bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric breaking size-segregation waves in dense granular free-surface flows
Authors: Gajjar P. , van der Vaart K. , Thornton A. R. , Johnson C. G. , Ancey C. , Gray J. M. N. T.
Published: April 2016

Debris and pyroclastic flows often have bouldery flow fronts, which act as a natural dam resisting further advance. Counter intuitively, these resistive fronts can lead to enhanced run-out, because they can be shouldered aside to form static levees that self-channelise the flow. At the heart of this behaviour is the inherent process of size segregation, with different sized particles readily separating into distinct vertical layers through a combination of kinetic sieving and squeeze expulsion. The result is an upward coarsening of the size distribution with the largest grains collecting at the top of the flow, where the flow velocity is greatest, allowing them to be preferentially transported to the front. Here, the large grains may be overrun, resegregated towards the surface and recirculated before being shouldered aside into lateral levees. A key element of this recirculation mechanism is the formation of a breaking size-segregation wave, which allows large particles that have been overrun to rise up into the faster moving parts of the flow as small particles are sheared over the top. Observations from experiments and discrete particle simulations in a moving-bed flume indicate that, whilst most large particles recirculate quickly at the front, a few recirculate very slowly through regions of many small particles at the rear. This behaviour is modelled in this paper using asymmetric segregation flux functions. Exact non-diffuse solutions are derived for the steady wave structure using the method of characteristics with a cubic segregation flux. Three different structures emerge, dependent on the degree of asymmetry and the non-convexity of the segregation flux function. In particular, a novel ‘lens-tail’ solution is found for segregation fluxes that have a large amount of non-convexity, with an additional expansion fan and compression wave forming a ‘tail’ upstream of the ‘lens’ region. Analysis of exact solutions for the particle motion shows that the large particle motion through the ‘lens-tail’ is fundamentally different to the classical ‘lens’ solutions. A few large particles starting near the bottom of the breaking wave pass through the ‘tail’, where they travel in a region of many small particles with a very small vertical velocity, and take significantly longer to recirculate.
I SWEAR TO IT: OATHS AS FUNDAMENTAL LANGUAGE AND POWER
Authors: Hammond Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2016

Edward Snowden, the systems analyst employed by a contractor for the United States National Security Agency, violated his contractual obligation to guard the nation's secrets and security procedures out of what he has argued was a higher obligation to preserve the privacy guaranteed to Americans by the United States Constitution and a conscientious objection to withholding information about violations of that privacy. Conscience can be conceived as a disposition of heart, mind, and will to act or refuse to act in the face of contravening authority, for what is a superior good in the mind of the actor, and always with the willingness to suffer for one's action or inaction. Snowden ultimately sought to divulge and disrupt programs of intelligence gathering and national security because of his convictions regarding nobler American ideals of liberty and privacy.
Diversity of pseudo-toothed birds (Pelagornithidae) from the Eocene of Antarctica
Authors: Cenizo Marcos , Hospitaleche Carolina Acosta , Reguero Marcelo
Published: April 2016

The Antarctic pelagornithid record is restricted to few isolated remains from the Eocene of Seymour Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. Here we report the oldest Antarctic pseudo-toothed bird. It is represented by an incomplete humerus lacking its proximal end, which comes from the lower Eocene levels of the La Meseta Formation (Seymour Island). This new specimen facilitates a review of all known pelagornithids from this continent. Antarctic pelagornithids were classified into two morphotypes that exhibit a mix of putative plesiomorphic and derived characters. Considering the worldwide pelagornithid record and according to estimated wingspans, four approximate size-types were identified. The oldest Antarctic specimens (two fragmentary humeri, middle Ypresian) were assigned to morphotype 1 and correspond to the large size-type. The younger materials (Bartonian/?Priabonian) here assigned to morphotype 2 (some cranial remains, fragmentary tarsometatarsus and humerus) correspond to the giant size-type and represent one of the largest known pseudo-toothed birds. Even though species level phylogenetic affinities of Pelagornithidae remain poorly resolved, three key evolutionary events can be recognized: (1) the disappearance ofDasornisin the Early Eocene and the appearance of more advanced forms with a trend to the specialization of large soaring capacity, (2) the origin ofPelagornissensu lato species in the early Oligocene, and (3) the appearance and dominance of a highly specialized terminal group at Mio/Pliocene time span.
New Caledonian Triassic Bryozoa
Authors: Ernst Andrej , Schäfer Priska , Grant-Mackie Jack A.
Published: April 2016

Four trepostome bryozoan species are described from the Upper Triassic of New Caledonia. They include one new genus Metastenodiscus n. gen. The studied fauna shows strong paleobiogeographic relations to New Zealand and less so to Japan. Morphological similarities between Middle Paleozoic and Triassic trepostome bryozoans (e.g., abundant diaphragms) are explained by homeomorphy.
First remingtonocetid archaeocete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the middle Eocene of Egypt with implications for biogeography and locomotion in early cetacean evolution
Authors: Bebej Ryan M. , Zalmout Iyad S. , Abed El-Aziz Ahmed A. , Antar Mohammed Sameh M. , Gingerich Philip D.
Published: April 2016

