Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional geological interpretation of a digital coloured residual Bouguer gravity image of eastern Australia with a wavelength cut-off of 250 km

A short wavelength (<250 km) residual Bouguer gravity image of eastern Australia emphasizes anomalies and anomaly patterns related to continental crustal structure in comparison with a total‐field gravity image. Filtering removes the masking effect of long wavelength anomalies, whether they have a shallow origin (e.g. extensive platform cover) or a deep source (e.g. mantle). Short wavelength anomalies are mainly caused by density differences within the crust and give a clear indication of source shape. The filtered image is particularly useful for providing basement information for large regions concealed beneath Late Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cainozoic cover where subsurface information is limited. The dominant characteristic of the short wavelength residual gravity image is the linear shape of anomalies which must reflect crustal structure. Groups of anomalies with similar trends define major crustal blocks. In general there is good agreement between gravity provinces and known geological units. Individu.
A volcano bursting at the seams: Inflation, faulting, and eruption at Sierra Negra volcano, Galápagos

The results of geodetic monitoring since 2002 at Sierra Negra volcano in the Galapagos Islands show that the filling and pressurization of an ∼2-km-deep sill eventually led to an eruption that began on 22 October 2005. Continuous global positioning system (CGPS) monitoring measured >2 m of accelerating inflation leading up to the eruption and contributed to nearly 5 m of total uplift since 1992, the largest precursory inflation ever recorded at a basaltic caldera. This extraordinary uplift was accommodated in part by repeated trapdoor faulting, and coseismic CGPS data provide strong constraints for improved deformation models. These results highlight the feedbacks between inflation, faulting, and eruption at a basaltic volcano, and demonstrate that faulting above an intruding magma body can relieve accumulated strain and effectively postpone eruption.
Compressibility of deep clay in East China subjected to a wide range of consolidation stresses

The oedometer tests of remoulded deep clay in East China subjected to consolidation stresses ranging from 0.2 to 15.0 MPa were carried out. Both the measured compression curves and the curves of logarithmic permeability versus void ratio consist of two linear segments, among which the bilinear shape of the compression curves is less noticeable. The consolidation stress and void ratio at the intersection of two lines are around 2 MPa and 0.565 ± 0.015, respectively, and the corresponding saturated water content is very close to the reported saturated adsorbed water content. Lastly, but most importantly, the calculated microscopic pore size corresponding to the intersection point agrees well with the transitional range of the distance between two clay surfaces within which water molecules transform from bulk-liquid-like water into confined water. This is confirmed by experimental results available in the literature.
Clay fabrics in relation to the burial history of shales

Quantitative appraisal of compaction strain is essential for the study of the burial history of shales in sedimentary basins. The results of a preliminary fabric analysis of Westphalian and Zechstein shales in the Campine Basin (Belgium) show that clay fabric analysis, using an X-ray pole figure goniometer, is suitable for this purpose. Clay fabrics, in the range studied, are independent of depth and therefore cannot be used as depth indicators. This suggests that in the early stages of the burial history a stable clay fabric has to develop, which will basically remain unchanged during the subsequent burial history. The degree of clay particle preferred orientation not only reflects the compaction strain, but is also determined by mineralogical parameters: the presence of non-platy particles and the relative concentrations of the different clay minerals. This degree of preferred orientation furthermore determines the degree of fissility of the shales. These mineralogical factors limit the use of clay fabrics as truly quantitative strain markers. Their use as semi-quantitative strain markers remains advantageous, mainly because of the common occurrence of clay fabrics in the geological record. Moreover, the relative ease of measurement and the possibility of distinguishing compaction from tectonic strains favour the use of clay fabrics in the quantitative strain analysis of argillaceous rocks.
Comparison of measured and calculated aerosol properties relevant to the direct radiative forcing of tropospheric sulfate aerosol on climate

