Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INDEPTH (International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya) multichannel seismic reflection data : Description and availability

Project INDEPTH (International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya) has collected over 300 km of multichannel, deep seismic reflection data using explosive sources as part of a multidisciplinary effort to image the structure of the crust and uppermost mantle of the Tibetan plateau. The reflection profiles lie within the Yadong-Gulu rift and were acquired in the summers of 1992 and 1994. Data processing utilized typical industry tools, and a new method was used to migrate the data. Both unmigrated and migrated sections are presented here in large format to facilitate further interpretations.
The early land plants from the Armorican Massif: sedimentological and palynological considerations on age and environment

Abstract The Châteaupanne Unit belongs to the South Armorican domain of the Armorican Massif (France), which is part of the Variscan belt. This unit includes two Lower Devonian plant levels and one of them corresponds to the Basal Member of the Chalonnes Formation. A sedimentological and palaeontological analysis of these fossiliferous deposits from the Châteaupanne quarry (Montjean/Loire, Maine et Loire, France) is presented here for the first time. The age determination based on palynology indicates that the locality records the earliest occurrence of plant megafossils in the Armorican Massif. Their presence suggests an emergence event that has never been described before. Our study highlights the promising potential of the Basal Member of the Chalonnes Formation to aid in understanding these occurrences, and provides new insights into the history of the Variscan belt.
Land restoration and reclamation: principles and practice.

Foreword by Andre F Clewell, President of the Society for Ecological Restoration, USA Section 1: Causes of degradation and aims of restoration 1. Land as a resource 2. Assessment strategies Section 2: Reclamation of Land 3. Green field sites 4. Former industrial sites Section 3: Restoration of reclaimed land 5. Preparing the substrate for growth and reclamation to agro-forestry uses 6. The establishment and management of vegetation on restored sites 7. Why restorations fail 8. Conclusion
Soil pH changes in long-term field experiments with different fertilizing systems.

Vasak F. , Cerný J., Buraňova S. , Kulhanek M. , Balik J. (2015): Soil pH changes in long-term field experiments with different fertilizing systems. Soil & Water Res., 10: 19–23. The changes of soil pH in long-term 14-year field experiments with different fertilizing systems are described. The field experiments were located at four sites of the Czech Republic with different soil and climatic conditions (Cervený Ujezd, Hněvceves, Lukavec, and Prague-Suchdol). At each site, the same fertilizing systems and crop rotation (potatoes – winter wheat – spring barley) were established. Six experimental treatments were applied to crop rotation: (1) unfertilized treatments (control); treatments with organic fertilization: (2) farmyard manure (FYM), (3) sewage sludge (SS); treatments with mineral fertilizers: (4) nitrogen (N), (5) nitrogen with straw application (N + straw), and (6) nitrogen with phosphorus and potassium (NPK). The long-term effect of fertilizers significantly depends on soil conditions. At the site Prague-Suchdol minimal differences in the soil pH were observed by all treatments. This is caused by the high buffering capacity of Chernozems against the soil acidification. At Cervený Ujezd (Haplic Luvisol), Hněvceves (Haplic Luvisol), and Lukavec (Stagnic Cambisol) sites, soil pH decreased by all treatments. Only at Hněvceves site the soil pH did not change with N treatment. The highest soil pH decrease in the treatment with NPK (ΔpH –0.89) and N + straw (ΔpH –0.70) was observed at Hněvceves site. By the treatments FYM and SS the highest decrease was registered at Cervený Ujezd (ΔpH of about –0.30 and –0.63, respectively). The highest decrease in control treatment (ΔpH of about –0.63) was observed at Lukavec site. The results showed that to evaluate long-term soil pH changes a whole complex of factors must be examined.
Influence of Rock Glaciers on Stream Hydrology in the La Sal Mountains, Utah

Abstract While valley glaciers have received considerable attention for their contributions to summer runoff during the past decade, the contributions of rock glaciers to summer runoff patterns have largely been ignored, especially in the western United States. This article examines summer runoff from two basins in the La Sal Mountains, Utah: the non—rock glaciated Wet Fork and rock glaciated Gold Basin. Runoff events were analyzed for volume of stormflow, stormflow duration, and peak flow duration. Four events were recorded in Wet Fork (n = 4), five events were recorded in Gold Basin (n = 5), and six events at a flume immediately adjacent to the Gold Basin rock glacier (n = 6). Wet Fork hydrographs are dominated by baseflow throughout the summer and a small proportion (0.13%–0.31%) of precipitation leaves the basin as stormflow during storms. Gold Basin hydrographs are characterized by early season snowmelt with flood peaks associated with summer storms. Runoff from the gaged rock glacier represents 15%–30% of total basin runoff and is inversely related to precipitation and directly related to rainfall intensity. Removal of rock glacier hydrographs from total basin hydrographs indicates that there is increased surface runoff from alpine drainage basins that contain rock glaciers, suggesting rock glaciers act as impervious surfaces. This short-term study in Utah suggests that alpine drainage basins with rock glaciers could have greater surface runoff and higher flood peaks than drainage basins that lack rock glaciers. While the long-term effects of rock glaciers on summer water resources is still unknown, this investigation demonstrates rock glaciers may profoundly influence hydrographs in alpine drainage basins.
4-D evolution of rift systems: Insights from scaled physical models