Remingtonocetidae are Eocene archaeocetes that represent a unique experiment in cetacean evolution. They possess long narrow skulls, long necks, fused sacra, and robust hind limbs. Previously described remingtonocetids are known from middle Eocene Lutetian strata in Pakistan and India. Here we describe a new remingtonocetid,Rayanistes afer, n. gen. n. sp., recovered from a middle to late Lutetian interval of the Midawara Formation in Egypt. The holotype preserves a sacrum with four vertebral centra; several lumbar and caudal vertebrae; an innominate with a complete ilium, ischium, and acetabulum; and a nearly complete femur. The ilium and ischium ofRayanistesare bladelike, rising sharply from the body of the innominate anterior and posterior to the acetabulum, and the acetabular notch is narrow. These features are diagnostic of Remingtonocetidae, but their development also shows thatRayanisteshad a specialized mode of locomotion. The expanded ischium is larger than that of any other archaeocete, supporting musculature for powerful retraction of the hind limbs during swimming. Posteriorly angled neural spines on lumbar vertebrae and other features indicate increased passive flexibility of the lumbus.Rayanistesprobably used its enhanced lumbar flexibility to increase the length of the power stroke during pelvic paddling. Recovery of a remingtonocetid in Egypt broadens the distribution of Remingtonocetidae and shows that protocetids were not the only semiaquatic archaeocetes capable of dispersal across the southern Tethys Sea.
First fossil jacobsoniid beetle (Coleoptera):Derolathrus groehnin. sp. from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Leschen Richard A. B. , Liu Ye , Huang Diying
Published: April 2016

Jacobsoniidae, comprising a small group of small-to-minute polyphagan beetles, is a family presently placed within Derodontiformia. No fossil jacobsoniid has been described to date. Here, we describe the first fossil jacobsoniid,Derolathrus groehnin. sp., based on two well-preserved individuals in middle Eocene Baltic amber. Micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to reveal many diagnostic characters of the Recent genusDerolathrusSharp.Derolathrus groehniis compared with modernDerolathrusspecies and is noteworthy for the well-developed eyes and elongate prothorax.
Comparison of the nutritional content of products, with and without nutrient claims, targeted at children in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Vanessa Mello , Rayner Mike , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Oliveira Renata Carvalho de , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa , Fiates Giovanna Medeiros Rataichesck
Published: April 2016

Many children’s food products highlight positive attributes on their front-of-package labels in the form of nutrient claims. This cross-sectional study investigated all retailed packaged foods (n 5620) in a major Brazilian supermarket, in order to identify the availability of products targeted at children, and to compare the nutritional content of products with and without nutrient claims on labels. Data on energy, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, Na and total and SFA content, along with the presence and type of nutrient claims, were obtained in-store from labels of all products. Products targeted at children were identified, divided into eight food groups and compared for their nutritional content per 100 g/ml and the presence of nutrient claims using the Mann–Whitney U test (P<0·05). Of the 535 food products targeted at children (9·5 % of all products), 270 (50·5 %) displayed nutrient claims on their labels. Children’s products with nutrient claims had either a similar or worse nutritional content than their counterparts without nutrient claims. The major differences among groups were found in Group 8 (e.g. sauces and ready meals), in which children’s products bearing nutrient claims had higher energy, carbohydrate, Na and total and SFA content per 100 g/ml than products without nutrient claims (P<0·05). This suggests that, to prevent misleading parents who are seeking healthier products for their children, the regulation on the use of nutrient claims should be revised, so that only products with appropriate nutrient profiles are allowed to display them.
Changes in water and sugar-containing beverage consumption and body weight outcomes in children
Authors: Muckelbauer Rebecca , Gortmaker Steven L. , Libuda Lars , Kersting Mathilde , Clausen Kerstin , Adelberger Bettina , Müller-Nordhorn Jacqueline
Published: April 2016

An intervention study showed that promoting water consumption in schoolchildren prevented overweight, but a mechanism linking water consumption to overweight was not substantiated. We investigated whether increased water consumption replaced sugar-containing beverages and whether changes in water or sugar-containing beverages influenced body weight outcomes. In a secondary analysis of the intervention study in Germany, we analysed combined longitudinal data from the intervention and control groups. Body weight and height were measured and beverage consumption was self-reported by a 24-h recall questionnaire at the beginning and end of the school year 2006/2007. The effect of a change in water consumption on change in sugar-containing beverage (soft drinks and juices) consumption, change in BMI (kg/m2) and prevalence of overweight and obesity at follow-up was analysed using regression analyses. Of 3220 enroled children, 1987 children (mean age 8·3 (sd 0·7) years) from thirty-two schools were analysed. Increased water consumption by 1 glass/d was associated with a reduced consumption of sugar-containing beverages by 0·12 glasses/d (95 % CI −0·16, −0·08) but was not associated with changes in BMI (P=0·63). Increased consumption of sugar-containing beverages by 1 glass/d was associated with an increased BMI by 0·02 (95 % CI 0·00, 0·03) kg/m2 and increased prevalence of obesity (OR 1·22; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·44) but not with overweight (P=0·83). In conclusion, an increase in water consumption can replace sugar-containing beverages. As sugar-containing beverages were associated with weight gain, this replacement might explain the prevention of obesity through the promotion of water consumption.
Palaeozoic and Mesozoic igneous activity in the Netherlands: a tectonomagmatic review
Authors: Sissingh W.
Published: April 2016