The accuracy of the estimated radiative forcing of tropospheric sulfate aerosol depends on the quality and spatial coverage of the aerosol chemical, physical, and optical data that serve as input to global climate models. To augment the available data and to provide a comparison of measured and calculated optical properties, surface measurements were made of the aerosol light scattering and backscattering coefficients, the number size distribution from 0.02 to 9.6 μm, and chemical mass size distributions during two Pacific Ocean field experiments. All measurements were made on an aerosol sample stream dried to 30% relative humidity and are reported as such. The first experiment took place during the Pacific Sulfur/Stratus Investigation at Cheeka Peak, Washington, in April and May of 1991 (PSI 91). The second occurred as part of the Marine Aerosol and Gas Exchange cruise in February and March of 1992 (MAGE 92) which was conducted from 33°N to 12°S along 140°W. The mass size distributions of nonseasalt sulfate and sodium varied widely both spatially and temporally. The shape of the number size distribution remained fairly constant throughout both experiments with an accumulation mode geometric number mean diameter of 0.19±0.03 μm and a geometric mean standard deviation of 1.4 ± 0.06. Measured light scattering and backscattering ranged from 3.7 to 19×10−6 m−1 and 0.64 to 2.8×106 m−1, respectively, resulting in an average backscattered fraction of 0.15 with a standard deviation of ±0.009. The light scattering and backscattering coefficients were calculated from a Mie model applied to the measured number size distributions. The mean of the calculated scattering values was 3% higher than the mean of the measured values with a 14% variance about the mean. This variance was within the uncertainty of the calculations indicating that the scattering characteristics of the aerosol were parameterized adequately by the model. The calculated backscattering values were about 40% lower than the measured values, however. The calculated light scattering apportioned to nonseasalt sulfate aerosol was 39±17% of the total calculated scatter. The scattering to mass ratio for sulfate aerosol averaged 5.0 m2 g−1 with a standard deviation of ±1.6 m2 g−1 and varied with variability in the number size distribution. Further measurements are needed that will allow for the formation of a global-scale database to reveal the extent of the variability in the aerosol chemical, physical, and optical properties relevant to climate forcing.
Foraminiferal record of the Middle Miocene climate transition prior to the Badenian salinity crisis in the Polish Carpathian Foredeep Basin (Central Paratethys)

Foraminifers occurring in marls underlying the Middle Miocene Badenian gypsum in the northern Polish Carpathian Foredeep in one borehole section [Mlyny (Busko) PIG 1] and in two dewatering pits in operating quarries (Leszcze and Borkow) contain well-preserved foraminifers. Sixty-seven species of benthic and twenty-one species of planktonic foraminifers are recorded in the 12-m-thick section of the Mlyny borehole. Benthic assemblages are characterized by the dominance of Bulimina and Uvigerina while planktonic assemblages are composed mainly by warm-water orbulinids and Globigerinoides spp. in the lower part of the Mlyny section and by temperate-cold water Globigerina spp. in the upper part of the Mlyny section as well as the Leszcze and Borkow sections. The taxonomic composition of foraminiferal assemblages makes it possible to distinguish two foraminiferal zones in the Mlyny borehole: the Orbulina suturalis and Uvigerina costai zones, and only the latter zone is accessible at Leszcze and Borkow. The benthic foraminiferal successions in the studied interval suggest oxygenation and productivity changes in the Carpathian Foredeep Basin prior to the Badenian salinity crisis. Four intervals of lowered oxygenation and/or elevated organic flux to the sea-floor are recognized; the intervals in which foraminiferal assemblages suggest marine environments with lowered oxygenation in bottom waters alternate between the intervals where stress markers form less than 50% of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages. Benthic assemblages are moderately to highly diversified, and species have more equal frequencies. The upsection decrease in the proportion of planktonic foraminifers reflects the shallowing of the basin accompanied by a decrease in the temperature gradient between the upper (warmer) and deeper (colder) water beds. The average palaeotemperature of water based on d18O of Uvigerina and Globigerina decreased by ca. 2 and ca. 6°C, respectively (from 9.9 and 17.4°C in the Orbulina suturalis Zone to 7.9 and 11.5°C in the Uvigerina costai Zone, respectively). Below the gypsum, the d18O values of both benthic and planktonic foraminifers show quite large variations possibly due to the salinity increase. Coeval domination of benthic foraminiferal assemblages by Bulimina suggests increased surface water productivity and an increased organic flux to the sea-floor prior to the onset of evaporite deposition and/or salinity increase.
Dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes and associated contribution to nitrogen removal in sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes, including denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), play an important role in controlling the nitrate dynamics and fate in estuarine and coastal environments. We investigated potential rates of denitrification, ANAMMOX, and DNRA in the sediments of the Yangtze Estuary via slurry incubation experiments combined with isotope‐tracing techniques to reveal their respective contributions to total nitrate reduction in this hypereutrophic estuarine ecosystem. Measured rates of denitrification, ANAMMOX, and DNRA ranged from 0.06 to 4.51 µmol N kg−1 h−1, 0.01 to 0.52 µmol N kg−1 h−1, and 0.03 to 0.89 µmol N kg−1 h−1, respectively. These potential dissimilatory nitrate reduction process rates correlated significantly with salinity, sulfide, organic carbon, and nitrogen. Denitrification contributed 38–96% total nitrate reduction in the Yangtze Estuary, as compared to 3–45% for DNRA and 1–36% for ANAMMOX. In total, the denitrification and ANAMMOX processes removed approximately 25% of the external inorganic nitrogen transported annually into the estuary. In contrast, most external inorganic nitrogen was retained in the estuary and contributes substantially to the severe eutrophication of the Yangtze Estuary.
Predicting Data Loss and Duplication when Resampling from Equal-Angle Grids

