Internal Layering Research Articles

Effects of 2.5-D ultra-low and ultra-high velocity zones on flip-reverse-stacking (FRS) of the ScS wavefield

SUMMARY Within the last decade, thin ultra-low velocity zone (ULVZ) layering, sitting directly on top of the core–mantle boundary (CMB), has begun to be investigated using the flip-reverse-stack (FRS) method. In this method, pre- and post-cursor arrivals that are symmetrical in time about the ScS arrival, but with opposite polarities, are stacked. This same methodology has also been applied to high velocity layering, with indications that ultra-high velocity zones (UHVZs) may also exist. Thus far, studies using the FRS technique have relied on 1-D synthetic predictions to infer material properties of ULVZs. 1-D ULVZ models predominantly show a SdS precursor that reflects off the top of the ULVZ and an ScscS reverberation within the ULVZ that arrives as a post-cursor. 1-D UHVZ models are more complex and have a different number of arrivals depending on a variety of factors including UHVZ thickness, velocity contrast, and lateral extent. 1-D modelling approaches assume that lower mantle heterogeneity is constant and continuous everywhere across the lower mantle. However, lower mantle features display lateral heterogeneity and are either finite in extent or display local thickness variations. We examine the interaction of the ScS wavefield with ULVZs and UHVZs in 2.5-D geometries of finite extent. We show that multiple additional arrivals exist that are not present in 1-D predictions. In particular, multipath ScS arrivals as well as additional post-cursor arrivals are generated. Subsequent processing by the FRS method generates complicated FRS traces with multiple peaks. Furthermore, post-cursor arrivals can be generated even when the ScS ray path does not directly strike the heterogeneity from above. Analysing these predictions for 2.5-D models using 1-D modelling techniques demonstrates that a cautious approach must be adopted in utilization and interpretation of FRS traces to determine if the ScS wavefield is interacting with a ULVZ or UHVZ through a direct strike on the top of the feature. In particular, traveltime delays or advances of the ScS arrival should be documented and symmetrical opposite polarity arrivals should be demonstrated to exist around ScS. The latter can be quantified by calculation of a time domain multiplication trace. Because multiple post-cursor arrivals are generated by finite length heterogeneities, interpretation should be confined to single layer models rather than to interpret the additional peaks as internal layering. Furthermore, strong trade-offs exist between S-wave velocity perturbation and thickness making estimations of ULVZ or UHVZ elastic parameters highly uncertain. We test our analysis methods using data from an event occurring in the Fiji-Tonga region recorded in North America. The ScS bounce points for this event sample the CMB region to the southeast of Hawaii, in a region where ULVZs have been identified in several recent studies. We see additional evidence for a ULVZ in this region centred at 14°N and 153°W with a lateral scale of at least 250 km × 360 km. Assuming a constant S-wave velocity decrease of −10 or −20 per cent with respect to the PREM model implies a ULVZ thickness of up to 16 or 9 km, respectively.

Seismic Evidence for Craton Formation by Underplating and Development of the MLD

AbstractInconsistencies between observations from long and short period seismic waves and geochemical data mean craton formation and evolution remains enigmatic. Specifically, internal layering and radial anisotropy are poorly constrained. Here, we show that these inconsistencies can be reconciled by inverting cratonic Rayleigh and Love surface wave dispersion curves for shear‐wave velocity and radial anisotropy using a flexible Bayesian scheme. This approach requires no explicit vertical smoothing and only adds anisotropy to layers where required by the data. We show that all cratonic lithospheres are comprised of a positively radially anisotropic upper layer, best explained by Archean underplating, and an isotropic layer beneath, indicative of two‐stage formation. Within the positively radially anisotropic upper layer, we find a variable amplitude low velocity zone within 9 of 12 cratons studied, that is well correlated with observed Mid‐Lithospheric Discontinuities (MLDs). The MLD is best explained by metasomatism after craton formation.

