ALBERT

Description: Low titanium magmatism in northwest region of Paraná continental flood basalts (Brazil): volcanological aspects Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2215-2259, 2014 Author(s): F. B. Machado, E. R. Viana Rocha-Júnior, A. J. Ranalli Nardy, and L. Soares Marques The early Cretaceous Paraná Continental Flood Basalts (PCFB) is considered as one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world. In Brazil, it completes the last sequence of the sedimentary Paraná Basin (Serra Geral Fm.). The geological unit is contemporary to desert sandstones of Botucatu Fm. and precedes the continental sediments of the Bauru Basin. This Large Igneous Province (LIP) is divided into different types of geochemical magmas which basically are based on TiO 2 content (higher – HTi or lower LTi than 2 wt.% in TiO 2 ) and incompatible trace elements ratio. Therefore, we studied the magma LTi (TiO 2 〈 2.0 wt.%), denominated Ribeira which occurs in the northwestern portion of PCFP which is poorly researched mainly in volcanological and geochemical aspects. This basaltic magma, a short expression in PCFB, occurs in the form of multiple pahoehoe flows with thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 30 m in compound type flows under low surface slope. Peperites zones are common when associated with the first flows, and sand-filled cracks in the lower and upper edges at all pahoehoe levels when in contact with the sediment. Upward these first sequences of interactions with sediment, on the inside direction basin, simple pahoehoe flows occur being associated with Pitanga magma type (HTi, with TiO 2 〉 2.0 wt.%). Based on rheology data considering anhydrous environment and the composition of plagioclase (An (42–67) ) and clinopyroxene (Wo (30–40) En (34–46) Fs (17–32) ) showed that the LTi magma is hotter than HTi, with temperatures that range from 1069 °C to 1248 °C while for the second range from 1020 °C to 1201 °C.

Description: Wave-equation based traveltime seismic tomography – Part 2: Application to the 1992 Landers earthquake ( M w 7.3) area Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2567-2613, 2014 Author(s): P. Tong, D. Zhao, D. Yang, X. Yang, J. Chen, and Q. Liu High-resolution 3-D P and S wave crustal velocity and Poisson's ratio models of the 1992 Landers earthquake ( M w 7.3) area are determined iteratively by a wave-equation based traveltime seismic tomography (WETST) technique as developed in the first paper. The details of data selection, synthetic arrival-time determination, and trade-off analysis of damping and smoothing parameters are presented to show the performance of this new tomographic inversion method. A total of 78 523 P wave and 46 999 S wave high-quality arrival-time data from 2041 local earthquakes recorded by 275 stations during the period of 1992–2013 is used to obtain the final tomographic models which costs around 10 000 CPU h. Checkerboard resolution tests are conducted to verify the reliability of inversion results for the chosen seismic data and the wave-equation based traveltime seismic tomography method. Significant structural heterogeneities are revealed in the crust of the 1992 Lander earthquake area which may be closely related to the local seismic activities. Strong variations of velocity and Poisson's ratio exist in the source regions of the Landers and three other strong earthquakes in this area. Most seismicity occurs in areas with high-velocity and low Poisson's ratio, which may be associated with the seismogenic layer. Pronounced low-velocity anomalies revealed in the lower crust along the Elsinore, the San Jacinto and the San Andreas faults may reflect the existence of fluids in the lower crust. The recovery of these strong heterogeneous structures are facilitated by the use of full wave equation solvers and WETST and verifies their ability in generating high-resolution tomographic models.

Description: Soil physical quality changes under different management systems after 10 years in Argentinian Humid Pampa Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2615-2644, 2014 Author(s): J. L. Costa, V. C. Aparicio, and A. Cerda The Argentinian Humid Pampa extends over about 60 million ha, 90% of which are agricultural lands. The southeast of the Buenos Aires Province is part of the Humid Pampa (1 206 162 ha). The main crops are wheat, sunflower, corn and soybean. The management systems used in the area are: moldboard plow (MP), chisel plow (CP) and no-till (NT). Excessive soil cultivation under MP causes decreases in the soil organic carbon content (SOC). Adopting NT may reduce the effects of intensive agriculture, through the maintenance and accumulation of SOC. However, the soil compaction under NT causes degradation of the soil structure, reduces the soil water availability and reduces the soil hydraulic conductivity. We evaluated the evolution of the soil physical parameters in three management systems. After 10 years of experiments in four farmers' fields, we found that: soil bulk density was significantly higher under NT. The change in mean weight diameter (CMWD) of aggregates increased as the management system became more intensive. We did not find significant differences in time and management systems in hydraulic conductivity at tension (h) 0 cm and h =20 cm. The reduction in total porosity under NT is mainly a product of a reduction in the percentage of mesopores in the soil. Time had no statistically significant effect on the SOC content. The management system did not affect the yields of crop. In this work, the results indicate a modification of some soil physical parameters (porosity, near-saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil structure) due to uninterrupted agricultural production.

Description: Wave-equation based traveltime seismic tomography – Part 1: Method Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2523-2566, 2014 Author(s): P. Tong, D. Zhao, D. Yang, X. Yang, J. Chen, and Q. Liu In this paper, we propose a wave-equation based traveltime seismic tomography method with a detailed description of its step-by-step process. First, a linear relationship between the traveltime residual Δ t = T obs – T syn and the relative velocity perturbation δ c ( x ) / c ( x ) connected by a finite-frequency traveltime sensitivity kernel K ( x ) is theoretically derived using the adjoint method. To accurately calculate the traveltime residual Δ t , two automatic arrival-time picking techniques including the envelop energy ratio method and the combined ray and cross-correlation method are then developed to compute the arrival times T syn for synthetic seismograms. The arrival times T obs of observed seismograms are usually determined by manual hand picking in real applications. Traveltime sensitivity kernel K ( x ) is constructed by convolving a forward wavefield u ( t , x ) with an adjoint wavefield q ( t , x ). The calculations of synthetic seismograms and sensitivity kernels rely on forward modelling. To make it computationally feasible for tomographic problems involving a large number of seismic records, the forward problem is solved in the two-dimensional (2-D) vertical plane passing through the source and the receiver by a high-order central difference method. The final model is parameterized on 3-D regular grid (inversion) nodes with variable spacings, while model values on each 2-D forward modelling node are linearly interpolated by the values at its eight surrounding 3-D inversion grid nodes. Finally, the tomographic inverse problem is formulated as a regularized optimization problem, which can be iteratively solved by either the LSQR solver or a non-linear conjugate-gradient method. To provide some insights into future 3-D tomographic inversions, Fréchet kernels for different seismic phases are also demonstrated in this study.

Description: Tunable diode laser measurements of hydrothermal/volcanic CO 2 , and implications for the global CO 2 budget Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2645-2674, 2014 Author(s): M. Pedone, A. Aiuppa, G. Giudice, F. Grassa, V. Francofonte, B. Bergsson, and E. Ilyinskaya Quantifying the CO 2 flux sustained by low-temperature fumarolic fields in volcanic-hydrothermal environment has remained a challenge, to date. Here, we explored the potentiality of a commercial infrared tunable laser unit for quantifying such fumarolic volcanic/hydrothermal CO 2 fluxes. Our field tests were conducted (between April 2013 and March 2014) at Nea Kameni (Santorini, Greece), Hekla and Krýsuvík (Iceland) and Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). At these sites, the tunable laser was used to measure the path-integrated CO 2 mixing ratios along cross-sections of the fumaroles' atmospheric plumes. By using a tomographic post-processing routine, we then obtained, for each manifestation, the contour maps of CO 2 mixing ratios in the plumes and, from their integration, the CO 2 fluxes. The so-calculated CO 2 fluxes range from low (5.7 ± 0.9 t day −1 ; Krýsuvík) to moderate (524 ± 108 t day −1 ; "La Fossa" crater, Vulcano). Overall, we suggest that the cumulative CO 2 contribution from weakly degassing volcanoes in hydrothermal stage of activity may be significant at global scale.

Description: Effects of land use changes on kinetics of potassium release in sweetpotato garden soils of the highlands, Papua New Guinea Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2843-2865, 2014 Author(s): B. K. Rajashekhar Rao The present study attempts to employ K release parameters to identify soil quality degradation due to changed land use pattern in sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) gardens of Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Soils with widely differing exchangeable and non-exchangeable K contents were successively extracted 569 h in 0.01 M CaCl 2 and K release data was fitted to four mathematical models: first order, power, parabolic diffusion and Elovich equations. Results showed two distinct parts in the K release curves and 58–80% of total K were released to solution phase within 76 h (first 5 extractions) with 20–42% K released in the later parts (after 76 h). Soils from older gardens which were subjected to intensive and prolonged land use showed significantly ( P 〈 0.05 ) lower cumulative K release potential than the gardens which are recently brought to cultivation (new gardens). Among four equations, first order and power equations best described the K release pattern and the constant b , an index of K + release rates, ranged from 0.005–0.008 mg kg −1 h −1 in first order model, and was between 0.14 and 0.83 mg kg −1 h −1 in power model for the soils. In the non-volcanic soils, model constant b values were significantly ( P 〈 0.05) higher than the volcanic soils thus indicative of vulnerability of volcanic soils to K deficiency. The food garden soils need management interventions either through improved fallow management or through mineral fertilizers plus animal manures to sustain productivity.

Description: High-precision relocation of seismic sequences above a dipping Moho: the case of the January–February 2014 seismic sequence in Cephalonia Isl. (Greece) Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2699-2733, 2014 Author(s): V. K. Karastathis, E. Mouzakiotis, A. Ganas, and G. A. Papadopoulos Detailed velocity structure and Moho mapping is of crucial importance for a high precision relocation of seismicity occurring out of, or marginally to, the geometry of seismological networks, such as at the boundary of converging plates. The crustal thinning from the plate boundary towards the back-arc area creates significant errors in accurately locating the earthquake, especially when distant seismic phases are included in the analysis. The case of the Cephalonia (Ionian Sea, Greece) sequence of January–February 2014 provided an excellent example where locations were greatly affected by the crustal thinning from the plate boundary at the Ionian sea towards the Aegean sea. This effect was examined in detail by testing various velocity models of the region in order to determine an optimal model. Our tests resulted in the adoption of a velocity model that resembles the crustal thinning of the region. Then, a relocation procedure was performed in the Cephalonia sequence for the time period from 26 January 2014 to 15 May 2014 by applying probabilistic non-linear location algorithms. The high-precision relocation resulted in an improved spatial distribution of the seismicity with respect to the preliminary locations and provided a reliable basis to examine seismotectonic implications of the Cephalonia sequence.

Description: Microscale strain partitioning? Differential quartz lattice preferred orientation development in micaceous phyllite, Hindu Kush, northwestern Pakistan Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2735-2758, 2014 Author(s): K. P. Larson, J. L. Lamming, and S. Faisal Spatially referenced quartz c axis fabrics demonstrate the preservation of multiple, distinct fabrics in a specimen collected from northwestern Pakistan. The overall fabric yielded by the specimen is dominated by a single population of quartz grains, while the fabric signatures of two other unique, spatially distinct populations are overwhelmed. It is these minor fabrics, however, that provide information on temperature of deformation (403 ± 50 °C), differential stress (8.6 + 2.6/−1.5 MPa to 15.0 +3.8/−2.5 MPa), strain rate (10 −16 s −1 to 10 −15 s −1 ), and strain partitioning recorded by the specimen. This work highlights the potential importance of using spatially referenced data when conducting lattice preferred orientation analyses.

Description: GrainSizeTools: a Python script for estimating the dynamically recrystallized grain size from grain sectional areas Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3141-3196, 2014 Author(s): M. A. Lopez-Sanchez and S. Llana-Fúnez Paleopiezometry and paleowattometry studies, required to validate models of lithospheric deformation, are increasingly common in structural geology. These studies require a numeric parameter to characterize and compare the dynamically recrystallized grain size of natural mylonites with those obtained in rocks deformed under controlled conditions in the laboratory. We introduce a new tool, a script named GrainSizeTools , to obtain a single numeric value representative of the dynamically recrystallized grain size from the measurement of grain sectional areas (2-D data). For this, it is used an estimate of the most likely grain size of the grain size population, using an alternative tool to the classical histograms and bar plots: the peak of the Gaussian kernel density estimation. The results are comparable to those that can be obtained by other stereological software available, such as the StripStar and CSDCorrections , but with the advantage that the script is specifically developed to produce a single and reproducible value avoiding manual steps in the estimation, which penalizes reproducibility.

Description: Livestock redistribute runoff and sediments in semi-arid rangeland areas Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3197-3226, 2014 Author(s): P. Sarah and M. Zonana Semi-arid areas where grazing is the main land use exhibit a "three-phase-mosaic" pattern of dominant surface patches: shrubs, trampling routes, and intershrub areas. This pattern differs from the "two-phase mosaic" seen in grazing-free semi-arid areas. The patches might create a positive feedback process in which enhanced infiltration beneath shrubs minimizes overland flow from under their canopies, thereby strengthening the sink/source mechanism by which overland flow generated between shrubs rapidly infiltrates into the soil beneath them, where it deposits soil particles, litter, nutrients and organic matter, thereby enhancing infiltration by changing the local microtopography, and improving soil properties. To analyze sink/source relationships among the patches in grazed areas in rangelands of the semi-arid northern Negev region of Israel we constructed small runoff plots, 0.25–1.0 m 2 in area, of five types: shrub ( Sarcopoterium spinosum ) (SH); intershrub (IS); and route (RU); route/shrub combination (RS); and intershrub/shrub combination (SI). The shrubs always occupied the downslope part of the plot. Overland flow and sediment deposits were measured in all plots during 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. The combined plots – SI and SR – yielded much less overland flow and sediments than IS, RU and SH, indicating that the shrubs absorbed almost all the yields of the upper part of their plots. The shrubs generated less runoff and sediments than routes and intershrubs; runoff flows from the routes and intershrubs were similar; sediment yield was highest in the intershrubs. Thus, runoff yield exhibited a two-phase mosaic pattern, and sediment yield, i.e., soil erosion, a three-phase mosaic pattern.

Description: Aggregate breakdown and surface seal development influenced by rain intensity, slope gradient and soil particle size Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3303-3331, 2014 Author(s): S. Arjmand Sajjadi and M. Mahmoodabadi Aggregate breakdown is an important process which controls infiltration rate (IR) and the availability of fine materials necessary for structural sealing under rainfall. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different slope gradients, rain intensities and particle size distributions on aggregate breakdown and IR to describe the formation of surface sealing. To address this issue, 60 experiments were carried out in a 35 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm detachment tray using a rainfall simulator. By sieving a sandy loam soil, two sub-samples with different maximum aggregate sizes of 2 mm ( D max 2 mm) and 4.75 mm ( D max 4.75 mm) were prepared. The soils were exposed to two different rain intensities (57 and 80 mm h -1 ) on several slopes (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20%) each at three replications. The result showed that the most fraction percentages in soils D max 2 mm and D max 4.75 mm were in the finest size classes of 0.02 and 0.043 mm, respectively for all slope gradients and rain intensities. The soil containing finer aggregates exhibited higher transportability of pre-detached material than the soil containing larger aggregates. Also, IR increased with increasing slope gradient, rain intensity and aggregate size under unsteady state conditions because of less development of surface seal. But under steady state conditions, no significant relationship was found between slope and IR. The finding of this study revealed the importance of rain intensity, slope steepness and soil aggregate size on aggregate breakdown and seal formation, which can control infiltration rate and the consequent runoff and erosion rates.

Description: Syn-eruptive, soft-sediment deformation of dilute pyroclastic density current deposits: triggers from granular shear, dynamic pore pressure, ballistic impacts and shock waves Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3261-3302, 2014 Author(s): G. A. Douillet, B. Taisne, È. Tsang-Hin-Sun, S. K. Müller, U. Kueppers, and D. B. Dingwell Soft-sediment deformation produces intriguing sedimentary structures and can occur in diverse environments and from a variety of triggers. From the observation of such structures and their interpretation in terms of trigger mechanisms, valuable information can be extracted about former conditions. Here we document examples of syn-eruptive deformation in dilute pyroclastic density current deposits. Outcrops from 6 different volcanoes have been compiled in order to provide a broad perspective on the variety of structures: Ubehebe craters (USA), Tungurahua (Ecuador), Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), Laacher See (Germany), Tower Hill and Purrumbete lake (both Australia). Isolated slumps as well as sinking pseudonodules are driven by their excess weight and occur after deposition but penecontemporaneous to the eruption. Isolated, cm-scale, overturned beds with vortex forms have been interpreted to be the signature of shear instabilities occurring at the boundary of two granular media. They may represent the frozen record of granular, pseudo Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities. Their recognition can be a diagnostic for flows with a granular basal boundary layer. The occurrence of degassing pipes together with basal intrusive dikes suggest fluidization during flow stages, and can facilitate the development of Kelvin–Helmholtz structures. The occurrence at the base of flow units of injection dikes in some outcrops compared with suction-driven local uplifts in others indicates the role of dynamic pore pressure. Variations of the latter are possibly related to local changes between depletive and accumulative dynamics of flows. Ballistic impacts can trigger unconventional sags producing local displacement or liquefaction. Based on the deformation depth, these can yield precise insights into depositional unit boundaries. Such impact structures may also be at the origin of some of the steep truncation planes visible at the base of the so-called "chute and pool" structures. Finally, the passage of shock waves emanating from the vent may be preserved in the form of trains of isolated, fine-grained overturned beds which may disturb the surface bedding without occurrence of a sedimentation phase in the vicinity of a vent. Dilute pyroclastic density currents occur contemporaneously with seismogenic volcanic explosions. They are often deposited on steep slopes and can incorporate large amounts of water and gas in the sediment. They can experience extremely high sedimentation rates and may flow at the border between traction, granular and fluid-escape boundary zones. These are just some of the many possible triggers acting in a single environment, and reveal the potential for insights into the eruptive mechanisms of dilute pyroclastic density currents.

Description: Identifying areas susceptible to desertification in the Brazilian Northeast Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3227-3260, 2014 Author(s): R. M. da Silva Pinto Vieira, J. Tomasella, R. C. dos Santos Alvalá, M. F. Sestini, A. G. Affonso, D. A. Rodriguez, A. A. Barbosa, A. P. M. do Amaral Cunha, G. de Fátima Valles, E. Crepani, S. B. P. de Oliveira, M. S. Benício de Souza, P. M. Calil, M. A. de Carvalho, D. de Morisson Valeriano, F. C. B. Campello, and M. O. Santana Approximately 57% of the Brazilian Northeast region is recognized as semiarid land and has been undergoing intense land use processes in the last decades, which have resulted in severe degradation of its natural assets. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the areas that are susceptible to desertification in this region based on the eleven driving factors of desertification (pedology, geology, geomorphology, topography data, land use and land cover change, aridity index, livestock density, rural population density, fire hot spot density, human development index (HDI), conservation units) which were model-simulated for two different periods: 2000 and 2010. Each indicator were assigned weights ranging from 1 to 2 (representing the best and the worst conditions), representing classes indicating low, moderate and high susceptibility to desertification. The result indicates that 94% of the Brazilian Northeast region is under moderate to high susceptibility to desertification. The areas that were susceptible to soil desertification increased by approximately 4.6% (83.35 km 2 ) from 2000 to 2010. The implementation of the methodology provide the technical basis for decision making that involves mitigating actions, as well as the first comprehensive national assessment within the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification framework.