The four dimensional (4-D) evolution of brittle fault systems in orthogonal, oblique, and offset rift systems has been simulated by scaled sandbox models using dry, cohesionless, fine-grained quartz sand. Extensional deformation in the models was controlled by the orientation and geometry of a zone of stretching at the base of the model. The results of these analog model studies are compared with natural examples of rift fault systems. Rift basins produced by orthogonal and oblique rifting are defined by segmented border fault systems parallel to the rift axes and by intrarift fault systems that are subperpendicular to the extension direction. Segmentation of the rift margin increases with increase in obliquity of the rift axis, resulting in a consequent increase in displacement on intrarift fault systems. Offset rift models are characterized by highly segmented border faults and offset subbasins in the rift zone. Along-strike displacement transfer in the model rifts occurred as a result of formation of two types of accommodation zones. High-relief, extension-parallel accommodation zones typically are found in 60 degrees rifts and above left steps in offset rift systems. Changes in fault polarities in these accommodation zones were achieved by interlocking arrays of conjugate extensional faults. The second type of accommodation zone was generally oblique to the extension direction and consisted of conjugate fault arrays having rotated tips that bounded a low-relief oblique-slip zone or grabens. These typically are found in highly oblique rift systems (<45 degrees) and above right steps in offset rift models.
Model study of stratospheric chlorine activation and ozone loss during the 1996/1997 winter

Chlorine activation and ozone depletion in the Arctic winter stratosphere of 1996–1997 have been studied with a newly developed stratospheric chemistry-transport model (CTM). The chemistry scheme, using a Euler Backward Iterative approximation method, includes a comprehensive set of reactions on ternary aerosol and ice particles, which has been tested against a numerically exact solver. Tracer transports in the CTM are calculated from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) meteorological analyses. Comparisons have been made with O3 and ClO measurements, and with ozone loss rates derived from observations during February and March 1997. ClO production and ozone depletion are somewhat underestimated by the model. Furthermore, uncertainties regarding the aerosol phase are tested. Assuming nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles to form at their melting point, while liquid aerosol is present simultaneously in the model, gives rise to the largest ClO production and the strongest ozone depletion. By correcting for an ECMWF temperature warm bias we obtain a similar large effect on calculated ClO production and ozone depletion for the 1996/1997 Arctic winter, whereas uncertainties in the chlorine abundance seem less important. An average warm bias of 1.3 K at polar stratospheric cloud temperatures on the 50 hPa model level reduces the calculated ozone depletion rates over February and March by 35%. Observations of ClO are reproduced when lower temperatures and maximum Cly abundance are assumed, but ozone depletion is slightly overestimated in that case.
Tunnel valleys: current knowledge and future perspectives

Abstract Tunnel valleys are elongated incisions that are commonly interpreted as being the result of erosional processes by subglacial meltwater occurring under continental ice sheets. The abundance, size and the primarily coarse-grained infill of these features have made tunnel valleys important hydrocarbon and groundwater reservoirs. Although numerous tunnel valleys have been described over the last century, their formation and infill remain poorly understood. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge of tunnel valleys, providing an overview of the observations around the world. Morphological aspects that separate tunnel valleys from other landforms are discussed, as well as the wide variety of sedimentary environments found to contribute to the infilling of these features. The depth of the incision and the character of ice retreat significantly determine the final infill architecture. The formational hypotheses proposed in the literature are assessed to test their wider applicability to all other tunnel valleys in order to find a generic model that helps in the prediction of the morphology and infilling of both Pleistocene and pre-Pleistocene age. A quasi-steady-state model, with small meltwater outbursts that erode tunnel valleys near the ice margin, seems compatible with most of the known valleys. Other proposed models require specific geographical or climatic conditions.
Isotopic Patterns in Modern Global Precipitation

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has been conducting a world-wide survey of hydrogen (H/'H) and oxygen (O/O) isotope composition of monthly precipitation since 1961. At present, 72 IAEA/WMO network stations are in operation. Another 82 stations belonging to national organizations continue to send their results to the IAEA for publication. The paper focuses on basic features of spatial and temporal distribution of deuterium and O in global precipitation, as derived from the IAEA/WMO isotope database. The internal structure and basic characteristics of this database are discussed in some detail. The existing phenomenological relationships between observed stable isotope composition of precipitation and various climate-related parameters such as local surface air temperature and amount of precipitation are reviewed and critically assessed. Attempts are presented towards revealing interannual fluctuations in the accumulated isotope records and relating them to changes of precipitation amount and the surface air temperature over the past 30 years.
The near-surface velocity and potential vorticity structure of the Gulf Stream

