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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

USGS1991

Quartz solubility in hydrothermal seawater: An experimental study and equation describing quartz solubility for up to 0.5 M NaCl solutions

Experimental investigations confirm an increase of quartz solubility in sea-water relative to distilled water. Combination of the experimental data with published data, most of which related to distilled water, permitted construction of a database for calculating an equation that fits all the data. Application of the equation indicates a shallower depth of circulation for sea- floor hydrothermal waters than has previously been calculated. Use of the equation as a quartz geothermometer-geobarometer has applications not only for hydrothermal sea-water systems, but also for other geothermal and geological systems.

American Journal of Science↗

USGS2016

A large refined catalog of earthquake relocations and focal mechanisms for the Island of Hawai'i and its seismotectonic implications

We present high-quality focal mechanisms based on a refined earthquake location catalog for the Island of Hawai'i, focusing on Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes. The relocation catalog is based on first-arrival times and waveform data of both compressional and shear waves for about 180,000 events on and near the Island of Hawai'i between 1986 and 2009 recorded by the seismic stations at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. We relocate all the earthquakes by applying ray tracing through an existing three-dimensional velocity model, similar event cluster analysis, and a differential-time relocation method. The resulting location catalog represents an expansion of previous relocation studies, covering a longer time period and consisting of more events with well-constrained absolute locations. The focal mechanisms are obtained based on the compressional-wave first-motion polarities and compressional-to-shear wave amplitude ratios by applying the HASH program to the waveform cross correlation relocated earthquakes. Overall, the good-quality (defined by the HASH parameters) focal solutions are dominated by normal faulting in our study area, especially in the active Ka'ōiki and Hīlea seismic zones. Kīlauea caldera is characterized by a mixture of approximately equal numbers of normal, strike-slip, and reverse faults, whereas its south flank has slightly fewer strike-slip events. Our relocation and focal mechanism results will be useful for mapping the seismic stress and strain fields and for understanding the seismic-volcanic-tectonic relationships within the magmatic systems.

Hawai'i↗

USGS1987

Bundled slaty cleavage in laminated argillite, north-central Minnesota

Exceptional bundled slaty cleavage (defined herein) has been found in drill cores of laminated, folded, weakly metamorphosed argillite at several localities in the early Proterozoic Animikie basin of north-central Minnesota. The cleavage domains are more closely spaced within the cleavage bundles than outside them, the mean tectosilicate grain size of siltstone layers, measured normal to cleavage, is less in the cleavage bundles than outside them, and the cleavage bundles are enriched in opaque phases and phyllosilicates relative to extra-bundle segments. These facts suggest that pressure solution was a major factor in bundle development. If it is assumed that opaque phases have been conserved during pressure solution, the modal differences in composition between intra-bundle and extra-bundle segments of beds provide a means for estimating bulk material shortening normal to cleavage. Argillite samples from the central part of the Animikie basin have been shortened a minimum of about 22%, as estimated by this method. These estimates are similar to the shortening values derived from other strain markers in other rock types interbedded with the argillite, and are also consistent with the regional pattern of deformation.

Journal of Structural Geology↗

USGS2003

Relaxation of the structure of simple metal ion complexes in aqueous solutions at up to supercritical conditions

Recently x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) studies of various ions in aqueous solutions showed a variation of cation-ligand bond lengths, often coupled with other structure changes, with increasing temperatures. Thus, the variations of the structure of several metal ion complexes with temperature based on observations from the X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) studies in the hope that it will stimulate the development of either first- principles theory or molecular dynamics simulations that might adequately describes these results are discussed.

Journal of Chemical Physics↗

USGS2012

Disparate stakeholder management: the case of elk and bison feeding in southern Greater Yellowstone

For resource decisions to make the most possible progress toward achieving agency mandates, managers must work with stakeholders and may need to at least partially accommodate some of their key underlying interests. To accommodate stakeholder interests, while also substantively working toward fulfilling legal mandates, managers must understand the sociopolitical factors that influence the decision-making process. We coin the phrase disparate stakeholder management (DSM) to describe situations with disparate stakeholders and disparate management solutions. A DSM approach (DSMA) requires decision makers to combine concepts from many sciences, thus releasing them from disciplinary bonds that often constrain innovation and effectiveness. We combined three distinct approaches to develop a DSMA that assisted in developing a comprehensive range of elk and bison management alternatives in the Southern Greater Yellowstone Area. The DSMA illustrated the extent of compromise between meeting legal agency mandates and accommodating the preferences of certain stakeholder groups.