Global data sets for elevation and other environmental phenomena are commonly distributed as "equal-angle" grids with cell edges defined by equal angular increments of latitude and longitude (quadrilateral cells). Equal-angle grids of varying spatial resolution are the primary data source for small-scale maps of global or continental extent produced as scientific or commercial products. Nearest-neighbor resampling of grid data is commonly employed to create maps on a variety of projection surfaces, but little attention has been paid to the loss and duplication of data in the equal angle grid that is a consequence of the resampling process. This paper focuses on the creation and use of what is termed a Data Loss and Duplication Map (DLDM) as an essential tool for understanding the spatial and mathematical nature of data loss and duplication during resampling. DLDMs corresponding in spatial resolution to the ETOPO5 global elevation data set were created for the cylindrical equal area, sinusoidal, and Lambert azimuthal equal-area world map projections. Each DLDM not only allowed the global pattern of data loss and duplication to be visualized, but also provided data for graphs showing the extent of loss and duplication at five-minute latitude and longitude intervals. These graphs proved essential to deriving equations for each projection that predict the extent and location of data loss and duplication on the DLDM and hence in the ETOPO5 data set.
New approaches for seismic hazard studies in the Indian subcontinent

Earthquakes constitute among the most feared natural hazards and these occur with no warning which can result in great destruction and loss of lives, particularly in developing countries. One way to mitigate the destructive impact of such earthquakes is to conduct a seismic hazard assessment and take remedial measures. This article aims at demonstrating significant contributions in the field of seismic zonation and microzonation studies in the Indian subcontinent. The contributions in the field of earthquake hazard have been very valuable and beneficial not only for science but also for society. The historical seismicity and seismic zonation studies as well as the present scenario of seismic hazard assessment in the Indian subcontinent, whether through probabilistic or deterministic approaches, are discussed. It has been found that many parts of the Himalayan region have peak acceleration values exceeding 0.6g. The epicentral areas of the great Assam earthquakes of 1897 and 1950 in northeast India represent the maximum hazard with acceleration values reaching 1.2–1.3g. The peak velocity and displacement in the same region is estimated as 120–177 cm s−1 and 60–90 cm, respectively. To mitigate seismic risk, it is necessary to define a correct response in terms of both peak ground acceleration and spectral amplification. These factors are highly dependent on local soil conditions and on the source characteristics of the expected earthquakes. This article will also present the findings of site-specific hazard assessment in megacities.
Rainfall variability in the rainy season of semiarid zone of northeast Brazil (NEB) and its relation to wind regime

The rainfall and the 850 hPa wind characteristic of the semiarid interior zone of the northeast Brazil (NEB) are analyzed. The database used are the daily mean u, v, z, T, q and θ, at 850 hPa, 500 hPa and 200 hPa, displayed on a 2.5° × 2.5° grid, from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis; the daily mean OLR data from the Climate Diagnostics Center, from June 1986 to December 1997; and the gridded daily precipitation (P) analysis data in Brazil (10°S–40°S and 30°W–80°W), produced by the Climate Prediction Center, from 1977 to 1997. Daily time series of the normalized rainfall index (RI) and the normalized 850 hPa wind indexes (i.e. zonal index (ZI), the meridional index (MI) and the u minus v index (UVI)) were calculated for northern (A1: 7°S–10°S and 37°W–44°W) and southern (A2: 10°S–15°S and 40°W–45°W) domains. The RI, ZI, MI and UVI were defined by area‐average of P, u, v, and u minus v, divided by the number of grid points corresponding to each area, respectively. As for regional features this region presents a well‐defined annual cycle of rainfall with rainy seasons from December to April in A1 and from November to March in A2, and a few extreme rainfall events (during a 20‐year period, 26 cases occurred in A1 and 39 cases in A2). Several synoptic scale systems acting alone or simultaneously in the NEB could explain the occurrence of heavy rainfall in this region. The RI is correlated positively with both the ZI and the UVI, and negatively with the MI, which might indicate that when easterly and southerly winds intensify (weaken), the rainfall decreases (increases). From the statistical perspective the UVI appears to be more effective to describe the daily rainfall variability in the NEB semiarid interior region, compared to the ZI or MI. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Planktonic foraminiferal diversity, equitability and biostratigraphy of the uppermost Campanian–Maastrichtian, ODP Leg 122, Hole 762C, Exmouth Plateau, NW Australia, eastern Indian Ocean

