Geoscience Literature Research Articles

Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: Drought in the Agricultural and Geosciences Literature

Drought is a “hot” topic, given the climatic events of summer 2012 in the United States. This article provides a fundamental understanding of drought—its definitions, classifications, ratings, and impact on agriculture. Also included are introductions to drought-related research areas in the geosciences—specifically geology, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences—as well as pointers to reliable sources of information about drought from the agricultural and geosciences literature.

Reading and thinking about International Polar Years: five recent books

Within the polar science community the Polar (and Geophysical) Years represent signal events. We often read, largely within geoscience literature, that those events represented positive and dramatic steps forward in international science. From five recent books - two historical compilations and three personal narratives - augmented by interviews with a few key participants, a more cautious picture emerges, of remarkable successes but also of occasional or even persistent missteps and deficiencies. An improved understanding of the IPY concept and experience can provide useful guidance for future polar and global science. Keywords: International Polar Year; International Geophysical Year; international science; history of polar science (Published: 1 April 2013) Citation: Polar Research 2013, 32 , 20789, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32i0.20789

Aulacogens, the Donets Basin (Eastern Ukraine, Southwestern Russia), and the new classification of rifts: Towards a proper terminology

Some intra-cratonic basins are traditionally called ?aulacogens?. This term has persisted in the geoscience literature since its invention by Soviet geologists in the mid-20th century before the triumph of the plate tectonics, but its meaning has evolved. Attempts to change its meaning from descriptive to genetic have led to a broad spectrum of opinions on the definition of aulacogens. Some specialists related them to continental rifts, while others have restricted aulacogens to the only particular rift systems or peculiar stages in the evolution of young cratons. The Donets Basin is a typical aulacogen stretching across the southern margin of the East European Craton. A brief review of present knowledge of this basin shows that its nature is rather incompatible with the present understanding of aulacogens. Instead, the new classification of rifts offers a more precise terminology for its exact characteristics. It is suggested that the term ?aulacogen? should only be restricted to those basins for which it has been applied historically.

Handbook of Mineral Exploration and Ore Petrology: Techniques and Applications.: R. Dahana Raju. Pp. 494. 2009. Geological Society of India. ISBN 978-81-85867-92-2. Price US$26.21 (Paperback).

This new handbook provides a broad overview of field and laboratory techniques applicable in mineral exploration. The reason for publishing such a volume, as stated by the author, is the fact that information on the various techniques relevant to mineral exploration are scattered throughout the geo-sciences literature and usually difficult to obtain in the universities of India, where expensive textbooks and journals are not readily available for reference. The task to write a textbook summarizing field and laboratory techniques would be daunting to most geoscientists, particularly as the degree of sophistication and the areas of application of laboratory techniques are constantly increasing. The goal of such a handbook would clearly be to impart analytical insights by blending theoretical background with experimental and instrumental details, while introducing the reader to real world applications. Overall, the author has certainly tried to achieve this goal. The handbook is divided into two parts. The first part deals …

Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals

Research Article| January 01, 2010 Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals Donna L. Whitney; Donna L. Whitney * 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, U.S.A. *E-mail: dwhitney@umn.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Bernard W. Evans Bernard W. Evans 2Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Box 351310, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98185, U.S.A. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Donna L. Whitney * 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, U.S.A. Bernard W. Evans 2Department of Earth and Space Sciences, Box 351310, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98185, U.S.A. *E-mail: dwhitney@umn.edu Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America Received: 11 Aug 2009 Accepted: 13 Aug 2009 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1945-3027 Print ISSN: 0003-004X © 2010 American Mineralogist American Mineralogist (2010) 95 (1): 185–187. https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2010.3371 Article history Received: 11 Aug 2009 Accepted: 13 Aug 2009 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Donna L. Whitney, Bernard W. Evans; Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist 2010;; 95 (1): 185–187. doi: https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2010.3371 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyAmerican Mineralogist Search Advanced Search Nearly 30 years have elapsed since Kretz (1983) provided the mineralogical community with a systematized list of abbreviations for rock-forming minerals and mineral components. Its logic and simplicity have led to broad acceptance among authors and editors who were eager to adopt a widely recognized set of mineral symbols to save space in text, tables, and figures. Few of the nearly 5000 known mineral species occur in nature with a frequency sufficient to earn repeated mention in the geoscience literature and thus qualify for the designation “rock-forming mineral,” but a reasonable selection of the most common and useful rock-forming minerals... You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

A re-examination of the mechanism and human impact of catastrophic mass flows originating on Nevado Huascarán, Cordillera Blanca, Peru in 1962 and 1970

