Low-density Bodies Research Articles

Density and strength variations in the mantle lithosphere affect the distribution of intraplate earthquakes

The distribution of earthquakes in stable intracontinental tectonic settings is typically far more diffuse than along plate boundaries and the causative mechanisms underlying some recognizable clustering are not understood. Here we show that seismicity in intraplate western and central Europe is largely limited to regions that exhibit a low-density layer in the uppermost lithospheric mantle and preferentially clustered above lateral gradients in upper mantle effective viscosity. The basis for these new insights into the thermal and density configuration of the upper mantle is provided by a shear-wave tomographic model. We propose that the spatial correlations between mantle low-density bodies and crustal seismicity reflect the importance of buoyancy forces within the mantle lithosphere. In addition, under the interaction of forces due to mantle gravitational instabilities, plate tectonics and postglacial rebound, the variably hot and strong mantle lithosphere responds by localized deformation which imposes differential loading on the overlying crust.

Subsurface distribution of granites and greenstones in the Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane from 3-D gravity inversion

The Paleoarchean East Pilbara Terrane contains some of the oldest rocks on Earth, and has a distinctive surface architecture of granite domes surrounded by arcuate greenstone belts. Explanations for creation of the domes include fold interference, core complex formation and the subsidence of a dense, mafic crust between relatively buoyant granitic complexes. In the latter “sagduction” process, greenstones are often viewed as descending to the base of the crust. Here we present a 3-D inversion of Bouguer gravity data for density contrast constrained by shear wave velocities and a seismic reflection profile. We show that the East Pilbara Terrane is predominantly characterized by a two-layer crust with high-density greenstone rocks largely confined to the upper crust, which is inconsistent with vertical tectonic models requiring large-scale greenstone preservation in the lower crust. The eastern margin of the terrane is marked by a west-to-east transition from low-density ovoid bodies to linear northwest-trending sources associated with the Proterozoic Paterson Orogen. We identify the previously unknown 10–15 km wide Tumbinna Pool Dome, between the Mount Edgar and Yilgalong domes. Higher density sources related to the surface distribution of greenstone rocks largely occur above 10–15 km depth, though they may locally reach >15 km depth on the north side of the Mount Edgar Dome. Some granitic domes have higher density cores related to distinct granite suites, while the Split Rock Supersuite appears to exhibit systematically lower density at depths of 5–10 km. Low-density sources due to small intrusions such as the North Pole Dome only extend to depths up to 10 km, while the large Mount Edgar Dome can be identified at depths as great as 15–20 km. Some low-density bodies in the lower crust, one of which underlies the Yilgalong Dome, correlate with regions of reduced seismic reflectivity, which we interpret to be possible relict migmatisation zones or melt pathways. A weakly constrained ESE-trending high-density region immediately below the Moho correlates with isolated sub-Moho reflectors, and may be a relict zone of rifting and delamination.

Three-dimensional magnetotelluric and gravimetric imaging of Mount Lawu geothermal prospect area, Indonesia

Mount Lawu is a stratovolcano located on the border of Central Java and East Java Provinces in Indonesia. At least eleven manifestations indicate its geothermal potential in the form of hot water and fumaroles. This study aims to describe a geothermal system based on an integrated analysis of magnetotelluric (MT) and satellite gravity data. Some additional geochemical and petrological data analyses were also used to explain the existing hydrothermal system in this area. It is inferred from the gravity derivative analysis that fault structures exist in a location with high permeability, which acts as a controlling structure for geothermal manifestations. The 3-D resistivity inversion was carried out using MT full-impedance tensor data, while the 3-D density model was reconstructed based on the residual anomaly computed from the topography-free gravity disturbance. The 3-D resistivity model, from magnetotelluric inversion, shows a clay cap distribution, corresponds to a low resistivity anomaly, centered at the southern part of the mountain peak with a thickness of about 1 kilometer, which narrows to the western region where the hot spring shows an outflow manifestation. The gravity inversion shows several low-density bodies in the same location as the low-resistivity anomaly attributed to a clay cap. Coincident resistivity and density anomalies constrain the horizontal location of the geothermal reservoir. Despite the incapability of the model to resolve the body of the geothermal heat source, it can be inferred from the inversion results that the heat possibly emanates through the thermal conduction passage below the reservoir zone from the source located deeper down than the reconstructed models.