Description: Ecological restoration and soil improvement performance of the seabuckthorn flexible dam in the Pisha Sandstone area of Northwestern China Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2803-2842, 2014 Author(s): F. S. Yang, M. M. Cao, H. E. Li, X. H. Wang, and C. F. Bi Soil erosion of the Pisha Sandstone area of Loess Plateau is extremely severe in China. The Pisha Sandstone is very hard when it is dry, while it is very frail when wet. The seabuckthorn flexible dam (SFD), a type of ecological engineering, was proposed to control soil erosion and meliorate soil within the Pisha Sandstone area. To assess its effectiveness and the ecological restoration and soil improvement performance, a field experiment was conducted in this area. We found the strong sediment retention capacity of the SFD is the basis of using it to restore the ecosystem. We compared some certain ecological factors and soil quality between a gully with the SFD and a gully without the SFD, including soil moisture, soil organic matter (SOM), soil nutrients (including Ammonia Nitrogen, available phosphorus and Potassium), vegetation coverage and biodiversity. The results showed that the SFD exhibits excellent performance for ecological restoration and soil improvement of this area. The results are as follows: (i) by the sediment retention action, the deposition commonly occurred in the SFD gully, and the deposition patterns are obviously different from upper to lower gully, (ii) more surprisingly, unlike trees or other shrubs, the seabuckthorn has good horizontal extending capacity by its root system, (iii) soil moisture, SOM, soil nutrients, vegetation coverage and biodiversity in the vegetated gully with the SFD are all markedly increased. The results showed the SFD is both effective and novel biological measure for ecological restoration and soil improvement within the Pisha Sandstone area.

Description: Influence of the Ringwoodite-Perovskite transition on mantle convection in spherical geometry as a function of Clapeyron slope and Rayleigh number Solid Earth Discussions, 3, 713-741, 2011 Author(s): M. Wolstencroft and J. H. Davies We investigate the influence on mantle convection of the negative Clapeyron slope ringwoodite to perovskite and ferro-periclase mantle phase transition, which is correlated with the seismic discontinuity at 660 km depth. In particular, we focus on understanding the influence of the magnitude of the Clapeyron slope (as measured by the Phase Buoyancy parameter, P ) and the vigour of convection (as measured by the Rayleigh number, Ra ) on mantle convection. We have undertaken 76 simulations of isoviscous mantle convection in spherical geometry varying Ra and P . Three domains of behaviour were found: layered convection for high Ra and more negative P , whole mantle convection for low Ra and less negative P and transitional behaviour in an intervening domain. The boundary between the layered and transitional domain was fit by a curve P = α Ra β where α = −1.05, and β = −0.1, and the fit for the boundary between the transitional and whole mantle convection domain was α = −4.8, and β = −0.25. These two curves converge at Ra ≈2.5×10 4 and P ≈−0.38. Extrapolating to high Ra , which is likely earlier in Earth history, this work suggests a large transitional domain. It is therefore likely that convection in the Archean would have been influenced by this phase change, with Earth being at least in the transitional domain, if not the layered domain.

Description: Structural evolution of the VMS-hosting Kristineberg area, Sweden – constraints from structural analysis and 3-D-modelling Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1281-1315, 2012 Author(s): P. Skyttä, T. Bauer, T. Hermansson, M. Dehghannejad, C. Juhlin, M. García, J. Hübert, and P. Weihed Structural mapping and 3-D-modelling with constraints from magnetotelluric (MT) and reflection seismic investigations have been used to provide a geological synthesis of the geometrically complex Kristineberg area in the western part of the Palaeoproterozoic Skellefte district. The results indicate that, like the south-eastern parts of the Skellefte district, the area was subjected to SSE-NNW transpressional deformation at around 1.87 Ga. The contrasting structural geometries between the Kristineberg and the central Skellefte district areas may be attributed to the termination and splaying of a major ESE-WNW-striking high-strain zone into several branches in the northern part of the Kristineberg area. The transpressional structural signature was preferentially developed within the southern of the two antiformal structures of the area, "the Southern antiform", which exposes the deepest cut through the crust and hosts all the economic volcanogenic massive sulphides (VMS) deposits of the area. Partitioning of the SSE-NNW transpression into N–S and E–W components led to formation of a characteristic "flat-steep-flat" geometry defining a highly non-cylindrical hinge of for the Southern antiform. Recognition of the transpressional structural signatures including the "flat-steep-flat" geometry and the distinct pattern of sub-horizontal E–W trending to moderately SW-plunging mineral lineations in the deeper crustal parts of the Kristineberg area is of significance for VMS exploration in both near mine and regional scales. The 3-D-model illustrating the outcomes of this study is available as a 3-D-PDF document through the publication website.

Description: DInSAR coseismic deformation of the May 2011 M w 5.1 Lorca earthquake, (Southern Spain) Solid Earth Discussions, 3, 963-974, 2011 Author(s): T. Frontera, A. Concha, P. Blanco, A. Echeverria, X. Goula, R. Arbiol, G. Khazaradze, F. Pérez, and E. Suriñach The coseismic superficial deformation at the region of Lorca (Murcia, southeastern Spain) due to the M w 5.1 earthquake occurred on 11 May 2011 was studied by a multidisciplinary team, integrating information from DInSAR, GPS and numerical modeling techniques. Despite the moderate magnitude of the event, quantitative information was obtained from the interferometric study of a pair of SAR images. Coseismic vertical deformation was differentiated from subsidence related to groundwater extraction at the footwall block through a numerical modeling deformation estimation based on elastic rupture dislocations. On the other hand, horizontal crustal deformation rates obtained from the analysis of a GPS network existent in the area are also coherent with the mechanism calculated for the earthquake.

Description: Reprocessed height time series of GPS stations at tide gauges Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1025-1067, 2012 Author(s): S. Rudenko, N. Schön, M. Uhlemann, and G. Gendt Precise weekly positions of 403 Global Positioning System (GPS) stations located worldwide are obtained by reprocessing GPS data of these stations at the time span from 4 January 1998 until 29 December 2007. The used processing algorithm and models as well as the solution and results obtained are presented. Vertical velocities of GPS stations having tracking history longer than 2.5 yr are computed and compared with the estimates from the colocated tide gauges and other GPS solutions. Examples of typical behavior of station height changes are given and interpreted. The derived time series and vertical motions of continuous GPS at tide gauges stations can be used for correcting tide gauge estimates of regional and global sea level changes.

Description: Causes of earthquakes and lithospheric plates movement Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1411-1483, 2012 Author(s): L. Ostřihanský The goal of the paper was to verify triggering of earthquakes by the length of day variations, i.e. the sidereal 13.66 days Earth's rotation variations, in contrast with tidal biweekly 14.76 days variations (full and new Moon), which for hundred years of investigation give negative results. Earthquake triggering governed by sidereal variations caused by variable Moon's declination accelerates and decelerates the Earth's rotation. Profound Schuster's test proved that earthquakes are triggered both in Earth's deceleration and acceleration. For this investigation the most prominent earthquakes from 2010–2011 were used from Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Southeast Indian Ridge, Sumatra and Andaman Sea, Chile trench, Haiti and Honshu region including important older earthquakes of Sumatra 26 December 2004 and Denali Fault 3 November 2002. Dominant number of earthquake occurring in extremes of length of day variations initiated the calculation of forces acting in these time intervals. Calculated forces of tidal force acting on Earth's flattening and the westward drift are strong enough to trigger earthquakes and the movement of plates follows from GPS performed immediately after earthquakes on continents and from increased number of earthquakes of the side of the mid-ocean ridge belonging to the moving plate. Generally the Northern Hemisphere moves quicker westward than the Southern one. Earthquakes are repeated in 19 yr Metonic cycle. Repetitions caused by tidal force acting on Earth's fattening are exact in date. Repetitions caused by westward drift are delayed for several months.

Description: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in post-pyrogenic soils of drained peatlands in West Meshchera (Moscow Region, Russia) Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1265-1298, 2014 Author(s): A. S. Tsibart, A. N. Gennadiev, and T. S. Koshovskii Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants and they arrive to the environment from numerous anthropogenic and natural sources, but the data on their natural sources which include wildfires remains insufficient. The level of contamination and the composition of PAHs in soils of the areas affected by wildfires were studied in this work. The study was conducted in Moscow Region (Russia) on the territories occupied with drained peatland and strongly damaged by fires of 2002, 2010 and 2012. The features of PAHs accumulation and profile distribution in histosols and histic podzols after the fires of different time were analyzed. It was shown that new soil horizon form after the fires – Cpir, Hpir and incipient O horizons, and these horizons differ in PAHs accumulation rate. Maximal total concentrations of 14 PAHs were detected in charry peat horizons Hpir (up to 330 ng g −1 ) and in post-pyrogenic incipient O horizons (up to 180 ng g −1 ), but the high-molecular weight PAHs (benz(ghi)perylene, benz(a)pyrene, benz(k)fluoranthene) were revealed only in charry peat horizons. The trends to higher PAHs concentrations were found in cases of incomplete burning out of peat horizons while in cases of almost complete pyrogenic destruction of He horizons total PAHs concentration were no more than 50 ng g −1 . Also the PAHs accumulation in upper horizons of soils near the sites of latest fires was observed.

Description: A lithosphere-scale structural model of the Barents Sea and Kara Sea region Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1579-1624, 2014 Author(s): P. Klitzke, J. I. Faleide, M. Scheck-Wenderoth, and J. Sippel The Barents Sea and Kara Sea region as part of the European Arctic shelf, is geologically situated between the Proterozoic East-European Craton in the south and early Cenozoic passive margins in the north and the west. Proven and inferred hydrocarbon resources encouraged numerous industrial and academic studies in the last decades which brought along a wide spectrum of geological and geophysical data. By evaluating all available interpreted seismic refraction and reflection data, geological maps and previously published 3-D-models, we were able to develop a new lithosphere-scale 3-D-structural model for the greater Barents Sea and Kara Sea region. The sedimentary part of the model resolves four major megasequence boundaries (earliest Eocene, mid-Cretaceous, mid-Jurassic and mid-Permian). Downwards, the 3-D-structural model is complemented by the top crystalline crust, the Moho and a newly calculated lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). The thickness distribution of the main megasequences delineates five major subdomains differentiating the region (the northern Kara Sea, the southern Kara Sea, the eastern Barents Sea, the western Barents Sea and the oceanic domain comprising the Norwegian-Greenland Sea and the Eurasia Basin). The vertical resolution of five sedimentary megasequences allows comparing for the first time the subsidence history of these domains directly. Relating the sedimentary structures with the deeper crustal/lithospheric configuration sheds some light on possible causative basin forming mechanisms that we discuss. The newly calculated LAB deepens from the typically shallow oceanic domain in three major steps beneath the Barents and Kara shelves towards the West-Siberian Basin in the east. Thereby, we relate the shallow continental LAB and slow/hot mantle beneath the southwestern Barents Sea with the formation of deep Paleozoic/Mesozoic rift basins. Thinnest continental lithosphere is observed beneath Svalbard and the NW Barents Sea where no Mesozoic/early Cenozoic rifting has occurred but strongest Cenozoic uplift and volcanism since Miocene times. The East Barents Sea Basin is underlain by a LAB at moderate depths and a high-density anomaly in the lithospheric mantle which follows the basin geometry and a domain where the least amount of late Cenozoic uplift/erosion is observed. Strikingly, this high-density anomaly is not present beneath the adjacent southern Kara Sea. Both basins share a strong Mesozoic subsidence phase whereby the main subsidence phase is younger in the South Kara Sea Basin.

Description: Does thermal carbonization (Biochar) of organic material increase more merits for their amendments of sandy soil? Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 535-558, 2014 Author(s): Y. Wu, G. Xu, J. N. Sun, and H. B. Shao Organic materials (e.g. furfural residue) are generally believed to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soils with low fertility. Recently, biochar have been received more attention as a possible measure to improve the carbon balance and improve soil quality in some degraded soils. However, little is known about their different amelioration of a sandy saline soil. In this study, 56d incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of furfural and its biochar on the properties of saline soil. The results showed that both furfural and biochar greatly reduced pH, increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enhanced the available phosphorus (P) in the soil. Furfural is more efficient than biochar in reducing pH: 5% furfural lowered the soil pH by 0.5–0.8 (soil pH: 8.3–8.6), while 5% biochar decreased by 0.25–0.4 due to the loss of acidity in pyrolysis process. With respect to available P, 5% of the furfural addition increased available P content by 4–6 times in comparison to 2–5 times with biochar application. In reducing soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), biochar is slightly superior to furfural because soil ESP reduced by 51% and 43% with 5% furfural and 5% biochar addition at the end of incubation. In addition, no significant differences were observed between furfural and biochar about their capacity to retain N, P in leaching solution and to increase CEC in soil. These facts may be caused by the relatively short incubation time. In general, furfural and biochar have different amendments depending on soil properties: furfural was more effectively to decrease pH and to increase available P, whereas biochar played a more important role in increasing SOC and reducing ESP of saline soil.

Description: A new model of the upper mantle structure beneath the western rim of the East European Craton Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 559-598, 2014 Author(s): M. Dec, M. Malinowski, and E. Perchuc In this article we present a new 1-D P wave seismic velocity model (called MP1-SUW) of the upper mantle structure beneath the western rim of the East European Craton (EEC) based on the analysis of the earthquakes recorded at the Suwałki (SUW) seismic station located in NE Poland which belongs to the Polish Seismological Network (PLSN). This analysis was carried out due to the fact that in the wavefield recorded at this station we observed a group of reflected waves after expected P 410 P at epicentral distances 2300–2800 km from SUW station. Although the existing global models represent the first arrivals, they do not represent the full wavefield with all reflected waves because they do not take into account the structural features occurring regionally such as 300 km discontinuity. We perform P wave traveltime analysis using 1-D forward ray-tracing modelling for the distances up to 3000 km. We analysed 249 natural seismic events that were divided into four azimuthal spans with epicentres in the western Mediterranean Sea region (WMSR), the Greece and Turkey region (GTR), the Caucasus region (CR) and the part of the North Atlantic Ridge near the January Mayen Island (JMR). Events from each group were sorted into four seismic sections respectively. The MP1-SUW model documents bottom of the asthenospheric low velocity zone (LVZ) at the depth of 220 km, 335 km discontinuity and the zone with the reduction of P wave velocity atop 410 km discontinuity which is depressed to 440 km depth. The nature of a regionally occurring 300 km boundary here we explained by tracing the ancient subduction regime related to the closure of the Iapetus Ocean, the Rheic Ocean and the Tornquist Sea.

Description: Future accreted terranes: a compilation of island arcs, oceanic plateaus, submarine ridges, seamounts, and continental fragments Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1451-1521, 2014 Author(s): J. L. Tetreault and S. J. H. Buiter Allochthonous accreted terranes are exotic geologic units that originated from anomalous crustal regions on a subducting oceanic plate and were transferred to the overriding plate during subduction by accretionary processes. The geographical regions that eventually become accreted allochthonous terranes include island arcs, oceanic plateaus, submarine ridges, seamounts, continental fragments, and microcontinents. These future allochthonous terranes (FATs) contribute to continental crustal growth, subduction dynamics, and crustal recycling in the mantle. We present a review of modern FATs and their accreted counterparts based on available geological, seismic, and gravity studies and discuss their crustal structure, geological origin, and bulk crustal density. Island arcs have an average crustal thickness of 26 km, average bulk crustal density of 2.79 g cm −3 , and have 3 distinct crustal units overlying a crust-mantle transition zone. Oceanic plateaus and submarine ridges have an average crustal thickness of 21 km and average bulk crustal density of 2.84 g cm −3 . Continental fragments presently on the ocean floor have an average crustal thickness of 25 km and bulk crustal density of 2.81 g cm −3 . Accreted allochthonous terranes can be compared to these crustal compilations to better understand which units of crust are accreted or subducted. In general, most accreted terranes are thin crustal units sheared off of FATs and added onto the accretionary prism, with thicknesses on the order of hundreds of meters to a few kilometers. In addition many island arcs, oceanic plateaus, and submarine ridges were sheared off in the subduction interface and underplated onto the overlying continent. And other times we find evidence of collision leaving behind accreted terranes 25 to 40 km thick. We posit that rheologically weak crustal layers or shear zones that were formed when the FATs were produced can be activated as detachments during subduction, allowing parts of the FAT crust to accrete and others to accrete. In many modern FATs on the ocean floor, a sub-crustal layer of high seismic velocities, interpreted as ultramafic material, could serve as a detachment or delaminate during subduction.

Description: Active layer thermal monitoring at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1423-1449, 2014 Author(s): R. F. M. Michel, C. E. G. R. Schaefer, F. N. B. Simas, Francelino M. R., E. I. Fernandes-Filho, G. B. Lyra, and J. G. Bockheim International attention to the climate change phenomena has grown in the last decade; the active layer and permafrost are of great importance in understanding processes and future trends due to their role in energy flux regulation. The objective of the this paper is to present active layer temperature data for one CALM-S site located at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica over an fifth seven month period (2008–2012). The monitoring site was installed during the summer of 2008 and consists of thermistors (accuracy of ± 0.2 °C), arranged vertically with probes at different depths, recording data at hourly intervals in a~high capacity data logger. A series of statistical analysis were performed to describe the soil temperature time series, including a linear fit in order to identify global trend and a series of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were tested in order to define the best fit for the data. The controls of weather on the thermal regime of the active layer have been identified, providing insights about the influence of climate chance over the permafrost. The active layer thermal regime in the studied period was typical of periglacial environment, with extreme variation at the surface during summer resulting in frequent freeze and thaw cycles. The active layer thickness (ALT) over the studied period showed variability related to different annual weather conditions, reaching a maximum of 117.5 cm in 2009. The ARIMA model was considered appropriate to treat the dataset, enabling more conclusive analysis and predictions when longer data sets are available. Despite the variability when comparing temperature readings and active layer thickness over the studied period, no warming trend was detected.

Description: Biochar increases plant available water in a sandy soil under an aerobic rice cropping system Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 887-917, 2014 Author(s): M. T. de Melo Carvalho, A. de Holanda Nunes Maia, B. E. Madari, L. Bastiaans, P. A. J. van Oort, A. B. Heinemann, M. A. Soler da Silva, F. A. Petter, and H. Meinke The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of biochar rate (0, 8, 16 and 32 t ha −1 ) on the water retention capacity (WRC) of a sandy Dystric Plinthosol. The applied biochar was a by-product of slow pyrolysis (∼450 °C) of eucalyptus wood, milled to pass through a 2000 μm sieve that resulted in a material with an intrinsic porosity ≤10 μm and a specific surface area of ∼3.2 m 2 g −1 . The biochar was incorporated into the top 15 cm of the soil under an aerobic rice system. Our study focused on both the effects on WRC and rice yields at 2 and 3 years after application. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 16 plots in two soil layers (5–10 and 15–20 cm). Soil water retention curves were modelled using a nonlinear mixed model which appropriately accounts for uncertainties inherent of spatial variability and repeated measurements taken within a specific soil sample. We found an increase in plant available water in the upper soil layer proportional to the rate of biochar, with about 0.8% for each t ha −1 of biochar amendment at 2 and 3 years after application. The impact of biochar on soil WRC was most likely related to an increase in overall porosity of the sandy soil, which was evident from an increase in saturated soil moisture and macro porosity with 0.5% and 1.6% for each t ha −1 of biochar applied, respectively. The increment in soil WRC did not translate into an increase in rice yield, essentially because in both seasons the amount of rainfall during critical period for rice production exceeded 650 mm. The use of biochar as a soil amendment can be a worthy strategy to guarantee yield stability under water limited conditions. Our findings raise the importance of assessing the feasibility of very high application rates of biochar and the inclusion of a detailed analysis of its physical and chemical properties as part of future investigations.