Wyoming↗

USGS2015

Determination of 1-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene and related compounds in marine pore water by automated thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using disposable optical fiber

A method is described for determination of ten DDT-related compounds in marine pore water based on equilibrium solid-phase microextraction (SPME) using commercial polydimethylsiloxane-coated optical fiber with analysis by automated thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS). Thermally cleaned fiber was directly exposed to sediments and allowed to reach equilibrium under static conditions at the in situ field temperature. Following removal, fibers were rinsed, dried and cut into appropriate lengths for storage in leak-tight containers at -20°C. Analysis by TD-GC/MS under full scan (FS) and selected ion monitoring (SIM) modes was then performed. Pore-water method detection limits in FS and SIM modes were estimated at 0.05-2.4ng/L and 0.7-16pg/L, respectively. Precision of the method, including contributions from fiber handling, was less than 10%. Analysis of independently prepared solutions containing eight DDT compounds yielded concentrations that were within 6.9±5.5% and 0.1±14% of the actual concentrations in FS and SIM modes, respectively. The use of optical fiber with automated analysis allows for studies at high temporal and/or spatial resolution as well as for monitoring programs over large spatial and/or long temporal scales with adequate sample replication. This greatly enhances the flexibility of the technique and improves the ability to meet quality control objectives at significantly lower cost.

Journal of Chromatography A↗

USGS2002

Molecular structure of the decamolybdodicobaltate(III) ion

When solutions of cobalt(II) ion and heptamolybdate ion (Mo₇O₂₄⁶⁻) are mixed in the presence of an oxidizing agent (such as bromine), Kurnakov, Hall, and others found that an emerald green complex is formed as the main product, namely, the heteropoly complex ion hexamolybdocobaltate(III), which forms salts such as (NH₄)₃[H₆CoMo₆O₂₄]·12H₂O. Friedheim and Keller showed that at the same time a small amount of another complex is also formed, having a Co:Mo ratio of 1:5. Tsigdinos, et al., found that if a hot solution of the hexamolybdocobaltate complex ion is treated with activated charcoal or Raney nickel the 1:6 complex is converted almost entirely to the 1:5 complex. These workers proved the latter to be a dimer, and formulated the ammonium salt (earlier prepared by Friedheim and Keller) as (NH₄)₆[Co₂Mo₁₀O₃₆]·10H₂O. We have now completed a crystal structure analysis of this interesting compound, which shows the proper formula to be (NH₄)₆[H₄Co₃Mo₁₀O₃₈]·7H₂O.

Journal of the American Chemical Society↗

USGS1976

Antimycin: Uptake, distribution, and elimination in brown bullheads (Ictalurus nebulosus)

Radioactive antimycin was readily taken up in bile and tissues of brown bullheads ( Ictalurus nebulosus ) exposed to 0.045 μg/ml of 14 C-antimycin for as long as 48 h. Bile contained the most and blood the least radioactivity at all sampling periods. The highest concentration of 14 C-antimycin in muscle was 0.12 μg/g, after 12 h of exposure. The average amount of 14 C-antimycin per fish was 0.94 μg/g. The 14 C-antimycin concentration decreased with the elapse of time in the muscle and in samples of combined head, skin, and viscera. The concentration of l4 C-antimycin in the exposure solution decreased from 0.045 μg/ml to 0.015 μg/ml after 12 h and 0.010 μg/ml after 48 h. The initial half-life of 14 C-antimycin in the exposure solution was about 6.5 h. A second group of fish was exposed to 0.045 μg/ml of l4 C-antimycin for 48 h and then transferred to antimycin-free, flowing water for up to 96 h. The 14 C-activity decreased in muscle tissue from 0.11 μg/g to 0.05 μg/g in 96 h. Half-life of 14 C-antimycin was about 75 h in muscle and 61 h in the combined head, skin, and viscera.

Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada↗

USGS2012

Regional deformation of the Sierra Nevada, California, on conjugate microfault sets

Strike slip microfaults are pervasive throughout the granitic rocks of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Offsets typically range from less than a millimeter to several tens of centimeters but exceed 100 m in some places. The spacing between microfaults varies from a few tens of centimeters to a few tens of meters throughout much of the high Sierra Nevada. Many of these microfaults are loci of slickensided, compact fault gouge, and they are commonly mineralized by quartz veinlets with minor amounts of epidote, chlorite, and rare sulphide minerals. The microfaults are oriented in two nearly vertical conjugate sets; a north to northeast striking set showing right lateral offset and an east to northeast striking set showing left lateral offset. Microfaults with left lateral offset are more common than microfaults with right lateral offset. Most lineaments visible on aerial photographs are microfaults. The age of this microfaulting is not precisely known. It developed after consolidation of the youngest granitic plutons in the Sierra (79 m.y. B.P.) and is known to cut a late Miocene volcanic dike in one area. Slickensides along the microfaults are subhorizontal but show a slight (about 3°) westward plunging average inclination, suggesting that much of the deformation occurred prior to the westward tilting of the Sierran block in late Tertiary time. The direction of maximum horizontal extensional strain (determined as the bisector of average microfault trends) changes systematically from north to south (WNW at 38.5°N; NW at 36.5°N). A pure shear constant volume solution based on a detailed study of microfaults at 37°20′N indicates a maximum extension of 2.3% in a N61°W direction. These extension directions are remarkably parallel to late Mesozoic to present‐day tectonic extension directions in the Basin and Range province. The pattern of microfaulting demonstrates that the supposedly monolithic Sierran terrane was also affected by the late Cenozoic and possibly earlier regional extension of western North America and provides an independent criterion for determining extensional strain directions.

California↗

USGS1986

Inductively coupled plasma atomic fluorescence spectrometric determination of cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese and zinc

An inductively coupled plasma atomic fluorescence spectrometric method is described for the determination of six elements in a variety of geological materials. Sixteen reference materials are analysed by this technique to demonstrate its use in geochemical exploration. Samples are decomposed with nitric, hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids, and the residue dissolved in hydrochloric acid and diluted to volume. The elements are determined in two groups based on compatibility of instrument operating conditions and consideration of crustal abundance levels. Cadmium, Cu, Pb and Zn are determined as a group in the 50-ml sample solution under one set of instrument conditions with the use of scatter correction. Limitations of the scatter correction technique used with the fluorescence instrument are discussed. Iron and Mn are determined together using another set of instrumental conditions on a 1-50 dilution of the sample solution without the use of scatter correction. The ranges of concentration (??g g-1) of these elements in the sample that can be determined are: Cd, 0.3-500; Cu, 0.4-500; Fe, 85-250 000; Mn, 45-100 000; Pb, 5-10 000; and Zn, 0.4-300. The precision of the method is usually less than 5% relative standard deviation (RSD) over a wide concentration range and acceptable accuracy is shown by the agreement between values obtained and those recommended for the reference materials.

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry↗

USGS1977

A new method for determining the solubility of salts in aqueous solutions at elevated temperatures

A new method for measuring the solubility of simple salts in water at elevated temperatures involves heating assemblages of salt crystals plus solution vapor at a constant rate in a platinum-lined bomb. The dissolution of the last salt crystal is evidenced by a distinct discontinuity in the pressure-temperature curve. Studies of the solubilities of NaCl and of KC1 in water yielded equations expressing the solubility as functions of temperature, t in °C, at the vapor pressure of the solutions as follows: weight percent NaCl=26.218+0.0072 t +0.000106 t 2 ±0.05 weight percent NaCl weight percent KCl=27.839+0.0794 t +0.000027 t 2 ±0.10 weight percent KCl The NaCl and KC1 data were measured over the temperature range 148° to 425°C and 148° to 371°C, respectively. However, the equation for NaCl appears to be valid over the range 0° to 800°C, and the KC1 equation appears valid over the range 100° to 450°C.