Subcutaneous Low-Density Foreign Bodies Detection via Grating-Based Multimodal X-ray Imaging

Detecting low-density foreign bodies within soft tissues still stands for a serious challenge. Grating-based multimodal X-ray imaging typically has low hardware requirements while simultaneously providing three kinds of imaging information, i.e., absorption, phase-contrast, and dark-field. We aimed to explore the capacity of grating-based multimodal X-ray imaging technology for detecting common foreign bodies within subcutaneous tissues, and to assess the advantages as well as disadvantages of the three kinds of images obtained via grating-based X-ray multimodal technology in relation to diverse kinds of foreign bodies within different tissues. In this study, metal, glass, wood, plastic, graphite, and ceramic foreign bodies were injected into chunks of the pig adipose tissue and chicken thigh muscles. Next, a grating-based multimodal X-ray imaging device developed in our laboratory was used to detect the above foreign bodies within the adipose and muscle tissues. Our results show that grating-based multimodal X-ray imaging clearly revealed the subcutaneous foreign bodies within the adipose and muscle tissues by acquiring complementary absorption, phase-contrast, and dark-field imaging data in a single shot. Grating-based multimodal X-ray imaging has an exciting potential to detect foreign bodies underneath the epidermis.

Gravity Study using Multi-2.5D Modeling and 3D Presentation for Al Ma'aniyah Depression, Southwest of Iraq

Tectonic depression area within and/or beside widespread basin is regarded as an important location for sub-basin sedimentary sequence of Iraq which may represent an excellent accumulation of bounded sediments. Al-Ma'aniyah depression, southwest Iraq is one of such type of sub-basin. Free-air gravity data show a NS extend of this depression inside Saudi Arabia. This work focuses on studying and multi-2.5D model creation for the depression in the Iraqi territory part using Bouguer gravity data and mapping its basement relief. Firstly, the exact boundary of the depression was outlined utilizing the Free-Air gravity data. Then, a precise selection of regional field for the study area was determined by using the power spectrum method, which accordingly defines the residual anomalies that could represent structural enclosures. Many positive anomalies were assigned and enhanced using vertical and total horizontal derivatives, where they were interpreted as basement-related features. Subsequently, a 2.5D multi modeling and depth inversion for the Bouguer gravity data were accomplished by converting the gravity map to a stacked profiles depth map. A nineteen gravity profiles, which cover the study area, were modeled by assuming 2D intra-sedimentary bodies. These bodies were best presented by a 3D view that clarifies the nature of the subsurface modeled structures. The modeling shows an extra density at the northern part of the depression, in contrast, it suggests low density bodies at its southern part, the case that appears inconsistent with a previously performed magnetic interpretation. The inversion of gravity data shows that the basement depth at Al-Ma'aniyah depression ranges from 7.5 to10 km.

Thermodynamic Constraints on the Non-Baryonic Dark Matter Gas Composing Galactic Halos

To explain rotation curves of spiral galaxies through Newtonian orbital models, massive halos of non-baryonic dark matter (NBDM) are commonly invoked. The postulated properties are that NBDM interacts gravitationally with baryonic matter, yet negligibly interacts with photons. Since halos are large, low-density gaseous bodies, their postulated attributes can be tested against classical thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gas. Macroscopic models are appropriate because these make few assumptions. NBDM–NBDM collisions must be elastic to avoid the generation of light, but this does not permit halo gas temperature to evolve. If no such collisions exist, then the impossible limit of absolute zero would be attainable since the other available energy source, radiation, does not provide energy to NBDM. The alternative possibility, an undefined temperature, is also inconsistent with basic thermodynamic principles. However, a definable temperature could be attained via collisions with baryons in the intergalactic medium since these deliver kinetic energy to NBDM. In this case, light would be produced since some proportion of baryon collisions are inelastic, thereby rendering the halo detectable. Collisions with baryons are unavoidable, even if NBDM particles are essentially point masses. Note that <0.0001 × the size of a proton is needed to avoid scattering with γ-rays, the shortest wavelength used to study halos. If only elastic collisions exist, NBDM gas would collapse to a tiny, dense volume (zero volume for point masses) during a disturbance—e.g., cosmic rays. NBDM gas should occupy central galactic regions, not halos, since self-gravitating objects are density stratified. In summary, properties of NBDM halos as postulated would result in violations of thermodynamic laws and in a universe unlike that observed.