Fault Analysis of 35kV Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker Pillar Porcelain Sleeve

In order to further clarify the failure mechanism of the pillar porcelain insulator, the field inspection, the microscopic morphology analysis and material analysis of the ceramic shell of the pillar under a 35kV outdoor vacuum circuit breaker were carried out. The results show that the direct cause of the failure is the discharge between the high voltage conductor inside the porcelain sleeve and the weak part of the porcelain sleeve, and the high temperature arc leads to the bursting of the porcelain sleeve. The indirect cause of the failure is the loose porcelain of the porcelain sleeve, the existence of internal layering, uneven composition and micro-pores and other macro and micro defects, and the original defects of the inner surface of the porcelain sleeve, such as local unglazed and poor quality of the porcelain sleeve manufacturing process. In the long-term outdoor operation, the external moisture and gas penetrate into the porcelain sleeve, which leads to the deterioration of the insulation performance of the porcelain sleeve, and eventually leads to failure.

Englacial architecture of Lambert Glacier, East Antarctica

Abstract. The analysis of englacial layers using radio-echo sounding data enables the characterisation and reconstruction of current and past ice-sheet flow. Despite the Lambert Glacier catchment being one of the largest in Antarctica, discharging ∼16 % of East Antarctica's ice, its englacial architecture has been little analysed. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of Lambert Glacier's englacial architecture using radio-echo sounding data collected by Antarctica's Gamburtsev Province Project (AGAP) North survey. We used an internal layering continuity index (ILCI) to characterise the internal architecture of the ice and identify four macro-scale ILCI zones with distinct glaciological contexts. Whilst the catchment is dominated by continuous englacial layering, disrupted or discontinuous layering is highlighted by the ILCI at both the onset of enhanced ice flow (defined here as >15 m a−1) and along the shear margin, suggesting a transition in englacial deformation conditions and converging ice flow. These zones are characterised by buckled and folded englacial layers which have fold axes aligned with the current ice-flow regime. These folds suggest that the flow direction of the Lambert Glacier trunk has changed little, if at all, during the Holocene. Disturbed englacial layers that do not correspond to modern ice-flow routing found within a deep subglacial channel, however, suggest that ice-flow change has occurred in a former tributary that fed Lambert Glacier from grid north. As large outlet systems such as Lambert Glacier are likely to play a vital role in the future drainage of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, constraining their englacial architecture to reconstruct their past ice flow and determine basal conditions is important for refining projections of future sea-level change.

THU452 Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia Complicated By Aneurysmal Bone Cyst In A Patient With McCune-Albright Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: E. Milazzo: None. K.L. Hermayer: None. Introduction: McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is a rare mosaic disorder with GNAS mutations, encoding the alpha-subunit of the Gs G-coupled protein receptor, activating it, and inappropriately producing cAMP. The hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies associated with MAS are due to signaling through the TSH, LH, FSH, GHRH, and ACTH receptors. MAS clinical presentation occurs with café-au-lait skin macules, precocious puberty, and fibrous dysplasia (FD) of the bone. FD is a benign tumor that leads to increased rates of bone fractures and if it causes facial deformities, can be complicated with orbital neuropathies. An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a blood-filled cyst that can be a primary or secondary lesion due to co-existing lesions. ABC is a rare complication of FD. We report a rare case of ABC in a MAS patient who presented with acute visual disturbance and enlargement of the forehead and was successfully treated with surgery. Clinical Case: A 20-year-old female diagnosed with MAS at the age of 2 who had precocious puberty by the 3rd year of life and developed polyostotic FD in the right arm, left femur, cranial, and skull bones with multiple long bone fractures by the age of 5-6 and required numerous orthopedic surgeries. She presented with the characteristic café-au-lait skin macules on the back and right arm. In 2018, a slow decline of left eye vision required left cranial decompression of the optic nerve, with pathology showing fibrous tissue compatible with FD. In 2021, she complained of acute right forehead enlargement, compressing her right eye with blurry vision. An MRI showed FD involving the facial and skull bones with a new expansible lesion in the right frontal bone with internal layering fluid, exerting a mild mass effect on the frontal lobe and extending superiorly to the orbit with inferior displacement of the globe. These findings were consistent with an ABC. Right frontal craniectomy and cranioplasty were performed in 12/2021, with pathology showing a fibrous pseudocyst wall with associated lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and evidence of prior hemorrhage with Ki-67 in the cyst wall at 15%. Lab work showed chronic alkaline phosphatase elevation at 567IU/L (42-106IU/L), normal calcium at 9.2mg/dl (8.4-10.3mg/dl), phosphate at 3.3mg/dl (3.3-5.1mg/dl), and PTH at 26pg/ml (15-65mg/dl), with Vitamin D insufficiency at 25.1ng/ml (30-100ng/ml). Endocrinology workup was negative for thyroid, adrenal, gonadotrophic, and GH dysfunction. 5 months post-surgery, the patient demonstrated complete recovery, and MRI showed no recurrence of the ABC. Conclusion: ABC is a benign solitary tumor generally arising from the metaphysis of long bones and rarely involves the cranium. ABC associated with FD has only been reported in a few cases. The treatment is surgical excision, with radiation and cryotherapy used in nonorbital cases. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Defining Continental Lithosphere as a Layer With Abundant Frozen‐In Structures That Scatter Seismic Waves