Description: Microbial biomass and basal respiration in Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic soils in the areas of some Russian polar stations Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 869-885, 2014 Author(s): E. Abakumov and N. Mukhametova Antarctica is the unique place for pedological investigations. Soils of Antarctica have been studied intensively during the last century. Antarctic logistic provides the possibility to scientists access the terrestrial landscapes mainly in the places of polar stations. That is why the main and most detailed pedological investigations were conducted in Mc Murdo Valleys, Transantarctic Mountains, South Shetland Islands, Larsemann hills and Schirmacher Oasis. Investigations were conducted during the 53rd and 55th Russian Antarctic expeditions on the base of soil pits and samples collected in Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. Soils of diverse Antarctic landscapes were studied with aim to assess the microbial biomass level, basal respiration rates and metabolic activity of microbial communities. The investigation conducted shows that soils of Antarctic are quite different in profile organization and carbon content. In general, Sub-Antarctic soils are characterized by more developed humus (sod) organo-mineral horizons as well as the upper organic layer. The most developed organic layers were revealed in peat soils of King-George Island, where its thickness reach even 80 cm. These soils as well as soils under guano are characterized by the highest amount of total organic carbon (TOC) 7.22–33.70%. Coastal and continental soils of Antarctic are presented by less developed Leptosols, Gleysols, Regolith and rare Ornhitosol with TOC levels about 0.37–4.67%. The metabolic ratios and basal respiration were higher in Sub-Antarctic soils than in Antarctic ones which can be interpreted as result of higher amounts of fresh organic remnants in organic and organo-mineral horizons. Also the soils of King-George island have higher portion of microbial biomass (max 1.54 mg g −1 ) than coastal (max 0.26 mg g −1 ) and continental (max 0.22 mg g −1 ) Antarctic soils. Sub-Antarctic soils mainly differ from Antarctic ones in increased organic layers thickness and total organic carbon content, higher microbial biomass carbon content, basal respiration and metabolic activity levels.

Description: Factors driving carbon mineralization priming effect in a soil amended with different types of biochar Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 849-868, 2014 Author(s): P. Cely, A. M. Tarquis, J. Paz-Ferreiro, A. Méndez, and G. Gascó The effect of biochar on soil carbon mineralization priming effect depends on the characteristics of the raw materials, production method and pyrolysis conditions. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the impact of three different types of biochar on soil CO 2 emissions and in different physicochemical properties. For this purpose, a sandy-loam soil was amended with the three biochars (BI, BII and BIII) at a rate of 8 wt % and soil CO 2 emissions were measured for 45 days. BI is produced from a mixed wood sieving's from wood chip production, BII from a mixture of paper sludge and wheat husks and BIII from sewage sludge. Cumulative CO 2 emissions of biochars, soil and amended soil were well fit to a simple first-order kinetic model with correlation coefficients ( r 2 ) greater than 0.97. Results shown a negative priming effect in the soil after addition of BI and a positive priming effect in the case of soil amended with BII and BIII. These results can be related with different biochar properties such as ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, organic carbon oxidised with dichromate, soluble carbon and metal and phenolic substances content in addition to surface biochar properties. Three biochars increased the values of soil field capacity and wilting point, while effects over pH and cation exchange capacity were not observed.

Description: Factors controlling the geochemical composition of Limnopolar lake sediments (Byers Peninsula, South Shetland Island, Livingston Island, Antarctica) during the last ∼ 1600 years Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 761-792, 2014 Author(s): A. Martínez Cortizas, I. Rozas Muñiz, T. Taboada, M. Toro, I. Granados, S. Giralt, and S. Pla-Rabés We sampled a short (57 cm) sediment core in Limnopolar Lake (Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetlands Islands), which spans the last ~ 1600 years. The core was sectioned at high resolution and analyzed for elemental and mineralogical composition, and SEM-EDS analysis of glass mineral particles in selected samples. The chemical record was characterized by a contrasted pattern of layers with high Ca, Ti, Zr, and Sr concentrations and layers with higher concentrations of K and Rb. The first also enriched in plagioclase and, occasionally, in zeolites, while the later were relatively enriched in 2:1 phyllosilicates and quartz. This was interpreted as reflecting the abundance of volcaniclastic material (Ca-rich) vs. Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous marine sediments (K-rich) – the dominant geological material in the lake catchment. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the presence of abundant volcanic shards in the Ca-rich layers, pointing to tephras most probably related to the activity of Deception Island volcano (located 30 km to the SE). The ages of the four main peaks of volcanic-rich material (AD ~ 1840–1860 for L1, AD ~ 1570–1650 for L2, AD ~ 1450–1470 for L3, and AD ~ 1300 for L4) matched reasonably well the age of tephra layers (AP1 to AP3) previously identified in lakes of Byers Peninsula. Some of the analyzed metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Cr) showed enrichments in the most recent tephra layer (L1), suggesting relative changes in the composition of the tephras as found in previous investigations. No evidence of significant human impact on the cycles of most trace metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was found, probably due to the remote location of Livingston Island and the modest research infrastructures – local contamination was found by other researchers in soils, waters and marine sediments on areas with large, permanent, research stations. Chromium is the only metal showing a steady enrichment in the last 200 years that could be interpreted as recent anthropogenic contamination. At the same time, some features of the chemical record suggest that climate may have also played a role in the cycling of the elements, but further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Description: The enigmatic Zerelia twin-lakes (Thessaly, Central Greece): two potential meteorite impact Craters Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1511-1573, 2013 Author(s): V. J. Dietrich, E. Lagios, E. Reusser, V. Sakkas, E. Gartzos, and K. Kyriakopoulos Two circular permanent lakes of 150 and 250 m diameter and 6–8 m depth to an unconsolidated muddy bottom occur 250 m apart from each other in the agricultural fields SW of the town of Almiros (Thessaly, central Greece). The age of the lakes is assumed to be Late Pliocene to Early Holocene with a minimum age of approx. 7000 yr BP. The abundant polymict, quartz-rich carbonate breccia and clasts with a clay rich matrix in the shallow embankments of the lakes show weak stratification but no volcanic structures. The carbonate clasts and particles often display spheroidal shapes and consist of calcite aggregates with feathery, arborescent, variolitic to micro-sparitic textures and spheroidal fabrics, recrystallized and deformed glass-shaped fragments, calcite globules in quartz; thus indications of possible carbonate melting, quenching and devitrification. The carbonatic matrix includes small xenomorphic phases, such as chromspinel, zircon with blurred granular and skeletal textures, skeletal rutile and ilmenite, which are interpreted as relicts of partial melting and quenching under high temperatures of 1240–1800 °C. Only a few quartz fragments exhibit indistinct planar fractures. In several cases they include exotic Al-Si- and sulfur bearing Fe-phases, 〈 1–10 μm as globules. The modeled "Residual Gravity" profiles through the lakes indicate negative gravity anomalies of bowl-type structures down to 150 m for the eastern lake and down to 250 m for the larger western lake. Several hypotheses can be drawn upon to explain the origin of these enigmatic twin-lakes: (a) Maar-type volcanic craters; (b) hydrothermal or CO 2 /hydrocarbon gas explosion craters; (c) and (d) doline holes due to karstification; or (e) small meteorite impact craters, the latter being a plausible explanation due to geologic, petrologic, and geophysical evidence. The morphology and dimensions of the lakes as well as the density contrast tomography of the bedrock favor a meteorite impact hypothesis of a projectile, which may has split into two fragments before reaching the surface.

Description: Traces of the crustal units and the upper mantle structure in the southwestern part of the East European Craton Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 985-1021, 2014 Author(s): I. Janutyte, E. Kozlovskaya, M. Majdanski, P. H. Voss, M. Budraitis, and PASSEQ Working Group The presented study is a part of the passive seismic experiment PASSEQ 2006–2008 which took place around the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ) from May 2006 to June 2008. The dataset of 4195 manually picked arrivals of teleseismic P waves of 101 earthquakes (EQs) recorded in the PASSEQ seismic stations deployed to the east of the TESZ was inverted using the non-linear teleseismic tomography algorithm TELINV. Two 3-D crustal models were used to estimate the crustal travel time (TT) corrections. As a result, we obtained a model of P wave velocity variations in the upper mantle beneath the TESZ and the EEC. In the study area beneath the craton we observed 5 to 6.5% higher and beneath the TESZ about 4% lower seismic velocities compared to the IASP91 velocity model. We found the seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the TESZ at a depth of about 180 km, while we observed no seismic LAB beneath the EEC. The inversion results obtained with the real and the synthetic datasets indicated a ramp shape of the LAB in the northern TESZ where we observed values of seismic velocities close to those of the craton down to about 150 km. The lithosphere thickness in the EEC increases going from the TESZ to the NE from about 180 km beneath Poland to 300 km or more beneath Lithuania. Moreover, in western Lithuania we possibly found an upper mantle dome. In our results the crustal units are not well resolved. There are no clear indications of the features in the upper mantle which could be related with the crustal units in the study area. On the other hand, at a depth of 120–150 km we possibly found a trace of a boundary of proposed palaeosubduction zone between the East Lithuanian Domain (EL) and the West Lithuanian Granulite Domain (WLG). Also, in our results we may have identified two anorogenic granitoid plutons.

Description: Biochar as growing media additive and peat substitute Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1023-1035, 2014 Author(s): C. Steiner and T. Harttung Environmental concerns raised the demand for alternative growing media substituting sphagnum peat. However growing media formulations still depend on peat and alternatives are limited. Biochar is carbonized plant material and could be an appropriate additive or even substitute for sphagnum peat. Freshly produced, it is free from pathogens, has a low nutrient content (if produced from nutrient poor feedstock), a very high structural stability and likely other favourable properties such as air capacity and water holding capacity. Preliminary tests were conducted to compare biochar with other growing media and growing media additives. The growth of a miniature sunflower, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) was measured in different growing media such as biochar, perlite, clay granules, sphagnum peat and peat mixed with biochar in the ratios 1 : 4, 1 : 1 and 4 : 1 (25, 50 and 75%, by volume). Fresh biochar has a similar EC than peat which is even lower after rinsing with water. Due to the relatively high pH of biochar, it could be added to peat instead of lime in a concentration of up to 75%. The growth of the sunflower was similar in all growing media. Only the plant weight was slightly higher of plants that grew in perlite or peat. There is a large potential for optimization such as selection of particle size and feedstock for biochar production and growing media formulations for specific plant requirements.

Description: Dedradation of buried ice and permafrost in the Veleta Cirque (Sierra Nevada, Spain) from 2006–2013 Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1037-1072, 2014 Author(s): A. Gómez-Ortiz, M. Oliva, F. Salvador-Franch, M. Salvà-Catarineu, D. Palacios, J. J. de Sanjosé-Blasco, and L. M. Tanarro-García The Veleta cirque is located at the foot of the Veleta peak, one of the highest summits of the Sierra Nevada National Park (Southern Spain). This cirque was the source of a glacier valley during the Quaternary cold periods. During the Little Ice Age it sheltered a small glacier, the most southerly in Europe, about which we have possessed written records since the XVII century. This glacier still had ice residues until the mid-XX century. This ice is no longer visible, but a residue persists along with discontinuous permafrost trapped under strata of rock blocks that make up an incipient rock glacier. From 2006 to 2013, this rock glacier was monitored by measurement of the temperature of the active layer, the degree of snow cover on the ground, movements of the body of the rock glacier and geophysical prospection inside it. The results show that the relict ice and trapped permafrost have been steadily declining. The processes that explain this degradation occur in chain, starting from the external radiation that affects the ground in summer, which is when the temperatures are higher. In effect, when this radiation steadily melts the snow on the ground, the thermal expansive wave advances into the heart of the active layer, reaching the ceiling of the frozen mass, which it then degrades and melts. In this entire linked process, the circulation of melt waters fulfil a highly significant function, as they act as heat transmitters. The complementary nature of these processes explains the subsidence and continuous changes in the entire clastic pack and the melting of the frozen ceiling on which it rests. This happens in summer in just a few weeks. All these events, in particular the geomorphological ones, take place on the Sierra Nevada peaks within certain climate conditions that are at present unfavourable to the maintenance of snow on the ground in summer. These conditions could be related to recent variations in the climate, starting in the mid-XIX century and most markedly since the second half of the XX century. The work and results highlight the climate sensitivity of the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the effect of climate change and its impact on the dynamics of ecosystems, which is a benchmark for evaluating the current evolution of landscapes Mediterranean high mountain.

Description: Biochar can be used to recapture essential nutrients from dairy wastewater and improve soil quality Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1101-1125, 2014 Author(s): T. A. Ghezzehei, D. V. Sarkhot, and A. A. Berhe Recently, the potential for biochar use to recapture excess nutrients from dairy wastewater has been a focus of a growing number of studies. It is suggested that biochar produced from locally available waste biomass can be important in reducing release of excess nutrient elements from agricultural runoff, improving soil productivity, and long-term carbon (C) sequestration. Here we present a review of a new approach that is showing promise for the use of biochar for nutrient capture. Using batch sorption experiments, it has been shown that biochar can adsorb up to 20 to 43% of ammonium and 19–65% of the phosphate in flushed dairy manure in 24 h. These results suggest a potential of biochar for recovering essential nutrients from dairy wastewater and improving soil fertility if the enriched biochar is returned to soil. Based on the sorption capacity of 2.86 and 0.23 mg ammonium and phosphate, respectively, per gram of biochar and 10–50% utilization of available excess biomass, in the state of California (US) alone, 11 440 to 57 200 t of ammonium-N and 920–4600 t of phosphate can be captured from dairy waste each year while at the same time disposing up to 8–40 million tons of waste biomass.

Description: Record of Early Toarcian carbon cycle perturbations in a nearshore environment: the Bascharage section (easternmost Paris Basin) Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1073-1100, 2014 Author(s): M. Hermoso, D. Delsate, F. Baudin, L. Le Callonnec, F. Minoletti, M. Renard, and A. Faber In order to understand the significance of worldwide deposition of black shale facies in the Early Toarcian (~ 183 Ma), considerable attention has been drawn to this Early Jurassic sub-Stage over the last three decades. The discovery of a pronounced negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) within the black shales disrupting the generally positive trend in carbon isotopes has stimulated many studies, particularly with a view to establish the local vs. global nature of this major geochemical phenomenon. Here we document the sedimentological and chemostratigraphic evolution of a proximal environment in the Luxembourgian sedimentary area, the so-called Gutland. At Bascharage, Lower Toarcian sediments record the isotopic signature of the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) by a pronounced positive trend that testifies for widespread anoxia. The expression of the carbon isotope perturbation in this section however, is unusual compared to adjacent NW European sections. A first −7 ‰ negative CIE, whose onset is recorded at the top of the tenuicostatum zone, can be assigned to the well-documented and potentially global T-CIE with confidence using the well-constrained ammonite biostratigraphic framework for this section. In this interval, facies contain only a limited amount of carbonate as a result of intense detrital supply in such a proximal and shallow environment. Stratigraphically higher in the section, the serpentinum zone records a subsequent CIE (−6 ‰) that is expressed by four negative steps, each being accompanied by positive shifts in the oxygen isotopic composition of carbonate. The preservation state of coccoliths and calcareous dinoflagellates in the second CIE is excellent and comparable to that observed in under- and overlying strata, so this cannot be an artefact of diagenesis. Considering the nature of this record, and the lack of such a pronounced event in the serpentinum zone in coeval sections in Europe, we hypothesise that this second CIE was caused by local factors. The geochemical record of carbonate with a relatively light carbon and relatively heavy oxygen isotopic composition is compatible with the so-called Küspert model, by which a CIE can be explained by an influx of 12 C-rich and cold waters due to upwelling bottom water masses. With the ongoing effort of high-resolution studies of the Meso-Cenozoic eras, further CIEs are likely to be found, but it has to be remembered that their (global) significance can only be determined via an integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, micropalaeontological and geochemical approach.

Description: Polyphase evolution of Pelagonia (northern Greece) revealed by geological and fission-track data Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3075-3109, 2014 Author(s): F. L. Schenker, M. G. Fellin, and J.-P. Burg The Pelagonian zone, between the External Hellenides/Cyclades to the west and the Axios/Vardar/Almopia zone (AVAZ) and Rhodope to the east, was involved in late Early Cretaceous and in Late Cretaceous-Eocene orogenic events whose duration are still controversial. This work constrains their late thermal imprints. New and previously published zircon (ZFT) and apatite (AFT) fission-track ages show cooling below 240°C of the metamorphic western AVAZ imbricates between 102 and 93–90 Ma, of northern Pelagonia between 86 and 68 Ma, of the eastern AVAZ at 80 Ma and of western Rhodope at 72 Ma. At the regional scale, this heterogeneous cooling is coeval with subsidence of Late Cretaceous marine basin(s) that unconformably covered since 100 Ma the Early Cretaceous (130–110 Ma) thrust system. Thrusting restarted at 70 Ma in the AVAZ and migrated across Pelagonia to reach the External Hellenides at 40–38 Ma. Renewed thrusting in Pelagonia is attested at 68 Ma by abrupt and rapid cooling below 240°C and erosion of the basement rocks. ZFT and AFT in western and eastern Pelagonia, respectively, set at 40 Ma the latest thermal imprint related to thrusting. Central-eastern Pelagonia cooled rapidly and uniformly from 240 to 80°C between 24 and 16 Ma in the footwall of a major extensional fault. Extension started even earlier, at 33 Ma in the western AVAZ. Post-7 Ma rapid cooling is inferred from inverse modeling of AFT lengths. It occurred while E–W normal faults were cutting Pliocene-to-recent sediment.

Description: Responses of vertical soil moisture to rainfall pulses and land uses in a typical loess hilly area, China Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3111-3139, 2014 Author(s): Y. Yu, W. Wei, L. D. Chen, L. Yang, F. Y. Jia, and H. D. Zhang Soil moisture plays a key role in vegetation restoration and ecosystem stability in arid and semiarid regions. The response of soil moisture to rainfall pulses is an important hydrological process, which is strongly influenced by land use during the implementation of vegetation restoration measures. In this study, vertical soil moisture variations of woodland ( Pinus tabulaeformis ), native grassland ( Stipa bungeana ), shrubland Hippophea rhamnoides ), cropland ( Triticum aestivum ) and artificial grassland ( Onobrychis viciaefolia ) in five soil profiles were monitored in a typical loess hilly area during the 2010 growing season. The results demonstrated that rainfall pulses directly affected soil moisture variation. A multi-peak pattern of soil moisture appeared during the growing season, notably in the surface soil layer. Meanwhile, the response of each vegetation type to rainfall was inconsistent, and a time-lag effect before reaching the peak value was detected, following a heavy rainfall event. The response duration of soil moisture, however, varied markedly with the size of rainfall events. Furthermore, higher soil water content was detected in grassland and shrubland. Woodland was characterized by relatively lower soil moisture values throughout the investigation period. Our research suggests that vegetation restoration efforts should give priority to grassland and shrubland at the research site. We suggest that more studies should be focused on the characteristics of community structure and spatial vegetation distribution on soil moisture dynamics, particularly within the grass and shrub ecosystems.

