalies reflect involvement of recycled sediments in the mantle reservoir. Strong fractionation in REE, with LREE >100 times chondrite and HREE <10 times chondrite, indicates the presence of garnet in the mantle source. Nb* values of 1.49-2.38 (>1), K* values of 0.08-0.14 (<1), and similar Zr/Hf (32.15-40.65), U/Th (0.10-0.33), and Hf/Sm (0.45-0.67) ratios in all the dikes, along with published chemical and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of lamprophyres (Cheng et al., 1998; Sun et al., 2000; Yang et al., 2004) preclude crustal contamination during magma ascent and binary mixing between mantle and crustal magmas. The geochemical features of these dikes can be interpreted as the result of interaction of old lithospheric mantle with melt and/or fluid generated from subducted lower/middle crust of the Yangtze craton and/or Izanagi oceanic crust. The source for the Late Mesozoic dikes was completely reconstructed, enriched lithospheric mantle containing disseminated amphibole-and phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite veins surrounded by refractory peridotite wall rock. The enriched source was modified by subsequent partial melting due to sinistral transtensional strike-slip movement of the Tan-Lu fault that led to widespread dike intrusion. Trace element geochemistry and regional geology indicate that these dikes formed in a back-arc extensional environment.
Shining Light on Looting: Using Google Earth to Quantify Damage and Raise Public Awareness

The marketdriven looting of archaeological sites is an internationally recognized problem, but consensual solutions and the political will to implement them remain elusive. A key reason for the failure of the international community to articulate a coherent response is the difficulty of obtaining reliable quantitative information “ ontheground” about either the extent and intensity of looting or the material damage being caused (see Brodie and Renfrew 2005:345–347 for an overview). Archaeological field surveys tend not to record such information because it is regarded as “ nonarchaeological,” and aerial photography is poorly suited to the task because of the costs involved in flying nontargeted reconnaissance missions. The scarcity of reliable information about the scale of archaeological site looting facilitates claims that the seriousness of the problem is being exaggerated: that most artifacts reaching the market are either “chance finds” (objects discovered through building or agricultural activities), or are from “old collections. ” Therefore, the argument goes, no strong responses are necessary. Compelling horror stories about the damage caused by looting (e.g., Atwood 2007; Politis 1994) are dismissed as anecdotal and unrepresentative cases (see, for instance, comments in Mead 2007). The scarcity of information also makes it difficult to monitor the effectiveness of any ameliorating policies— how are we to know when looting is increasing or decreasing?
Uplift Force‐Displacement Response of Buried Pipe

The design of buried pipelines in areas of vertical ground movement is governed, in part, by the magnitude of the forces imposed on the pipe and the displacements at which they are developed. An experimental study of these effects, dealing in particular with the influence of soil density and depth of burial, is described. The results compare well with several published models for medium and dense sand, but measured values of uplift resistance are much lower than predicted for loose contractive sand. A simplified procedure that can be applied to the design of buried pipelines is given.
Genetic Hemoglobin Disorders, Infection, and Deficiencies of Iron and Vitamin A Determine Anemia in Young Cambodian Children123

In Cambodia, many factors may complicate the detection of iron deficiency. In a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the role of genetic hemoglobin (Hb) disorders, iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, infections, and other factors on Hb in young Cambodian children. Data on sociodemographic status, morbidity, and growth were collected from children (n = 3124) aged 6 to 59 mo selected from 3 rural provinces and Phnom Penh municipality. Blood samples were collected (n = 2695) for complete blood count, Hb type (by DNA analysis), ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), C-reactive protein, and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). Genetic Hb disorders, anemia, and vitamin A deficiency were more common in rural than in urban provinces (P < 0.001): 60.0 vs. 40.0%, 58.2 vs. 32.7%, and 7.4 vs. 3.1%, respectively. Major determinants of Hb were age group, Hb type, ferritin, sTfR, RBP, AGP >1.0 g/L (P < 0.001), and rural setting (P < 0.05). Age group, Hb type, RBP, elevated AGP, and rural setting also influenced ferritin and sTfR (P < 0.02). Multiple factors affected anemia status, including the following: age groups 6–11.99 mo (OR: 6.1; 95% CI: 4.3, 8.7) and 12–23.99 mo (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.1, 3.6); Hb type, notably Hb EE (OR: 18.5; 95% CI: 8.5, 40.4); low ferritin (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.2, 4.7); elevated AGP (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2,1.7); rural setting (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.1); low RBP (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 2.2, 5.9); and elevated sTfR (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.7). In Cambodia, where a high prevalence of genetic Hb disorders exists, ferritin and sTfR are of limited use for assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency. New low-cost methods for detecting genetic Hb disorders are urgently required.
Testing and Modeling of Soil-Structure Interface