AbstractWe investigate the structure of the continental lithosphere by combining two approaches: a systematic survey of abrupt changes in seismic properties detected by P‐to‐S converted body waves and an integrated geophysical‐petrological inversion for temperature and density in the upper mantle. We refine the global thermo‐chemical model WINTERC‐G in eastern North America by including detailed regional information on the crust into petrological inversions and combine it with the upper mantle layering beneath eastern North America yielded by anisotropy‐aware receiver‐function analysis. Eastern North America's Archean, Proterozoic and Paleozoic lithospheres show an excellent agreement between the depth to the 1,300°C isotherm that bounds the lithosphere and the depth range where converted waves detect abrupt changes in seismic properties. Boundaries with these abrupt changes reside within the rigid mechanical lithosphere and are uncommon in the convecting mantle beneath it. The boundaries include both impedance increases and decreases with depth, as well as anisotropy changes, and must have developed over the course of the assembly and evolution of the lithosphere. In the asthenosphere below, such heterogeneities appear to have been largely mixed out by convection. The existence of abundant interfaces with diverse origin can account for the commonly observed scattered signals from within the continental lithosphere and presents an alternative to the end‐member concept of the mid‐lithospheric discontinuity as a ubiquitous feature with a uniform origin. Generally, we can define continental lithosphere as a region of conductive heat transport and steep geotherm that is characterized by pervasive internal layering of density, elastic moduli and texture.

Investigation of buried karst sinkholes under a bog using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)

AbstractActive evaporite karst processes in the Baltic states are associated with a few relatively small regions where gypsum rocks can be found close to the Earth's surface. One of these areas lies in the vicinity of the Pandu bog. However, such a possibly active karst region, which is covered by peat and in which the mapping of karst formations is complex, has not been previously investigated. In this study, we present a buried and peat‐filled karst cover‐collapse sinkhole mapping approach that involves a combination of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and conventional boreholes. A detailed map of the bog's substratum topography was constructed from a geophysical surveying dataset. It reveals 15 distinctly expressed sinkholes with diameters of several tens of metres. Overall, 140 potential sinkholes were also mapped using remote sensing data in the vicinity of the bog. Higher electrical resistivity anomalies were identified inside the peat; they coincide with scatter‐free zones in GPR data and water layers in boreholes. Highly disturbed internal peat layering was also detected in these sinkholes. It is suggested that these water layers and disturbed peat layering may have formed due to the subsidence of the lower peat layers, and thus they represent relatively younger sinkholes. This is also supported by evidence from orthophoto maps, which showed the formation and disappearance of surficial lakes and depressions on the bog surface. Our results revealed the presence of active and widespread karst processes under the bog that have not been previously noticed despite the fact that they have implications for the assessment of geohazards in this area.

The Role of Massive Ice and Exposed Headwall Properties on Retrogressive Thaw Slump Activity

AbstractRetrogressive Thaw Slumps (RTSs), a highly dynamic form of mass wasting, are accelerating geomorphic change across ice‐cored permafrost terrain, yet the main controls on their activity are poorly constrained. Questions over the spatial variability of environmentally sensitive massive ice bodies and a paucity of high‐spatial and temporal resolution topographic data have limited our ability to project their development and wider impacts. This research addresses these key problems by investigating RTS processes on Peninsula Point—a well‐studied site for intra‐sedimental massive ice in the Western Canadian Arctic. Utilizing high‐resolution topographic data from drone surveys in 2016, 2017 and 2018 we (a) measure the temporal and spatial variations in headwall properties and retreat rates, (b) determine the spatial pattern of subsurface layering using passive seismic monitoring and (c) combine these to analyze and contextualize the factors controlling headwall retreat (HWR) rates. We find that headwall properties, namely massive ice and overburden thickness, are significant controls over rates of HWR. Where persistent massive ice exposures are present inland of the headwall, regardless of thickness, and overburden thickness remains <4 m, HWR is typically more than double that of other headwalls. Furthermore, a 3D site model was created by combining photogrammetric and passive seismic data, highlighting internal layering variability and demonstrating the limitations of extrapolations of internal layering based on headwall exposures. These results provide fresh insights into the in situ controls on HWR rates and new approaches to understanding their variability.