Planktonic foraminiferal diversity, equitability and biostratigraphic analysis of samples from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 122, Hole 762C show that in general, cool water conditions prevailed during the latest Campanian–Maastrichtian in the eastern Indian Ocean. This is indicated by planktonic foraminiferal assemblages characterized by low species diversity and equitability with abundant rugoglobigerinids and heterohelicids. Archaeoglobigerinids, globigerinelloids, hedbergellids, and long-ranging double-keeled globotruncanids are also present in varying abundance but single-keeled forms occur rarely and sporadically. Identification of the stage and zonal boundaries for the studied geologic interval have been achieved through biostratigraphic analyses of closely spaced samples. Three planktonic foraminiferal biozones were identified, namely; in stratigraphic order, theHeterohelix rajagopalani,Contusotruncana contusaandAbathomphalus mayaroensisZones. In Hole 762C, a Transitional Realm with Austral influences is defined for the latest Campanian to Maastrichtian, as shown by the high relative abundance of fauna characteristic of Transitional and Austral Realms. Austral endemic species such asArchaeoglobigerina australisHuber andHedbergella sliteriHuber were found in the samples studied butGlobigerinelloides impensusSliter andArchaeoglobigerina mateolaHuber are conspicuously absent. From the latest Campanian to middle Maastrichtian, cooler parts of the Transitional Realm prevailed. A slight warming trend is assumed towards the end of the middle Maastrichtian because the faunas contain more species indicative of warm water conditions. The late Maastrichtian also appears to have been warmer than the latest Campanian-middle Maastrichtian. This conclusion is based on the high diversity and equitability values and recognition of some thermophilic taxa. A Tethyan influence is inferred for the latest Maastrichtian on the basis of an increase of planktonic foraminiferal species diversity and occurrences of several keeled taxa.
Effects of Amendment of Biochar Produced from Woody Biomass on Soil Quality and Crop Yield

Improved soil quality and increased crop yield is a commonly reported benefit of amending soil with biochar. This study is to address the potential of using biochar as an organic matter-rich material to amend soil in order to enhance crop production. Pot experiments were conducted using agricultural soil amended with wood-based biochar for a period of two months in Chicago. The soil was amended with biochar before sowing of two kinds of bush beans, Tendergreen Improved (TI) and Blue Lake 274 (BL). Samples of soil and plant were collected while the yield was measured when harvested. The changes in soil properties as well as crop yield were examined with comparison between the pots treated with and without biochar. Results show that biochar increased bean growth for TI. However, no negligible effects were observed for plant growth of BL. The yield of TI was increased over the control under biochar treatment. Effects of biomass yield were different for two kinds of beans due to the different dependence on fertilizers of the crop, which was partially proved by significant increase of soil fertility of TI and inconsistent nutrients change of BL. These results demonstrated a possible potential of biochar treatment on soil improvement and crop productivity enhancement in agricultural soil, although the effects varied with plant species.
Three-dimensional morphology of magmatic sulfides sheds light on ore formation and sulfide melt migration

The morphology of magmatic sulfides in igneous cumulates is controlled by the wetting properties of sulfide liquids against silicates. The formation of nickel sulfide ores, the behavior of sulfide liquids during mantle melting, and potentially the segregation of the Earth9s core, are all controlled by the ability of sulfide liquids to migrate through the pore space of partially molten silicates. Three-dimensional X-ray tomographic images of sulfide aggregates in komatiitic olivine cumulates indicate that sulfide liquids have a limited tendency to wet olivine crystals, forming interconnected networks only in the absence of silicate melt. Consequently, the ability of sulfide liquids to migrate through the pore space of olivine cumulates is limited. We conclude that disseminated sulfide ores in komatiites formed by accumulation of transported sulfide blebs a few millimeters in size, and not by settling of sulfide-olivine aggregates, and that sulfides accumulated in the proportions in which they are now found, rather than by percolation through cumulate pore space. It is unlikely that sulfide droplets can be entrained and carried from the mantle at low degrees of partial melting. Our results also support the hypothesis that segregation of the Earth9s core took place from a magma ocean, rather than by percolation of sulfidic melt through partially molten mantle.
A preliminary assessment of the socio‐economic and environmental impacts of recent changes in winter snow cover in Scotland

Abstract Changes in the spatial extent and duration of winter snow‐cover, both in Scotland and in a wider global context, have a number of socio‐economic and environmental implications. Evidence from Scottish climatological stations appears to suggest that the most marked decease in the number of days with snow lying has occurred since the late 1970s. Information on the effects of these changes was gathered using a questionnaire which was sent to key stakeholders. Responses suggest deleterious effects on winter recreation and sports, upland habitats and flood regimes in Scottish rivers. An extended snow‐free season has affected access to, and management of, Scottish land.