ALBERT

Description / Table of Contents: Magnetostratigraphy is best known as a technique that employs correlation among different stratigraphic sections using the magnetic directions defining geomagnetic polarity reversals as marker horizons. The ages of the polarity reversals provide common tie points among the sections, allowing accurate time correlation. Recently, studies of magnetic methods and the timing of geological processes have acquired a broader meaning, now referring to many types of magnetic measurements within a stratigraphic sequence. Many of these measurements provide correlation and age control not only for the older and younger boundaries of a polarity interval, but also within intervals. Thus, magnetostratigraphy no longer represents a dating tool based only on geomagnetic polarity reversals, but comprises a set of techniques that includes measurements of geomagnetic field parameters, environmental magnetism, rock-magnetic properties, radiometric dating and astronomically forced palaeoclimatic change recorded in sedimentary rocks, and key corrections to magnetic directions related to geodynamics, palaeocurrents, tectonics and diagenetic processes.

Description / Table of Contents: The first ever SOIL ATLAS OF AFRICA uses striking maps, informative texts and stunning photographs to answer and explain these and other questions. Leading soil scientists from Europe and Africa have collaborated to produce this unique document. Using state-of-the-art computer mapping techniques, the Soil Atlas of Africa shows the changing nature of soil across the continent. It explains the origin and functions of soil, describes the different soil types that can be found in Africa and their relevance to both local and global issues. The atlas also discusses the principal threats to soil and the steps being taken to protect soil resources. The Soil Atlas of Africa is more than just a normal atlas. It presents a new and comprehensive interpretation of an often neglected natural resource. The Soil Atlas of Africa is an essential reference to a non-renewable resource that is fundamental for life on this planet.