Description: Co, Cr and Ni contents in soils and plants from a serpentinite quarry Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3361-3391, 2014 Author(s): M. Lago-Vila, D. Arenas-Lago, A. Rodríguez-Seijo, M. L. Andrade Couce, and F. A. Vega Several soils developed on the former serpentinite quarry of Penas Albas (Moeche, Galicia, NW Spain) were studied, together with the vegetation growing spontaneously over them. The aim of this work was to identify the bioavailability of heavy metals and to evaluate the potential of spontaneous vegetation for the phytoremediation and/or phytostabilisation of these areas. The pH of the soils ranges from neutral to basic, with very low organic matter and nitrogen contents. There are imbalances between exchangeable cations that can strongly limit plant production. Moreover, in all of the soils there are high levels of Co, Cr and Ni (〉 70, 〉 1500, and 〉 1325 mg kg -1 , respectively). They exceed the intervention limits indicated in different guides. Different soil extractions were performed in order to evaluate bioavailability. CaCl 2 0.01 M is the most effective extraction reagent, although the reagent that best predicts plant availability is the mixture of low molecular weight organic acids. Festuca rubra , L. is the spontaneous plant growing in the soils that accumulates the highest amount of the metals, both in shoot and roots. Festuca also has the highest translocation factor values, although they are only 〉 1 for Cr. The bioconcentration factor is 〉 1 in all of the cases, except in the shoot of Juncus sp. for Co and Ni. The results indicate that Festuca is a phytostabilizer of Co and Ni and an accumulator of Cr, while Juncus sp. is suitable for phytostabilization. Both of the studied species contribute towards the phytostabilisation of the soils and their recovery, improving their characteristics and making it possible to start planting other species.

Description: Evaluation of soil fertility in the succession of karst rocky desertification using principal component analysis Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3333-3359, 2014 Author(s): L. W. Xie, J. Zhong, F. X. Cao, J. J. Li, and L. C. Wu Expanding of karst rocky desertification (RD) area in southwestern China has led to destructed ecosystem and local economic development lagging behind. It is important to understand the soil fertility at RD regions for the sustainable management of karst lands. The effects of the succession of RD on soil fertility were studied by investigating the stands and analyzing the soil samples with different RD grades in the central Hunan province, China, using the principal component analysis method. The results showed that the succession of RD had different impacts on soil fertility indicators. The changing trend of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (AP), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) out of 19 selected indicators in different RD regions was: potential RD (PRD) 〉 light RD (LRD) 〉 moderate RD (MRD) 〉 intensive RD (IRD), whereas the changing trend of other indicators was not entirely consistent with the succession of RD. The degradation trend of soil fertility was basically parallel to the aggravation of RD, and the strength of integrated soil fertility was in the order of PRD 〉 MRD 〉 LRD 〉 IRD. The TOC, total phosphorus (TP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), MBC, MBN, microbial mass phosphorous (MBP), and bulk density (BD) could be regarded as the key indicators to evaluate the soil fertility due to their close correlations to the integrated fertility.

Description: Adsorption, desorption and fractionation of As(V) on untreated and mussel shell-treated granitic material Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3419-3444, 2014 Author(s): N. Seco-Reigosa, L. Cutillas-Barreiro, J. C. Nóvoa-Muñoz, M. Arias-Estévez, E. Álvarez-Rodríguez, M. J. Fernández-Sanjurjo, and A. Núñez-Delgado As(V) adsorption and desorption were studied on granitic material, coarse and fine mussel shell, and granitic material amended with 12 and 24 t ha −1 fine shell, investigating the effect of different As(V) concentrations and different pH, as well as the fractions where the adsorbed As(V) was retained. As(V) adsorption was higher on fine than on coarse shell. Mussel shell amendment increased As(V) adsorption on granitic material. Adsorption data corresponding to the un-amended and shell-amended granitic material were satisfactory fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Desorption was always 〈 19% when the highest As(V) concentration (100 mg L −1 ) was added. Regarding the effect of pH, the granitic material showed its highest adsorption (66%) at pH 〈 6, and it was lower as pH increased. Fine shell presented notable adsorption in the whole pH range between 6 and 12, with a maximum of 83%. The shell-amended granitic material showed high As(V) adsorption, with a maximum (99%) at pH near 8, but decreasing as pH increased. Desorption varying pH was always 〈 26%. In the granitic material, desorption increased progressively when pH increased from 4 to 6, contrary to what happened to mussel shell. Regarding the fractionation of the adsorbed As(V), most of it was in the soluble fraction (weakly bound). Globally, the granitic material did not show high As(V) retention capacity, which implies risks of water pollution and transfer to the food chain; however, the mussel shell amendment increased As(V) retention, making this practice recommendable.

Description: Effective buoyancy ratio: a new parameter to characterize thermo-chemical mixing in the Earth's mantle Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2675-2697, 2014 Author(s): A. Galsa, M. Herein, L. Lenkey, M. P. Farkas, and G. Taller Numerical modeling has been carried out in a 2-D cylindrical shell domain to quantify the evolution of a primordial dense layer around the core mantle boundary. Effective buoyancy ratio, B eff was introduced to characterize the evolution of the two-layer thermo-chemical convection in the Earth's mantle. B eff decreases with time due to (1) warming the compositionally dense layer, (2) cooling the overlying mantle, (3) eroding the dense layer by thermal convection in the overlying mantle, and (4) diluting the dense layer by inner convection. When B eff reaches the instability point, B eff = 1, effective thermo-chemical convection starts, and the mantle will be mixed ( B eff = 0) during a short time. A parabolic relation was revealed between the initial density difference of the layers and the mixing time. Morphology of large low shear velocity provinces as well as results from seismic tomography and normal mode data suggest a value of B eff ≥ 1 for the mantle.

Description: A 3-D shear velocity model of the southern North America and the Caribbean plates from ambient noise and earthquake tomography Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2971-3002, 2014 Author(s): B. Gaite, A. Villaseñor, A. Iglesias, M. Herraiz, and I. Jiménez-Munt We use group velocities from earthquake tomography together with group and phase velocities from ambient noise tomography (ANT) of Rayleigh-waves to invert for the 3-D shear-wave velocity structure (5–70 km) of the Caribbean (CAR) and southern North American (NAM) plates. The lithospheric model proposed offers a complete image of the crust and uppermost-mantle with imprints of the tectonic evolution. One of the most striking features inferred is the main role of the Ouachita-Marathon-Sonora orogeny front on the crustal seismic structure of NAM plate. A new imaged feature is the low crustal velocities along USA-Mexico border. The model also shows a break of the E-W mantle velocity dichotomy of the NAM and CAR plates beneath the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Yucatan Block. High upper-mantle velocities along the Mesoamerican Subduction Zone coincide with inactive volcanic areas while the lowest velocities correspond to active volcanic arcs and thin lithospheric mantle regions.

Description: Effects of rodent-induced land degradation on ecosytem carbon fluxes in alpine meadow in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 3003-3023, 2014 Author(s): F. Peng, Y. Quangang, X. Xue, J. Guo, and T. Wang Land degradation induced by rodent activities is extensively occurred in alpine meadow ecosystem in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau that would affect the ecosystem carbon (C) balance. We conducted a field experiment with six levels of land degradation (D1–D6, degradation aggravates from D1 to D6) to investigate the effects of land degradation on ecosystem C fluxes. Soil respiration (Rs), net ecosystem exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross ecosystem production (GEP) were measured from June to September 2012. Soil respiration, ER, GEP and above-ground biomass (AGB) was significantly higher in slightly degraded (D3 and D6) than in severely degraded land (D1, D2, D4 and D5). Positive averages of NEE in the growing season indicate that alpine meadow ecosystem is a weak C sink during the growing season. Net ecosystem exchange had no significant difference among different degraded levels, but the average NEE in slightly degraded group was 33.6% higher than in severely degraded group. Soil respiration, ER and NEE were positively correlated with AGB whereas soil organic C, labile soil C, total nitrogen (N) and inorganic nitrogen were associated with root biomass (RB). Our results highlight the decline of vegetation C storage of alpine meadow ecosystem with increasing number of rodent holes and suggest the control of AGB on ecosystem C fluxes, and the control of RB on soil C and N with development of land degradation.

Description: Magma storage and plumbing of adakite-type post-ophiolite intrusions in the Sabzevar ophiolitic zone, NE Iran Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2321-2370, 2014 Author(s): K. Jamshidi, H. Ghasemi, V. R. Troll, M. Sadeghian, and B. Dahren Subduction-related adakite-type intrusive rocks emplaced into the late Cretaceous-Paleocene Sabzevar ophiolite zone, NE Iran, range from Mg-andesite to rhyodacite in composition. Here we investigate the magma supply system to these subvolcanic intrusive rocks by applying thermobarometric mineral and mineral-melt equilibrium models, including amphibole thermobarometry, plagioclase-melt thermobarometry and clinopyroxene-melt barometry. Based on the results of these thermobarometric models, plagioclase crystallized dominantly at pressures of ~ 350 (468–130) MPa, while amphiboles record both low pressures (~ 300 MPa) and very high pressures (〉 700 MPa) of crystallization. The latter is supported by the calculated pressures for clinopyroxene crystallization (550 to 730 MPa). The association of amphibole with clinopyroxene and no plagioclase in the most primitive samples (Mg-andesites) is consistent with amphibole fractionation from very hydrous magmas at deep crustal levels of the plumbing system, which may have been a key process to intensify adakite-type affinities in this rock suite. Barometry, combined with frequent disequilibrium features, such as oscillatory-zoned and sieve-textured plagioclase crystals with An-rich overgrowths in more evolved samples, imply final magma differentiation occurred in an open upper crustal magma system that developed progressively stronger compositional modifications during high-level magma storage.

Description: Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen capacities of Salix cheilophila Schneid along a revegetation chronosequence in semi-arid degraded sandy land of the Gonghe Basin, Tibet Plateau Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2371-2399, 2014 Author(s): Y. Yu and Q. Z. Jia The Gonghe Basin is a sandified and desertified region of China, but the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) along the cultivation chronosequence across this ecologically fragile region is not well understood. This study was carried out to understand the effects of afforestation with Salix cheilophila for different periods of time (6, 11, 16, 21 years) to test whether it enhanced C and N storage. Soil samples, in four replications from seven depth increments (every 10 cm from 0 to 30 cm, every 20 cm from 30 to 50 cm and every 50 cm from 50 to 200 cm), were collected in each stand. Soil bulk density, SOC, TN, aboveground biomass and root biomass were measured. Results indicated that changes occurred in both the upper and deeper soil layers with an increase in revegetation time. The 0–200 cm soil showed that the 6-year stand gained 3.89 Mg C ha −1 and 1.00 Mg N ha −1 , which accounted for 40.82% of the original SOC and 11.06% of the TN of the 0-year stand. The 11-year stand gained 7.82 Mg C ha −1 and 1.98 Mg N ha −1 in the 0–200 cm soil layers, accounting for 58.06% of the SOC and 19.80% of the TN of the 0-year stand. The 16-year stand gained 11.32 Mg C ha −1 and 3.30 Mg N ha −1 in the 0–200 cm soil layers, accounting for 66.71% of the SOC and 21.98% of the TN of the 0-year stand. The 21-year stand gained 13.05 Mg C ha −1 and 5.45 Mg N ha −1 from the same soil depth, accounting for 69.79% of the SOC and 40.47% of the TN compared with the 0-year stand. The extent of these changes depended on soil depth and plantation age. The results demonstrated that as stand age increased, the storage of SOC and TN increased. These results further indicated that afforestation with S. cheilophila has positive impacts on the Gonghe Basin and has increased the capacity of SOC sequestration and N storage. Shrub's role as carbon sink is compatible with system's management and persistence. The findings are significant for assessing C and N sequestration accurately in semi-arid degraded high-cold sandy regions in the future.

Description: Features of the Earth surface deformations in Kamchatka peninsula and their relation with geoacoustic emission Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2401-2422, 2014 Author(s): I. A. Larionov, Yu. V. Marapulets, and B. M. Shevtsov The paper presents the results of investigations of deformation process in the near surface sedimentary rocks, which has been carried out in a seismically active region of Kamchatka peninsular since 2007. The peculiarity of the experiments on registration of geodeformations is the application of a laser strainmeter-interferometer constructed according to the Michelson interferometer scheme. Besides rock deformations, geoacoustic emission in the frequency range from several hertz to the first tens of kilohertz is under the investigation. Piezoceramic hydrophones installed in artificial water reservoirs are applied. It is shown that periods of primary rock compression and tension with the duration up to several months are distinguished in the geodeformation process at the observation site. During the direction change in the deformations, when geodeformation process rate grows, the increase of geoacoustic radiation is observed.

Description: Soil organic carbon along an altitudinal gradient in the Despeñaperros nature reserve, Southern Spain Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2495-2521, 2014 Author(s): L. Parras-Alcántara, B. Lozano-García, and A. Galán-Espejo Soil organic carbon (SOC) is extremely important in the global carbon (C) cycle as C sequestration in non-disturbed soil ecosystems can be a sink of C and mitigate greenhouse gas driven climate change. Soil organic carbon changes in space and time are relevant to understand the soil system and its role in the C cycle, and this is why the influence of topographic position on SOC should be studied. Seven topographic positions (toposequence) were analyzed along an altitudinal gradient between 607 and 1168 m.a.s.l. in the Despeñaperros nature reserve (Natural Park). At each study site, soil control sections (25 cm intervals) were sampled. The studied soils are mineral soils with 〉 3% organic carbon content. The main characteristic of the studied soils is SOC reduction with depth; these results were related to the gravel content and to the bulk density. The SOC on the surface was highly variable along the altitudinal gradient ranging between 27.3 and 39.9 g kg −1 . The SOC stock (SOCS) in the studied area was influenced by the altitude, varying between 53.8 and 158.0 Mg ha −1 . Therefore, the altitude factor must be considered in the SOCS estimation at local-regional scale.

Description: Soil–landform–plant communities relationships of a periglacial landscape at Potter Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2261-2292, 2014 Author(s): E. L. Poelking, C. E. R. Schaefer, E. I. Fernandes Filho, A. M. de Andrade, and A. A. Spielmann Integrated studies on the interplay between soils, periglacial geomorphology and plant communities are crucial for the understanding of climate change effects on terrestrial ecosystems of Maritime Antarctica, one of the most sensitive areas to global warming. Knowledge on physical environmental factors that influence plant communities can greatly benefit studies on monitoring climate change in Maritime Antarctica, where new ice-free areas are being constantly exposed, allowing plant growth and organic carbon inputs. The relationship between topography, plant communities and soils was investigated in Potter Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctica. We mapped the occurrence and distribution of plant communities and identified soil–landform–vegetation relationships. The vegetation map was obtained by classification of a Quickbird image, coupled with detailed landform and characterization of 18 soil profiles. The sub-formations were identified and classified, and we also determined the total elemental composition of lichens, mosses and grasses. Plant communities at Potter Peninsula occupy 23% of the ice-free area, at different landscape positions, showing decreasing diversity and biomass from the coastal zone to inland areas where sub-desert conditions prevail. There is a clear dependency between landform and vegetated soils. Soils with greater moisture or poorly drained, and acid to neutral pH, are favourable for mosses subformations. Saline, organic-matter rich ornithogenic soils of former penguin rookeries have greater biomass and diversity, with mixed associations of mosses and grasses, while stable felseenmeers and flat rocky cryoplanation surfaces are the preferred sites for Usnea and Himantormia lugubris lichens, at the highest surface. Lichens subformations cover the largest vegetated area, showing varying associations with mosses.

Description: Characterisation of the magmatic signature in gas emissions from Turrialba volcano, Costa Rica Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2293-2320, 2014 Author(s): Y. Moussallam, N. Peters, C. Ramírez, C. Oppenheimer, A. Aiuppa, and G. Giudice The equilibrium composition of volcanic gases with their magma is often overprinted by interaction with a shallow hydrothermal system. Identifying the magmatic signature of volcanic gases is critical to relate their composition to properties of the magma (temperature, f O 2 , gas-melt segregation depth). We report measurements of the chemical composition and flux of the major gas species emitted from Turrialba volcano during March 2013. Measurements were made of two vents in the summit region; one of which opened in 2010 and the other in 2012. We determined an average SO 2 flux of 2.40 ± 0.75 kg s −1 using scanning ultraviolet spectroscopy, and molar proportions of H 2 O, CO 2 , SO 2 , HCl, CO and H 2 gases of 94.16, 4.03, 1.56, 0.23, 0.003 and 0.009%, respectively, by open-path Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and a multi-species gas sensing system. Together, these data imply fluxes of 41, 4, 0.2, 2 × 10 −3 and 5 × 10 –4 kg s −1 for H 2 O, CO 2 , HCl, CO and H 2 respectively. Although H 2 S was detected, its concentration could not be resolved. HF was not detected. The chemical signature of the gas from both vents was found to be broadly similar. Following the opening of the 2010 and 2012 vents we found limited to negligible interaction of the magmatic gas with the hydrothermal system has occurred and the gas composition of the volcanic plume is broadly representative of equilibrium with the magma. The time evolution of the gas composition, the continuous emission of large quantities of SO 2 and the physical evolution of the summit area with new vent opening and more frequent eruptions all point towards a continuous drying of the hydrothermal system at Turrialba's summit at an apparently increasing rate.

Description: 3-D-geomechanical-numerical model of the contemporary crustal stress state in the Alberta Basin Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2423-2494, 2014 Author(s): K. Reiter and O. Heidbach In the context of examining the potential usage of safe and sustainable geothermal energy in the Alberta Basin whether in deep sediments or crystalline rock, the understanding of the in-situ stress state is crucial. It is a key challenge to estimate the 3-D stress state at an arbitrary chosen point in the crust, based on sparsely distributed in-situ stress data. To address this challenge, we present a large-scale 3-D geomechanical-numerical model (700 km × 1200 km × 80 km) from a large portion of the Alberta Basin, to provide a 3-D continuous quantification of the contemporary stress orientations and stress magnitudes. To calibrate the model, we use a large database of in-situ stress orientation (321 S Hmax ) as well as stress magnitude data (981 S V , 1720 S Hmin and 2 (+11) S Hmax ) from the Alberta Basin. To find the best-fit model we vary the material properties and primarily the kinematic boundary conditions of the model. This study focusses in detail on the statistical calibration procedure, because of the large amount of available data, the diversity of data types, and the importance of the order of data tests. The best-fit model provides the total 3-D stress tensor for nearly the whole Alberta Basin and allows estimation of stress orientation and stress magnitudes in advance of any well. First order implications for the well design and configuration of enhanced geothermal systems are revealed. Systematic deviations of the modelled stress from in-situ data are found for stress orientations in the Peace River- and the Bow Island Arch as well as for leak-off-test magnitudes.