To date, igneous rocks, either intrusive or extrusive, have been encountered in the Palaeozoic-Mesozoic sedimentary series of the Netherlands in some 65 exploration and production wells. Following 17 new isotopic K/Ar age determinations of the recovered rock material (amounting to a total of 28 isotopic ages from 21 different wells), analysis of the stratigraphic distribution of the penetrated igneous rock bodies showed that the timing of their emplacement was importantly controlled by orogenic phases involving intra-plate wrench and rift tectonics. Magmatism coincided with the Acadian (Late Devonian), Sudetian (early Late Carboniferous), Saalian (Early Permian), Early Kimmerian (late Late Triassic), Mid-Kimmerian (Late Jurassic), Late Kimmerian (earliest Cretaceous) and Austrian (latest Early Cretaceous) tectonic phases. This synchroneity presumably reflects (broadly) coeval structural reorganizations of respectively the Baltica/Fennoscandinavia-Laurentia/Greenland, Laurussia-Gondwana, African-Eurasia and Greenland/Rockall-Eurasia plate assemblies. Through their concomitant changes of the intra-plate tectonic stress regime, inter-plate motions induced intra-plate tectonism and magmatism. These plate-tectonics related events determined the tectonomagmatic history of the Dutch realm by inducing the formation of localized centres, as well as isolated spot occurrences, of igneous activity. Some of these centres were active at (about) the same time. At a number of centres igneous activity re-occurred after a long period of time.
Inversion structures in Central Europe - Expressions and reasons, an open discussion
Authors: Kockel F.
Published: April 2016

The diversity of morphological features of Mesozoic inversion structures in NW Germany as representatives of inversion structures in northern Europe is presented and their origin analysed and geologically dated. The particular role of salt in inverted basins and the re-shaping of pre-existing salt structures during the inversion act is demonstrated and the term ‘salt wedge’, a Zechstein salt intrusion into salt layers within the Triassic sedimentary pile, introduced. The leading theories on inversion (continent-continent collision, re-activation Variscan features) are discussed and discarded, but no new comprehensive theory was developed. The impact of inversion on HC prospectivity of sedimentary basins is debated and proposals for future interdisciplinary research are made.
Pyritized diatoms: a good fossil marker in the Upper Paleocene-Lower Eocene sediments from the Belgian and Dieppe-Hampshire Basins
Authors: Van Eetvelde Y. , Dupuis C. , Cornet C.
Published: April 2016

Assemblages of brackish and marine diatoms have been examined from Upper Paleocene-Lower Eocene strata of the Belgian Basin (Knokke well) and the Dieppe-Hampshire Basin (Saint-Josse borehole and Ailly sections). The diatoms observed are invariably preserved in pyrite as internal moulds and their siliceous skeletons are completely replaced by pyrite by epigenesis. Three major diatom assemblages have been observed which can be used to approximate the position of the recently defined Paleocene-Eocene boundary (defined by the Carbon Isotope Excursion). This isotope excursion occurs just below the strong increase in the abundance ofFenestrella antiquaand in the vicinity of the abundance peak ofCoscinodiscus morsianusvar.moelleri.They also allow correlations of the lithostratigraphic units of the Belgian Basin with the formations of the Dieppe-Hampshire and central North Sea Basins. For instance, investigations of diatoms recorded in the Knokke Clay Member of the Knokke well indicate that this unit corresponds to the lower units of the ‘Sparnacian facies’ of the Dieppe-Hampshire Basin and to the Sele Formation of the North Sea Basin.
A rapid clay-mineral change in the earliest Priabonian of the North Sea
Basin?
Authors: Saeys R. , Verheyen A. , Vandenberghe N.
Published: April 2016

In the Eocene to Oligocene transitional strata in Belgium, clay mineral
associations vary in response to the climatic evolution and to tectonic
pulses. Decreasing smectite to illite ratios and the systematic occurrence
of illite-smectite irregular interlayers are consequences of a cooling
climate. A marked increase in kaolinite content occurs just after a major
unconformity formed at the Bartonian/Priabonian boundary and consequently is
interpreted as resulting from the breakdown of uplifted saprolites.
Magnetostratigraphy and rock magnetism of the Boom Clay (Rupelian stratotype) in Belgium
Authors: Lagrou D. , Vandenberghe N. , Van Simaeys S. , Hus J.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of a detailed rock magnetic and magnetostratigraphic study of the Lower Oligocene Rupelian unit-stratotype. Notwithstanding the relatively low intensity of the natural remanent magnetisation and the diverse and often unstable behaviour during demagnetisation, close-spaced sampling and accurate polarity determinations allowed us to determine the magnetic polarity zonation. The recognition of the characteristic magnetic polarity and the correlation with the standard magnetobiochronologic time scale yields an accurate chronostratigraphic dating of the Boom Clay Formation. The boundary between the geomagnetic chrons C12n and C12r nearly coincides with the lithostratigraphic boundary between theTerhagen and Putte Members. Rock magnetic techniques point to magnetite and probably also iron sulphides as the main magnetic remanence carriers. These magnetic minerals could, however, not be identified with classical mineralogical techniques performed on magnetic extractions. The failure to detect them may be due to the low concentration of these minerals, the small grain size, and the close physical relation with pyrite.
Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) dating of marine shells from Pliocene and Pleistocene shallow marine deposits in The Netherlands
Authors: Jansen H.S.M. , Huizer J. , Dijkmans J.W.A. , van Hinte J.E.
Published: April 2016