Description / Table of Contents: L. M. Parson, C. L. Walker, and D. R. Dixon: Hydrothermal vents and processes / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:1-2, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.01 --- C. R. German, E. T. Baker, and G. Klinkhammer: Regional setting of hydrothermal activity / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:3-15, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.02 --- Sergey G. Krasnov, Irina M. Poroshina, and Georgiy A. Cherkashev: Geological setting of high-temperature hydrothermal activity and massive sulphide formation on fast- and slow-spreading ridges / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:17-32, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.03 --- Bramley J. Murton, Cindy Van Dover, and Eve Southward: Geological setting and ecology of the Broken Spur hydrothermal vent field: 29°10′N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:33-41, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.04 --- S. G. Krasnov, G. A. Cherkashev, T. V. Stepanova, B. N. Batuyev, A. G. Krotov, B. V. Malin, M. N. Maslov, V. F. Markov, I. M. Poroshina, M. S. Samovarov, A. M. Ashadze, L. I. Lazareva, and I. K. Ermolayev: Detailed geological studies of hydrothermal fields in the North Atlantic / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:43-64, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.05 --- Edward T. Baker: Characteristics of hydrothermal discharge following a magmatic intrusion / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:65-76, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.06 --- J. M. Edmond, A. C. Campbell, M. R. Palmer, G. P. Klinkhammer, C. R. German, H. N. Edmonds, H. Elderfield, G. Thompson, and P. Rona: Time series studies of vent fluids from the TAG and MARK sites (1986, 1990) Mid-Atlantic Ridge: a new solution chemistry model and a mechanism for Cu/Zn zonation in massive sulphide orebodies / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:77-86, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.07 --- G. P. Klinkhammer, C. S. Chin, C. Wilson, and C. R. German: Venting from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 37°17′N: the Lucky Strike hydrothermal site / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:87-96, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.08 --- R. H. James, H. Elderfield, M. D. Rudnicki, C. R. German, M. R. Palmer, C. Chin, M. J. Greaves, E. Gurvich, G. P. Klinkhammer, E. Ludford, R. A. Mills, J. Thomson, and A. C. Williams: Hydrothermal plumes at Broken Spur, 29°N Mid-Atlantic Ridge: chemical and physical characteristics / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:97-110, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.09 --- M. R. Palmer, E. M. Ludford, C. R. German, and M. D. Lilley: Dissolved methane and hydrogen in the Steinahóll hydrothermal plume, 63°N, Reykjanes Ridge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:111-120, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.10 --- Rachel A. Mills: Hydrothermal deposits and metalliferous sediments from TAG, 26°N Mid-Atlantic Ridge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:121-132, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.11 --- F. M. Stuart, P. J. Harrop, R. Knott, A. E. Fallick, G. Turner, Y. Fouquet, and D. Rickard: Noble gas isotopes in 25 000 years of hydrothermal fluids from 13°N on the East Pacific Rise / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:133-143, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.12 --- Penny Dickson, Adam Schultz, and Andrew Woods: Preliminary modelling of hydrothermal circulation within mid-ocean ridge sulphide structures / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:145-157, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.13 --- A. Rachel Pascoe and Johnson R. Cann: Modelling diffuse hydrothermal flow in black smoker vent fields / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:159-173, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.14 --- Rowena C. Duckworth, Richard Knott, Anthony E. Fallick, David Rickard, Bramley J. Murton, and Cindy Van Dover: Mineralogy and sulphur isotope geochemistry of the Broken Spur sulphides, 29°N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:175-189, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.15 --- Steven D. Scott and Raymond A. Binns: Hydrothermal processes and contrasting styles of mineralization in the western Woodlark and eastern Manus basins of the western Pacific / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:191-205, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.16 --- Richard Knott, Anthony E. Fallick, David Rickard, and Harald Bäcker: Mineralogy and sulphur isotope characteristics of a massive sulphide boulder, Galapagos Rift, 85°55′W / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:207-222, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.17 --- G. A. Cherkashev: Hydrothermal input into sediments of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:223-229, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.18 --- R. A. Hodkinson and D. S. Cronan: Hydrothermal sedimentation at ODP Sites 834 and 835 in relation to crustal evolution of the Lau Backarc Basin / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:231-248, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.19 --- S. M. Sudarikov, M. P. Davydov, V. L. Bazelyan, and V. G. Tarasov: Distribution and transformation of Fe and Mn in hydrothermal plumes and sediments and the potential function of microbiocoenoses / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:249-255, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.20 --- Cindy Lee van Dover: Ecology of Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vents / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:257-294, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.21 --- Bruce Shillito, Jean-Pierre Lechaire, Gérard Goffinet, and Francoise Gaill: Composition and morphogenesis of the tubes of vestimentiferan worms / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:295-302, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.22 --- P. R. Dando, J. A. Hughes, and F. Thiermann: Preliminary observations on biological communities at shallow hydrothermal vents in the Aegean Sea / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:303-317, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.23 --- S. M. Sudarikov and S. V. Galkin: Geochemistry of the Snake Pit vent field and its implications for vent and non-vent fauna / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:319-327, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.24 --- Gareth Rieley, Cindy L. van Dover, David B. Hedrick, David C. White, and Geoffrey Eglinton: Lipid characteristics of hydrothermal vent organisms from 9°N, East Pacific Rise / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:329-342, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.25 --- D. R. Dixon, D. A. S. B. Jollivet, L. R. J. Dixon, J. A. Nott, and P. W. H. Holland: The molecular identification of early life-history stages of hydrothermal vent organisms / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:343-350, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.26 --- Don A. Cowan: Hyperthermophilic enzymes: biochemistry and biotechnology / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:351-363, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.27 --- Christopher R. German and Martin V. Angel: Hydrothermal fluxes of metals to the oceans: a comparison with anthropogenic discharge / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:365-372, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.28 --- Kevin G. Speer and Karl R. Helfrich: Hydrothermal plumes: a review of flow and fluxes / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:373-385, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.29 --- Mark D. Rudnicki: Particle formation, fallout and cycling within the buoyant and non-buoyant plume above the TAG vent field / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 87:387-396, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.087.01.30

