Ground-motion scenarios on Mt. Etna inferred from empirical relations and synthetic simulations

Ground motion scenarios for Mt. Etna are created using synthetic simulations with the program EXSIM. A large data set of weak motion records is exploited to identify important input parameters which govern the modeling of wave propagation effects, such as Q-values, high frequency cut-off and geometrical spreading. These parameters are used in the simulation of ground motion for earthquakes causing severe damage in the area. Two seismotectonic regimes are distinguished. Volcano-tectonic events, though being of limited magnitude (M_max ca. 5), cause strong ground shaking for their shallow foci. Being rather frequent, these events represent a considerable threat to cities and villages on the flanks of the volcano. A second regime is related to earthquakes with foci in the crust, at depths of 10–30 km, and magnitudes ranging from 6 to 7. In our synthetic scenarios, we chose two examples of volcano-tectonic events, i.e. the October 29, 2002, Bongiardo event (I = VIII) and the May 8, 1914, Linera earthquake (I = IX–X). A further scenario regards the February 20, 1818 event, considered representative for stronger earthquakes with foci in the crust. We were able to reproduce the essential features of the macroseismic field, in particular accounting for the possibility of strong site effects. We learned that stress drop estimated for weak motion events is probably too low to explain the intensity of ground motion during stronger earthquakes. This corresponds to findings reported in the literature claiming an increase of stress drop with earthquake size.     

Earthquake strong motion simulated by stress drop models

Shallow strike slip earthquakes on vertical faults are modelled as two-dimensional antiplane strain ruptures in a uniformly prestressed homogeneous halfspace. Behind the rupture front, which is specified, the stress drops to a lower value. The elastodynamic boundary value problem is solved with a finite difference method. Several cases are studied, which include symmetric and one-directional rupture propagation, surface faulting, multiple events, variable rupture velocity, sticking and rebreaking of the fault plane. The time function of displacement, velocity and acceleration are interpreted as signals generated by events in the focus, namely starting, stopping and breaking through the surface of the rupture. The model explains peak velocity and peak acceleration in the near field of M5.5–6 earthquakes; which are typically about 0.2 m/s and 5 m/s² at 10 km epicentral distance, if the rupture velocity is close to the shear wave velocity. Sticking of the fault does not alter the accelerograms significantly, but it increases the seismic moment in simple events and decreases it in multiple events.Contribution No. 226, Geophysical Institute, University of Karlsruhe.     

Colour measurements in ore-microscopy

By means of recently developed, photoelectric measuring equipment the reflectivity of ore-minerals can be determined under the microscope over a sufficiently large spectral range with such a degree of accuracy and reliability that the dispersion curves can be plotted. Quantitative coefficients for the corresponding reflection colours, as well as for the visual reflectivity, can be computed from these curves. After a short introduction the tristimulus values for some ore minerals are given, as can be calculated from known reflectivity values. The quantitative values are compared with the known qualitative values for colour and reflectivity impression and for the reflection pleochroism. It is shown that reflectivity and colour differences can be determined colorimetrically with at least the same accuracy as by an experienced observer. The following characteristics are emphasized as advantages of quantitative colorimetry: 1. the objective method of determination, 2. the unambiguity and reproducibility of colour and reflectivity characteristics, 3. the simple and internationally comprehensible terminology, 4. the possibility of cataloguing ore minerals according to a quantitative colour system, and 5. the fact that even a colour-blind microscopist can determine any colour with the same certainty as an experienced observer.

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Zusammenfassung Mit neueren photoelektrischen Meßanordnungen ist das Reflexionsvermögen von Erzmineralen unter dem Mikroskop über einen ausreichend großen Spektralbereich so genau und sicher bestimmbar, daß man die maßgebenden Dispersionskurven konstruieren kann. Aus diesen lassen sich quantitative Maßzahlen für die entspr. Reflexionsfarben und für das visuelle Reflexionsvermögen errechnen. Nach kurzer Einführung werden die Farbwerte einiger Erzminerale angegeben, wie sie sich aus bekannten Reflexionswerten errechnen ließen. Die quantitativen Werte werden mit herkömmlichen qualitativen Angaben über Farb- und Reflexionseindruck und über den Reflexionspleochroismus verglichen, und es wird gezeigt, daß die Reflexions- und Farbdifferenzen mit mindestens derselben Genauigkeit farbmetrisch erfaßbar sind wie durch das Auge eines erfahrenen Beobachters. Als Vorteile werden herausgestellt: 1. das objektive Bestimmungsverfahren, 2. die Eindeutigkeit und Reproduzierbarkeit der Farb- und Reflexionscharakteristik, 3. die einfache und international verständliche Terminologie, 4. die Katalogisierbarkeit der Erzminerale nach einem quantitativen Farbsystem, 5. die Tatsache, daß sogar ein farbuntüchtiger Mikroskopiker jede Farbe mit der gleichen Sicherheit erfassen kann wie der erfahrene Beobachter.

