ALBERT

Beschreibung:    Acquiring continuous and high-resolution natural records in recent 2,000 years is the hot issue in the palaeoclimate research. Recent studies revealed that Li/Ca and Mg/Li ratio of carbonate is a potential tracer of past environmental changes in the oceans, and is seldom applied for palaeoclimate reconstruction in lakes. To make full understanding of the potential of Li/Ca ratios of carbonates in lakes, Li/Ca ratios of monospecific ostracod shell Eucypris inflate with similar size in the lacustrine sediment core from Lake Qinghai, NE Tibetan Plateau have been analysed for the first time. Single species can effectively avoid the interspecies effects. In combination with the sedimentation rate that existed, data derived from 210 Pb and 137 Cs, downcore variations of Li/Ca ratios of ostracod shells during the past 800 years in Lake Qinghai have been reconstructed successfully. By comparing Li/Ca ratios and temperature inferred from meteorological records and tree ring widths in Dulan and Qilianshan in adjacent regions, Li/Ca ratios of ostracod shells negatively correlate with temperature. Higher temperature corresponds with lower Li/Ca ratios, and vice versa, indicating that Li/Ca ratio of ostracod shells is an effective indicator for temperature variations. Therefore, ongoing in-depth investigation using Li/Ca ratios of carbonates in more lakes to further reveal its palaeotemperature implications would be deserved. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1617-z Authors Zheng-jie Zhu, The State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Jing-an Chen, The State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Da-hua Li, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Exogenic Mineralization and Mine Environment, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing, 400042 China Shi-cong Ren, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Exogenic Mineralization and Mine Environment, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing, 400042 China Fang Liu, Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Baise University, Baise, 533000 China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Precise estimation of soil organic carbon storage is essential to assess carbon sequestration in soils at a regional scale. However, there is great uncertainty regarding such estimations for discontinuous soils, especially in peak-karst regions where soil is distributed between horizontal cracks and vertical fissures. In this study, a modified method was developed to estimate the soil organic carbon density (SOCD) in peak-karst regions in southwest China, and four typical sites were selected to evaluate this methodology. Compared with the conventional method, additional soil distribution characters, such as the average depth and the proportions of the ground surface area represented by continuous soil, soil in cracks and fissures, soil on rocks, and rocky soil, were considered in the estimation. The SOCD under each vegetation type was calculated by totaling the SOCD values for the various types of soil surfaces, and the SOCD for a site was then totaled using the weighted mean method based on vegetation. Using the modified method, the SOCD values were estimated for the four typical sites selected. The estimation results demonstrated that the SOCD values for the karst sites (6.39, 7.52, and 9.22 kg m −2 ) were lower than that for the red soil site (10.01 kg m −2 ). The SOCD values estimated for the karst sites using the proposed method ranged from 24.3 to 89.6% of the estimates obtained using the conventional method, reflecting previous overestimations. The differences in the estimated SOCD values were mainly due to soil distribution characters. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1618-y Authors Hua Zheng, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Yirong Su, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Xunyang He, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Lening Hu, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Jinshui Wu, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Daoyou Huang, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Lei Li, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Cixian Zhao, Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture Ecology, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125 China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung: Introductory editorial: advances in karst hydrogeology Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1621-3 Authors Bartolomé Andreo, Department of Geology and Centre of Hydrogeology, University of Málaga, 28091 Málaga, Spain Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung: Upcoming international events Content Type Journal Article Category Events Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1612-4 Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Based on newly available data of both, the structural setting and thermal properties, we compare 3D thermal models for the area of Brandenburg, located in the Northeast German Basin, to assess the sensitivity of our model results. The structural complexity of the basin fill is given by the configuration of the Zechstein salt with salt diapirs and salt pillows. This special configuration is very relevant for the thermal calculations because salt has a distinctly higher thermal conductivity than other sediments. We calculate the temperature using a FEMethod to solve the steady state heat conduction equation in 3D. Based on this approach, we evaluate the sensitivity of the steady-state conductive thermal field with respect to different lithospheric configurations and to the assigned thermal properties. We compare three different thermal models: (a) a crustal-scale model including a homogeneous crust, (b) a new lithosphere-scale model including a differentiated crust and (c) a crustal-scale model with a stepwise variation of measured thermal properties. The comparison with measured temperatures from different structural locations of the basin shows a good fit to the temperature predictions for the first two models, whereas the third model is distinctly colder. This indicates that effective thermal conductivities may be different from values determined by measurements on rock samples. The results suggest that conduction is the main heat transport mechanism in the Brandenburg area. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1614-2 Authors Vera Noack, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany Mauro Cacace, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Drainage of landfill cover systems is often inadequate and buildup of seepage forces can occur over time. However, in most design analyses the seepage buildup is neglected and assumed to have only a minor impact on the seismic performance of landfill cover systems. Actually, simply ignoring the seepage buildup will lead to serious overestimation of the factor of safety. A new two-wedge method was developed to analyze the seismic stability of landfill cover systems under different seepage buildup conditions. The solutions of the factor of safety and the yield acceleration coefficient can be obtained, and the permanent displacement of landfill cover systems can also be calculated using the Newmark method. Based on the developed seismic analysis method, the effects of a parametric variation on the seismic stability and permanent displacement of landfill cover systems are presented. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1619-x Authors Shi-Jin Feng, Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Si Ping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092 China Li-Ya Gao, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tongji University, Si Ping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are undergoing an accelerating retreat under climatic warming, with the immediate result of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) becoming increasingly frequent. Glacial lakes in the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau are densely distributed. Due to the difficulties associated with field investigations of glacial lakes, including remote locations and harsh weather conditions, methods which combine remote sensing, geographic information systems and hydrodynamic modeling (HEC-RAS) with field investigation were developed to assess regional glacial lake variation and hazard. The methods can be divided into three levels. At the first level, multi-temporal satellite images were used to (1) study the variation of glacial lakes for the whole region during recent decades, as well as (2) qualitatively identify potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLs). The second level is an in-depth evaluation of the degree of danger for selected PDGLs by ground-based surveys, and then verification of the first-level results. At the third level, the one-dimensional (1D) hydrodynamic model HEC-RAS was used to simulate the inundation characteristics of hypothetical outburst of PDGLs. The three levels downscale from the whole study area to individual PDGLs, and thus assess the hazard of glacial lakes progressively. The methods were then applied to a region of southeastern Tibet—the Boshula mountain range—to analyze the variation of glacial lakes and assess potential hazards posed by GLOFs. Since these methods employ easily accessible data and instruments, the application in other regions is promising. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1589-z Authors Weicai Wang, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Tandong Yao, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Wei Yang, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Daniel Joswiak, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Meilin Zhu, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    The impact of gravel excavation on a groundwater dependent ecosystem (GDE) in a glacial outwash plain was determined using a combination of time-series stable isotopic measurements (δ 2 H and δ 18 O) and a numerical flow model of lake–groundwater interaction. Isotopic analyses of the lake and groundwater indicated a shift from a dominance of evaporative enrichment to more meteoric conditions, confirming the hypothesis of increased recharge following forest clearing and gravel extraction from an esker on the outwash plain. The effect of these land-use changes on source water for the GDE was quantified by simulating the lake water budget, seepage, and groundwater conditions for a period spanning pre- and post-mining activity. Enhanced cycling of shallow groundwater, driven by increased recharge in the gravel excavation area, was predicted to cause annual groundwater discharge pulses greater than baseline conditions for the groundwater-fed lake. The additional groundwater discharge represents approximately 4% of the annual lake budget, increasing the flushing rate of the lake. The influence of regional groundwater conditions, represented by variation of water table gradient and outwash hydraulic conductivity, and an alternative excavation location were investigated in a sensitivity analysis. Simulation results illustrate that a simple groundwater capture zone analysis for the GDE could be used to determine a location for gravel excavation that would reduce impact on GDE water source. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1568-4 Authors B. D. Smerdon, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada C. A. Mendoza, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada K. J. Devito, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    This work reports a geochemical study of sediments from the upper Paracatu River Basin. The objective is to define the influences of Au, Zn, and Pb mineral deposits and mining activities on the sediment metal sources, distribution, and accretion. The samples were analyzed using ICP/OES, AAS, and XRD techniques and were treated with principal components analysis and the geo-accumulation index. The main geochemical processes that control the sediment composition are pyrite oxidation, muscovite weathering, carbonate dissolution, and the erosion of oxisols enriched with Zn and Pb. The upper Rico Stream has high Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Co, and Mn concentrations due erosion of oxisols and pyrite oxidation and muscovite alteration present in the parental rock. The artisanal alluvial gold mining increased the primary rock-minerals’ weathering and Hg sediment concentration. The lower Escuro River and Santa Catarina Stream are enriched with Zn and Pb due the erosion of metal-rich soils formed over galena, sphalerite, calamine, and willemite mineral deposits located upstream. Elements such as Ca, Mg, and Ba have low concentrations throughout the sampled area due the high solubility of these metals-bearing minerals. The dispersion of metals is limited by the basin geomorphology and their affinity to silt-clayey minerals and Fe and Mn oxides and hydroxides in circumneutral pH waters. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1574-6 Authors Daniel Santos Mulholland, Departamento de Geoquímica e Recursos Minerais, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil Geraldo Resende Boaventura, Departamento de Geoquímica e Recursos Minerais, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil Daniel Ferreira Araújo, Departamento de Geoquímica e Recursos Minerais, Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    The Hungtsaiping landslide was triggered by the Chi-Chi earthquake (Mw = 7.6), which occurred on September 20, 1999 near the town of Chi-Chi in Nantou County in central Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between geochemical characteristics and the landslide in the Hungtsaiping area. Water samples were collected from springs, creeks, ponds, groundwater and the Yonglu stream once every month from May 2008 to May 2009. Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes, ionic concentrations, electrical conductivities, and pH values were analyzed. The results show that the ionic concentrations display a significant spatial variation. For instance, calcium and magnesium bicarbonate-rich water was found on the top and the middle part of the slope. In addition, sodium bicarbonate-rich water with exceptionally high sulfate concentration was found on the foot of the slope. The sulfate content decreased with increasing elevation along the slope. Finally, a conceptual model was established by summarizing the hydrogeochemical analyses. After a scientific understanding of the mechanism of the Hungtsaiping landslide, all of the analytical information can be integrated for hazard prevention in the future. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1564-8 Authors Pei-Ying Lin, Institute of Applied Geology, National Central University, Taoyuan County 320, Zhongli, Taiwan Louis Loung-Yie Tsai, Institute of Applied Geology, National Central University, Taoyuan County 320, Zhongli, Taiwan Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280