The 1962 and 1970 Huascarán mass movements, originated as rock/ice falls from the mountain's North Peak, transformed into higher-volume high-velocity mud-rich debris flows by incorporation of snow from the surface of a glacier below Huascarán and the substantial entrainment of morainic and colluvial material from slopes below the glacier terminus. Water for fluidization of the entrained material originated in the melting of incorporated snow and the liberation of soil moisture contained within the entrained materials. Eyewitness reports indicate very high mean velocities for the events; 17–35 m/s (1962) and 50–85 m/s (1970). The runout distances and velocity profiles of both events were simulated using DAN/W. Both mass movements continued downstream in the Rio Santa as debris floods (aluviones) that in 1970 reached the Pacific at a distance of 180 km. In strong contrast to publications in the geosciences literature, 1961 Peru Census data indicates that the death toll of the 1970 event is ca. 6000 and that total life loss in the two events did not exceed 7000 people.

GGR Biennial Review: Advances in Geo‐SIMS during 2006–2007

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS or ion microprobe) remains one of the most powerful tools available to the analytical geochemist. Despite the impressive progress witnessed by other competing laboratory methods over recent years, SIMS remains unsurpassed in its combination of small sampling volumes with low analytical uncertainties. Although the current SIMS analytical design has existed for over three decades, the period 2006–2007 saw significant advances in instrumentation, analytical methodology and, not least, the characterisation of new reference materials upon which all analyses depend. As of the end of 2007 the SIMS geoscience literature was reporting total sampling masses down to the 10 fg range, spatial resolution of better than 100 nm and uncertainties on major element isotope ratio determinations of better than ± 0.2‰ (1s). This article intends to synthesise the progress made by the geo‐SIMS community during this two year period and will also highlight some specific research results that were only possible due to the unique capabilities provided by SIMS.

Exploring the Impacts of Pseudo-Random Number Generators on Sub-pixel Classification

Pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) create deterministic approximations of random number sequences that typically contain biases and structural correlation. While this non-random behavior is relatively well known, its impact on geographic applications has received little attention in the geoscience literature. This study examines the role of specific PRNG algorithms and initializations on a super-resolution (sub-pixel) map classification technique, the simultaneous categorical swapping method. The results indicate that the choice of PRNG as well as the specific seed number significantly impact the sub-pixel allocation model. The paper concludes by considering the broader implications of propagation of non-random PRNG behavior for geospatial applications.

The ‘Ancient Harbour Parasequence’: Anthropogenic forcing of the stratigraphic highstand record

Unique chronostratigraphic similarities are observed in recent geoscience literature on ancient Mediterranean harbours. From these empirical port data a clear pattern of millennial anthropogenic forcing, marked by a fining-up sequence, can be discerned in coastal stratigraphy. The stratigraphic peculiarity of this artificial, or human-modified, parasequence leads us to define a new working model: the Ancient Harbour Parasequence.

Anomalous diffusion in simulations of pumping tests on fractal lattices

Abstract The recent interest in fractals in the geosciences literature has led to several proposed theoretical models for the hydraulic testing of fractured-rock systems that exhibit a fractal-like geometric structure. There is, however, no agreement on the correct form of the resulting model equations. In order to gain some insight into the range of possible behaviours to be expected from pumping tests on such systems, as well as the type of theoretical models needed, extensive simulations of pressure diffusion for transient groundwater flow, modelled by random walks on both deterministic and random fractal lattices were performed. For simplicity, the focus was on measurements of the random-walk dimension for generalized Sierpinski carpets, a proposed model for porous and fractured media. In addition to the expected anomalous slow down in diffusion in fractals as measured by the random-walk dimension, the simulations show further novel and unexpected anomalous behaviour due to the presence of internal boundaries at all scales. None of the proposed theoretical models for pumping tests on fractals appears consistent with all of the observed anomalous behaviours. The simulations suggest that interpretation of experimental pumping tests in terms of well-defined non-integer dimensions can be difficult, even when finite-size effects are negligible.

Slope-failure Analysis and Classification: Review of a Century of Effort

The geoscience literature is replete with bewildering descriptions and classifications resulting from a century of analysis of gravitative transfer of materials downslope. The complexity of mass-movement phenomena has led to a profusion of confusing terminology that this paper attempts to clarify. International recognition of the hazard to life and property posed by slope failure highlights the need for increased precision in its description in a quest for prediction, control, and remediation of the diverse phenomena. The most useful classifications are those that employ as their primary criteria the type of movement (e.g., fall, topple, slide, spread, flow) and the type of material (e.g., rock, debris, earth) involved, with secondary considerations of velocity and the amount and phase of H2O. Recently, interest has focused on the massive, subaqueous failures that can generate huge tsunamis, as well as the massive, dangerous collapses of volcanoes. Future slopefailure research is expected to incorporate quantitative and geotechnical assessments of process mechanics, including remote sensing, numerical indices and modeling, and advanced assessments of flow rheology.