87Sr/86Sr (Strontium) ratio analyses of shell material (mainly Arctica islandica) from 24 levels in the Maassluis Formation of boreholes Noordwijk, Zegveld and Terschelling suggest that the age of the formation ranges from 0.82 to 2.34 Ma (± 0.5 Ma), and that the Oosterhout Formation at Noordwijk could be as much as 2.5 Ma older than hitherto assumed.
Paleoseismic investigations along the Peel Boundary Fault: geological setting, site selection and trenching results
Authors: van den Berg M. , Vanneste K. , Dost B. , Lokhorst A. , van Eijk M. , Verbeeck K.
Published: April 2016

On the basis of a multidisciplinary approach we have unraveled the palaeo-earthquake history of a trenched section across the Peel Boundary Fault. The area shows at present one of the largest contrasts in relative motion on both sides of the fault on the basis of repeated levelling. The geological record for the last 25 thousand years, recovered in the trench, shows evidence of two heavy earthquakes (moment magnitude between 6.0 and 6.6), that occurred in a relatively short timespan around 15 thousands years ago. A third less severe event occurred somewhere in the mid Holocene. The time interval between the two large events is in the order of 1500 years, an interval comparable to that between the last volcanic explosions in the nearby Eifel area. Both records together seem to suggest a relation between large-scale faulting and volcanic activity in the nearby Eifel area, but this interpretation is based on one trench only and should be tested by opening more trenches in the zone that is assumed to be affected by these large events.
The coversands and timing of Late Quaternary earthquake events along the Peel Boundary Fault in the Netherlands
Authors: Frechen M. , van den Berg M.W.
Published: April 2016

The coversands along the Peel Boundary Fault in the Netherlands were investigated by a luminescence dating approach combining Infrared Optically Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) and Thermoluminescence (TL) methods. At the Neer trench, ten samples were collected and investigated in order to set up an independent chronological framework for the deposition history of the fluvio-aeolian and aeolian sediments and hence the timing of Late Weichselian and Holocene earthquake events. Five sedimentary units could be distinguished by this chronological approach. The oldest fluvio-aeolian unit yielded a mean deposition age of 35.9±0.4 ka and is designated to correlate with the Middle Weichselian. An IRSL age estimate of 20.1 ±2.9 ka was determined for the sediment that most likely represents the Older Coversands I, and a mean luminescence age of 15.1±1.2 ka for deposits just below the Beuningen gravel bed. The aeolian sediment from above the Beuningen horizon yielded an IRSL age estimate of 9.4±1.0 ka. The youngest deposits from the colluvial wedge yielded <6.9±0.7 ka BP, and so an earthquake event was likely to occur during the Middle or Late Holocene, as evidenced by the luminescence age estimates.
Calibration of the 14C time scale: towards the complete dating range
Authors: van der Plicht J.
Published: April 2016

Radiocarbon calibration based on dendro-chronology and U-series dated corals yield a calibration curve (INTCAL98) well into the Late Glacial, back to ca. 15,600 calendar years ago. Beyond this limit, various calibration curves are produced, mainly based on laminated sediments and various carbonates dated by U-series isotopes. Such calibration curves now cover the complete 14C dating range of about 45,000 years, but are not consistent with each other. Each calibration method (other than dendro-chronology) has its own assumptions and pitfalls. Thus far, the calibration curve obtained from Lake Suigetsu laminated sediments is the only terrestrial (atmospheric) one.
The paleosol in the Kerkom Sands near Pellenberg (Belgium) revisited
Authors: Van Herreweghe S. , Deckers S. , DeConinck F. , Merckx R. , Gullentops F.
Published: April 2016

In an area east of Leuven (central Belgium), a buried sandy estuarine deposit of Oligocene age contains a dark colored organic layer of about 4 m thick. Our results suggests that the organic matter is an illuvial horizon, therefore warranting the hypothesis that the layer may qualify for a giant buried spodic horizon rather than a remainder of a Tertiary oil seepage as suggested by Van Riessen and Vandenberghe (1996). Of particular importance is the micro-morphological evidence, which reveals that the mainly monomorphous organic matter is present as ubiquitous coatings and concentrations around the quartz grains. These coatings show the for Podzols very typical polygonal cracked patterns. The geochemical signature (stable carbon isotope analysis) also gives strong indications for a continental origin of the organic carbon and therefore support the pedogenetic origin of the horizon. The paleopedological scene into which this soil has developed is inferred from the data.
Turtle remains (Testudines, Chelonioidea) from the Middle Turonian of northwest Germany
Authors: Diedrich C. , Hirayama R.
Published: April 2016

Turtle remains ascribed to the family Cheloniidae (Testudines, Cryptodira, Chelonioidea), collected from the lamarcki zone (Middle Turonian) at Wüllen (NW Germany) are described. The material consists of a right humerus, a scapula, a complete costalia, and costalia fragments of a single individual with the humerus indicating a primitive cheloniid of the ‘toxochelyid grade’. The present material, as well as previously recorded chelonioid humeri from the Cenomanian and Turonian of Germany illustrate a progressive diversification of chelonioids during the early Late Cretaceous.
Deformation of the Carboniferous on the Oldenburg High and the Location of the Variscan Front in Northwest Germany
Authors: von Hartmann H.
Published: April 2016