Description: Upper mantle structure around the Trans-European Suture Zone obtained by teleseismic tomography Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1723-1763, 2014 Author(s): I. Janutyte, M. Majdanski, P. H. Voss, E. Kozlovskaya, and PASSEQ Working Group The presented study aims to resolve the upper mantle structure around the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ) which is the major tectonic boundary in Europe. The data of 183 temporary and permanent seismic stations operated during the period of the PASsive Seismic Experiment PASSEQ 2006–2008 within the study area from Germany to Lithuania was used to compile the dataset of manually picked 6008 top quality arrivals of P waves from teleseismic earthquakes. We used the non-linear teleseismic tomography algorithm TELINV to perform the inversions. As a result, we obtain a model of P wave velocity variations up to about ±3% compared to the IASP91 velocity model in the upper mantle around the TESZ. The higher velocities to the east of the TESZ correspond to the older East European Craton (EEC), while the lower velocities to the west of the TESZ correspond to younger Western Europe. We find that the seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is more distinct beneath the Phanerozoic part of Europe than beneath the Precambrian part. To the west of the TESZ beneath the eastern part of the Bohemian Massif, the Sudetes Mountains and the Eger Rift the negative anomalies are observed from the depth of at least 70 km, while under the Variscides the average depth of the seismic LAB is about 100 km. We do not observe the seismic LAB beneath the EEC, but beneath Lithuania we find the thickest lithosphere of about 300 km or more. Beneath the TESZ the asthenosphere is at a depth of 150–180 km, which is an intermediate value between that of the EEC and Western Europe. The results imply that the seismic LAB in the northern part of the TESZ is of a shape of a ramp dipping to the NE direction. In the southern part of the TESZ the LAB is shallower, most probably due to younger tectonic settings. In the northern part of the TESZ we do not recognize any clear contact between Phanerozoic and Proterozoic Europe, but further to the south we may refer to a sharp and steep contact on the eastern edge of the TESZ. Moreover, beneath Lithuania at the depth of 120–150 km we observe the lower velocity area following the boundary of the proposed palaeosubduction zone.

Description: Recognition of a porphyry system using ASTER data in Bideghan – Qom province (central of Iran) Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1765-1798, 2014 Author(s): F. Feizi and E. Mansouri The Bideghan area is located south of the Qom province (central of Iran). The most impressive geological features in the studied area are the Eocene sequences which are intruded by volcanic rocks with basic compositions. Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image processing have been used for hydrothermal alteration mapping and lineaments identification in the investigated area. In this research false color composite, band ratio, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Least Square Fit (LS-Fit) and Spectral Angel Mapping (SAM) techniques were applied on ASTER data and argillic, phyllic, Iron oxide and propylitic alteration zones were separated. Lineaments were identified by aid of false color composite, high pass filters and hill-shade DEM techniques. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of remote sensing method and ASTER multi-spectral data for alteration and lineament mapping. Finally, the results were confirmed by field investigation.

Description: Structural style and hydrocarbon trap of Karbasi anticline, in the Interior Fars region, Zagros, Iran Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2143-2167, 2014 Author(s): Z. Maleki, M. Arian, and A. Solgi Karbasi anticline between west-northwest parts of Jahrom town is located in northwest 40 km distance of Aghar gas anticline in interior Fars region. This anticline has asymmetric structure and some faults with large strike separation observed in its structure. The operation of Nezamabad sinistral strike slip fault in west part of this anticline caused fault plunge change in this region. Because of complication increasing of structures geometry in Fars region and necessity to exploration activities for deeper horizons especially the Paleozoic ones, the analysis of fold style elements, which is known as one of the main parts in structural studies seems necessary. In this paper because of some reasons such as Karbasi anticline structural complication, importance of drilling and hydrocarbon explorations in Fars region, it is proceed to analysis and evaluation of fold style elements and geometry with emphasis on Nezamabad fault operation in Interior Fars region. According to fold style elements analysis results, it became clear that in east part of anticline the type of fold horizontal moderately inclined and in west part it is upright moderately plunging, so west evaluation of anticline is affected by more deformation. In this research the relationship present faults especially the Nezamabad sinistral strike slip one with folding and its affection on Dehram horizon and Bangestan group were modeled. Based on received results may be the Nezamabad fault is located between G–G' and E–E' structural sections and this fault in this area operated same as fault zone. In different parts of Karbasi anticline, Dashtak formation as a middle detachment unit plays an important role in connection to folding geometry, may be which is affected by Nezamabad main fault.

Description: Relative tectonic activity classification in Kermanshah area, west Iran Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2097-2141, 2014 Author(s): M. Arian and Z. Aram The High Zagros region because of closing to subduction zone and the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates is imposed under the most tectonic variations. In this research, Gharasu river basin that it has located in Kermanshah area was selected as the study area and 6 geomorphic indices were calculated and the results of each ones were divided in 3 classes. Then, using the indices, relative tectonic activity was calculated and the values were classified and analyzed in 4 groups. Regions were identified as very high, high, moderate and low. In analyzing the results and combining them with field observation and regional geology the results are often associated and justified with field evidences. The highest value is located on Dokeral anticline in crush zone in Zagros Most of the areas with high and moderate values of lat are located on crush zone in Zagros too. Crushing of this zone is because of main faults mechanism of Zagros region. The result of this paper confirms previous researches in this region. At the end of the eastern part of the study area, the value of Iat is high that could be the result of Sarab and Koh-e Sefid faults mechanism.

Description: Finite difference modelling to evaluate seismic P wave and shear wave field data Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 2169-2213, 2014 Author(s): T. Burschil, T. Beilecke, and C. M. Krawczyk High-resolution reflection seismic methods are an established non-destructive tool for engineering tasks. In the near surface, shear wave reflection seismic measurements usually offer a higher spatial resolution in the same effective signal frequency spectrum than P wave data, but data quality varies more strongly. To discuss the causes of these differences, we investigated a P wave and a SH wave reflection seismic profile measured at the same location on Föhr island, and applied reflection seismic processing to the field data as well as finite difference modelling of the seismic wavefield (SOFI FD-code). The simulations calculated were adapted to the acquisition field geometry, comprising 2 m receiver distance and 4 m shot distance along the 1.5 km long P wave and 800 m long SH wave profiles. A Ricker-Wavelet and the use of absorbing frames were first order model parameters. The petrophysical parameters to populate the structural models down to 400 m depth are taken from borehole data, VSP measurements and cross-plot relations. The first simulation of the P wave wavefield was based on a simplified hydrogeological model of the survey location containing six lithostratigraphic units. Single shot data were compared and seismic sections created. Major features like direct wave, refracted waves and reflections are imaged, but the reflectors describing a prominent till layer at ca. 80 m depth was missing. Therefore, the P wave input model was refined and 16 units assigned. These define a laterally more variable velocity model ( v P = 1600–2300 m s −1 ) leading to a much better reproduction of the field data. The SH wave model was adapted accordingly but only led to minor correlation with the field data and produced a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, we suggest to consider for future simulations additional features like intrinsic damping, thin layering, or a near surface weathering layer. These may lead to a better understanding of key parameters determining the data quality of near-surface seismic measurements.

Description: Fully probabilistic seismic source inversion – Part 1: Efficient parameterisation Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1125-1162, 2013 Author(s): S. C. Stähler and K. Sigloch Seismic source inversion is a non-linear problem in seismology where not just the earthquake parameters themselves, but also estimates of their uncertainties are of great practical importance. Probabilistic source inversion (Bayesian inference) is very adapted to this challenge, provided that the parameter space can be chosen small enough to make Bayesian sampling computationally feasible. We propose a framework for PRobabilistic Inference of Source Mechanisms (PRISM) that parameterises and samples earthquake depth, moment tensor, and source time function efficiently by using information from previous non-Bayesian inversions. The source time function is expressed as a weighted sum of a small number of empirical orthogonal functions, which were derived from a catalogue of 〉1000 STFs by a principal component analysis. We use a likelihood model based on the cross-correlation misfit between observed and predicted waveforms. The resulting ensemble of solutions provides full uncertainty and covariance information for the source parameters, and permits to propagate these source uncertainties into travel time estimates used for seismic tomography. The computational effort is such that routine, global estimation of earthquake mechanisms and source time functions from teleseismic broadband waveforms is feasible.

Description: The permeability and elastic moduli of tuff from Campi Flegrei, Italy: implications for ground deformation modelling Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1081-1123, 2013 Author(s): M. J. Heap, P. Baud, P. G. Meredith, S. Vinciguerra, and T. Reuschlé The accuracy of ground deformation modelling at active volcanoes is a principal requirement in volcanic hazard mitigation. However, the reliability of such models relies on the accuracy of the rock physical property (permeability and elastic moduli) input parameters. Unfortunately, laboratory-derived values on representative rocks are usually rare. To this end we have performed a systematic laboratory study of the influence of pressure and temperature on the permeability and elastic moduli of the two most widespread tuffs from the Campi Flegrei volcanic district, Italy. Our data show that the water permeability of Neapolitan Yellow Tuff and a tuff from the Campanian Ignimbrite differ by about two orders of magnitude, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of the tuffs at Campi Flegrei. As pressure (depth) increases beyond the critical point for inelastic pore collapse (at an effective pressure of 10–15 MPa, or a depth of about 750 m), permeability and porosity decrease significantly, and ultrasonic wave velocities and dynamic elastic moduli increase significantly. Increasing the thermal stressing temperature increases the permeability and decreases the ultrasonic wave velocities and dynamic elastic moduli of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff; whereas the tuff from the Campanian Ignimbrite remains unaffected. This difference is due the presence of thermally unstable zeolites within the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff. For both rocks we also find, under the same pressure conditions, that the dynamic (calculated from ultrasonic wave velocities) and static (calculated from triaxial stress-strain data) elastic moduli differ significantly. The choice of elastic moduli in ground deformation modelling is therefore an important consideration. While we urge that these new laboratory data should be considered in routine ground deformation modelling, we highlight the heterogeneous nature of the rocks that comprise the caldera at Campi Flegrei.

Description: Time dependent properties of sandstones and their effects on mine stability Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 897-916, 2013 Author(s): M. Alber Large scale stress redistribution around longwall panels in coal mines puts rock masses in the vicinity of the underground excavations close to failure. While immediate failure is reflected for example by instantaneous seismic events, there is also a delayed response of the rock mass as noted from decaying seismicity during non-operating times. Sandstone samples from the hanging wall of a coal seam in the Ruhr coal mining district in Germany have been subjected to conventional strength, creep and relaxation tests. From creep and relaxation tests estimates of time dependent strength properties are derived. Numerical modeling was employed to delineate zones of states of stress around underground excavations which are prone to time dependent failure.

Description: Full-fit reconstruction of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 917-962, 2013 Author(s): M. Hosseinpour, R. D. Müller, S. E. Williams, and J. M. Whittaker Reconstructing the opening of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay between Greenland and North America remains controversial. Recent seismic data suggest that magnetic lineations along the margins of the Labrador Sea, originally interpreted as seafloor spreading anomalies, may lie within the crust of the continent–ocean transition. These data also suggest a more seaward extent of continental crust within the Greenland margin near the Davis Strait than assumed in previous full-fit reconstructions. Our study focuses on reconstructing the full-fit configuration of Greenland and North America using an approach that considers continental deformation in a quantitative manner. We use gravity inversion to map crustal thickness across the conjugate margins, and assimilate observations from available seismic profiles and potential field data to constrain the likely extent of different crustal types. We derive end-member continental margin restorations following alternative interpretations of published seismic profiles. The boundaries between continental and oceanic crust (COB) are restored to their pre-stretching locations along small circle motion paths across the region of Cretaceous extension. Restored COBs are fitted quantitatively to compute alternative total-fit reconstructions. A preferred full-fit model is chosen based on the strongest compatibility with geological and geophysical data. Our preferred model suggests that (i) the COB lies oceanward of magnetic lineations interpreted as magnetic anomaly 31 (70 Ma) in the Labrador Sea, (ii) all previously identified magnetic lineations landward of anomaly 27 reflect intrusions into continental crust, and (iii) the Ungava fault zone in Davis Strait acted as a leaky transform fault during rifting. This robust plate reconstruction reduces gaps and overlaps in the Davis Strait and suggests that there is no need for alternative models proposed for reconstructions of this area including additional plate boundaries in North America or Greenland. Our favored model implies that break up and formation of continent–ocean transition (COT) first started in the southern Labrador Sea and Davis Strait around 88 Ma and then propagated north and southwards up to onset of real seafloor spreading at 63 Ma in the Labrador Sea. In the Baffin Bay, continental stretching lasted longer and actual break up and seafloor spreading started around 61 Ma (Chron 26).

Description: Petrophysical constraints on the seismic properties of the Kaapvaal craton mantle root Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 963-1005, 2013 Author(s): V. Baptiste and A. Tommasi We calculated the seismic properties of 47 mantle xenoliths from 9 kimberlitic pipes in the Kaapvaal craton based on their modal composition, the crystal preferred orientations (CPO) of olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene, and garnet, the Fe content of olivine, and the pressures and temperatures at which the rocks were equilibrated. These data allow constraining the variation of seismic anisotropy and velocities with depth. The fastest P wave and fast split shear wave (S1) polarization direction is always close to olivine [100] maximum. Changes in olivine CPO symmetry result in minor variations in the seismic anisotropy patterns. Seismic anisotropy is higher for high olivine contents and stronger CPO. Maximum P waves azimuthal anisotropy (AV p ) ranges between 2.5 and 10.2% and S waves polarization anisotropy (AV s ) between 2.7 and 8%. Seismic properties averaged in 20 km thick intervals depth are, however, very homogeneous. Based on these data, we predict the anisotropy that would be measured by SKS, Rayleigh ( S V ) and Love ( S H ) waves for 5 end-member orientations of the foliation and lineation. Comparison to seismic anisotropy data in the Kaapvaal shows that the coherent fast directions, but low delay times imaged by SKS studies and the low azimuthal anisotropy and S H faster than S V measured using surface waves may only be consistently explained by dipping foliations and lineations. The strong compositional heterogeneity of the Kaapvaal peridotite xenoliths results in up to 3% variation in density and in up to 2.3% of variation V p , V s and the V p / V s ratio. Fe depletion by melt extraction increases V p and V s , but decreases the V p / V s ratio and density. Orthopyroxene enrichment decreases the density and V p , but increases V s , strongly reducing the V p / V s ratio. Garnet enrichment increases the density, and in a lesser manner V p and the V p / V s ratio, but it has little to no effect on V s . These compositionally-induced variations are slightly higher than the velocity perturbations imaged by body-wave tomography, but cannot explain the strong velocity anomalies reported by surface wave studies. Comparison of density and seismic velocity profiles calculated using the xenoliths' compositions and equilibrium conditions to seismological data in the Kaapvaal highlights that: (i) the thickness of the craton is underestimated in some seismic studies and reaches at least 180 km, (ii) the deep sheared peridotites represent very local modifications caused and oversampled by kimberlites, and (iii) seismological models probably underestimate the compositional heterogeneity in the Kaapvaal mantle root, which occurs at a scale much smaller than the one that may be sampled seismologically.

Description: The boundary between the eastern and western domains of the Pyrenean Orogen: a Cenozoic triple junction zone in Iberia? Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 507-564, 2012 Author(s): S. Tavani The Cantabrian Transitional Area (CTA) is located in the eastern portion of the Cantabrian Mountain Range of the northern Spain. It represents the most important internal boundary within the Upper Cretaceous to Cenozoic E–W elongated Pyrenean Orogen. In the south-verging portion of this orogen, the CTA divides the western thick-skinned Cantabrian Domain, which accommodated for a limited portion of the total N–S oriented orogenic shortening, from the Pyrenean realm to the east, where the south-verging frontal structures are characterised by a marked thiN–Skin style of deformation, and significantly contributed to accommodate the total shortening. In the Cantabrian Transitional Area, Cenozoic syn-orogenic left-lateral, right-lateral and reverse dip-slip movements have occurred along different directions, postdating early-orogenic extensional structures. The latter indicate that the southern portion of the study area formed the eastern termination of the northward concave roughly E–W oriented proto Duero Foreland Basin. This basin was flanked to the north by the thick-skinned proto Cantabrian Belt, which included in its easternmost part the northern portion of the Cantabrian Transitional Area. Onset of right-lateral strike-slip tectonics along the WNW-ESE striking Ubiernal-Venatniella Fault System, which locates to the SW of the CTA and crosses the entire Cantabrian Belt and its formerly southern foreland basin, caused the dislocation of the belt-foredeep system. Contextually, thiN–Skinned structures belonging to the eastern domain of the Pyrenean Orogen laterally propagated and incorporated the eastern part of the proto Duero Foreland Basin. Coexistence of right-lateral and reverse movements to the west and to the east, respectively, determined the onset of an intrabelt compression at the boundary between the Cantabrian and Pyrenean domains, which was the ultimate act of the fusion of the two domains into a single orogen. Paradoxically, this fusion has basically occurred due to the penetration of the NW-SE-striking intraplate right-lateral transpressive system of the Iberian Chain into the Cantabrian Domain of the Pyrenean Orogen. Cenozoic right-lateral reactivation of the Ubierna Fault System, in fact, is part of a NW-SE striking intraplate strike-slip transpressive system, which to the south-east includes the Iberian Chain until the Mediterranean Sea and that, in the western termination of the Ubierna Fault System, branches off into three main splay faults, which are the Ventaniella and Leon faults, and the Duero frontal thrust. Taking into account the role of this Cenozoic transpressive system allows to drastically reduce the gap between plate kinematic reconstructions and geological evidences. This implies that, despite the limited amount of displacement, the Iberian Chain and the Ubierna-Ventaniella systems must be elevated to the rank of microplate boundary, which divided two sectors of the Iberian Plate. Accordingly, the intersection between this system and the Pyrenean Orogen, which occurs in the CTA, must be regarded as a triple junction zone.

Description: Strain localisation in mechanically Layered Rocks, insights from numerical modelling Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1165-1204, 2012 Author(s): L. Le Pourhiet, B. Huet, P. Agard, L. Labrousse, L. Jolivet, and K. Yao Small scale deformation in stratified rocks displays a large diversity of micro-structures, from the microscopic scale to the scale of orogens. We have designed a series of fully dynamic numerical simulations aimed at assessing which parameters control this structural diversity and which underlying mechanisms lead to strain localisation. The influence of stratification orientation on the occurrence and mode of strain localisation is tested by varying the initial dip of inherited layering versus the large scale imposed simple shear. The detailed study of the models indicates that (1) the results are length-scale independent, (2) the new shear zones are always compatible with the kinematics imposed at the boundary (3) micro-structures formed encompass the full diversity of micro-structures observed in the field and chiefly depend on the direction of the initial anisotropy versus shear direction, (4) depending on the orientation of the anisotropy, the layers may deform along subtractive or additive shear bands, (5) the deformation in anisotropic media results in non-lithostatic pressure values that are on the order of the deviatoric stress in the strong layers and (6) the introduction of brittle rheology is necessary to form localised shear bands in the ductile regime.

Description: Ammonoid multi-extinction crises during the Late Pliensbachian – Toarcian and carbon cycle instabilities Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1205-1228, 2012 Author(s): J. Guex, A. Bartolini, J. Spangenberg, J.-C. Vicente, and U. Schaltegger Five crises affecting ammonite evolution occurred during the Late Pliensbachian to Late Toarcian stages (Early Jurassic). The first two (Gibbosus and end-Spinatum zones) occurred during highly cold and regressive conditions which were followed by a global anoxic event generated during a supergreenhouse warm event (Levisoni subzone) concomitant with a worldwide transgressive event. The last two (Late Variabilis and Late Insigne zones) are related to regressive events. We present new carbon isotope data from Southern Peru that demonstrate that most of the major Toarcian crises affecting ammonite evolution can be correlated with the variations affecting the δ 13 C during that unstable period. The morphogenetic reactions of the ammonites during the five different upper Liassic critical episodes are analysed, showing how this group can be used as stress indicators.