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey↗

USGS2023

Global review reveals how disparate study motivations, analytical designs, and focal ions limit understanding of salinization effects on freshwater animals

Global salinization of freshwaters is adversely affecting biotic communities and ecosystem processes. We reviewed six decades (1960–2020) of literature published on animal responses to increased salinities across different taxonomic and ecological contexts and identified knowledge gaps. From 585 journal articles, we characterized 5924 responses of mollusks, crustaceans, zooplankton, non-arthropod invertebrates (NAI), insects, fishes, and amphibians to salinization. Insects and fishes were the most studied taxa; Na + and Cl − were the most studied ions − . Collectively, concentrations of the ions examined typically spanned five orders of magnitude. Species' invasiveness was a key motivation for studying mollusks, crustaceans, and fishes; threats of urbanization and road salts were key motivations for studying NAI, zooplankton, and amphibians. Laboratory studies were more common than field studies for most taxa. Focal life stages in laboratory studies varied widely but juveniles and adults were represented similarly in field studies. Studies of mollusks, NAI, and crustacean focused on adults; studies of zooplankton, insects, fishes, and amphibians focused on juveniles. Organismal- and population-level responses measuring solute uptake, internal chemistry, body condition, or ion concentrations predominated laboratory studies; population- and assemblage-level responses measuring abundance, spatial distribution, or assemblage composition predominated field studies. Negative responses to salinization predominated but positive and unimodal responses were apparent across all taxa and organizational levels. Key topics for further research include a) salinity responses by more taxa, b) responses to especially toxic ions (i.e., potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, magnesium), c) mechanisms causing positive and unimodal responses, d) traits underpinning responses, e) effects transcending organizational levels, f) ion-specific response thresholds, and g) interactions between salinity and other stressors. Our review suggests inter-taxa variation in sensitivity to salinization reflects occurrence of certain biological traits, including gill-breathing, semi-permeable skin, multiple life stages, and limited mobility. We propose a traits-based framework to predict salinization sensitivity from shared traits. This evolutionary approach could inform management aimed at preventing or reducing adverse impacts of freshwater salinization.

Science of the Total Environment↗

USGS2010

Magma flux at Okmok Volcano, Alaska, from a joint inversion of continuous GPS, campaign GPS, and interferometric synthetic aperture radar

Volcano deformation is usually measured using satellite geodetic techniques including interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), campaign GPS, and continuous GPS. Differences in the spatial and temporal sampling of each system mean that most appropriate inversion scheme to determine the source parameters from each data set is different. Most studies either compare results from independent inversions or subsample the data sets to the lowest common factor. It is unclear whether differences in the solution reflect differences in source behavior, differences in measurement bias, or differences in inversion technique. Here we develop a single inversion procedure that captures the benefits of each system, especially the daily sampling of continuous GPS and the high spatial resolution of InSAR. Okmok Volcano, Alaska, is an ideal target for such a test because a long series (<15 years) of InSAR and continuous GPS measurement exists and the source is almost continuously active and in a stable location.

Alaska↗

USGS2002

Solubility relations in the system potassium chloride-ferrous chloride-water between 25 and 75.degree.C at 1 atm

Solubility relations in the ternary system KCl-FeCl2-H2O have been determined by means of the visual polythermal method at 1 atm from 18 to 75??C along 10 composition lines. Solubilities of sylvite were measured along five composition lines defined by mixing KCl with five aqueous FeCl2 solutions containing 10, 20, 30, 38, and 45 wt % of FeCl2, respectively. Solubilities of FeCl2??4H2O were also determined along five composition lines defined by mixing FeCl2??4H2O with five aqueous KCl solutions containing 5, 10, 14.98, 19.97, and 24.99 wt % KCl, respectively. The maximum uncertainties in these measurements are ??0.02 wt % in KCl, ??0.15 wt % in FeCl2, and ??0.15??C. The data along each composition line were regressed to a smooth curve. The maximum deviations of the measured solubilities from the smoothed curves are 0.22 wt % in KCl and 0.12 wt % in FeCl2. Isothermal solubilities of sylvite and FeCl2??4H2O were calculated from these smoothed curves at 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 75??C.

Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data↗

USGS2018

Characteristic earthquake magnitude frequency distributions on faults calculated from consensus data in California

An estimate of the expected earthquake rate at all possible magnitudes is needed for seismic hazard forecasts. Regional earthquake magnitude frequency distributions obey a negative exponential law (Gutenberg‐Richter), but it's unclear if individual faults do. We add three new methods to calculate long‐term California earthquake rupture rates to the existing Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3) efforts to assess method and parameter dependence on magnitude frequency results for individual faults. All solutions show strongly characteristic magnitude‐frequency distributions on the San Andreas and other faults, with higher rates of large earthquakes than would be expected from a Gutenberg‐Richter distribution. This is a necessary outcome that results from fitting high fault slip rates under the overall statewide earthquake rate budget. We find that input data choices can affect the nucleation magnitude‐frequency distribution shape for the San Andreas fault; solutions are closer to a Gutenberg‐Richter distribution if the maximum magnitude allowed for earthquakes that occur away from mapped faults (background events) is raised above the consensus threshold of M =7.6, if the moment rate for background events is reduced, or if the overall maximum magnitude is reduced from M =8.5. We also find that participation magnitude‐frequency distribution shapes can be strongly affected by slip‐rate discontinuities along faults that may be artifacts related to segment boundaries.

California↗

USGS1996

Geyser periodicity and the response of geysers to deformation

Numerical simulations of multiphase fluid and heat transport through a porous medium define combinations of rock properties and boundary conditions which lead to geyser‐like periodic discharge. Within the rather narrow range of conditions that allow geyser‐like behavior, eruption frequency and discharge are highly sensitive to the intrinsic permeabilities of the geyser conduit and the surrounding rock matrix, to the relative permeability functions assumed, and to pressure gradients in the matrix. In theory, heat pipes (concomitant upward flow of steam and downward flow of liquid) can exist under similar conditions, but our simulations suggest that the periodic solution is more stable. Simulated time series of geyser discharge are chaotic, but integrated quantities such as eruption frequency and mass discharge per eruption are free of chaos. These results may explain the observed sensitivity of natural geysers to small strains such as those caused by remote earthquakes, if ground motion is sufficient to induce permeability changes. Changes in geyser behavior caused by minor preseismic deformation, periodic surface loading, and Earth tides are more difficult to explain in the context of our current model.

Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth↗

USGS1974

Analyses and economic potential of monazite in Liberia

Eleven monazite samples from Liberia, including seven from beach sands, were analyzed by the X-ray fluorescence method. The monazite samples, containing only one-half percent impurities, were obtained by use of a hot Clerici-solution procedure for purification which was devised by the author. The percentage of the rare-earth elements in Liberian monazite concentrates does not differ greatly from that of monazite sands elsewhere in the world. The average of the 11 samples shows less praseodymium and neodymium than Russian and American monazites, but more cerium. Liberian coastal sands apparently contain sufficient reserves of monazite (and other heavy minerals of commerce) to encourage mining. A feasibility study of production and marketing of monazite from Liberian beach sands is recommended.

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey↗

USGS1974

Rates of salt solution in the Permian basin

For safe, long-term storage of radioactive materials in salt beds, rates of solution of salt which might imperil such storage must be known. For solution to continue, fluid must move through the system. Major fluid discharge from the system is by surface streams. Using U.S. Geological Survey records of streamflow and chemical quality of water, computations of sodium chloride discharges of numerous subbasins have been made. A map has been constructed showing tons of sodium chloride discharged per day and tons of sodium chloride discharged per square mile per year. Also shown are locations of major saline springs and their rate of discharge of sodium chloride in tons per day.

Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas↗