Gravimetric Constraints on the Hydrothermal System of the Campi Flegrei Caldera

AbstractThe Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) has been undergoing unrest over the past five decades including episodes of rapid ground deformation, seismicity, and variations in gas emissions. Hydrothermal fluids and gases are released most vigorously in the central sector of the caldera at the fumarolic fields of Solfatara volcano and Pisciarelli. We conducted a high‐precision gravity survey coupled with inverse modeling to image the shallow (<2‐km depth) structure of the hydrothermal feeder system. Results indicate the presence of three low density bodies beneath Pozzuoli, Astroni volcano and the Solfatara/Pisciarelli fumarolic fields. The first two are inferred to be sealed hydrothermal systems trapped beneath impermeable cap rock, while the latter depicts a plume‐like geothermal feeder system reaching the surface via a combination of Solfatara's maar‐diatreme structure and the intersection of NW‐SE and NE‐SW trending regional faults. The density contrasts of the reservoirs from background values are best explained by a multiphase mixture of caldera fill containing a secondary and interconnected void volume fraction of between 0.2 and 0.3 that hosts a vapor volume fraction ψv of between 0.38 and 1 and a liquid volume fraction ψl fraction of between 0 and 0.62. This work highlights the control of volcano‐tectonic structures on fluid movement in the shallow crust of hydrothermally active volcanic systems undergoing sustained or periodic unrest.

3D Gravity Inversion with Correlation Image in Space Domain and Application to the Northern Sinai Peninsula

We present a 3D inversion method to recover density distribution from gravity data in space domain. Our method firstly employs 3D correlation image of the vertical gradient of gravity data as a starting model to generate a higher resolution image for inversion. The 3D density distribution is then obtained by inverting the correlation image of gravity data to fit the observed data based on classical inversion method of the steepest descent method. We also perform the effective equivalent storage and subdomain techniques in the starting model calculation, the forward modeling and the inversion procedures, which allow fast computation in space domain with reducing memory consumption but maintaining accuracy. The efficiency and stability of our method is demonstrated on two sets of synthetic data and one set of the Northern Sinai Peninsula gravity data. The inverted 3D density distributions show that high density bodies beneath Risan Aniza and low density bodies exist to the southeast of Risan Aniza at depths between 1~10 and 20 km, which may be originated from hot anomalies in the lower crust. The results show that our inversion method is useful for 3D quantitative interpretation.

Deep cavity systems detection in Al-Ain City, UAE, based on gravity surveys inversion

Sinkholes and subsurface cavities can pose a real challenge to the stability of engineering constructions due to the risk of ground collapse and subsidence. The city of Al-Ain (UAE) is known to have several geo-hazards related to shallow sinkholes and karst cavities that have been reported in the locally outcropping formations. In this study, a micro-gravimetric survey was carried out around Al-Ain city in order to explore the subsurface density distribution of the karstified formations. A total number of 452 gravity measurements, covering an area of approximatively 1600 km2 were used to invert the 3D density distribution to a depth of 1500 m. From this inversion, we have distinguished seven abnormally low density bodies ranging in size from 75 m to 750 m within the cavernous limestone Asmari Formation, consistent with a complex deep cavity system. The discovered cavities follow the local structural trend along the NW-SE direction, and lie within the high-risk areas of the geohazard map of Al-Ain city, in zones considered unstable in former geotechnical studies. The likely origin of the cavity systems is the dissolution of bedrock in water circulating in the limestone formations, along a connected shallow and deep fracture network. Further geophysical studies will be required to adequately map and investigate each deep cavity system, and to distinguish between the deep cavities and the shallow cavities reported in the area.