Description: Thermal structure and intermediate-depth seismicity in the Tohoku-Hokkaido subduction zones Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1069-1093, 2012 Author(s): P. E. van Keken, S. Kita, and J. Nakajima The cause of intermediate-depth (〉 40 km) seismicity in subduction zones is not well understood. The viability of proposed mechanisms, that include dehydration embrittlement, shear instabilities, and the presence of fluids in general, depends significantly on local conditions, including pressure, temperature and composition. The well-instrumented and well-studied subduction zone below Northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido) provides an excellent testing ground to study the conditions under which intermediate-depth seismicity occurs. This study combines new high resolution finite elements models that predict the dynamics and thermal structure of the Japan subduction system with a high precision hypocenter data base. The upper plane of seismicity is principally contained in the crustal portion of the subducting slab and appears to thin and deepen within the crust at depths 〉 80 km. The disappearance of seismicity overlaps in most of the region with the predicted phase change of blueschist to hydrous eclogite, which forms a major dehydration front in the crust. The correlation between thermally predicted blueschist-out boundary and the disappearance of seismicity breaks down in the transition from the northern Japan to Kurile arc below western Hokkaido. Adjusted models, that take into account the seismically imaged modified upper mantle structure in this region, fail to adequately recover the correlation that is seen below Tohoku and eastern Hokkaido. We conclude that the thermal structure below Western Hokkaido is significantly affected by time-dependent, 3-D dynamics of the slab. This study generally supports the role of fluids in the generation of intermediate-depth seismicity.

Description: Short wavelength undulatory extinction in quartz recording coseismic deformation in the middle crust – an experimental study Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 281-314, 2013 Author(s): C. A. Trepmann and B. Stöckhert Deformation experiments are carried out on natural vein quartz in a modified Griggs-type solid medium apparatus to explore the preservation potential of microfabrics created by crystal-plastic deformation at high stress, overprinted during subsequent creep at lower stress. a corresponding stress history is expected for the upper plastosphere, where fault slip during an earthquake causes quasi-instantaneous loading to high stress, followed by stress relaxation. The question is whether evidence of crystal-plastic deformation at high stress, hence an indicator of past seismic activity, can still be identified in the microstructure after overprint by creep at lower stresses. Firstly, quartz samples are deformed at a temperature of 400 °C and constant strain rate of 10 −4 s −1 ("kick"), and then held at 900 to 1000 °C at residual stress ("creep"). In quartz exclusively subject to high-stress deformation, lamellar domains of slightly differing crystallographic orientation (misorientation angle

Description: Study on the limitations of traveltime inversion in the presence of extreme velocity anomalies Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 189-226, 2013 Author(s): I. Flecha, R. Carbonell, and R. W. Hobbs The difficulties of seismic imaging beneath high velocity structures are widely recognised. In this setting, theoretical analysis of synthetic wide-angle seismic reflection data indicates that velocity models are not well constrained. A two-dimensional velocity model was built to simulate a simplified structural geometry given by a basaltic wedge placed within a sedimentary sequence. This model reproduces the geological setting in areas of special interest for the oil industry as the Faroe-Shetland Basin. A wide-angle synthetic dataset was calculated on this model using an elastic finite difference scheme. This dataset provided travel times for tomographic inversions. Results show that the original model can not be completely resolved without considering additional information. The resolution of nonlinear inversions lacks a functional mathematical relationship, therefore, statistical approaches are required. Stochastical tests based on Metropolis techniques support the need of additional information to properly resolve subbasalt structures.

Description: Managing soil nitrate with cover crops and buffer strips in Sicilian vineyards Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 257-279, 2013 Author(s): A. Novara, L. Gristina, F. Guaitoli, A. Santoro, and A. Cerdà When soil nitrate levels are inadequate, plants suffer nitrogen deficiency but when the levels are excessive, nitrates (NO 3 -N) can pollute surface and subsurface waters. Strategies to reduce the nitrate pollution are necessary to reach a sustainable use of resources such as soil, water and plant. Buffer strips and cover crops can contribute to the management of soil nitrates, but little is known of their effectiveness in semiarid vineyards plantations. The experimental site, a 10 m wide and 80 m long area at the bottom of a vineyard was selected in Sicily. The soil between vine rows and upslope of the buffer strip (seeded with Lolium perenne ) and non-buffer strips (control) was managed conventionally and with one of two cover crops ( Triticum durum and Vicia sativa cover crop). Soil nitrate was measured monthly and nitrate movement was monitored by application of a 15 N tracer to a narrow strip between the bottom of vineyard and the buffer and non-buffer strips. L. perenne biomass yield in the buffer strips and its isotopic nitrogen content were monitored. V. sativa cover crop management contribute with an excess of nitrogen, and the soil management determined the nitrogen content at the buffer areas. A 6 m buffer strip reduce the nitrate by 42% with and by 46% with a 9 m buffer strip.

Description: Seismic LAB or LID? The Baltic Shield case Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 699-736, 2013 Author(s): M. Grad, T. Tiira, S. Olsson, and K. Komminaho The problem of the asthenosphere for old Precambrian cratons, including East European Craton and its part – the Baltic Shield, is still discussed. To study the seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the Baltic Shield we used records of 9 local events with magnitudes in the range 2.7–5.9. The relatively big number of seismic stations in the Baltic Shield with a station spacing of 30–100 km permits for relatively dense recordings, and is sufficient in lithospheric scale. For modelling of the lower lithosphere and asthenosphere, the original data were corrected for topography and the Moho depth for each event and each station location, using a reference model with a 46 km thick crust. Observed P and S arrivals are significantly earlier than those predicted by the iasp91 model, which clearly indicates that lithospheric P and S velocities beneath the Baltic Shield are higher than in the global iasp91 model. For two northern events at Spitsbergen and Novaya Zemlya we observe a low velocity layer, 60–70 km thick asthenosphere, and the LAB beneath Barents Sea was found at depth of about 200 km. Sections for other events show continous first arrivals of P waves with no evidence for "shadow zone" in the whole range of registration, which could be interpreted as absence of asthenosphere beneath the central part of the Baltic Shield, or that LAB in this area occurs deeper (〉200 km). The relatively thin low velocity layer found beneath southern Sweden, 15 km below the Moho, could be interpreted as small scale lithospheric inhomogeneities, rather than asthenosphere. Differentiation of the lid velocity beneath the Baltic Shield could be interpreted as regional inhomogeneity. It could also be interpreted as anisotropy of the Baltic Shield lithosphere, with fast velocity close to the east-west direction, and slow velocity close to the south-north direction.

Description: Indications for different types of brittle failure due to active coal mining using waveform similarities of induced seismic events Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 655-698, 2013 Author(s): S. Wehling-Benatelli, D. Becker, M. Bischoff, W. Friederich, and T. Meier Longwall mining activity in the Ruhr-coal mining district leads to mining-induced seismicity. For detailed studies seismicity of a single longwall panel beneath the town of Hamm-Herringen in the eastern Ruhr area was monitored between June 2006 and July 2007 with a dense temporary array of 15 seismic stations. More than 7000 seismic events with magnitudes between −1.7 ≤ M L ≤ 2.0 were detected and localized in this period. Most of the events occurred in the vicinity of the moving longwall face. In order to find possible differences in the brittle failure types of these events an association of the events to distinct clusters based on their waveform characteristics is performed. This task is carried out using a new clustering algorithm utilizing a network similarity matrix which is created by combining all available 3-component single station similarity matrices. The resultant network matrix is then sorted with respect to the similarity of its rows leading to a sorted matrix immediately indicating the clustering of the event catalogue. Finally, clusters of similar events are extracted by visual inspection. This approach results in the identification of several large clusters which are distinct with respect to their spatial and temporal characteristics as well as their frequency magnitude distributions. Comparable clusters are also found with a conventional single linkage approach, however, the new routine seems to be able to associate more events to specific clusters without merging the clusters. The nine largest observed clusters can be tentatively divided into three different groups that indicate different types of brittle failure. The first group consists of the two largest clusters which constitute more than half of all recorded events. Results of a relative relocation using cross correlation data suggest that these events are confined to the extent of the mined out longwall and cluster close to the edges of the active longwall at the depth of active mining. These events occur in lockstep with the longwall advance and exhibit a high b-value of the Gutenberg-Richter relation of about 1.5–2.5 and consist of small magnitude events. Thus, these events represent the immediate energy release adjacent to the mined out area. The second group consists of clusters locating either slightly above or below the depth of active mining occurring at the current position of the longwall face within the confines of the longwall. They consist of generally stronger events and do not follow a Gutenberg-Richter relation. This activity might be linked to the failure of more competent layers above and below the mined out seam resulting in larger events. Finally, one cluster represents seismic activity with a rather low b-value below 1 and events located partly towards the north of the longwall which are delayed with respect to the advance of the longwall face. These events are interpreted brittle failure on pre-existing tectonic structures reactivated by the mining activity.

Description: Can vesicle size distributions predict eruption intensity during volcanic activity? Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 789-810, 2013 Author(s): A. LaRue, D. R. Baker, M. Polacci, P. Allard, and N. Sodini We studied three-dimensional (3-D) vesicle size distributions by X-ray microtomography in scoria collected during the relatively quiescent Phase II of the 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland. Our goal was to compare the vesicle size distributions (VSDs) measured in these samples with those found in Stromboli volcano, Italy. Stromboli was chosen because its VSDs are well-characterized and show a correlation with eruption intensity: typical Strombolian activity produces VSDs with power-law exponents near 1, whereas larger and more energetic Vulcanian-type explosions and Plinian eruptions produce VSDs with power-law exponents near 1.5. The hypothesis to be tested was whether or not the samples studied in this work would contain VSDs similar to normal Strombolian products, display higher power-law exponents, or be described by exponential functions. Before making this comparison we tested the hypothesis that the phreatomagmatic nature of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption might have a significant effect on the VSDs. We performed 1 atm bubble-growth experiments in which the samples were inundated with water and compared them to similar, control, experiments without water inundation. No significant differences between the VSDs of the two sets of experiments were found, and the hypothesis is not supported by the experimental evidence; therefore, VSDs of magmatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions can be directly compared. The Phase II Eyjafjallajökull VSDs are described by power law exponents of ~ 0.8, typical of normal Strombolian eruptions. The comparable VSDs and behavior of Phase II of the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption to Stromboli are interpreted to be a reflection of similar conduit systems in both volcanoes that are being constantly fed by the ascent of deep magma that mixes with resident magma at shallow depths. Such behavior implies that continued activity during Phase II of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption could be expected and would have been predicted, had our VSDs been measured in real time during the eruption. However, the products studied show no peculiar feature that could herald renewed eruption intensity observed in the following Phase III of the eruption.

Description: Strength constraints of shallow crustal strata from analyses of mining induced seismicity Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 737-765, 2013 Author(s): M. Alber, R. Fritschen, and M. Bischoff Stress redistributions around large underground excavations such as coal mines may lead to failure of the surrounding rock mass. Some of these failure processes were recorded as seismic events. In this paper the different failure processes such as rock mass failure or the reactivation of faults are delineated from the seismic records. These are substantiated by rock mechanical analyses including laboratory strength tests on coal measure rocks obtained from underground drilling. Additionally, shear tests on discontinuities in coal measure rocks (slickensides in shale and rough sandstone joints) were conducted to grasp the possible variation of strength properties of faults. Numerical modeling was employed to evaluate the state of stress at the locations where seismic events did occur.

Description: Grassland fire effect on soil organic carbon reservoirs in semiarid environment Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 883-895, 2013 Author(s): A. Novara, L. Gristina, J. Rühl, S. Pasta, G. D'Angelo, T. La Mantia, and P. Pereira The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of a experimental fire, used for grassland management, on soil organic carbon (SOC) reservoirs. The study was carried out on Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf ( Hh ) grassland and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus (Desf.) T. Durand and Schinz ( Am ) grasslands, located in the north of Sicily. Soil samples were collected at 0–5 cm before and after experimental fire and SOC was measured. During grassland fire soil surface temperature was monitored. Biomass of both grasses was analyzed in order to determine dry weight and its chemical composition. The results showed that SOC varied significantly with vegetation cover, while it is not affected in the short period by grassland fire. Am grassland stored more SOC compared with Hh grassland thanks to lower content in biomass of labile carbon pool. No significant difference was observed in SOC before and after fire which could be caused by several factors: first, in both grassland types the measured soil temperature during fire was low due to thin litter layers; second, in semiarid environment higher mineralization rate results in lower soil carbon labile pool; and third, the C stored in the finest soil fractions, physical protected, is not affected by fire.

Description: Use of phytoremediation and biochar to remediate heavy metal polluted soils: a review Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 2155-2179, 2013 Author(s): J. Paz-Ferreiro, H. Lu, S. Fu, A. Méndez, and G. Gascó Anthropogenic activities are resulting in an increase on the use and extraction of heavy metals. Heavy metals cannot be degraded and hence accumulate in the environment having the potential to contaminate the food chain. This pollution threatens soil quality, plant survival and human health. The remediation of heavy metals deserves attention, but it is impaired by the cost of these processes. Phytoremediation and biochar are two sound environmental technologies which could be at the forefront to mitigate soil pollution. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge phytoremediation and biochar application to remediate heavy metal contaminated soils, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both individual approaches. Research to date has attempted only in a limited number of occasions to combine both techniques, however we discuss the potential advantages of combining both remediation techniques and the potential mechanisms involved in the interaction between phytoremediators and biochar. We identified specific research needs to ensure a sustainable use of phytoremediation and biochar as remediation tools.

Description: Short-term spatio-temporal spring grassland fire effects on soil colour, organic matter and water repellency in Lithuania Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 2119-2154, 2013 Author(s): P. Pereira, X. Úbeda, J. Mataix-Solera, D. Martin, M. Oliva, and A. Novara The aim of this work was to study the short-term effects (first 9 months after the fire) of a low-severity spring boreal grassland fire on soil colour, soils organic matter (SOM) and soil water repellency (SWR) in Lithuania. Three days after the fire we designed a plot of 400 m 2 in a control (unburned) and unburned area with the same geomorphological characteristics. Soil water repellency analysis were assessed through the 2 mm mesh (composite sample) and in the subsamples of all of the 250 samples divided into different soil aggregate fractions of 2–1, 1–0.5, 0.5–0.25 and 〈 0.25 mm, using the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) method. The results showed that fire darkened the soil significantly during the entire study period due to the incorporation of ash/charcoal into the soil profile. Soil organic matter was significantly higher in the first two months after the fire in the burned plot, in comparison to the unburned plot. Soil water repellency (SWR) of the composite sample was higher in the burned plot during the first two months after the fire. However, considering the different aggregate fractions studied, the SWR was significantly higher until 5 months after the fire in the coarser fractions (2–1 mm, 1–0.5 mm) and 7 months after in the finer (0.5–0.25 mm and 〈 0.25 mm), suggesting that the leachability of organic compounds is different with respect to soil aggregate size fractions. This finding has implications for the spatio-temporal variability of fire effects on SWR. SOM was significantly negative correlated with SWR (composite sample) only in the two months after the fire. These results demonstrated that in the first two months the hydrophobic compounds produced by fire were one of the factors responsible for the increase in SWR. Subsequently repellent compounds were leached, at different rates, according to particle size. The impacts of this low severity grassland fire were limited in time, and are not considered a~threat to this ecosystem.

Description: High temperature indentation creep tests on anhydrite – a promising first look Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 2081-2118, 2013 Author(s): D. Dorner, K. Röller, and B. Stöckhert Indentation creep tests are established in materials engineering, providing information on rheology, deformation mechanisms, and related microstructures of materials. Here we explore the potential of this method on natural, polycrystalline anhydrite. The tests are run at atmospheric pressure, temperatures between 700 °C and 920 °C, and reference stresses between 7 MPa and 30 MPa. An activation energy Q of 338 kJ mol −1 and a stress exponent n of 3.9 are derived. Deformation is localized into shear zones bounding a less deformed approximately conical plug underneath the indenter. Shear zone microstructures reveal inhomogeneous crystal plastic deformation, subgrains, and extensive strain induced grain boundary migration, while mechanical twinning appears not to be activated. Microstructure and mechanical data are consistent with deformation by dislocation creep. Extrapolated to slow natural strain rates, the flow law predicts a high flow strength of anhydrite compared to previous studies.

Description: Focal mechanisms in the Southern Aegean from temporary seismic networks – implications for the regional stress field and ongoing deformation processes Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1721-1770, 2013 Author(s): W. Friederich, A. Brüstle, L. Küperkoch, and T. Meier The lateral variation of the stress field in the southern Aegean plate and the subducting Hellenic slab is determined from recordings of seismicity obtained with the CYCNET and EGELADOS networks in the years from 2002 to 2007. First motions from 7000 well-located earthquakes were analysed to produce 540 well-constrained focal mechanisms. They were complemented by another 140 derived by waveform matching of records from larger events. Most of these earthquakes fall into 16 distinct spatial clusters distributed over the southern Aegean region. For each cluster, a stress inversion could be carried out yielding consistent estimates of the stress field and its spatial variation. At crustal levels, the stress field is generally dominated by a steeply dipping compressional principal stress direction except in places where coupling of the subducting slab and overlying plate come into play. Tensional principal stresses are generally subhorizontal. Just behind the forearc, the crust is under arc-parallel tension whereas in the volcanic areas around Kos, Columbo and Astypalea tensional and intermediate stresses are nearly degenerate. Further west and north, in the Santorini-Amorgos graben and in the area of the islands of Mykonos, Andros and Tinos, tensional stresses are significant and point around the NW–SE direction. Very similar stress fields are observed in western Turkey with the tensional axis rotated to NNE–SSW. Intermediate depth earthquakes below 100 km in the Nisyros region indicate that the Hellenic slab experiences slab-parallel tension at these depths. The direction of tension is close to east-west and thus deviates from the local NW-oriented slab dip presumably owing to the segmentation of the slab. Beneath the Cretan sea, at shallower levels, the slab is under NW–SE compression. The lateral and depth variations of the stress field reflect the various agents that influence tectonics in the Aegean: subduction of the Hellenic slab, incipient collision with continental African lithosphere, roll back of the slab in the south-east, segmentation of the slab, arc volcanism and extension of the Aegean crust.

Description: Evidence of magma activation beneath the Lunayyir basaltic field (Saudi Arabia) from attenuation tomography Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1401-1421, 2014 Author(s): I. Koulakov, S. El Khrepy, N. Al-Arifi, I. Sychev, and P. Kuznetsov We present a seismic attenuation model for the crust beneath the Cenozoic basaltic field of Lunayyir (western Saudi Arabia), where a strong seismic swarm occurred in 2009. The tomography inversion uses the envelope shape of the S wave seismograms from over 300 strong events ( M 〉 3.5). The resulting attenuation structures appear to be consistent with the distribution of seismic velocities. The obtained 3-D attenuation model distinguishes the low-attenuation zones down to 5 km depth corresponding to the rigid basaltic cover. At greater depths, we detect a high-attenuation anomaly coinciding with the main seismicity cluster. We propose that this zone corresponds to the upper part of the conduit area ascending from deeper magma sources. According to the distributions of local events, fluids and melts from this conduit appear to reach a depth of ~2 km, but were not able to reach the surface and cause the eruption in 2009.