How to calculate normal curvatures of sampled geological surfaces

Curvature has been used both to describe geological surfaces and to predict the distribution of deformation in folded or domed strata. Several methods have been proposed in the geoscience literature to approximate the curvature of surfaces; however we advocate a technique for the exact calculation of normal curvature for single-valued gridded surfaces. This technique, based on the First and Second Fundamental Forms of differential geometry, allows for the analytical calculation of the magnitudes and directions of principal curvatures, as well as Gaussian and mean curvature. This approach is an improvement over previous methods to calculate surface curvatures because it avoids common mathematical approximations, which introduce significant errors when calculated over sloped horizons. Moreover, the technique is easily implemented numerically as it calculates curvatures directly from gridded surface data (e.g. seismic or GPS data) without prior surface triangulation. In geological curvature analyses, problems arise because of the sampled nature of geological horizons, which introduces a dependence of calculated curvatures on the sample grid. This dependence makes curvature analysis without prior data manipulation problematic. To ensure a meaningful curvature analysis, surface data should be filtered to extract only those surface wavelengths that scale with the feature under investigation. A curvature analysis of the top-Pennsylvanian horizon at Goose Egg dome, Wyoming shows that sampled surfaces can be smoothed using a moving average low-pass filter to extract curvature information associated with the true morphology of the structure.

Interpolation of digital elevation models using AMLE and related methods

Interpolation of digital elevation models becomes necessary in many situations, for instance, when constructing them from contour lines (available e.g., from nondigital cartography), or from disparity maps based on pairs of stereoscopic views, which often leaves large areas where point correspondences cannot be found reliably. The absolutely minimizing Lipschitz extension (AMLE) model is singled out as the simplest interpolation method satisfying a set of natural requirements. In particular, a maximum principle is proven, which guarantees not to introduce unnatural oscillations which is a major problem with many classical methods. The authors then discuss the links between the AMLE and other existing methods. In particular, they show its relation with geodesic distance transformation. They also relate the AMLE to the thin-plate method, that can be obtained by a prolongation of the axiomatic arguments leading to the AMLE, and addresses the major disadvantage of the AMLE model, namely its inability to interpolate slopes as it does for values. Nevertheless, in order to interpolate slopes, they have to give up the maximum principle and authorize the appearance of oscillations. They also discuss the possible link between the AMLE and Kriging methods that are the most widely used in the geoscience literature.

Deep-sea gas hydrates on the northern Cascadia margin

This article describes recent work on marine hydrates off western Canada. Natural occurrences of gas hydrates have been reported in the geoscience literature since the early 1970s. Gas hydrates are solid ice-like structures in which gas molecules (largely methane) are trapped within cages of water molecules. Some 50 regions of hydrate occurrence have been reported in marine, permafrost, and lake environments worldwide. Interest in gas hydrates is due to the fact that the total amount of hydrocarbons locked up in them probably exceeds other known fossil hydrocarbon resources.

Geoscience after IT: Part B. Benefits for geoscience from information technology, and an example from geological mapping of the need for a broad view

Information technology can lead to more efficient, versatile and less costly ways of supplying and using information. The familiar paper journals and books of the geoscience literature are being supplemented, and some supplanted, by electronic versions offering new facilities. Geoscience repositories gain efficiency and flexibility in storage, management, access and presentation of data. Global standards help communications, sharing of facilities, integration of ideas, collaboration and delegation of decisions. An example from geological mapping illustrates how a broad view of computer methods leads, not just to better ways of delivering the same product, but to more fundamental improvements in expressing, sharing and generalizing the geologists’ conceptual models. Familiarity with existing systems can blind us to their shortcomings: familiar methods may hide assumptions that are no longer relevant. The example suggests that maps, reports and supporting evidence can be linked by hypertext in a tightly connected model. Targeted distribution of appropriate, up-to-date information can replace the high-cost scattergun approach of conventional publication. This leads to a tentative identification of user needs.