A site for deep ice coring at West Hercules Dome: results from ground-based geophysics and modeling

AbstractHercules Dome, Antarctica, has long been identified as a prospective deep ice core site due to the undisturbed internal layering, climatic setting and potential to obtain proxy records from the Last Interglacial (LIG) period when the West Antarctic ice sheet may have collapsed. We performed a geophysical survey using multiple ice-penetrating radar systems to identify potential locations for a deep ice core at Hercules Dome. The surface topography, as revealed with recent satellite observations, is more complex than previously recognized. The most prominent dome, which we term ‘West Dome’, is the most promising region for a deep ice core for the following reasons: (1) bed-conformal radar reflections indicate minimal layer disturbance and extend to within tens of meters of the ice bottom; (2) the bed is likely frozen, as evidenced by both the shape of the measured vertical ice velocity profiles beneath the divide and modeled ice temperature using three remotely sensed estimates of geothermal flux and (3) models of layer thinning have 132 ka old ice at 45–90 m above the bed with an annual layer thickness of ~1 mm, satisfying the resolution and preservation needed for detailed analysis of the LIG period.

On the formation of thrust fault-related landforms in Mercury’s Northern Smooth Plains: A new mechanical model of the lithosphere

There are numerous tectonic shortening structures distributed across the planet, Mercury. As Mercury’s largest single volcanic deposit, the northern smooth plains (NSP) is dominated by thrust fault-related landforms, showing particularity in their tectonic patterns compared with their counterparts in other geological terrains on Mercury. Geomorphic interpretations of these landforms assume an internal layering lithosphere to account for the deformation accommodating superficial units, implying the deformation in the NSP is thin-rooted dominated. However, the commonly used lithospheric mechanical model is an oversimplification that only allows for the sharp transition from brittle to ductile deformation, failing to explain the thin-rooted deformation well. In this work, we propose a new mechanical model incorporating the semi-brittle deformation in the lithosphere to account for an equivalent weak layer at shallow depth, filling the gap between brittle and ductile deformation. In addition, we implement 2-D numerical simulations to simulate the formation of thrust fault-related landforms in the NSP of 3.8 billion years ago. As a result, we obtain surface topographies roughly consistent with lobate scarps. Our results also support that most thrust fault-related landforms were likely formed over a period with a gradually decreased background compressive strain rate, and these landforms can retain their basic geomorphic features on this planet with little to no erosion. Although the physical properties of semi-brittle deformation are not fully understood, considering such a deformation model in planetary science is still promising, especially when studying the thermodynamic processes of a planet.

The Thermal Properties of a Prototype Insulation with a Gyroid Structure-Optimization of the Structure of a Cellular Composite Made Using SLS Printing Technology.

This paper focuses on the search for novel insulating structures, and the generation of them by means of a state-of-the-art manufacturing method—3D printing. Bionic structures, which are successfully used in many branches of technology, were chosen as the source of inspiration for the research. The paper presents a design of spatial structures with a gyroid infill (e.g., TPMS), the shape of which reflects the bionic structure of the inside of a bone. For SLS printed single- and multi-layered structures, the design value of the thermal conductivity coefficient was determined through measurements and calculations. A statistical analysis was carried out to determine the effect of the direction of heat flow, as well as the internal structure and layering of the prototype materials, on the values of the thermal conductivity coefficient and the thermal resistance coefficient. On the basis of the multicriteria analysis, the composite’s optimal composition according to the adopted optimization criteria was determined. The lowest possible thermal conductivity of the insulation was equal to 0.033 W/(m·K). The highest possible thermal resistance was equal to 0.606 m2·K/W. Thermal insulation made of the prototype insulating partitions with a gyroidal structure is characterized by good insulating parameters.