Description: Simulation of seismic waves at the Earth crust (brittle-ductile transition) based on the Burgers model Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1371-1400, 2014 Author(s): J. M. Carcione, F. Poletto, B. Farina, and A. Craglietto The Earth crust presents two dissimilar rheological behaviours depending on the in-situ stress-temperature conditions. The upper, cooler, part is brittle while deeper zones are ductile. Seismic waves may reveal the presence of the transition but a proper characterization is required. We first obtain a stress–strain relation including the effects of shear seismic attenuation and ductility due to shear deformations and plastic flow. The anelastic behaviour is based on the Burgers mechanical model to describe the effects of seismic attenuation and steady-state creep flow. The shear Lamé constant of the brittle and ductile media depends on the in-situ stress and temperature through the shear viscosity, which is obtained by the Arrhenius equation and the octahedral stress criterion. The P- and S-wave velocities decrease as depth and temperature increase due to the geothermal gradient, an effect which is more pronounced for shear waves. We then obtain the P-S and SH equations of motion recast in the velocity-stress formulation, including memory variables to avoid the computation of time convolutions. The equations correspond to isotropic anelastic and inhomogeneous media and are solved by a direct grid method based on the Runge–Kutta time stepping technique and the Fourier pseudospectral method. The algorithm is tested with success against known analytical solutions for different shear viscosities. A realistic example illustrates the computation of surface and reverse-VSP synthetic seismograms in the presence of an abrupt brittle-ductile transition.

Description: Coffee husk mulch on soil erosion and runoff: experiences under rainfall simulation experiment Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1127-1153, 2014 Author(s): H. Moreno-Ramón, S. J. Quizembe, and S. Ibáñez-Asensio The high erosion rates found in the agriculture land make valuable the use of mulches to control the soil and water losses. Coffee husk ( Coffee canephora var. robusta ) can be one of those mulches. This paper evaluates how to apply the mulch in order to obtain, with the same doses, the best effectiveness. An experimental factorial design 4 × 3 × 2 with two replicates was designed in a greenhouse with a total amount of 48 treatments. All the samples were deposited in trays of 0.51 m 2 and applied a simulated rain of 122 mm h −1 during 21 min. The factors examined were: four soil classes; three treatments: buried (B), surface (S) and non-residue (C), and the presence (WC) or absence (WOC) of the soil surface crusting. The coffee husk residue (S and B treatments) reduced runoff by 10.2% and 46% respectively, soil losses by 78.3% and 88.7% and sediment concentration by 77% and 84.4%. The infiltration rate increased on average by 104% and 167%, and time to runoff by 1.58 and 2.07 min respectively. The coffee husk mulch (S and B) avoided the influence of crust. Coffee husk is an efficient mulch to reduce the soil and water losses.

Description: Evaluating the importance of surface soil contributions to reservoir sediment in alpine environments: a combined modelling and fingerprinting approach in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1155-1190, 2014 Author(s): L. Palazón, L. Gaspar, B. Latorre, W. Blake, and A. Navas Soil in alpine environments plays a key role in the development of ecosystem. Identify, maintain and preserve its resources, as well as recognize processes that would affect them are important and of practical interest. Environmental concerns about these fragile systems which are threatened by the human pressure and climatic change have stressed the need to gather information in soil erosion processes. As most mountain alpine environment the Benasque catchment is characterized by temperatures below freezing that can last from November to April, strong rainfall events and rugged topography. Indirect studies, such as combined model approaches, could be an alternative to evaluate soil erosion on these areas. In this study the complementary tools of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and fingerprinting procedure were used to assess an initial approach on soil erosion processes which take place in the area of the Posets-Maladeta National Park (Central Spanish Pyrenees). Soil erosion rates and sediment contribution of potential sediment sources (Kastanozem/Phaeozem; Fluvisol; Cambisol and channel bed sediments) were assessed. SWAT model identified Cambisols as the main source of sediment of the Benasque catchment with the highest specific sediment yields and Phaeozems and Fluvisols were identified as the lowest sediment contributors. Spring and winter performed the highest and lowest specific sediment yield, respectively. Fingerprinting procedure identified channel bed sediment and Fluvisols as the main sediment sources indicating the main influence of connectivity. The combined approach enabled us to better understand soil erosion processes in the Benasque alpine catchment.

Description: Sedimentological characteristics of ice-wedge polygon terrain in Adventdalen (Svalbard). Environmental and climatic implications for the Late Holocene Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1191-1225, 2014 Author(s): M. Oliva, G. Vieira, P. Pina, P. Pereira, M. Neves, and M. C. Freitas Ice-wedges are widespread periglacial features in the landscape of Adventalen, Svalbard. The networks of ice-wedges have created areas with well-developed polygonal terrains in the lowest fluvial terraces in this valley. We have examined the sedimentological characteristics of the northern and southern banks of the Advent river for palaeoenvironmental purposes. The base of two sedimentary sections reported radiocarbon dates of 3.3 and 3.9 ka cal BP, respectively. The northern site is constituted by three very different lithostratigraphical units, which suggests that their formation should be related to different environmental and climate conditions. By contrast, the southern section shows a rather homogeneous composition, with no significant variations in grain size and organic matter content. In both cases the uppermost sediments are constituted by a thick aeolian deposit. According to our data, warmer climate conditions may have prevailed during the Mid Holocene until 3.3 ka cal BP with widespread peat formation in the valley bottom. Subsequently, a period with alternating soil formation and aeolian sedimentation took place from 3 to 2.5 ka cal BP, probably due to increasing climatic severity. During the last millennium a long-term cooling trend has favoured aeolian deposition in the lowest Adventalen valley.

Description: The rheological behavior of fracture-filling cherts: example of Barite Valley dikes, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1227-1264, 2014 Author(s): M. Ledevin, N. Arndt, and A. Simionovici A 100 m-thick complex of near-vertical carbonaceous chert dikes marks the transition from the Mendon to Mapepe Formations (3260 Ma) in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. Fracturing was intense in this area, as shown by the profusion and width of the dikes (ca. 1 m on average) and by the abundance of completely shattered rocks. The dike-and-sill organization of the fracture network and the upward narrowing of some of the large veins indicate that at least part of the fluid originated at depth and migrated upward in this hydrothermal plumbing system. Abundant angular fragments of silicified country rock are suspended and uniformly distributed within the larger dikes. Jigsaw-fit structures and confined bursting textures indicate that hydraulic fracturing was at the origin of the veins. The confinement of the dike system beneath an impact spherule bed suggests that the hydrothermal circulations were triggered by the impact and located at the external margin of a large crater. From the geometry of the dikes and the petrography of the cherts, we infer that the fluid that invaded the fractures was thixotropic. On one hand, the injection of black chert into extremely fine fractures is evidence for low viscosity at the time of injection; on the other hand, the lack of closure of larger veins and the suspension of large fragments in a chert matrix provide evidence of high viscosity soon thereafter. The inference is that the viscosity of the injected fluid increased from low to high as the fluid velocity decreased. Such rheological behavior is characteristic of media composed of solid and colloidal particles suspended in a liquid. The presence of abundant clay-sized, rounded particles of silica, carbonaceous matter and clay minerals, the high proportion of siliceous matrix and the capacity of colloidal silica to form cohesive 3-D networks through gelation, account for the viscosity increase and thixotropic behavior of the fluid that filled the veins. Stirring and shearing of the siliceous mush as it was injected imparted a low viscosity by decreasing internal particle interactions; then, as the flow rate declined, the fluid became highly viscous as the inter-particulate bonds (siloxane bonds, Si-O-Si) were reconstituted. The gelation of the chert was rapid and the structure persisted at low temperature ( T 〈 200 °C) before fractures were sealed and chert indurated.

Description: Characterization of hydrochars produced by hydrothermal carbonization of rice husk Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 657-677, 2014 Author(s): D. Kalderis, M. S. Kotti, A. Méndez, and G. Gascó Biochar is the carbon-rich product obtained when biomass, such as wood, manure or leaves, is heated in a closed container with little or no available air. In more technical terms, biochar is produced by so-called thermal decomposition of organic material under limited supply of oxygen (O 2 ), and at relatively low temperatures (

Description: Asymmetry of high-velocity lower crust on the South Atlantic rifted margins and implications for the interplay of magmatism and tectonics in continental break-up Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1335-1370, 2014 Author(s): K. Becker, D. Franke, R. B. Trumbull, M. Schnabel, I. Heyde, B. Schreckenberger, H. Koopmann, K. Bauer, W. Jokat, and C. M. Krawczyk High-velocity lower crust (HVLC) and seaward dipping reflector sequences (SDRs) are typical features of volcanic rifted margins. However, the nature and origin of HVLC is under discussion. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of deep crustal structures in the southern segment of the South Atlantic and an assessment of HVLC along the margins. Two new seismic refraction lines off South America fill a gap in the data coverage and together with five existing velocity models allow a detailed investigation of the lower crustal properties on both margins. An important finding is the major asymmetry in volumes of HVLC on the conjugate margins. The seismic refraction lines across the South African margin reveal four times larger cross sectional areas of HVLC than at the South American margin, a finding that is in sharp contrast to the distribution of the flood basalts in the Paraná-Etendeka Large Igneous Provinces (LIP). Also, the position of the HVLC with respect to the seaward dipping reflector sequences varies consistently along both margins. Close to the Falkland-Agulhas Fracture Zone a small body of HVLC is not accompanied by seaward dipping reflectors. In the central portion of both margins, the HVLC is below the inner seaward dipping reflector wedges while in the northern area, closer to the Rio Grande Rise/Walvis Ridge, large volumes of HVLC extend far seawards of the inner seaward dipping reflectors. This challenges the concept of a simple extrusive/intrusive relationship between seaward dipping reflector sequences and HVLC, and it provides evidence for formation of the HVLC at different times during the rifting and break-up process. We suggest that the drastically different HVLC volumes are caused by asymmetric rifting in a simple shear dominated extension.

Description: Thermal conditions during deformation of partially molten crust from TitaniQ geothermometry: rheological implications for the anatectic domain of the Araçuaí belt, Eastern Brazil Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1299-1333, 2014 Author(s): G. C. G. Cavalcante, A. Vauchez, C. Merlet, M. Egydio-Silva, M. H. Bezerra de Holanda, and B. Boyer During the Neoproterozoic orogeny, the middle crust of the Araçuaí belt underwent widespread partial melting. At the regional scale, this anatectic domain is characterized by a progressive rotation of the flow direction from South to North, suggesting a 3-D deformation of the anatectic middle crust. To better constrain whether melt volumes present in the anatectic middle crust of the Araçuaí orogen were large enough to allow a combination of gravity-driven and convergence-driven deformation, we used the titanium-in-quartz geothermometer (TitaniQ) to estimate the crystallization temperatures of quartz grains in the anatectic rocks. When possible, we compared these estimates with thermobarometric estimates from traditional exchange geothermobarometers applied to neighboring migmatitic kinzigites. TitaniQ temperatures range from 750 to 800 °C, suggesting that quartz start crystallizing at a minimum temperatures ≥800 °C. These results, combined with the bulk-rock composition of isolated leucosomes allow to estimate a minimum of ∼30% melt in the anatectic leucossomes and a corresponding viscosity of ∼10 9 –1 10 Pa s. Such a minimum melt content and low viscosity are in agreement with interconnected melt networks observed in the field. Considering that these characteristics are homogeneous over a wide area, this supports that the strength of the middle crust was severely weaken by extensive partial melting turning it prone to gravity-driven channel flow and lateral extrusion.

Description: Expert modelling of a geological cross-section from boreholes: sources of uncertainty and their quantification Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1687-1721, 2014 Author(s): R. M. Lark, S. Thorpe, H. Kessler, and S. J. Mathers We conducted a designed experiment to quantify sources of uncertainty in the expert interpretation of a geological cross-section. A group of 28 geologists participated in the experiment. Each interpreted borehole records which included three Palaeogene bedrock units, including the target unit for the experiment: the London Clay. The set of boreholes was divided into batches from which validation boreholes had been withheld; as a result we obtained 129 point comparisons between the interpreted elevation of the base of the London Clay and its observed elevation in a borehole not used for that particular interpretation. Analysis of the results showed good general agreement between the observed and interpreted elevations, with no evidence of systematic bias. Between-site variation of the interpretation error was spatially correlated, and the variance appeared to be stationary. The between-geologist component of variance was smaller overall, and depended on distance to the nearest borehole. There was also evidence that the between-geologist variance depends on the degree of experience of the individual. We used the statistical model of interpretation error to compute confidence intervals for any one interpretation of the base of the London Clay on the cross-section, and to provide uncertainty measures for decision support in a hypothetical route-planning process. The statistical model could also be used to quantify error-propagation in a full 3-D geological model produced from interpreted cross sections.

Description: Analogue experiments of salt flow and pillow growth due basement faulting and differential loading Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1625-1686, 2014 Author(s): M. Warsitzka, J. Kley, and N. Kukowski Basement faulting is widely acknowledged as a potential trigger for salt flow and the growth of salt structures in salt-bearing extensional basins. In this study, dynamically scaled analogue experiments were designed to examine the evolution of salt pillows and the kinematics of salt flow due to a short pulse of basement faulting and a long-lasting phase of successive sedimentation. Experiments performed in the framework of this study consist of viscous silicone putty to simulate ductile rock salt, and a PVC-beads-quartz sand mixture representing a brittle supra-salt layer. In order to derive 2-D incremental displacement and strain patterns, the analogue experiments were monitored by an optical image correlation system (Particle Imaging Velocimetry). By varying layer thicknesses and extension rates, the influence of these parameters on the kinematics of salt flow were tested. Model results reveal that significant strain is triggered in the viscous layer by minor basement faulting. During basement extension downward flow occurs in the viscous layer above the basement fault tip. In contrast, upward flow takes place during post-extensional sedimentation. Lateral redistribution of the viscous material during post-extensional sedimentation is associated with subsidence above the footwall block and uplift adjacent to the basement faults leading to the formation of pillow structures (primary pillows). Decoupled cover faulting and the subsidence of peripheral sinks adjacent to the primary pillow causes the formation of additional pillow structures at large distance from the basement fault (secondary pillows). Experimental results demonstrate that the development of salt pillows can be triggered by basement extension, but requires a phase of tectonic quiescence. The potential for pillow growth and the displacement rate in the viscous layer increase with increasing thickness of the viscous layer and increasing extension rate, but decrease with increasing thickness of the overburden. The experimentally obtained structures resemble those of some natural extensional basins, e.g. the North German Basin or the Mid-Polish Trough, and can help to understand the kinematics during the structural evolution.

Description: Finite lattice distortion patterns in plastically deformed zircon grains Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1799-1861, 2014 Author(s): E. Kovaleva, U. Klötzli, G. Habler, and E. Libowitzky This study examines finite deformation patterns of zircon grains from high-temperature natural shear zones. Various zircon-bearing rocks were collected in the Western Tauern Window, Eastern Alps, where they were deformed under amphibolite facies conditions, and in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (IVZ), Southern Alps, where deformation is related with granulite-facies metamorphism. Among the sampled rocks are: granitic orthogneisses, meta-lamprophyres and paragneisses, all of which are highly deformed. The investigated zircon grains ranging from 10 to 50 microns were studied in situ using a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, including secondary electron (SE), backscattered electron (BSE), forward scattered electron (FSE), cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, and crystallographic orientation mapping by electron backscatter diffraction analysis (EBSD), as well as micro-Raman spectroscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) was applied to host phases. Microstructural analysis of crystal-plastically deformed zircon grains was based on high-resolution EBSD maps. Three general types of finite lattice distortion patterns were detected: Type (I) is defined by gradual bending of the zircon lattice with orientation changes of about 0.6° to 1.4° per μm without subgrain boundary formation. Type (II) represents local gradual bending of the crystal lattice coupled with the formation of subgrain boundaries that have concentric semicircular shapes in 2-D sections. Cumulative grain-internal orientation variations range from 7° to 40° within single grains. Type (III) is characterized by formation of subgrains separated by a well-defined subgrain boundary network, where subgrain boundaries show a characteristic angular closed contour in 2-D sections. The cumulative orientation variation within a single grain ranges from 3° to 10°. Types (I) and (II) predominate in granulite facies rocks, whereas type (III) is restricted to the amphibolite facies rocks. Investigated microstructures demonstrate that misorientation axes are usually parallel to the ⟨ 001 ⟩ and ⟨ 100 ⟩ crystallographic directions; dominant slip systems operating along tilt boundaries are ⟨ 010 ⟩{001}, ⟨ 010 ⟩{100} and ⟨ 001 ⟩{010}. In case of twist boundaries the slip systems ⟨ 010 ⟩{001} and ⟨ 100 ⟩ {001} are active, whereas in some grains cross-slip takes place. This study demonstrates that activation of energetically preferable slip systems is mostly controlled by the degree of coupling with the host phase and by the viscosity ratio between inclusion and host, and defined by crystallographic and elastic anisotropy of the zircon lattice.

Description: ELEFANT: a user-friendly multipurpose geodynamics code Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1949-2096, 2014 Author(s): C. Thieulot A new finite element code for the solution of the Stokes and heat transport equations is presented. It has purposely been designed to address geological flow problems in two and three dimensions at crustal and lithospheric scales. The code relies on the Marker-in-Cell technique and Lagrangian markers are used to track materials in the simulation domain which allows recording of the integrated history of deformation; their (number) density is variable and dynamically adapted. A variety of rheologies has been implemented including nonlinear thermally activated dislocation and diffusion creep and brittle (or plastic) frictional models. The code is built on the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian kinematic description: the computational grid deforms vertically and allows for a true free surface while the computational domain remains of constant width in the horizontal direction. The solution to the large system of algebraic equations resulting from the finite element discretisation and linearisation of the set of coupled partial differential equations to be solved is obtained by means of the efficient parallel direct solver MUMPS whose performance is thoroughly tested, or by means of the WISMP and AGMG iterative solvers. The code accuracy is assessed by means of many geodynamically relevant benchmark experiments which highlight specific features or algorithms, e.g., the implementation of the free surface stabilisation algorithm, the (visco-)plastic rheology implementation, the temperature advection, the capacity of the code to handle large viscosity contrasts. A two-dimensional application to salt tectonics presented as case study illustrates the potential of the code to model large scale high resolution thermo-mechanically coupled free surface flows.