Use of the GeoRef CD-ROM by Geoscientists

Faculty and graduate students at Washington State University were surveyed regarding access to geoscience literature before and after the introduction of the GeoRef CD-ROM. These researchers accepted this computerized means of access to the geoscience literature, but continued to consult other pertinent indexes or abstracts. Use of interlibrary loan increased after the CD-ROM was made available. During the study period, the database was successfully shared by making it available in the library and the departmental computer laboratory on different days of the week. Different versions of the search software were available at each location and need for instruction varied with the version used.

The science-industry interface in the petroleum industry: Correlation of time series of indicators and their spectra, and growth modelling

Petroleum production and exploration, used as petroleum industry indicators, and accumulation of petroleum-related geoscience literature, used as a science indicator, were compared by several means to gauge the degree of interaction between science and the industry in the period 1934–1990. Methods of comparison employed were: time domain correlations and crosscorrelation; correlations of spectra using coherence and crosspower spectra, and growth-modelling of the indicators. A fifty-year exploration cycle was found, beginning about 1945. Principal features of this cycle seem to coincide with prominent features in the time series for geoscience literature, and both of these variables are correlated with petroleum production. All three variables appear to have been determined ultimately by economic and political events which affected the petroleum industry. All of them show long-period cycles which coincide with the fourth Kondratiev cycle and the beginning of the fifth Kondratiev. The longest time series used (petroleum production in the United States, 1860–1990) shows long-period cycles matching the third, fourth and fifth Kondratiev cycles.

North Grand Banks Basin, offshore Newfoundland: a sedimentary epeiric basin west of the Murre-Mercury detachment fault

The eastern Newfoundland offshore area is geologically the best known region of the northwestern Atlantic margin. Extensive geophysical coverage and about 140 exploratory and delineation wells have allowed structural and stratigraphic mapping of a Mesozoic rift basin network that includes the South Whale, Whale, Horseshoe, South Jeanne d'Arc, Carson-Bonnition, Jeanne d'Arc, Orphan and Flemish Pass Basins. A less explored basin, not yet targeted by the oil industry and accordingly less explored, has recently been discussed in the marine geoscience literature. Located on the Bonavista platform, west of the Jeanne d'Arc Basin bounding fault and defined here as the North Grand Banks Basin, this area has been described from refraction work correlated with deep seismic profiling (LITHOPROBE East) data as a possible Mesozoic rift basin with hydrocarbon potential, or as a Palaeozoic basin. Detected first by gravity measurements, but unconfirmed as a rift basin by reflection data, this basin is only 2 km deep and contains Palaeozoic and probably undeformed Mesozoic sedimentary infill. Its hydrocarbon potential is low. The Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, if present, are probably platform carbonates and clastics, formed during thermal subsidence episodes following the first two rifting stages that affected the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The placement of the pre-rift unconformity within the sedimentary successions of the North Grand Banks Basin, and the precise nature of the rocks situated above the Avalon basement remain unresolved. A geodynamic model involving simple shear extension in the upper crust is used to explain the evolution of Newfoundland offshore sedimentary basins including the North Grand Banks. According to this model the basin is located on the upthrown side of the Murre-Mercury fault system that represents the upper crustal expression of a crustal penetrative detachment.

The Interpretation and Indexing of Geoscience Fiction

Fictional writing contains sufficient factual description to constitute a minor non-technical form of geoscience literature. Novelists and short story writers have long acknowledged the significance of place and geography in their works. Literary scholars have recently begun to construct a serious framework for analyzing and comparing fictional geographical elements. This should assist geoscientists in interpreting the significance of fictional material. The instructional value of geographically oriented novels has long been recognized. Many geoscience educators recommend the incorporation of fictional material in some undergraduate geography and geology courses. Systematic incorporation of such material into an integrated earth systems curriculum has also been advocated for the public school system. The success of these approaches is partially dependent on the ability of literature-indexing systems to identify relevant material. Library of Congress subject headings, although helpful, are not sufficient. ...

Statistical analysis of two-dimensional palaeocurrent data: Methods and examples

An integrated description is given of some recently developed statistical methods for analysis of one or more samples of measurements of palaeocurrent data, including testing of isotropy, estimating mean or median directions together with assessments of the reliability of the estimates, comparing and combining information from two or more samples of data, and treating data measured as axes or undirected lines, rather than as vectors. Each method described is illustrated on a data set. The importance of these methods is that routine reporting of certain summary statistics for each sample will permit the information in the data to be compared with, and amalgamated with, data from other sources which have been summarized in similar fashion: access to all the individual palaeocurrent measurements is no longer necessary. Such compact methods of data reporting and integration of information have, hitherto, not been available in the geoscience literature.