The article tries to answer the question of the origin and structural development of the deformation of the pre-Permian units southwest of Bremen. An interpretetion of a 3D-seismic survey was made to resolve the structural style of the Upper Carboniferous with the aim to get some clues for the Variscan deformation of the Variscan foreland. The area is suitable for the evaluation because of the existence of a 3D-seismic survey. Moreover, the depth of the Zechstein at. 4500 m is not to deep for imaging deeper reflections and there is not a severe distortion of the reflection pattern by later tectonic developments. Because of the 3D insight into the complex and deep seated structures, other 2D-seismic investigations which image similar parts can be better understood and interpretation errors can be avoided. It is concluded that only 3D-seismic measurements can resolve the complex structural devolopment at this site.
Identification by RAMAN Microscopy of magnesian vivianite formed from Fe2+, Mg, Mn2+and P043-’ in a Roman camp near fort Vechten, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Authors: Kloprogge J.T. , Visser D. , Martens W.N. , Duong L.V. , frost R.L.
Published: April 2016

The presence of a magnesian vivianite (Fe2+)2.5(Mg,Mn,Ca)0.5(PO4)2·8H2O, has been identified in a soil sample from a Roman camp near Fort Vechten, The Netherlands, using a combination of Raman microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. An unsubstituted vivianite and baricite were characterised for comparative reasons. The split phosphate-stretching mode is recognised around 1115, 1062 and 1015 cm−1, while the corresponding bending modes are found around 591, 519, 471 and 422 cm−1. The substitution of Mg and Mn for Fe2+in the crystal structure causes a shift towards higher wavenumbers compared to pure vivianite. As shown by the baričite sample substitution causes a broadening of the bands. The observed broadening however is larger than can be explained by substitution alone. The low intensity of the water bands, especially in the OH-stretching region between 2700 and 3700 cm−1indicates that the magnesian vivianite is partially dehydrated, which explains the much larger broadening than the observed broadening caused by substitution of Mg and Mn in vivianite and baričite.
The first record of siegenite (Ni,Co)3S4 from the Netherlands
Authors: Bongerts H.
Published: April 2016

Epigenetic mineralisations occurring in the former coal-mining district of Limburg predominantly consist of sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, quartz, Fe-dolomite/ankerite and calcite. The present note describes siegenite which was collected for the first time from this paragenesis some years ago.
Oligotrophic oceans and minimalist organisms: collapse of the Maastrichtian marine ecosystem and Paleocene recovery in the Cretaceous-Tertiary sequence of New Jersey
Authors: Gallagher W.B.
Published: April 2016

The inner Atlantic Coastal Plain of New Jersey reveals exposures of fossiliferous Maastrichtian and Danian deposits. Recent fossil discoveries in this interval are here reported, and placed in the context of Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) faunal changes. The exposure at the Inversand Pit at Sewell (New Jersey) is the last active marl mine in the region, and stands as an important reference section for the many significant discoveries of vertebrate fossils produced by the marl mining industry at its zenith. Changes in planktonic populations across the K/T boundary are related to Maastrichtian/Danian marine ecosystem community reorganisation, by demonstrating changes in abundance of dominant marine invertebrates in successive fossil assemblages. Marine invertebrates with non-planktotrophic larval stages were briefly the commonest fossils preserved in the Danian sediments of this region. Late surviving examples of Cretaceous fauna now restricted to the Indo-Pacific region may imply biogeographic changes linked to the K/T mass extinction event.
Maastrichtian or Maestrichtian? A proposal to the Subcommission on Cretaceous Stratigraphy (IUGS, International Commission on Stratigraphy)
Authors: Herngreen G.F.W.
Published: April 2016

This contribution deals with the dual spelling of the terminal Cretaceous Stage, the Maastrichtian or Maestrichtian. From a historical point of view and in agreement with the recommendations of the International Stratigraphic Guide (1st and 2nd editions) only Maestrichtian is justified. Nevertheless, the spelling Maastrichtian is proposed, or equivalents in other languages, because stratigraphic names should employ the spelling of place names in the country of their origin and, to be realistic, because Maastrichtian has been well established by its use in an overwhelming majority of the publications which have appeared during the last decades.
A review of the taxonomy and systematics of aigialosaurs
Authors: Dutchak A.R.
Published: April 2016

Aigialosaurs have been recognised as a group of semi-aquatic marine reptiles for over one hundred years. While the taxonomic status of aigialosaurs has changed little in the past century, the interfamilial relationships have been modified considerably making the phylogenetic relationships between aigialosaurs, mosasaurs, dolichosaurs, coniasaurs, varanids and other squamates a topic of much debate. The monophyly of the family Aigialosauridae has been contested by recent studies and remains highly questionable. The higher-level relationships of mosasauroids within Squamata remain problematic with studies placing mosasauroids outside of Varanidae, Varanoidea and even Anguimorpha. These findings conflict with earlier views that aigialosaurs (and by association mosasaurs) were closely related to Varanus. This study concludes that further descriptions of aigialosaur taxa are needed, and several key flaws need to be addressed in the data matrices that have been used in previous studies. This should facilitate the clarification of aigialosaur systematic relationships both within Mosasauroidea and Squamata.
Sea-surface temperatures and palaeoenvironments of dolichosaurs and early mosasaurs
Authors: Jacobs L.L. , Polcyn M.J. , Taylor L.H. , Ferguson K.
Published: April 2016