Description: The diverse crustal structure and magmatic evolution of the Manihiki Plateau, central Pacific Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1863-1905, 2014 Author(s): K. Hochmuth, K. Gohl, G. Uenzelmann-Neben, and R. Werner The Manihiki Plateau is a Large Igneous Province (LIP) in the central Pacific. It was emplaced as part of the "Super-LIP" Ontong Java Nui and experienced fragmentation into three sub-plateaus, possibly during the break-up of Ontong Java Nui. The Manihiki Plateau is presumably the centerpiece of this "Super-LIP" and its investigation can therefore decipher the break-up mechanisms as well as the evolution of the plateau after its initial emplacement. By analyzing two seismic refraction/wide-angle reflection profiles crossing the two largest sub-plateaus of the Manihiki Plateau, the High Plateau and the Western Plateaus, we give new insights into their crustal structure and magmatic evolution. The High Plateau shows a crustal structure of 20 km thickness and a seismic P wave velocity distribution, which is comparable to other LIPs. The High Plateau experienced a strong secondary volcanism, which can be seen in relicts of seamount chain volcanism. The Western Plateaus on the other hand show no extensive secondary volcanism and are mainly structured by fault systems and sedimentary basins. A constant decrease in Moho depth (9–17 km) is a further indicator of crustal stretching on the Western Plateaus. Those findings lead to the conclusion, that the two sub-plateaus of the Manihiki Plateau experienced a different magmatic and tectonic history. Whereas the High Plateau experienced a secondary volcanism, the Western Plateaus underwent crustal stretching during and after the break-up of Ontong Java Nui. This indicates, that the sub-plateaus of the Manihiki Plateau play an individual part in the break-up history of Ontong Java Nui.

Description: Analysis of land cover change and its driving forces in a desert oasis landscape of southern Xinjiang, China Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1907-1947, 2014 Author(s): T. Amuti and G. Luo The combined effects of drought, warming and the changes in land cover have caused severe land degradation for several decades in the extremely arid desert oases of Southern Xinjiang, Northwest China. This study examined land cover changes during 1990–2008 to characterize and quantify the transformations in the typical oasis of Hotan. Land cover classifications of these images were performed based on the supervised classification scheme integrated with conventional vegetation and soil indexes. Change-detection techniques in remote sensing (RS) and a geographic information system (GIS) were applied to quantify temporal and spatial dynamics of land cover changes. The overall accuracies, Kappa coefficients, and average annual increase rate or decrease rate of land cover classes were calculated to assess classification results and changing rate of land cover. The analysis revealed that major trends of the land cover changes were the notable growth of the oasis and the reduction of the desert–oasis ecotone, which led to accelerated soil salinization and plant deterioration within the oasis. These changes were mainly attributed to the intensified human activities. The results indicated that the newly created agricultural land along the margins of the Hotan oasis could result in more potential areas of land degradation. If no effective measures are taken against the deterioration of the oasis environment, soil erosion caused by land cover change may proceed. The trend of desert moving further inward and the shrinking of the ecotone may lead to potential risks to the eco-environment of the Hotan oasis over the next decades.

Description: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium release from two compressed fertilizers: column experiments Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1555-1578, 2014 Author(s): M. J. Fernández-Sanjurjo, E. Alvarez-Rodríguez, A. Núñez-Delgado, M. L. Fernández-Marcos, and A. Romar-Gasalla We used soil columns to study nutrients release from two compressed NPK fertilizers. The columns were filled with soil material from the surface horizon of a granitic soil. Tablets of two slow-release NPK fertilizers (11-18-11 or 8-8-16) were placed into the soil, and then water was percolated through the columns in a saturated regime. Percolates were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. These nutrients were also determined in soil and fertilizer tablets at the end of the trials. Nutrient concentrations were high in the first percolates, reaching a steady state when 1426 mm water have percolated, which is equivalent to approximately 1.5 years of rainfall in the geographic area. In the whole trial, both tablets lost more than 80% of their initial N, P and K contents. However, K, Ca and Mg were the most leached, whereas N and P were lost in leachates to a lesser extent. Nutrient release was slower from the tablet with composition 8-8-16 than from the 11-18-11 fertilizer. In view of that, the 8-8-16 tablet can be considered more adequate for crops with a nutrient demand sustained over time. At the end of the trial, the effects of these fertilizers on soil chemical parameters were still evident.

Description: Using the level set method in geodynamical modeling of multi-material flows and Earth's free surface Solid Earth Discussions, 6, 1523-1554, 2014 Author(s): B. Hillebrand, C. Thieulot, T. Geenen, A. P. van den Berg, and W. Spakman The level set method allows for tracking material surfaces in 2-D and 3-D flow modeling and is well suited for applications of multi-material flow modeling. The level set method utilizes smooth level set functions to define material interfaces, which makes the method stable and free of oscillations that are typically observed in case step-like functions parameterize interfaces. By design the level set function is a signed distance function and gives for each point in the domain the exact distance to the interface and on which side it is located. In this paper we present four benchmarks which show the validity, accuracy and simplicity of using the level set method for multi-material flow modeling. The benchmarks are simplified setups of dynamical geophysical processes such as a Rayleigh–Taylor instability, post glacial rebound, subduction and slab detachment. We also demonstrate the benefit of using the level set method for modeling a free surface with the sticky air approach. Our results show that the level set method allows for accurate material flow modeling and that the combination with the sticky air approach works well in mimicking Earth's free surface. Since the level set method tracks material interfaces instead of materials themselves, it has the advantage that the location of these interfaces is accurately known and that it represents a viable alternative to the more commonly used tracer method.

Description: A reversed hierarchy of active normal faults: the 6 April 2009, M w 6.3, L'Aquila earthquake (Italy) Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 117-134, 2013 Author(s): L. Bonini, D. Di Bucci, G. Toscani, S. Seno, and G. Valensise Understanding the relationship between seismogenic slip at depth and surface deformation is fundamental in any seismic hazard analysis because the assessment of the earthquake potential of large continental faults relies largely on field investigations. The well-documented 6 April 2009, M w 6.3, L'Aquila earthquake affords a unique opportunity to explore the relationships between the activity of the deep source and its surface evidence. We used available high-resolution geologic, geodetic and seismological data aided by analogue modeling to reconstruct the geometry of the seismogenic rupture in relation with surface and sub-surface faults. We contend that the earthquake was caused by a blind fault, controlled at depth by pre-existing discontinuities and expressed at the surface by pseudo-primary breaks resulting from coseismic crustal bending. Finally, we propose a scheme for hierarchizing normal faults that explains all surface occurrences related to blind faulting in the frame of a single, mechanically coherent, interpretative model. Failure to appreciate such complexity may result in severe over– or under-estimation of the local seismogenic potential.

Description: Mafic granulite xenoliths in the Chilka Lake suite, Eastern Ghats Belt, India: evidence of deep-subduction of residual oceanic crust Solid Earth Discussions, 4, 1379-1410, 2012 Author(s): S. Bhattacharya, A. K. Chaudhary, A. K. Saw, P. Das, and D. Chatterjee Granulite xenoliths preserve key geochemical and isotopic signatures of their mantle source regions. Mafic granulite and pyroxinite xenoliths within massif-type charnockitic rocks from the Eastern Ghats Belt have recently been reported by us. The mafic granulite xenoliths from the Chilka Lake granulite suite with abundant prograde biotite are geochemically akin to Oceanic Island Basalt (OIB). They can be distinguished from the hornblende-mafic granulite xenoliths with signatures of Arc-derived basalt occurring in the other suites of the Eastern Ghats Belt. These two groups of xenoliths in the Paleoproterozoic Eastern Ghats Province have quite distinct Nd-model ages- 1.9 Ga and 2.5 Ga respectively, which may be interpreted as their crustal residence ages. Strong positive Nb anomalies, indicating subducted oceanic crust in the source, LREE enrichment and strongly fractionated REE pattern are key geochemical signatures attesting to their origin as OIB-type magma. Also low Yb and Sc contents and high (La / Yb) N ratios can be attributed to melting in the presence of residual garnet and hence at great depths (〉 80 km). The variable enrichment in radiogenic 87 Sr, between 0.70052 and 0.71092 at 1.9 Ga and less radiogenic 143 Nd between ε-1.54 and 7.46 are similar to those of the OIBs compared to MORBs. As OIBs commonly contain some recycled oceanic crust in their sources, we suggest that the residue of the oceanic crust from a previous melting event (~ 2.5 Ga) that produced the Arc-derived basalts (protoliths of hornblende-mafic granulite xenoliths) could have subducted to great depths and mechanically mixed with the mantle peridotite. A subsequent re-melting event of this mixed source might have occurred at ca. 1.9 Ga as testified by the crustal residence ages of the biotite-mafic granulite xenoliths of the Chilka Lake granulite suite.

Description: Seismic visibility of a deep subduction channel: insights from numerical simulation of high-frequency seismic waves emitted from intermediate depth earthquakes Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1461-1509, 2013 Author(s): W. Friederich, L. Lambrecht, B. Stöckhert, S. Wassmann, and C. Moos Return flow in a deep subduction channel (DSC) has been proposed to explain rapid exhumation of high pressure-low temperature metamorphic rocks, entirely based on the fossil rock record. Supported by thermo-mechanical models, the DSC is envisioned as a thin layer on top of the subducted plate reaching down to minimum depths of about 150 km. We perform numerical simulations of high-frequency seismic wave propagation (1 to 6 Hz) to explore potential seismological evidence for the in-situ existence of a DSC. Motivated by field observations, for modeling purposes we assume a simple block-in-matrix structure with eclogitic blocks floating in a serpentinite matrix. Homogenization calculations for block-in-matrix structures demonstrate that effective seismic velocities in such composites are lower than in the surrounding oceanic crust and mantle, with nearly constant values along the entire length of the DSC. Synthetic seismograms for receivers at the surface computed for intermediate depth earthquakes in the subducted oceanic crust for models with and without DSC turn out to be markedly influenced by its presence or absence. In models with channel, P and S waveforms are dominated by delayed high-amplitude guided waves emanating from the waveguide formed by oceanic crust and DSC. Simulated patterns allow for definition of typical signatures and discrimination between models with and without DSC. These signatures stably recur in slightly modified form for earthquakes at different depths inside subducted oceanic crust. Comparison with available seismological data from intermediate depth earthquakes recorded in the forearc of the Hellenic subduction zone reveal similar multi-arrival patterns as observed in the synthetic seismograms for models with DSC. According to our results, observation of intermediate depth earthquakes along a profile across the forearc may allow to test the hypothesis of a DSC and to identify situations where such processes could be active today.

Description: Picroilmenites in Yakutian kimberlites: variations and genetic models Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1259-1334, 2013 Author(s): I. V. Ashchepkov, N. V. Alymova, A. M. Logvinova, N. V. Vladykin, S. S. Kuligin, S. I. Mityukhin, Y. B. Stegnitsky, S. A. Prokopyev, R. F. Salikhov, V. S. Palessky, and O. S. Khmel'nikova Major and trace element variations in picroilmenites from Late Devonian kimberlite pipes in Siberia reveal similarities within the region in general, but show individual features for ilmenites from different fields and pipes. Empirical ilmenite thermobarometry (Ashchepkov et al., 2010), as well as common methods of mantle thermobarometry and trace element geochemical modelling shows that long compositional trends for the ilmenites are a result of complex processes of polybaric fractionation of protokimberlite melts, accompanied by the interaction with mantle wall rocks and dissolution of previous wall rock and metasomatic associations. Evolution of picroilmenite's parental magmas was estimated for the three distinct phases of kimberlite activity from Yubileynaya and closely located Aprelskaya pipes showing heating and increase of Fe of mantle peridotites minerals from stage to stage and splitting of the magmatic system in the final stages. High pressure (5.5–7.0 GPa) Cr-bearing Mg-rich ilmenites (Group 1) reflect the conditions of high temperature metasomatic rocks at the base of the mantle lithosphere. Trace element patterns are enriched to 0.1–10/C1 and have flattened, spoon-like or S- or W-shaped REE patterns with Pb 〉 1. These result from melting and crystallization in melt – feeding channels in the base of the lithosphere, where high temperature dunite – harzburgites and pyroxenites were formed. Cr-poor ilmenite megacrysts (group2) trace the high temperature path of protokimberlites developed as result of fractional crystallization and wall rock assimilation during the creation of the feeder systems prior to the main kimberlite eruption. Inflections in ilmenite compositional trends probably reflect the mantle layering and pulsing melt intrusion during the melt migration within the channels. Group 2 ilmenites reveal inclined REE enriched patterns (10–100)/C1 with La/Ybn 10–25 similar to those derived from kimberlites, and HFSE peaks (typical megacrysts). A series of similar patterns results from polybaric AFC crystallization of protokimberlite melts which also precipitated sulfides (Pb 〈 1) and mixed with partial melts from garnet peridotites. Relatively low-Ti ilmenites with high Cr content (Group 3) probably crystallized in the metasomatic front under the rising protokimberlite source and represent the product of crystallization of segregated partial melts from metasomatic rocks. Cr- rich ilmenites are typical for veins and veinlets in peridotites crystallized from highly contaminated magma intruded into wall rocks in different levels within the mantle columns. The highest in TRE ilmenites 1000/C1 have REE patterns similar to those of perovskites. Low Cr contents suggest relatively closed system fractionation which occurred from the base of the lithosphere up to the garnet – spinel transition, according to monomineral thermobarometry for Mir and Dachnaya pipes. Restricted trends were detected for ilmenites from Udachnaya and most other pipes from the Daldyn -Alakit fields and other regions (Nakyn, Upper Muna and Prianabarie), where ilmenite trends extend from the base of the lithosphere mainly up to 4.0 GPa. Interaction of the megacryst-forming melts with the mantle lithosphere caused heating and HFSE metasomatism prior to kimberlite eruption.

Description: The Cretaceous and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1335-1422, 2013 Author(s): S. Zahirovic, M. Seton, and R. D. Müller Tectonic reconstructions of Southeast Asia have given rise to numerous controversies which include the accretionary history of Sundaland and the enigmatic tectonic origin of the Proto South China Sea. We assimilate a diversity of geological and geophysical observations into a new regional plate model, coupled to a global model, to address these debates. Our approach takes into account terrane suturing and accretion histories, the location of subducted slabs imaged in mantle tomography in order to constrain the opening and closure history of paleo-ocean basins, as well as plausible absolute and relative plate velocities and tectonic driving mechanisms. We propose a scenario of rifting from northern Gondwana in the Late Jurassic, driven by northward slab pull, to detach East Java, Mangkalihat, southeast Borneo and West Sulawesi blocks that collided with a Tethyan intra-oceanic subduction zone in the mid Cretaceous and subsequently accreted to the Sunda margin (i.e. southwest Borneo core) in the Late Cretaceous. In accounting for the evolution of plate boundaries, we propose that the Philippine Sea Plate originated on the periphery of Tethyan crust forming this northward conveyor. We implement a revised model for the Tethyan intra-oceanic subduction zones to reconcile convergence rates, changes in volcanism and the obduction of ophiolites. In our model the northward margin of Greater India collides with the Kohistan-Ladakh intra-oceanic arc at ∼53 Ma, followed by continent-continent collision closing the Shyok and Indus-Tsangpo suture zones between ∼42 and 34 Ma. We also account for the back-arc opening of the Proto South China Sea from ∼65 Ma, consistent with extension along east Asia and the emplacement of supra-subduction zone ophiolites presently found on the island of Mindoro. The related rifting likely detached the Semitau continental fragment from east China, which accreted to northern Borneo in the mid Eocene, to account for the Sarawak Orogeny. Rifting then re-initiated along southeast China by 37 Ma to open the South China Sea, resulting in the complete consumption of Proto South China Sea by ∼17 Ma when the collision of the Dangerous Grounds and northern Palawan blocks with northern Borneo choked the subduction zone to result in the Sabah Orogeny and the obduction of ophiolites in Palawan and Mindoro. We conclude that the counterclockwise rotation of Borneo was accommodated by oroclinal bending consistent with paleomagnetic constraints, the curved lithospheric lineaments observed in gravity anomalies of the Java Sea and the curvature of the Cretaceous Natuna paleo-subduction zone. We complete our model by constructing a time-dependent network of continuously closing plate boundaries and gridded paleo-ages of oceanic basins, allowing us to test our plate model evolution against seismic tomography. In particular, slabs observed at depths shallower than ∼1000 km beneath northern Borneo and the South China Sea are likely to be remnants of the Proto South China Sea basin.

Description: Seasonal changes of the soil hydrological and erosive response in contrasted Mediterranean eco-geomorphological conditions at patch scale Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 1423-1460, 2013 Author(s): M. A. Gabarrón-Galeote, J. F. Martínez-Murillo, M. A. Quesada, and J. D. Ruiz-Sinoga Mediterranean areas are characterized by a strong spatial variability that makes highly complex the soil hydrological response. Moreover, Mediterranean climate has a marked seasonal variability that provokes dramatic changes on the soil properties determining the hydrological behavior, such as soil water content, crust formation or soil water repellency (SWR). Thus, soil hydrological and erosive response in Mediterranean areas can be highly time- as well space-dependant. The main goal of this study was to characterize the relations between SWR, aspect and vegetation, determining the soil hydrological and erosive response throughout the rainy period in different microenvironments of opposite hillslopes. This study was undertaken in a small catchment located in the South of Spain. Erosion plots were installed in the north- and the south-facing hillslope, in areas with different vegetal cover, and runoff and sediments were collected. Moreover, precipitation parameters were recorded and SWR measurements were performed. SWR proved to have a significant effect on the soil hydrological response, but this influence was modulated by seasonal changes and by the discontinuities on the repellent layer. In general, the influence of SWR was restricted to the first rains after the summer and was greater on the north-facing hillslope due to the more continuous vegetation cover. The more important precipitation parameter influencing runoff generated was maximum rainfall intensity in ten minutes ( I max ). The relation between I max and overland flow showed a contrasting seasonal behavior in the north-facing hillslope and, on the contrary, remained homogeneous throughout the year in the south-facing hillslope.

Description: Experimental deformation and recrystallization of olivine – processes and time scales of damage healing during postseismic relaxation at mantle depths Solid Earth Discussions, 5, 463-524, 2013 Author(s): C. A. Trepmann, J. Renner, and A. Druiventak Experiments comprising sequences of deformation (at 300 or 600 °C) and annealing at varying temperature (700 to 1100 °C), time (up to 144 h) and stress (up to 1.5 GPa) were carried out in a Griggs-type apparatus on natural olivine-rich peridotite samples to simulate deformation and recrystallization processes in deep shear zones that reach mantle depth as continuations of seismically active faults. The resulting olivine microfabrics were analysed by polarization and electron microscopy. Core-and-mantle like microstructures are the predominant result of our experiments simulating rapid stress relaxation (without or with minor creep) after a high-stress deformation event: porphyroclasts (〉 100 μm) are surrounded by defect-poor recrystallized grains with a wide range in size (2 to 40 μm). Areas with smaller recrystallized grains (〉 10 μm) trace former high-strain zones generated during initial high-stress deformation even after annealing at a temperature of 1100 °C for 70 h. A weak crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of recrystallized olivine grains is related to the orientation of the host crystals but appears unrelated to the strain field. Based on these findings, we propose that olivine microstructures in natural shear-zone peridotites with a large range in recrystallized grain size, localized fine-grained zones, and a weak CPO not related to the strain field are diagnostic for a sequence of high-stress deformation followed by recrystallization at low stresses, as to be expected in areas of seismic activity. We extended the classic Avrami-kinetics equation by accounting for time-dependent growth kinetics and constrained the involved parameters relying on our results and previously reported kinetics parameters. Extrapolation to natural conditions suggests that the observed characteristic microstructure may develop within as little as tens of years and less than ten thousands of years. These recrystallization microstructures have a great diagnostic potential for past seismic activity because they are expected to be stable over geological time scales, since driving forces for further modification are not sufficient to erase the characteristic heterogeneities.