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Standard Specification, published by the Deutscher Normenausschuß DIN 5033. Farbmessung (Measurement of Colour) 1962/64.

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Paper on Instructions for Use, Messrs. CARL ZEISS, Oberkochen. The Principles of Colour Measurement, 50-669/I-e (1962).     

Numerical prognosis for salinity profiles of future lakes in the opencast mine Merseburg-Ost

Salt-laden groundwater inflows have formed monimolimnia in developing lakes of the abandoned opencast lignite mine Merseburg-Ost, Central Germany. Water-levels are still rising. To predict the future status of the lakes, two numerical models were developed. One was designed to predict groundwater flows, the second included limnophysical processes. The models were run in parallel and data exchange between them was performed every 1 to 10 years of model time. A trial of a 100-years prognosis was done. The results of surface salinity, mixing depth, and salinity profile are given. A sensitivity analysis yielded indications for the accuracy of the prediction.     

Die Rotsedimentation im Saar-Pfälzischen Rotliegenden

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Lithium, boron and chlorine as tracers for metasomatism in high-pressure metamorphic rocks: a case study from Syros (Greece)

High-pressure metamorphic (HPM) rocks (derived from igneous protoliths) and their metasomatised rinds from the island of Syros (Greece) were analysed for their B and Cl whole-rock abundances and their H₂O content by prompt-gamma neutron-activation analysis (PGNAA) and for their Li and Be whole-rock abundances by ICP-OES. In the HPM rocks, B?/Be and Cl?/Be ratios correlate with H₂O contents and appear to be controlled by extraction of B and Cl during dehydration and prograde metamorphism. In contrast, samples of the metasomatised rinds show no such correlation. B?/Be ratios in the rinds are solely governed by the presence or absence of tourmaline, and Cl?/Be ratios vary significantly, possibly related to fluid inclusions. Li/Be ratios do not correlate with H₂O contents in the HPM rocks, which may in part be explained by a conservative behaviour of Li during dehydration. However, Li abundances exceed the vast majority of published values for Li abundances in fresh, altered, or differentiated oceanic igneous rocks and presumably result from metasomatic enrichment of Li. High Li concentrations and highly elevated Li/Be ratios in most metasomatised samples demonstrate an enrichment of Li in the Syros HP mélange during fluid infiltration. This study suggests that B and Cl abundances of HPM meta-igneous rocks can be used to trace prograde dehydration, while Li concentrations seem to be more sensitive for retrograde metasomatic processes in such lithologies.     

Groundwater geochemistry of the Chihuahua City region in the Rio Conchos Basin (northern Mexico) and implications for water resources management

The Chihuahua City region, located in the semiarid-arid northern highlands of Mexico, has experienced intensive groundwater abstraction during the last 40 years to meet water demands in the region. A geochemical survey was carried out to investigate the evolution from baseline to modern conditions of a 130-km flow path including the El Sauz–Chihuahua–Aldama–San Diego de Alcalá regions. The research approach included the use of major chemical elements, chlorofluorocarbons and environmental isotope (¹⁸O, ²H, ¹³C and ¹⁴C) tracers. Stable isotopes indicate that groundwater evolves from the evaporation of local rainfall and surface water. Groundwater located at the lower end of the flow section is up to 6000 years old and older groundwater in the order of 9000 years BP was found in a deep well located in the upper part of the flow system, implying contribution from a neighbour basin. The background groundwater chemistry upstream of Chihuahua City results from feldspar weathering. Beyond Chihuahua City the chemical conditions are strongly modified owing to disposal of sewage from public and industrial water supplies into the Rio Chuviscar, subsequent allocation of this water to agricultural irrigation areas and direct infiltration under the river bed. As a consequence, anions like chloride and sulphate are mainly related to surface sources. Nitrate is controlled in part by sewage from public supply and industry and in part by agricultural practices. Arsenic and fluoride are related to weathering of rock formations of local mineralized ranges and subsequent enrichment of the basin-fill by magmatic processes. The results of this study have implications for groundwater management in an arid region that depends entirely on groundwater for domestic, industrial and agricultural water consumption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

区域农业用地营养盐剩余量的长期变化研究

根据太湖南部长兴县农业统计资料,对该地区1949~2002年农业用地上N、P的剩余量作出评估。评估结果认为,1949~2002年期间,单位农业用地面积的N、P剩余量具有显著地增加趋势。20世纪50及60年代期间,N的剩余量增加缓慢,自70年代中期以后增加迅速。1996年达到历史最大值。1996年后,N剩余量呈现减少趋势。60年代初期以前,P处于亏损状态。1975~1980年期间,P剩余量呈现缓慢增长趋势,其后出现回落,自80年代中期以后出现迅速增加趋势。1992~1998年期间,P剩余量维持在35~45 kg/(hm²·a)之间的高水平变化,自1999年以后出现显著回落。