The north-central Texas Cretaceous section and its contained fossils, as compared to sections at ‘Ein Yabrud in the eastern Mediterranean region, demonstrate that dolichosaurs and primitive mosasaurs inhabited marine environments at least from the intertidal zone to <100 m in depth. The small body size of dolichosaurs and primitive mosasaurs, and the association of Haasiasaurus with marine snakes at ‘Ein Yabrud, suggest similar temperature requirements to modern sea snakes and marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), specifically sea-surface temperatures between approximately 20° and 30° С The Cenomanian and Turonian stages are characterised by widespread shallow seas with relatively high sea-surface temperatures extending to at least 45° N and 65° S latitude. The distribution of dolichosaurs, mosasaurs and snakes during this interval contradicts palaeoclimate models that predict high (>30° C) equatorial sea-surface temperatures and a steep latitudinal temperature gradient in the Northern Hemisphere.
Mosasaur ascending: the phytogeny of bends
Authors: Rothschild B.M. , Martin L.D.
Published: April 2016

Recognition of decompression syndrome-related pathology (in the form of avascular necrosis) reveals diving behaviour in mosasaurs. Macroscopic and radiologic examination was performed to identify linear bone death characteristic of avascular necrosis in vertebrae from the major North American and European collections. This survey of mosasaurs extends throughout most of their geographic and stratigraphic range and includes examples across their diversity.

Avascular necrosis was invariably present inPlatecarpus coryphaeusandP. ictericus, Tylosaurus proriger, Mosasaurus lemonnieriandM. conodon, Plioplatecarpus houzeauiandPl. primaevus, Prognathodon giganteus, Hainosaurus bernardiand an as yet unnamed Antarctic mosasaur. The frequency of occurrence in a given genus was independent of geography, present equally in European and North American and in the Niobara and Selma chalks. It was invariably absent fromClidastes propythonandC. liodontus, Ectenosaurus, Halisaurus and Kolposaurus.

The bone pathology, avascular necrosis, has a characteristic distribution in seven genera and thirteen species of mosasaurs and is absent in five genera and seven species. It segregated according to diving habits, uniformly present in supposed deep divers and uniformly absent in the shallow-habitat group.
Feeding the Mechanical Mosasaur: what did Carinodens eat?
Authors: Schulp A.S.
Published: April 2016

Carinodens is among the smallest known mosasaurs, and one of the most elusive at that. This enigmatic taxon is known from only two dentary fragments and just over a dozen of isolated teeth. Based on this material, an attempt is made to improve our understanding of the dietary habits of this mosasaur, by comparing tooth and jaw morphology to extant analogues, and by testing a biomechanical model with ‘feeding’ experiments using an artificial mosasaur jaw equipped with a force gauge. Carinodens appears to have been a durophagous mosasaur, capable of crushing small molluscs and arthropods, although its dietary habits may not necessarily have been limited to hard-shelled food.
Aggregate resources in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Meulen M.J. , van Gessel S.F. , Veldkamp J.G.
Published: April 2016

We have built a 3D lithological model of the Netherlands, for the purpose of mapping on-land aggregate resources down to 50 m below the surface. The model consists of voxel cells (1000 ⋅ 1000 ⋅ 1 m), with lithological composition and aggregate content estimates as primary attributes. These attributes were derived from ∼350,000 borehole descriptions. Overburdens and intercalations of cohesive or otherwise non-dredgeable materials were taken into account to define geologically exploitable aggregates within the total stock. We arrive at about 520 ⋅ 109 m3 of aggregates occurring in the depth range investigated. Some 50% of this amount is considered geologically exploitable and about 25% would in principle (but largely not in reality) be accessible. Most aggregates resources (∼98%) are coarse sand, which is processed for use in concrete, masonry mortars, drains, filters, etc. The total exploitable stock of coarse sand in the depth range investigated amounts to roughly 7500 times the current annual consumption level, and is virtually indepletable. The gravel stock, estimated at some 12 ⋅ 109 m3, is small by comparison, and impels a dependency on imports.

Exploitable aggregates occur in all but the coastal provinces. In accordance with current policy changes, the future may show a shift from concentrated production along the upstream Dutch Rhine and Meuse rivers towards a more even distribution of small-sized operations over the country. Fairly large aggregate stocks, that have not yet been exploited to significant extent, are available in the northern extent of the aggregates occurrences.
New geological data (Middle Triassic, Rhaetian-Liassic and Oligocene) of the Winterswijk quarry, the eastern Netherlands
Authors: Herngreen G.F.W. , van Konijnenburg - van Cittert J.H.A. , Oosterink H.W.
Published: April 2016

The present publication deals with recent palynological results of a relatively small interval of Muschelkalk and exposures of the overlying clay deposits in the Winterswijk quarries. For the first time the Lower Muschelkalk Member in the Netherlands could be independently dated as Bithynian (Anisian, Middle Triassic). Contrary to widely accepted opinions the overlying almost black clay deposit is not Liassic but Rhaetian in age and it is assigned to the Sleen Shale Formation. This marginal marine clay which pinches out to the south, is in turn overlain by a light gray, full-marine Lower-Oligocene clay of the Rupel Formation. An anomalous occurrence of Liassic clay is now attributed to subrosion of Röt salt followed by collapse of the overlying Muschelkalk, Rhaetian and Lias strata.
New prospects in geomorphological and geological mapping of the Rhine-Meuse Delta - Application of detailed digital elevation maps based on laser altimetry
Authors: Berendsen H.J.A. , Volleberg K.P.
Published: April 2016