Description / Table of Contents: This book is a collection of keynote reviews and detailed case-studies covering the principal areas of active research and state-of-the-art industrial practice in the field of mine water management. It addresses both issues of water quantity (such as the impact of Iongwall mining on the piezometry and hydraulic properties of overlying aquifers) and water quality (spanning an array of sites from deep coal mines to open-pit base metal mines), as well as a wealth of hybrid, integrated studies in which hydrogeological and geochemical aspects are considered (and managed) together. The papers presented in this book are intended for practicing geologists and engineers involved in the management of active and abandoned mine sites all over the world. It is also of interest to academic geoscientists and students with interests in low-temperature aqueous geochemistry and the hydrogeology of complex, quasi-karstic groundwater flow systems.

Description / Table of Contents: The age of the Earth has long been a subject of great interest to scientists from many disciplines, particularly geologists, biologists, physicists and astronomers. This volume, The Age of the Earth: from 4004 BC to AD 2002, brings together contributors from these different subjects, along with historians, to produce a comprehensive review of how the Earth’s age has been perceived since ancient times. Touching on the works of eminent scholars from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, it describes how concepts of the Earth’s history changed as geology slowly separated itself from religious orthodoxy to emerge as a rigorous and self-contained science. Fossils soon became established as useful markers of relative age, while deductions made from geomorphological processes enabled the discussion of time in terms of years. By the end of the nineteenth century biologists and geologists were fiercely debating the issue with physicists who were unwilling to give them the time needed for evolution or uniformitarianism. With the discovery of radioactivity, attempts to calculate the Earth’s age entered a new era, although these early pioneers in radiometric dating encountered many difficulties, both technical and intellectual, before the enormity of geological time was fully recognized. This effort affected both the theory and practice of geology. Geochronology was largely responsible for it maturing into a professional scientific discipline, as increasingly refined techniques measured not only the age of the rocks, but the rate of processes which now elucidate many aspects of the Earth’s evolution. Even today the Earth’s chronology remains a contentious topic - particularly for those dating the oldest rocks - and it is implicated in debates surrounding our hominid ancestors, the origins and development of life, and the age of the universe. The Age of the Earth: from 4004 bc to AD 2002 will be of particular interest to geologists, geochemists, and historians of science, as well as astronomers, archaeologists, biologists and the general reader with an interest in science.

Description / Table of Contents: Antarctica and supercontinent evolution: historical perspectives, recent advances and unresolved issues / Simon L. Harley, Ian C. W. Fitzsimons and Yue Zhao / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 1-34, 9 October 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.9 --- The Mesoproterozoic Rayner Province in the Lambert Glacier area: its age, origin, isotopic structure and implications for Australia–Antarctica correlations / E. V. Mikhalsky, J. W. Sheraton, I. V. Kudriavtsev, S. A. Sergeev, V. P. Kovach, I. A. Kamenev and A. A. Laiba / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 35-57, 20 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.1 --- Pb isotopic domains from the Indian Ocean sector of Antarctica: implications for past Antarctica–India connections / M. J. Flowerdew, S. Tyrrell, S. D. Boger, I. C. W. Fitzsimons, S. L. Harley, E. V. Mikhalsky and A. P. M. Vaughan / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 59-72, 20 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.3 --- Boron- and phosphate-rich rocks in the Larsemann Hills, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica: tectonic implications / Edward S. Grew, Christopher J. Carson, Andrew G. Christy and Steven D. Boger / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 73-94, 20 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.8 --- The c. 1000–900 Ma and c. 550–500 Ma tectonothermal events in the Prince Charles Mountains–Prydz Bay region, East Antarctica, and their relations to supercontinent evolution / Xiaochun Liu, Yue Zhao and Jianmin Hu / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 95-112, 20 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.6 --- Contrasting metamorphic records and their implications for tectonic process in the central Sør Rondane Mountains, eastern Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica / Tatsuro Adachi, Tomokazu Hokada, Yasuhito Osanai, Nobuhiko Nakano, Sotaro Baba and Tsuyoshi Toyoshima / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 113-133, 13 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.4 --- Possible armalcolite pseudomorph-bearing garnet–sillimanite gneiss from Skallevikshalsen, Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica: Implications for ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism / Toshisuke Kawasaki, Tatsuro Adachi, Nobuhiko Nakano and Yasuhito Osanai / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 135-167, 20 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.2 --- Anatectic reworking and differentiation of continental crust along the active margin of Gondwana: a zircon Hf–O perspective from West Antarctica / Chris Yakymchuk, Christine S. Siddoway, C. Mark Fanning, Rory Mcfadden, Fawna J. Korhonen and Michael Brown / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 169-210, 18 June 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.7 --- Reconstruction of the early Mesozoic plate margin of Gondwana by U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from northern Victoria Land, Antarctica / Martin Elsner, Robert Schöner, Axel Gerdes and Reinhard Gaupp / Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 383, 211-232, 16 May 2013, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP383.5