Using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and XBT data between 1992 and 1999 from a container vessel that crosses the Gulf Stream twice weekly near 70W, we examine the near-surface velocity, thermal and vorticity structure of the current. These data come from an ongoing sampling program that has as its overall objective to measure the currents between New York and Bermuda to provide a high-quality database for studies of variability and long-term trends in the region. These Gulf Stream sections, when averaged in natural or stream coordinates, exhibit a remarkable double-exponential structure. The scale-widths of the lateral shear north and south of the velocity maximum, 20 and 34 km respectively, agree well with estimates of the radius of deformation from simple modal analysis (19 and 34 km, respectively). Significantly, the entire Eulerian mean field of the Gulf Stream and over 80% of the eddy kinetic energy can be accounted for in terms of shift and rotation of this simple double exponential structure. The remainder of this variability can be accounted for rather effectively in terms of a limited number of empirical modes. The first and most energetic mode consists of a rocking' mode such that the velocity increases on the concave side of meander extrema. The second EOF mode which measures changes in shear on the anticyclonic side, increases as expected when the stream shifts to the south and vice versa to the north. These two account for nearly half of the remaining variability of the Gulf Stream and adjacent waters (26 and 21%, respectively). These modes notwithstanding, the stiffness of the Gulf Stream is striking. With the help of concurrent XBTs and historical hydrography, we show that the double-exponential velocity pattern is consistent with a uniformity of potential vorticity between the Gulf Stream and recirculating gyres to either side, but not across the velocity maximum where it undergoes nearly a factor 5 change in ∼20 km. The ambient eddy field is sufficiently energetic to maintain the uniformity to either side but much too weak to break down the front. Interestingly, the potential vorticity evinces a slight minimum south of the velocity maximum that appears to be robust. Unlike other locations along the path of the Gulf Stream, specifically the Pegasus line at 73W and the SYNOP array at 68-69W, the current loses water to the north at this site (with no evident gain or loss to the south). Further, at this location the u-v covariances to both sides of the Gulf Stream suggest a conversion of kinetic energy from the eddy to mean flow. We interpret this as a geometric result of the downstream decrease in meandering approaching the Oleander line. It appears that patterns of in- and outflow and energetics can be quite site specific, reflecting, we think, preferred states or patterns of the meandering of the Gulf Stream.
Use of gamma emission computed tomography to study the effect of electrolyte concentration on regions of preferred flow and hydraulic conductivity in deep regolith materials

Understanding fluid flow, displacement, and mixing processes in natural porous media is fundamentally dependent upon the accurate characterisation of complex 3-dimensional structures. This current study delineated the distribution of conducting regions within a suite of regolith materials as they interacted with electrolyte solutions of different concentrations. Previous studies on the effects of electrolyte concentration on clay swelling and dispersion and the concomitant changes in pore structure, and hence soil permeability, have mainly been carried out on repacked samples of disturbed surface soils. This study used unconsolidated materials recovered as undisturbed cores from a saline aquifer from the deeper regolith (8.0–55.8 m). Progressive dilution of the electrolyte concentration of the percolating fluid (while maintaining a constant sodium adsorption ratio) was used to alter the pore structure of these saturated regolith materials. The electrolyte concentration was reduced from an initial value of 383 m.e. /L (the original electrolyte concentration of the saline aquifer) to below the threshold concentration, and finally the cores were rinsed with deionised water. The corresponding changes to the regions conducting fluid and therefore pore structure, and the major fluid pathways followed during the percolation process, were imaged using gamma emission computed tomography. Five experimental core samples from depths of 8, 28, 30 (×2), and 55 m were used in the experiments. The average hydraulic conductivity was measured and found to decrease as a function of electrolyte concentration. The regions containing the major fluid pathways were found to decrease in volume as a function of electrolyte concentration. Clay mineralogy, sodium adsorption ratio, and grain size characteristics were found to be positively correlated with reductions in the average hydraulic conductivity. This method has the potential to aid in our understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the dynamics of pore structure changes and hence fluid flow in porous regolith materials, particularly in relation to changes in the electrolyte concentration and sodium adsorption ratio of the pore fluid. Such data will add significantly to our understanding of factors that affect the hydraulic properties of regolith materials under saline/sodic conditions.
GLOBOROTALIA CRASSAFORMIS OPTIMUM EVENT: A NEW LATE QUATERNARY BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC MARKER FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN MARGIN