Over the past 80 years, the Rhine-Meuse delta has been mapped extensively by drilling boreholes. These maps are compared with a new detailed digital elevation map of the Netherlands (AHN) that became available in 2004 and is based on very accurate, (sub-decimeter) laser-altimetry data. Examples show, that existing maps can be significantly improved. However, field checks remain a necessity. Therefore, the AHN-data need to be confronted with existing borehole descriptions using a GIS. Geomorphological analysis and geological interpretation of surface elevation patterns now enable us to map larger areas, in greater detail, with greater accuracy, and much faster. It is argued that detailed (≥1 : 50,000) geological mapping of the Netherlands should be resumed, combining the databases of Utrecht University, the National Geological Survey and Alterra.
Architecture of the Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta (the Netherlands) - A result of changing external controls
Authors: Gouw M.J.P. , Erkens G.
Published: April 2016

The Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta is formed under the influence of sea-level rise, tectonics, and variations in discharge and sediment supply. This paper aims to determine the relative importance of these external controls to improve our understanding of the evolution of the Rhine-Meuse fluvio-deltaic system. To do this, the geological and lithological composition of the fluvio-deltaic wedge has to be known in detail, both in space and time. This study presents five cross-valley sections in the Holocene Rhine-Meuse delta, based on almost 2000 shallow borings. Over 130 14C dates provide detailed time control and are used to draw time lines in the sections. Distinct spatio-temporal trends in the composition of the Holocene fluvio-deltaic wedge were found. In the upstream delta, the Holocene succession is characterised by stacked channel belts encased in clastic flood basin deposits through which several palaeo-A-horizon levels are traceable. In a downstream direction, the fluvio-deltaic wedge thickens from 3 to 7 m. The Holocene succession in the downstream cross sections formed from <8000 cal yr BP onwards and is characterised by single channel belts encased in organic flood basin deposits. The main part of the organic beds accumulated between 6000 and 3000 cal yr BP. After 3000 cal yr BP, clastic deposition dominated throughout the delta, indicating an increase in the area of clastic sedimentation. The Holocene fluvio-deltaic wedge is subdivided into three segments based on the relative importance of eustatic sea-level rise, subsidence, and upstream controls (discharge and sediment supply). Before 5000 cal yr BP, eustatic sea-level rise controlled the build-up of the wedge. After eustatic sea-level rise ceased, subsidence was dominant from 5000 to 3000 cal yr BP. From 3000 cal yr BP onwards, increased sediment supply and discharge from the hinterland controlled the formation of the fluvio-deltaic wedge. A significant part of the present-day Rhine-Meuse fluvio-deltaic wedge aggraded after eustatic sea-level rise ceased. We therefore conclude that external controls other than eustatic sea-level rise were also of major importance for the formation of the fluvio-deltaic wedge. Because this is probably true for other aggrading fluvial systems at continental margins as well, all external controls should be addressed to when interpreting (ancient) fluvio-deltaic successions.
New stratigraphic insights in the ’Late Jurassic’ of the Southern Central North Sea Graben and Terschelling Basin (Dutch Offshore) and related exploration potential
Authors: Abbink O.A. , Mijnlieff H.F. , Munsterman D.K. , Verreussel R.M.C.H.
Published: April 2016

Middle Jurassic - Early Cretaceous strata are a target for oil and gas exploration in the Dutch offshore. During the initial stages of the ‘Late Jurassic’ offshore exploration, various oil fields and a few gas fields were discovered of which only one, the F3-FB field, proved to be economically viable. In the Northern Offshore of the Netherlands, latest Middle Jurassic (Callovian) - earliest Cretaceous (Ryazanian) strata are mostly limited to the Dutch Central Graben and Terschelling basins. Outside the Dutch Central Graben and the Terschelling Basin only thin veneers of these strata occur on the fringing highs such as the Schill Grund High and the Step Graben. The geology of this non-marine to shallow marine succession is complex. The combination of lateral facies changes, repetitive log and facies characteristics in time, sea-level and climate changes, salt tectonics and structural compartmentalisation hamper straightforward seismic interpretation and log correlation. The large number of lithostratigraphic units defined in the Stratigraphic Nomenclature of the Netherlands illustrates the complexity of this time-interval.

In recent years, new biostratigraphic techniques and newly acquired stratigraphic data led to the identification of a series of events which can be related to the tectonic, climatic, environmental and stratigraphic development of the ‘Late Jurassic’ in the Dutch Central Graben and Terschelling basins. Based on these data, three stratigraphic sequences can be recognized. Sequence 1 (Callovian - earliest Kimmeridgian) records the initiation of the Dutch Central Graben, Sequence 2 (early Kimmeridgian - early Portlandian) that of the initiation of the Terschelling Basin. During sequence 3 (late Portlandian - Ryazanian) the Dutch offshore was draped by a regional transgression. These insights have directly impact on the exploration potential, which is discussed in two play concepts. The first is a strat-trap play in the fluvial/paralic sediments of Sequence 1 in the lows between the graben boundary and salt domes. The second example is the Spiculite play, which comprises a bioclastic sandstone reservoir at the top of a dome with a 4-way dip closure. These two examples highlight the necessity of understanding the paleoenvironment and geography for assessing the future exploration potential.
Geo (Im) pulse Caprovis savinii (Bovidae, Mammalia) rediscovered: horn core finds of an Early Pleistocene antelope from the North Sea floor
Authors: De Wilde B.
Published: April 2016