Study on magnetic abrasive finishing process of AlSi10Mg alloy curved surface formed by selective laser melting

In this paper, AlSi10Mg alloy powder is selected as the forming powder of Selective laser melting technology, and the AlSi10Mg alloy SLM curved surface sample is constructed by setting the internal and external layering parameters. In view of the relatively rough surface roughness of SLM technology molded parts, this paper selects the magnetic finishing technology with higher flexibility characteristics to perform surface finishing and finishing on the formed curved surface samples. Explore the feasibility of magnetic finishing technology on the finishing of SLM shaped curved parts, and test and analyze the surface roughness, surface hardness and hydrophobicity of the finishing permanent magnet tools and the curved surface samples before and after finishing. Finally, it was found that the use of a 75° trapezoidal slotted permanent magnet finishing tool to absorb spherical Al2O3 magnetic abrasives for flexible finishing of AlSi10Mg alloy SLM shaped curved surface samples can achieve better finishing results. In this paper, the orthogonal experiment method is used to optimize the finishing experiment. It is found that the finishing parameters of the spindle speed is 1800 r/min, the feed rate is 5 mm/min, the gap is 2 mm, and the abrasive consumption is 7 g to form the AlSi10Mg alloy SLM. The surface roughness Ra = 0.279 μm can be obtained by magnetic finishing of the curved sample, and the surface morphology of the sample has been greatly improved. At the same time, it is found that the magnetic finishing technology improves the surface roughness of the AlSi10Mg alloy SLM forming surface sample, while it does not change the surface hardness of the sample, but it can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of the sample surface.

New insights in glaciers characterization by differential diagnosis integrating GPR and remote sensing techniques: A case study for the Eastern Gran Zebrù glacier (Central Alps)

In GPR profiles, ice is usually imaged as a mostly electromagnetic transparent facies. However, diffraction events, as well as internal layering, can be also observed. In some cases, the bedrock below glaciers is masked by dense diffractions usually interpreted as the effect of liquid water pockets inside the so-called warm ice. However, the actual physical meaning of such GPR facies is not always obvious, because it can be related also to mixed debris and ice deposits.We adopted a strategy well known in medical sciences and referred as “differential diagnosis” in order to infer which is the actual meaning of a high scattering facies imaged within the Eastern Gran Zebrù glacier (Central Italian Alps) and, more generally, of all the internal glacier features. In fact, in many cases, there is no direct information to limit the subjectivity of geophysical interpretation; therefore, we provide all the discriminative hypotheses based on both independent and integrated criteria including GPR attribute analysis, imaging effects, reflection analysis, GPR frequency evaluations combined with geomorphological and remote sensing data obtained by two photogrammetric UAV and thermal infrared surveys.On the basis of the differential diagnosis, we concluded that the high scattering zone embedded within the studied glacier is most likely related to a mixture of ice and debris probably formed during a past shrinking phase. Beside this case study, this approach could be helpful in other GPR glaciological surveys, in which the target is related not only to the bedrock detection, but also to a detailed analysis of the internal facies of a glacier.

Investigating the internal structure of the Antarctic ice sheet: the utility of isochrones for spatiotemporal ice-sheet model calibration

Abstract. Ice-sheet models are a powerful tool to project the evolution of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets and thus their future contribution to global sea-level changes. Testing the ability of ice-sheet models to reproduce the ongoing and past evolution of the ice cover in Greenland and Antarctica is a fundamental part of every modelling effort. However, benchmarking ice-sheet model results against real-world observations is a non-trivial process as observational data come with spatiotemporal gaps in coverage. Here, we present a new approach to assess the accuracy of ice-sheet models which makes use of the internal layering of the Antarctic ice sheet. We calculate isochrone elevations from simulated Antarctic geometries and velocities via passive Lagrangian tracers, highlighting that a good fit of the model to two-dimensional datasets such as surface velocity and ice thickness does not guarantee a good match against the 3D architecture of the ice sheet and thus correct evolution over time. We show that palaeoclimate forcing schemes derived from ice-core records and climate models commonly used to drive ice-sheet models work well to constrain the 3D structure of ice flow and age in the interior of the East Antarctic ice sheet and especially along ice divides but fail towards the ice-sheet margin. The comparison to isochronal horizons attempted here reveals that simple heuristics of basal drag can lead to an overestimation of the vertical interior ice-sheet flow especially over subglacial basins. Our model observation intercomparison approach opens a new avenue for the improvement and tuning of current ice-sheet models via a more rigid constraint on model parameterisations and climate forcing, which will benefit model-based estimates of future and past ice-sheet changes.

ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИЯ СТРУКТУРНО-ТЕКСТУРНЫХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ В НОВООБРАЗУЮЩЕМСЯ СНЕЖНОМ СЛОЕ ПРИ ДЛИТЕЛЬНОМ СНЕГОПАДЕ

Observations were made on the dynamics of structural and textural transformations in the newly fallen snow layer during its transition to a stratigraphically significant snow accumulation layer. To visualize the structural and textural transformations during a prolonged snowfall and post-sedimentation changes in it after the snowfall stopped, a reflective screen was used in combination with photomicrography of solid precipitation and snow grains. Observations were made for seven days. Already on the third day, with the thickness of the newly formed snow layer of 12 cm, the primary texture in the form of internal layering, due to the microstructure of freshly fallen snow, began to differ in it. In the process of post-sedimentation transformations, the primary stratification in the newly formed stratigraphically significant snow layer was preserved, but became less noticeable. Micrographs showed that the deposited snowflakes were transformed by sublimation metamorphism to form small rounded RGsr particles, which differed little from the snow grains in the underlying layer. It is assumed that the structural and textural post-sedimentation transformations of solid precipitation in the upper part of the snow thickness are more controlled by the depth of penetration of the air temperature gradient. Lower boundary of this upper part is well distinguished in the snow profile owing to the optical anisotropy of the snow horizons composed of RGsr snow grains and FCso and DHla facet crystals. The performed studies demonstrated that the light-reflecting screen can be used in snow science as a simple tool for optical monitoring of structural heterogeneities of seasonal snow cover and visualization of post-sedimentation processes that occur during its growth.

Sheath fold development around deformable inclusions: Integration of field-analysis (Cima Lunga unit, Central Alps) and 3D numerical models

We investigated complex tectonic structures within a km-scale shear zone (Cima Lunga unit), which is traditionally interpreted as generated by multiple, distinct deformation phases, despite showing unique schistosity and lineation. Based on structural analyses we discovered sheath folds developed in relatively weak gneissic/schistose rocks, enveloping inclusions of stronger ultramafics. The internal layering of inclusions experienced superimposed folding, boudinage and folding, attesting to layer-parallel shortening followed by stretching and further again shortening. Using 3D numerical modelling, we explored the structure evolution within and around deformable viscous inclusions under far-field simple shear. The numerical results showed that the internal deformation of ellipsoidal inclusions and the fold development around the inclusions are both dependent on the viscosity ratio, shear strain and the inclusion aspect ratio. The Cima Lunga structural patterns were reproduced for finite strains exceeding 7.5 and viscosity ratio between 2.8 and 9. Inclusions are characterized by persistent rotation of the internal layering, resulting in super-simple shear regime, with kinematic vorticity number >1. An important corollary is that ultramafics and host rocks experienced coupled deformation since the prograde metamorphic evolution. Finally, we emphasise that progressive deformation in shear zones may offer sufficient explanation for complex structural patterns, without invoking unjustified polyphase deformation.

Internal layering structure and subglacial conditions along a traverse line from Zhongshan Station to Dome A, East Antarctica, revealed by ground-based radar sounding

Internal layering structure and subglacial conditions along a traverse line from Zhongshan Station to Dome A, East Antarctica, revealed by ground-based radar sounding

RADAR-DERIVED INTERNAL LAYERING AND BASAL ROUGHNESS CHARACTERIZATION ALONG A TRAVERSE FROM ZHONGSHAN STATION TO DOME A, EAST ANTARCTICA