An accurate modeling of soil-structure interfaces is very important in order to obtain realistic solutions of many soil-structure interaction problems. To study the mechanical characteristics of soil-structure interface, a series of direct shear tests were performed. A charged-coupled-device camera was used to observe the sand particle movements near the interface. It is shown that two different failure modes exist during interface shearing. Elastic perfect-plastic failure mode occurs along the smooth interface, while strain localization occurs in a rough interface accompanied with strong strain-softening and bulk dilatancy. To describe the behavior of the rough interface, this paper proposes a damage constitutive model with ten parameters. The parameters are identified using data from laboratory interface shear tests. The proposed model is capable of capturing most of the important characteristics of interface behavior, such as hardening, softening, and dilative response. The interface behaviors under direct and simple shear tests have been well predicted by the model. Furthermore, the present model has been implemented in a finite element procedure correctly and calculation results are satisfactory.
Determining the factors that influence female unemployment in a South African township

�Abstract � This paper analyses the factors that determine female unemployment in Bophelong Township. Factors such as level of education, household size, age, marital status, social grants received and poverty status are used to determine their influence on the employment status of the households of Bophelong Township. A logistic regression model was employed to analyse the possible determinants of female unemployment. The results of the regression indicate that, of the determinants, household size, age, marital status, access to social grants and poverty status were found to be significant determinants of whether one is employed or not.
Barriers to the diffusion and uptake of BRDF research and methods

Despite a long and successful history, involving both measurements and models, the diffusion of research and the uptake of methods involving multi‐angle data and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) models have been surprisingly limited. This paper examines the probable cultural, educational, technical and practical reasons for this and advances a number of possible solutions. More specifically, it examines issues relating to (i) the adoption of new scientific methods by the Earth observation and Earth science communities, (ii) the impact of access to appropriate directional reflectance data and software, and (iii) the role of educators and teaching material as agents for reinforcing existing scientific paradigms and promulgating new ones. The discussion is based upon observations by the authors and conversations with others in the bidirectional reflectance research arena, students of remote sensing, and the wider community concerned with the practical applications of remote sensing. The purpose of the paper is to foster a debate on these issues with the intention of improving the diffusion of BRDF research and increasing the uptake of related methods.
A climate sensitivity test using a global cloud resolving model under an aqua planet condition

A global Cloud Resolving Model (CRM) is used in a climate sensitivity test for an aqua planet in this first attempt to evaluate climate sensitivity without cumulus parameterizations. Results from a control experiment and an experiment with global sea surface temperature (SST) warmer by 2 K are examined. Notable features in the simulation with warmer SST include a wider region of active convection, a weaker Hadley circulation, mid‐tropospheric moistening in the subtropics, and more clouds in the extratropics. Negative feedback from short‐wave radiation reduces the climate sensitivity parameter compared to a result in a more conventional model with a cumulus parameterization.
Optical dating of abrupt shifts in the late Pleistocene East Asian monsoon

Chinese loess is regarded as one of the most detailed and complete terrestrial archives of late Cenozoic climate change. However, high-resolution optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates presented here reveal that the suborbital chronological framework of Chinese loess used in many previous climate reconstructions requires reassessment. Chronological uncertainty of as much as 10–15 k.y. for the late Pleistocene is largely a result of the widespread use of nonradiometric dating techniques that fail to account for site-specific depositional conditions associated with loess emplacement and diagenesis. OSL-based age models that account for these processes are used to examine detailed records of past sedimentation, as well as grain size and magnetic susceptibility proxies for late Pleistocene East Asian monsoon variation. Abrupt shifts in monsoon proxies occur over 10 2 –10 3 yr time scales, potentially forced by a variety of factors and influenced by site location and site-specific changes in sedimentation.
Floodplain Characteristics of the Mekong Delta in Cambodia

The purpose of this study was to examine the floodplain characteristics of the inner Mekong Delta, on the lower part of the Mekong River in Cambodia. Previous works have not investigated the floodplain characteristics of the fluvial dominated area of the Mekong Delta. To grasp the morphology of the study area, we first constructed topographical profiles from hydrologic maps and Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission 3 data. Then, focusing on the morphology of the floodplain, we produced a land classification map based on aerial photo interpretation and field survey and identified the morphological structures of the study area. We classified the delta landforms as natural levee, back marsh, abandoned channel, alluvial terrace, swamp, point bar, and artificial landforms, including colmatages. We identified four floodplain zones. Zone A floodplains, along the upper part of the Mekong River, have cut-off point bar patterns. Those in zone B, along the lower part of the Mekong River, are linear, and develop back marsh widely. In zone C, along the Bassac River, the floodplains follow the river meanders, and are characterized by unevenly distributed artificial colmatages. Floodplains in zone D, along the Tonle Sap River, which has an extremely low gradient, display a unique geomorphology caused by seasonally reversed river flows.
The Crustal Poisson Ratio and S-Wave Velocity Structure Beneath the NE Tibetan Plateau Inferred from Receiver Function and Their Implications