Joint interpretation of gravity and resistivity data from the Northern Kenya volcanic rift zone: Structural and geothermal significance

The Northern Kenya Rift has been the least studied sector of the Kenyan part of the East African Rift due to its remote location. Geothermal exploration conducted in the last ten years has greatly improved the geophysical constraints on the geology of this area. Recently, about 515 gravity stations have been surveyed around the Korosi, Paka and Silali volcanoes and analysed in conjuction with resistivity data from over 300 MT stations in order to jointly interpret the density and resistivity distribution of the Northern Kenya rift. Our models of the gravity data are in good agreement with previous MT and TEM resistivity studies of the individual volcanoes. The new Bouguer gravity map is characterized by a 10 to 15 km wide gravity high of 8 mGal amplitude striking NNE along the inner rift corresponding to resistivity > 50 Ωm below 2 km depth. Gravity lows due to structures shallower than 2 km depth at the Paka and Korosi volcanoes have been interpreted as low density bodies within their edifices, likely to consist of either unaltered near-surface pyroclastics or deeper tuffs altered at 60 to 180°C to hydrothermal smectite clay. Magnetotelluric (MT) resistivity models were used to further constrain the 2D gravity models. The high resistivity, low density near-surface rocks on the flanks of the volcanoes are interpreted to represent unaltered pyroclastics above the water table, whereas low resistivity, low density bodies underneath the Paka and Korosi volcanoes indicate low density tuffs, hydrothermally altered to hydrated smectite clay. Below 2 km depth the deeper high density zone beneath the volcanic inner rift is likely to be a combination of higher temperature, low porosity alteration associated with geothermal reservoirs and/or denser rocks related to intrusions. As expected, the greater proportion of dense lavas associated with fissure swarms mapped at the surface coincide with both relatively high gravity and MT resistivity south of Paka volcano. However, farther north between Paka and Silali volcanoes, the trends in higher gravity and resistivity lie west of the currently active fissure zone. This apparently inconsistent trend in the gravity and resistivity has been interpreted as lavas buried below recent tuffs and clastics associated with a former alignment of fissure eruptions in the rift about 7 km to the west of the current axis of eruption between Paka and Silali.

Equilibrium Shapes of Large Trans-Neptunian Objects

Abstract The large trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) with radii larger than 400 km are thought to be in hydrostatic equilibrium. Their shapes can provide clues regarding their internal structures that would reveal information on their formation and evolution. In this paper, we explore the equilibrium figures of five TNOs, and we show that the difference between the equilibrium figures of homogeneous and heterogeneous interior models can reach several kilometers for fast rotating and low density bodies. Such a difference could be measurable by ground-based techniques. This demonstrates the importance of developing the shape up to second and third order when modeling the shapes of large and rapid rotators.

Impacts into porous asteroids

Many small bodies in the solar system have bulk density well below the solid density of the constituent mineral grains in their meteorite counterparts. Those low-density bodies undoubtedly have significant porosity, which is a key factor that affects the formation of impact craters. This paper summarizes the results of lab experiments in which materials with porosity ranging from 43% to 96% were impacted at ∼1800 m/s. The experiments were performed on a geotechnical centrifuge, in order to reproduce the lithostatic overburden stress and ejecta ballistics that occur in large-scale cratering events on asteroids or planetary satellites. Experiments performed at various accelerations, up to 514G, simulate the outcomes of impacts at size scales up to several tens of km in diameter.Our experiments show that an impact into a highly porous cohesionless material generates a large ovoid-shaped cavity, due to crushing by the outgoing shock. The cavity opens up to form a transient crater that grows until the material flow is arrested by gravity. The cavity then collapses to form the final crater. During collapse, finely crushed material that lines the cavity wall is carried down and collected in a localized region below the final crater floor. At large simulated sizes (high accelerations), most of the crater volume is formed by compaction, because growth of the transient crater is quickly arrested. Nearly all ejected material falls back into the crater, leaving the crater without an ejecta blanket. We find that such compaction cratering and suppression of the ejecta blankets occur for large craters on porous bodies when the ratio of the lithostatic stress at one crater depth to the crush strength of the target exceeds ∼0.005. The results are used to identify small solar system bodies on which compaction cratering likely occurs. A model is developed that gives the crater size and ejecta mass that would result for a specified impact into a porous object.