Abstract. The internal layers of ice sheets from ice-penetrating radar (IPR) investigation preserve critical information about the englacial conditions and ice-flow field. This paper presents a new detailed analysis of the spatial distribution characteristics of internal layers and subglacial topography of East Antarctic ice sheet (EAIS) from Zhongshan station to Dome A. Taking the internal layering continuity index (ILCI) and basal roughness as indicators, it provides an opportunity to evaluate the past internal environment and dynamics of ice sheet. The radar data of 1244 km along a traverse between Zhongshan Station and Dome A of EAIS was collected during the 29th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 29, 2012/2013). Except for the upstream of Lambert Glacier, the patterns of the folds in the internal layers are basically similar to the bed topography. The relatively flat basal topography and the decrease of ILCI with the deepening of the depth provide evidence for identifying previous rapid ice flow areas that the satellite cannot obtain, especially in the upstream of Lambert Glacier. Well continuous internal layers of Dome A almost extend to the bed, with high ILCI and high roughness characteristics. There are three kinds of basal roughness patterns in the whole traverse. The characteristics of the internal layer and basal topography of the traverse between Zhongshan Station and Dome A provide new information for understanding the ancient ice-flow activity and the historical evolution of EAIS.

Reappraisal of purported ca. 3.7 Ga stromatolites from the Isua Supracrustal Belt (West Greenland) from detailed chemical and structural analysis

The biogenicity of proposed stromatolite structures from Eoarchean (ca. 3.71 Ga) rocks of the Isua Supracrustal Belt (ISB) in West Greenland is under debate. The structures in question are found within a suite of multiply deformed greenschist- to amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks. To assess their premise as primary sedimentary features – as opposed to products of strain localization in layered, variably ductile rocks – we report new field mapping at the appropriate scale and resolution from the original discovery Sites reported by Nutman et al. (2016). Our new map was used to guide micro- and macro-structural investigations and comprehensive geochemical sampling. Here, we report detailed field characterization and structural analysis to show that the structures are linear inverted ridges aligned with azimuths of local and regional fold axes and parallel to linear structures; they are not deformed conical stromatolites. Combined major element (e.g., Ca, Mg, Si) scanning μXRF maps, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns collected on fresh surfaces cut perpendicular and parallel to the ridges attest to the lack of any residual sedimentary laminae (e.g., compositional layering) within these structures' cores. Internal layering previously inferred for these features instead arises from variable weathering of outcrop surfaces that otherwise conceals granoblastic quartz ± dolomite cored boudins that sit between semi-continuous competent layers of enveloping quartzite in a calc-silicate schist. The morphology of boudins reflects viscosity contrasts of the different ductile layers during deformation. Therefore, these features are not of sedimentary origin. Furthermore, discontinuous field relationships and absence of primary sedimentary structures that could serve as way-up indicators preclude confident assignment of these outcrops as being structurally overturned, as originally argued. Collectively, our results show that the Isua structures are the expected result of a tectonic fabric that preserves no fine-scale primary sedimentary structures and were probably never stromatolites.

Mafic schlieren, crystal accumulation and differentiation in granitic magmas: an integrated case study

Observations in the S-type granites (s.l.) of the Wilson’s Promontory batholith demonstrate that one type of schlieren in granitic rocks represent accumulations of mainly mafic magmatic minerals, with internal layering formed through pulsed magma flow. Loss of interstitial magmatic liquid played, at most, a minor role in shaping the preserved compositions of the schlieren; filter pressing was not involved, and simple gravity settling of crystals was also insignificant. Through dissolution-reprecipitation and reactions with residual magmatic liquids in the Wilsons Promontory schlieren, the original accumulated crystals of mafic minerals were largely supplanted by later generations or completely new phases. In the present case, the original accumulating minerals were garnet and orthopyroxene, with minor biotite and accessory minerals. The schlieren retain some of the early, euhedral, compositionally distinct, accumulated biotite, but most biotite formed through reaction of accumulated orthopyroxene and garnet with residual liquid. Some early, accumulated garnet remains, but this is not the peritectic garnet that was originally entrained into the magmas, at source depths. Rather, these are magmatic crystals formed, at mid-crustal depths, through dissolution–reprecipitation of the original peritectic garnet. At emplacement level, another episode of garnet dissolution–reprecipitation occurred, close to the solidus, extensively reorganising the grain-scale igneous textures. Although schlieren preserve structural, chemical and some textural features that can be used to infer their origins, their present microtextures do not fully reflect their initial formation mechanisms. Also, the physical mechanisms of schlieren formation most commonly have little similarity with the processes that were responsible for the main chemical variations in the batholith. Nevertheless, the presence of schlieren indicates that the granitic magmas were flowing in sheet-like laminae, and they provide information on the high-temperature igneous minerals that were suspended in their parent magmas, prior to emplacement.