We selected broadband teleseismic waveform data recorded by the Gansu Digital Seismic Network to study the crustal and upper mantle structure beneath the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The crustal thickness and VP/VS ratio are estimated by the grid-search method using crustal conversion and multiples, assuming an average P-wave velocity in the crust. Teleseismic P waveform modeling is carried out to investigate the S-wave velocity structure, assuming the fixed VP/VS value inferred from the grid-search method. Our results show that the crust is 50~55km thick beneath Qilian terrane, and about 45 km beneath the Hexi Corridor and Qaidam terrane. The VP/VS ranges from 1.66~1.85, and the Poisson's ratio is about 0.215~0.294. Our results also show that the Moho interface is sharp beneath the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Both of the low-to-normal Poisson's ratio and the sharp Moho do not support the argument of significant partial melting in the upper-to-middle crust and underplating beneath the lower crust of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The existence of anticorrelation between VP/VS and the crustal thickness strongly suggests that the crust is mainly composed of felsic mineral in the northeastern Tibetan crust. The seismic evidence may indicate that the thickened crust, mostly in its upper part, is probably due to the successive intracrustal thrusts.
Effectiveness of drainage improvements in reducing sediment production rates from an unpaved road

Increased sediment yields associated with land disturbances pose a serious threat to Caribbean coral reefs due to their sensitivity to terrigenous sediment inputs. On St. John in the US Virgin Islands, unpaved roads are responsible for increasing sediment delivery rates into coastal waters by up to nine times above background (undisturbed watershed conditions). Hence, there is a need to implement and test cost-effective erosion mitigation strategies to protect these ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to (1) design and implement a simple unpaved road erosion control strategy, (2) collect empirical data to test the effectiveness of this mitigation strategy in reducing erosion, and (3) compare the empirical data to predictions based on a locally derived empirical model and the US Forest Service's X-Drain model. The erosion-control design consisted of five cemented cross drains that directed runoff into a paved ditch and onto a rip-rap protected outlet. Sediment production rates were measured with a sediment trap during the pretreatment (July of 1998 to November of 1999) and posttreatment (September of 2003 to September of 2005) periods. The mean posttreatment sediment production rate was 7.4 kg mm−1 (414 lb in−1) of rainfall, or 30% of the mean pretreatment rate (24.3 kg mm−1 [1,360 lb in−1]). Reductions in sediment yield rates were not influenced by differences in precipitation patterns, as the lower posttreatment rates were associated with slightly higher rainfall intensities than during the pretreatment period. This study showed that the establishment of five cemented cross drains and a paved ditch resulted in a 70% reduction of sediment yields rates, and this is attributed to three factors: (1) the protective cover provided by the new paved surfaces, (2) a decrease in runoff erosive energy over the road surface, and (3) the development of a coarse-textured, and thus more resistant, road tread surface. The locally developed road erosion model and the X-Drain model underestimated mean erosion during the pretreatment period by 40% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, observed posttreatment rates were within 3% to 6% of those predicted by both models. The results of this study have stimulated the application of similar erosion control methods in other parts of St. John and should encourage widespread road mitigation throughout the rest of the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean wherever the application of more costly alternatives are not economically feasible or desirable.
Evaluation of Geothermal Igneous Reservoirs

Abstract No matter the type of wireline techniques utilized, evaluation of geothermal reservoirs has been very difficult. Normal wireline techniques developed for sedimentary rocks, are, in most cases, not applicable to the evaluation of igneous rocks. However the evaluation of lithology and porosity can be made using evaluation techniques designed specifically for igneous environments. Fractures, being one of the primary permeability conduits in geothermal reservoirs, can be evaluated for their porosity contribution as well as their type and orientation. Using these techniques it is now possible to evaluate reservoirs and environments that were previously beyond normal techniques.
On the Structure of Transient Upwelling Events

Abstract Nearshore transcends, following the development of transient coastal upwelling, characteristically show “intermediate” density fluid occupying the immediate nearshore band. Large cross-shore particle excursions during the development of upwelling may be inferred from be-fore and after transects, and the movement of surface layers seaward, intermediate density fluid shoreward through a distance of the order of kilometers, and the bottom layers also shoreward by a 1esser amount. Some inevitable vertical Mixing together with the large cross-shore displacements results in efficient cross-shore mass exchange. The main dynamical features of similar events may be investigated by means of three-layer models. Linear theory is conveniently discussed first, the conclusions of which are easily generalized to multilayer models, Finite-amplitude (i.e., “full”) upwelling is then considered using a potential-vorticity conserving impulsive model. The results show that the wind “peels” off the surface layer over w.