Three-dimensional gravity modelling applied to the exploration of uranium unconformity-related basement-hosted deposits: the Contact prospect case study, Kiggavik, northeast Thelon region (Nunavut, Canada)

In unconformity-related uranium deposits, mineralization is associated with hydrothermal clay-rich alteration haloes that decrease the density of the host rock. In the Kiggavik uranium project, located in the eastern Thelon Basin, Nunavut (Canada), basement-hosted shallow deposits were discovered by drilling geophysical anomalies in the 1970s. In 2014, gravity data were inverted for the first time using the Geosoft VOXI Earth ModellingTM system to generate three-dimensional (3D) models to assist exploration in the Contact prospect, the most recent discovery at Kiggavik. A 3D unconstrained inversion model was calculated before drilling, and a model constrained by petrophysical data was computed after drilling. The unconstrained inversion provided a first approximation of the geometry and depth of a low-density body and helped to collar the discovery holes of the Contact mineralization. The constrained inversion was computed using density values measured on 315 core samples collected from 21 drill holes completed between 2014 and 2015. The constrained modelling highlights three shallower and smaller low-density bodies that match the geological interpretation and refines the footprint of the gravity anomalies in relation to the current understanding of the deposit. The 3D inversion of gravity data is a valuable tool to guide geologists in exploration of shallow basement-hosted uranium deposits associated with alteration haloes and to assess the deposit gravity geometry.

Volcanic magma reservoir imaged as a low-density body beneath Aso volcano that terminated the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake rupture

We resolve the density structure of a possible magma reservoir beneath Aso, an active volcano on Kyushu Island, Japan, by inverting gravity data. In the context of the resolved structure, we discuss the relationship between the fault rupture of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and Aso volcano. Low-density bodies were resolved beneath central Aso volcano using a three-dimensional inversion with an assumed density contrast of ±0.3 g/cm3. The resultant location of the southern low-density body is consistent with a magma reservoir reported in previous studies. No Kumamoto aftershocks occur in the southern low-density body; this aseismic anomaly may indicate a ductile feature due to high temperatures and/or the presence of partial melt. Comparisons of the location of the southern low-density body with rupture models of the mainshock, obtained from teleseismic waveform and InSAR data, suggest that the rupture terminus overlaps the southern low-density body. The ductile features of a magma reservoir could have terminated rupture propagation. On the other hand, a northern low-density body is resolved in the Asodani area, where evidence of current volcanic activity is scarce and aftershock activity is high. The northern low-density body might, therefore, be derived from a thick caldera fill in the Asodani area, or correspond to mush magma or a high-crystallinity magma reservoir that could be the remnant of an ancient intrusion.

Structural control of monogenetic volcanism in the Garrotxa volcanic field (Northeastern Spain) from gravity and self-potential measurements