Description / Table of Contents: Zeolites were looked upon as a geological curiosity until the latter part of the 20th century, but they are now known to be widespread throughout the world in sedimentary and igneous deposits and in soils. This volume describes their formation and occurrence in these environments. It also describes the latest information on their crystal structures and chemistry and presents entirely new information on zeolite stability and on cation exchange. Four chapters also describe applications of natural zeolites ranging from building material to high-tech refrigeration devices.

Description / Table of Contents: This volume was produced in response to the need for a comprehensive introduction to the continually evolving state of the art of synchrotron radiation applications in low-temperature geochemistry and environmental science. It owes much to the hard work and imagination of the devoted cadre of sleep-deprived individuals who blazed a trail that many others are beginning to follow. Synchrotron radiation methods have opened new scientific vistas in the earth and environmental sciences, and progress in this direction will undoubtedly continue. The organization of this volume is as follows. Chapter 1 (Brown and Sturchio) gives a fairly comprehensive overview of synchrotron radiation applications in low temperature geochemistry and environmental science. The presentation is organized by synchrotron methods and scientific issues. It also has an extensive reference list that should prove valuable as a starting point for further research. Chapter 2 (Sham and Rivers) describes the ways that synchrotron radiation is generated, including a history of synchrotrons and a discussion of aspects of synchrotron radiation that are important to the experimentalist. The remaining chapters of the volume are organized into two groups. Chapters 3 through 6 describe specific synchrotron methods that are most useful for single-crystal surface and mineral-fluid interface studies. Chapters 7 through 9 describe methods that can be used more generally for investigating complex polyphase fine-grained or amorphous materials, including soils, rocks, and organic matter. Chapter 3 (Fenter) presents the elementary theory of synchrotron X-ray reflectivity along with examples of recent applications, with emphasis on in situ studies of mineral-fluid interfaces. Chapter 4 (Bedzyk and Cheng) summarizes the theory of X-ray standing waves (XSW), the various methods for using XSW in surface and interfaces studies, and gives a brief review of recent applications in geochemistry and mineralogy. Chapter 5 (Waychunas) covers the theory and applications of grazing-incidence X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy, with recent examples of studies at mineral surfaces. Chapter 6 (Hirschmugl) describes the theory and applications of synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy. Chapter 7 (Manceau, Marcus, and Tamura) gives background and examples of the combined application of synchrotron X-ray microfluorescence, microdiffraction, and microabsorption spectroscopy in characterizing the distribution and speciation of metals in soils and sediments. Chapter 8 (Sutton, Newville, Rivers, Lanzirotti, Eng, and Bertsch) demonstrates a wide variety of applications of synchrotron X-ray microspectroscopy and microtomography in characterizing earth and environmental materials and processes. Finally, Chapter 9 (Myneni) presents a review of the principles and applications of soft X-ray microspectroscopic studies of natural organic materials. All of these chapters review the state of the art of synchrotron radiation applications in low temperature geochemistry and environmental science, and offer speculations on future developments. The reader of this volume will acquire an appreciation of the theory and applications of synchrotron radiation in low temperature geochemistry and environmental science, as well as the significant advances that have been made in this area in the past two decades (especially since the advent of the third-generation synchrotron sources). We hope that this volume will inspire new users to "see the light" and pursue their research using the potent tool of synchrotron radiation.