ABSTRACT The integration of planktonic foraminiferal assemblage, oxygen stable isotope values, and AMS 14C dating allows a more precise chronology of biostratigraphic events recorded in cores GL-74 and GL-75 collected from Campos Basin (southeastern Brazil). This study documents that the third event of disappearance of Pulleniatina plexus (Pulleniatina obliquiloculata biohorizon 3 = YP.3) occurred simultaneously in Campos and Santos Basins around 43 ka. The results also show that the event of higher abundance of Globorotalia crassaformis, the so-called Globorotalia crassaformis Optimum Event (GcOE), occurred between ca. 84 and ca. 71 ka (ca. 13 ka duration), and was also simultaneous in both basins. This study supports the GcOE as an important biostratigraphic marker event in the southeastern Brazilian margin. We propose a revised subdivision of the last glacial Zone Y into subzones Y1, Y2, and Y3. Nevertheless, it is fundamental to establish the true geographic range, as well as building a more robust chronology for the GcOE, using other cores from other South Atlantic basins.
Encrustation patterns on post-extinction early Famennian (Late Devonian) brachiopods from Russia

A study of patterns of episkeletobiont encrustation on the shells of two early Famennian brachiopods, Cyrtospirifer zadonicus and Ripidiorhynchus huotinus from Russia, revealed assemblages comprising seven skeletonised encruster taxa. The assemblages are dominated by spirorbiform microconchids, followed by cornulitids. Features such as shell malformations, frequent encruster growth towards the commissure of the shells, and encruster distribution in the areas adjacent to zones of possible water intake by the brachiopods indicate that these may have been colonised syn vivo. The lack of differences in encruster abundance between the two valves in C. zadonicus indicates that this species may have lived with both valves inclined at a high angle to the substrate. The significantly higher abundance of episkeletobionts on the brachial valves of R. huotinus may indicate that shells of this species were oriented with the brachial valve at a lower angle to the substrate, providing sheltered sites for coelobiotic larvae. Compared with pre-Famennian brachiopod-hosted encruster communities, this early Famennian community is impoverished in species richness and is dominated by microconchids. It is proposed that the epibionts witnessed a regression-related Frasnian–Famennian extinction event. During the recovery interval, opportunistic microconchids may have been among the first encrusters to colonise the pioneering brachiopods.
Finite Type Invariants of w-Knotted Objects: From Alexander to Kashiwara and Vergne

This preprint was split in two and became the first two parts of a four-part series (arXiv:1405.1956, arXiv:1405:1955, and two in preparation). The remaining relevance of this preprint is due to the series of videotaped lectures (wClips) that are linked within.
A simplified nonlinear approach for pile group settlement analysis in multilayered soils

A simplified analytical method is presented for nonlinear analysis of the behaviour of pile groups under vertical loads. A hyperbolic approach is adopted to describe the nonlinear relationship between the shaft shear stresses and the relative shaft displacements along a confined disturbed soil zone around a pile-soil interface. Outside the disturbed zone, the soils are assumed to behave in a linearly elastic state. By adopting the elastic closed-form analytical solution to approximate the displacement fields around a single vertically loaded pile, and the principle of superposition, a new transfer function is presented for analysis of the behaviour of pile groups in multilayered soils. Furthermore, with a simplified assumption of separating the shaft from the base interaction factors for individual piles in a pile group, a highly effective iterative procedure is developed to examine the nonlinear loaddisplacement behaviour of a pile group up to the failure state. Comparisons of the loadsettlement respon.
Weathering sequences of clay minerals in soils along a serpentinitic toposequence

There has been limited research on clay mineral transformation in serpentinitic soils under humid tropical conditions. In this study, four soil pedons were selected along a toposequence from the summit (Entisol), shoulder (Vertisol), backslope (Alfisol) to footslope (Ultisol) positions to explore the contributions and the significance of landscape and weathering status of serpentinitic rock with regard to clay mineral transformations in eastern Taiwan. Experimental results indicated that the large amount of dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate-extractable Fe (Fed) and clay in the subsurface horizon were mainly caused by the strong leaching potential from intensive rainfall and weathering of the fine-grained parent rocks. The clay mineralogy reflected the clear weathering trend of the soils along the toposequence: (1) the soils on the summit and shoulder contained smectite and serpentine, which are predominant in the young soils derived from serpentinitic rocks; and (2) vermiculite gradually increased in the relatively old soils on backslope and footslope. The mineralogical transformations observed along the toposequence indicated that chlorite and serpentine, initially present in the Entisol on the summit, weather into smectite and interstratified chlorite-vermiculite in the intermediate soil on the shoulder under strong leaching and oxidizing conditions. Furthermore, vermiculite formed as the major weathering product of chlorite and smectite in the soil developed on the backslope. In addition to vermiculite, kaolinite and quartz formed in the soils on the footslope with the greatest concentration of Fed along the toposequence.