We report new geophysical observations on the distribution of subsurface structures associated with monogenetic volcanism in the Garrotxa volcanic field (Northern Spain). As part of the Catalan Volcanic Zone, this Quaternary volcanic field is associated with the European rifts system. It contains the most recent and best preserved volcanic edifices of the Catalan Volcanic Zone with 38 monogenetic volcanoes identified in the Garrotxa Natural Park. We conducted new gravimetric and self-potential surveys to enhance our understanding of the relationship between the local geology and the spatial distribution of the monogenetic volcanoes. The main finding of this study is that the central part of the volcanic field is dominated by a broad negative Bouguer anomaly of around −0.5 mGal, within which a series of gravity minima are found with amplitudes of up to −2.3 mGal. Inverse modelling of the Bouguer data suggests that surficial low-density material dominates the volcanic field, most likely associated with effusive and explosive surface deposits. In contrast, an arcuate cluster of gravity minima to the NW of the Croscat volcano, the youngest volcano of this zone, is modelled by vertically extended low-density bodies, which we interpret as a complex ensemble of fault damage zones and the roots of young scoria cones. A ground-water infiltration zone identified by a self-potential anomaly is associated with a steep horizontal Bouguer gravity gradient and interpreted as a fault zone and/or magmatic fissure, which fed the most recent volcanic activity in the Garrotxa. Gravimetric and self-potential data are well correlated and indicate a control on the locations of scoria cones by NNE–SSW and NNW–SSE striking tectonic features, which intersect the main structural boundaries of the study area to the north and south. Our interpretation of the data is that faults facilitated magma ascent to the surface. Our findings have major implications for understanding the relationship between subsurface structures and potential future volcanic activity in the Garrotxa volcanic field.

Uplift at lithospheric swells-I: seismic and gravity constraints on the crust and uppermost mantle structure of the Cape Verde mid-plate swell

Wide-angle seismic data have been used to determine the velocity and density structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the Cape Verdes mid-plate swell. Seismic modelling reveals a ‘standard’ oceanic crust, ∼8 km in thickness, with no direct evidence for low-density bodies at the base of the crust. Gravity anomaly modelling within the constraints and resolution provided by the seismic model, does not preclude, however, a layer of crustal underplate up to 3 km thick beneath the swell crest. The modelling shows that while the seismically constrained crustal structure accounts for the short-wavelength free-air gravity anomaly, it fails to fully explain the long-wavelength anomaly. The main discrepancy is over the swell crest where the gravity anomaly, after correcting for crustal structure, is higher by about 30 mGal than it is over its flanks. The higher gravity can be explained if the top 100 km of the mantle beneath the swell crest is less dense than its surroundings by 30 kg m−3. The lack of evidence for low densities and velocities in the uppermost mantle, and high densities and velocities in the lower crust, suggests that neither a depleted swell root or crustal underplate are the origin of the observed shallower-than-predicted bathymetry and that, instead, the swell is most likely supported by dynamic uplift associated with an anomalously low density asthenospheric mantle.

Geophysical imaging of buried volcanic structures within a continental back-arc basin: The Central Volcanic Region, North Island, New Zealand

Hidden beneath the ~ 2 km thick low-velocity volcaniclastics on the western margin of the Central Volcanic Region, North Island, New Zealand, are two structures that represent the early history of volcanic activity in a continental back-arc. These ~ 20 × 20 km structures, at Tokoroa and Mangakino, form an adjacent gravity high and low, respectively. Interpretations from seismic refraction arrivals and gravity modelling indicate the − 65 mgal Mangakino residual gravity anomaly can be modelled, in part, by two low-density bodies that reach depths of ~ 6.5 km, whereas the Tokoroa gravity anomaly is due to a higher density rock coming, at most, to within ~ 650 m of the surface. The Mangakino anomaly is interpreted to be due to the remnants of magma chambers that fed large ignimbrite eruptions from about 1.2 Ma. An andesite volcano or complex volcanic structure is the preferred interpretation for the Tokoroa gravity high. The size of the putative volcanic structure is comparable to the presently active Tongariro Volcanic Complex in the centre of North Island.

3-D density model of Mt. Etna Volcano (Southern Italy)

A detailed density model of Mt. Etna and its surrounding areas has been evaluated using a 3-D inversion of the gravimetric data acquired in the 1980's. Several high-density and low-density bodies are found, penetrating from shallow depths as far down as 12 km bsl. A positive correlation (in terms of location, extent, density, and velocity) is established between several anomalies of the density model and features identified in previously published seismic tomographies. A prominent high-density body extending down to 7 km bsl is recognized in the southern part of the Valle del Bove, and interpreted as a solidified magmatic intrusion. On the western boundary of this anomaly, a low-density body is interpreted as a bubble and liquid magma mixture. Outside the central area, three other high-density anomalies are imaged and attributed to the earliest phases of volcanic activity in the area. Several interesting low-density anomalies are also identified and correlated with known fault lines and other structural features of the region.