Description / Table of Contents: Until only a few years ago, I would never have imagined that a volume on the stable isotope geochemistry of elements like Mg, Fe or Cu would be written. In fact, a comic book of blank pages entitled The Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Fluorine would have been a more likely prospect. In volume 16 of this series, published in 1986, I wrote: Isotopic variations have been looked for but not found for heavy elements like Cu, Sn, and Fe .... Natural variations in isotopic ratios of terrestrial materials have been reported for other light elements like Mg and K, but such variations usually turn out to be laboratory artifacts. I am about ready to eat those words. We have known for many years that large isotopic fractionations of heavy elements like Pb develop in the source regions of TIMS machines. Nonetheless, most of us held fast to the conventional wisdom that no significant mass-dependent isotopic fractionations were likely to occur in natural or laboratory systems for elements that are either heavy or engaged in bonds with a dominant ionic character. With the relatively recent appearance of new instrumentation like MC-ICP-MS and heroic methods development in TIMS analyses, it became possible to make very precise measurements of the isotopic ratios of some of these non-traditional elements, particularly if they comprise three or more isotopes. It was eminently reasonable to reexamine these systems in this new light. Perhaps atomic weights could be refined, or maybe there were some unexpected isotopic variations to discover. There were around the turn of the present century, reports began appearing of biological fractionations of about 2-3 per mil for heavy elements like Fe and Cr and attempts were made to determine the magnitude of equilibrium isotope effects in these systems, both by experiment and semi-empirical calculations. Interest emerged in applying these effects to the study of environmental problems. Even the most recalcitrant skeptic now accepts the fact that measurable and meaningful variations in the isotopic ratios of heavy elements occur as a result of chemical, biological and physical processes. Most of the work discussed in this volume was published after the year 2000 and thus the chapters are more like progress reports rather than reviews. Skepticism now focuses on whether isotopic variations as small as 0.1 per mil are indeed as meaningful as some think, and the fact that measured isotopic fractionations of these non-traditional elements are frequently much smaller than predicted from theoretical considerations. In fact the large fractionations suggested by the calculations provide much of the stimulus for working in this discipline. Clearly some carefully designed experiments could shed light on some of the ambiguity. My optimism for the future of this burgeoning new field remains high because it is in very good hands indeed.

Description / Table of Contents: This book considers the geology between North and South America. It contributes to debate about the area's evolution, particularly that of the Caribbean. Prevailing understanding is that the Caribbean formed in the Pacific and was engulfed between the Americas as the latter drifted west. Accordingly, the Caribbean Plate comprises internal, Jurassic–Cretaceous oceanic rocks, thickened into a Cretaceous hotspot/plume plateau, with obducted ophiolites and Cretaceous–Palaeogene, subduction-related, intra-oceanic volcanic arc and metamorphosed arc/continental rocks exposed on its margins. An alternative interpretation is that the Caribbean evolved in place. It consists largely of continental crust, extended in the Triassic–Jurassic, which subsided below thick Jurassic–Cretaceous carbonate rocks and flood basalts, and Cenozoic carbonate and clastic rocks. After uplift of ‘oceanic’ and volcanic arc rocks onto (continental) margins, the interior foundered in the Middle Eocene. Papers range from regional overviews and discussions of Caribbean origins to aspects of local geology arranged in a circum-Caribbean tour and ending in the interior. They address tectonics, structure, geochronology, seismicity, igneous and metamorphic petrology, metamorphism, geochemistry, stratigraphy and palaeontology.