For more than 120 years since the name Caprovis savinii was founded on the basis of a bovid horn core from the ‘Forest Bed’ at Overstrand (Norfolk, UK), only one other find has been assigned to this species. Recently, two horn cores and one horn core fragment of the species have been discovered at two sand and gravel sorting centres in the Netherlands. The bone-bearing sediments are exposed on the North Sea floor, just off the coast of Great Yarmouth (Norfolk, UK). By comparing fossil and extant taxa, a classification within the bovid tribe Antilopini is proposed. Based on the accompanying fauna from the specific dredging area and the litho- and chronostratigraphy at Overstrand, C. savinii is placed within the Early Pleistocene.
Composition and genesis of rattlestones from Dutch soils as shown by Mössbauer spectroscopy, INAA and XRD
Authors: van Loef J.J.
Published: April 2016

The chemical and mineralogical composition of rattlestones found near the main Dutch rivers has been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, INAA and XRD. Rattlestones are concretions of iron, formed in an environment of lateral iron accumulation, under the influence of periodical oxidation, around a fine core of ferruginous sediments, mainly clay and sand. The core has shrunk and detached itself from the mantle around it. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to identify the iron oxides, among which goethite is predominant. The goethite crystallinity was investigated by measuring its magnetic properties and its crystallinity, which is poorest at the outer side of the stone. The latter is confirmed by the broadening of the different X-ray reflections. In addition, illite and vermiculite were identified by XRD; these clay minerals were found mainly in the core.

The elemental composition was determined by INAA. The iron content in the mantle is about 50% by weight and gradually decreases outwards, while the core contains 2–15% Fe by weight. Differences between rattlestones from the Middle Pleistocene East of the Meuse river and those from the Late Pleistocene North of it are the absence of lepidocrocite and a richer mineralogy in the former.

It is concluded that the rattlestones are formed around a fine clayey core. Groundwater supplied the iron and other (trace) elements for the genesis. It is unlikely that rattlestones are the result of oxidation of siderite.
A review of the occurrence of Corbicula in the Pleistocene of
North-West Europe
Authors: Meijer T. , Preece R.C.
Published: April 2016

Shells belonging to the bivalve genus Corbicula
occur commonly in Pleistocene interglacial deposits in NW Europe. These have
usually been identified as C. fluminalis, a modern
species described from the Euphrates river, although the veracity of this specific
attribution remains equivocal. Corbicula has nowadays a
southern distribution, and laboratory studies indicate that it is thermophilous.
It is also tolerant of brackish water, one of several attributes that make this an
effective colonizer.

In NW Europe, Corbicula is known from the Lower
Pleistocene but is absent from the Cromerian Complex, occuring again in the three
interglacials following the Anglian/Elsterian. It appears to be unknown from the
last interglacial, except as derived fossils.
Last-interglacial records from central Asia to the northern Black Sea
shoreline: stratigraphy and correlation
Authors: Dodonov A.E. , Tchepalyga A.L. , Mihailescu C.D. , Zhou L.P. , Markova A.K. , Trubikhin V.M. , Simakova A.N. , Konikov E.G.
Published: April 2016

The records of the last interglacial in several palaeogeographical zones and
various sedimentary environments from Central Asia to the Black Sea shoreline are
presented. The last interglacial is characterized in the study areas by a two- or
three-unit stratigraphical complex with both terrestrial and marine formations.
Finds of significant small mammalian remains, together with a characteristic
mollusc fauna in the Karangatian marine sediments, provide key levels for
biostratigraphical correlation between the marine and continental deposits. New
U/Th dates allow the correlation of the Karangatian transgression with
δ18O substage 5e.
The Eemian interglacial in Sweden, and comparison with Finland
Authors: Robertsson Ann-Marie
Published: April 2016

The current status of knowledge concerning the Eemian interglacial in Sweden
is surveyed, and comparisons are made with northern and western Finland. The
course of shore displacement is fragmentarily known for Sweden, since
brackish-marine sediments have been identified, on the basis of diatom analysis,
at only few sites. In Finland, on the other hand, a shoredisplacement curve has
been constructed for the Eemian Baltic Sea in Ostrobothnia, central western
Finland.

The vegetation history is summarised for the southernmost part of Sweden, and
can be correlated with that documented in Denmark. For the central part of Sweden,
information is sparse, but the composition of the forests has been outlined for
most of the interglacial, although information on regional pollen assemblage zones
E3 and E4 (early-temperate substage) are mainly missing. A more complete picture
of the interglacial vegetational history is known from Ostrobothnia in Finland.
The thermophilous indicators Viscum, Ilex, Hedera and
Osmunda grew far North during the Eemian.
Corylus and Carpinus
expanded much further to the North than during the Holocene. In Swedish and
Finnish Lapland, the vegetation history is similar except that
Larix was common in Finland during the Eemian, but
its presence has so far not been confirmed in Sweden.

Eemian deposits relocated during the Weichselian glaciation contain pollen
and diatoms that can be used for reconstruction of the Eemian environment. No
clear indication of a rapid climatic deterioration during the Eemian has been
found so far in either Swedish or Finnish sequences.