Gravity anomalies and crustal signature of volcano-tectonic structures of Pico Island (Azores)

Pico Island is the youngest (< 300 ka) island of the Azores archipelago, dominated on its western sector by the stratovolcano of Pico Mountain, which rises about 3.5 km above the surrounding ocean floor. The other two major morpho-tectonic units of the island include the shield volcano of Topo, and the “Achada Plateau,” a 29 km long volcanic ridge, with a WNW–ESE trend. A gravimetric study on Pico Island, coupled with geological and volcanological data, was aimed towards a better understanding of its deep volcano-tectonic structures. From a total of 407 stations, a regional model of density contrasts was developed in order to reproduce the crustal structure of the island. In addition a local high-resolution model of the sub-surface structure of the westernmost part of the island is presented. Both models were obtained by means of an inversion global adjustment, on fixed density contrasts in order to determine the three-dimensional geometry of the sources of the anomalous gravity field. The most prominent anomalous gravity structure found in Pico Island is a body with positive density contrast located on the SE slopes of Topo volcano. This anomaly extends to depth of approximately 8 km (mean depth of 4.5 km) and has a volume of 310 km 3. This anomaly maybe best interpreted by the presence of a major intrusive system beneath Topo volcano and can be also correlated to gravitational collapses at the shield volcano. A second body of positive density contrast which appears to extend to 4–5 km depth is located near the town of Madalena. This anomaly may be correlated to a high-density anomaly recently detected in the NE sector of Faial Island. Smaller sized high-density bodies at shallow depths of around 1.3 km are located beneath Pico Mountain volcano and all together define a semi-circular arc with an average diameter of 8 km. We propose that this arcuate structure might outline a ring fracture associated with the collapse of the central sector of Pico Mountain volcano early in its growth. Low-density bodies are located on the NW flanks of Pico Mountain, along a linear ENE trending structure. These bodies extend to depths of 4 km and have a total volume of 69 km 3. They are interpreted as being associated with an “old” extensional fracture zone. Previous studies suggested the existence of a shallow and large magma reservoir (with volumes up to 1000 km 3) beneath Pico Mountain volcano. In this study we have not found any evidence of the existence of such huge magma body. On the contrary, we propose that those discrete low-density bodies correspond to complex intersections of different sets of tectonic lineaments, along which magma tends to intrude, as shallow (2–5 km) and small (10–20 km 3) magma pockets.

Catalytic growth of macroscopic carbon nanofiber bodies with high bulk density and high mechanical strength

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) are non-microporous graphitic materials with a high surface area (100–200 m 2/g), high purity and tunable surface chemistry. Therefore the material has a high potential for use as catalyst support. However, in some instances it is claimed that the low density and low mechanical strength of the macroscopic particles hamper their application. In this study we show that the bulk density and mechanical strength of CNF bodies can be tuned to values comparable to that of commercial fluid-bed and fixed-bed catalysts. The fibers were prepared by the chemical decomposition of CO/H 2 over Ni/SiO 2 catalysts. The resulting fibers bodies (1.2 μm) were replicates of the Ni/SiO 2 bodies (0.5 μm) from which they were grown. The bulk density of CNF bodies crucially depended on the metal loading in the growth catalyst. Over 5 wt% Ni/SiO 2 low density bodies (0.4 g/ml) are obtained while 20 wt% Ni/SiO 2 leads to bulk densities up to 0.9 g/ml with a bulk crushing strength of 1.2 MPa. The 20 wt% catalysts grow fibers with diameters of ∼22 nm, which grow irregularly in space, resulting in a higher entanglement and a concomitant higher density and strength as compared to the thinner fibers (∼12 nm) grown from 5 wt% Ni/SiO 2.