Variable Magnetic Susceptibility Research Articles

Post-depositional forcing of magnetic susceptibility variations at Kurtak section, Siberia

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) of aeolian deposits on the Chinese Loess Plateau is high in paleosol and low in loess. The MS of paleosols is mainly enhanced by ferromagnetic minerals formed during post-depositional soil development. In central Alaska, aeolian deposits, MS is high in loess and low in paleosol. The wind vigor model has been proposed to interpret such MS enhancement for the central Alaskan loess. This model suggests that the MS variations are determined by pre-depositional wind strength. The wind vigor model has been introduced to the Siberian Kurtak section where MS is also high in loess and low in paleosol. Additionally to the wind vigor model, low MS in paleosols could be triggered by post-depositional soil development and gleying when the pedogenesis and gleying transforms the ferromagnetic minerals to weak and non-magnetic minerals. In our study of the most continuous Kurtak section in western Siberia, we found that paleosols have substantially more ferruginous mottles due to water-saturated conditions. Magnetic analysis demonstrates that paleosols contain greater content of hard magnetic minerals compared to the loess. Temperature analysis of the MS in the ferruginous mottles shows that magnetic susceptibility increases 37 times after heating and cooling; half of the MS enhancements are contributed due to the heating in between 600 and 700 °C, being caused by the decomposition of non-magnetic chlorite. This suggests that pedogenesis and gleying at the Kurtak section produces weak and non-magnetic minerals in water-saturated anaerobic conditions, which deplete the MS in paleosols after deposition of loess.

Intensified tectonic deformation and uplift of the Altyn Tagh range recorded by rock magnetism and growth strata studies of the western Qaidam Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau

As the tectonical and geographical northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the evolution of the Altyn Tagh range has attracted wide attention. Precise dating of its activities is believed essential for understanding the possible mechanisms of the Tibetan Plateau uplift and its effects on climate changes. Under the framework of basin–mountain coupling, both magnetic susceptibility and rock magnetic researches were carried out in this study on the Late Cenozoic sediments of the Honggouzi (HGZ) section (ca. 17–5Ma) in the western Qaidam Basin to explore the tectonic and climatic evolution as well as their interactions of the Altyn Tagh range.The obtained magnetic susceptibility record in the HGZ section displayed a two-step variation, which kept relatively low and stable values for sediments from the stratigraphic levels of 120–596m (ca. 17–10Ma) (stage I), but increased rapidly from 596 to 1014m (ca. 10–5Ma) (stage II). The rock magnetic results revealed that paramagnetic minerals or clay minerals, maghemite and hematite are dominant in stage I, which were replaced by magnetite and maghemite in stage II. A detailed comparison of magnetic susceptibility record in the HGZ section with regional tectonic and climate records was carried out. Combined with sedimentary facies, lithology and angular unconformity in the sequence, as well as seismostratigraphy data, paleocurrent and provenance analyses, the possible mechanisms for the magnetic susceptibility variation were explored. The results indicated a direct link between magnetic susceptibility change and the uplift of the Altyn Tagh range at ca. 10Ma.

A New Family of Anionic Fe(III) Spin Crossover Complexes Featuring a Weak-Field N2O4 Coordination Octahedron.

Unprecedented anionic Fe(III) spin crossover (SCO) complexes involving a weak-field O,N,O-tridentate ligand were discovered. The SCO transition was evidenced by the temperature variations in magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer spectrum, and coordination structure. The DFT calculations suggested that larger coefficients on the azo group in the HOMO-1 of a ligand might contribute to the enhancement of a ligand-field splitting energy. The present anionic SCO complex also exhibited the light- induced excited-spin-state trapping effect.

Magnetic Susceptibility of Soils from Eastern Botswana: A Reconnaissance Survey and Potential Applications

<p class="zhengwen">Soil magnetic properties measurements are relatively fast and inexpensive but have been proved to be sufficient for preliminary investigations in diverse socio-developmental issues. This paper presents results of a reconnaissance study of soil colour and magnetic susceptibility (c) in eastern Botswana, where ~80% of the population resides. The work is a first step to creating a database of rock and soil magnetic properties and to document spatial variations in magnetic properties in the country. These measurements are important as constraints for interpretation of available aeromagnetic data and can also be exploited for environmental soil research (pollution) and land-use planning (agriculture). The soils sampled include derivatives of varying types and provenance such as Archean gneissic granitoids, metamorphosed rocks (granulites), volcano-sedimentary assemblages, Karoo basalts, and alluvial sediments. A soil colour chart was used since soil colours and magnetic properties are diagnostic of its parent rock sources and weathering profiles. Soil magnetic susceptibilities were measured at both low frequency (0.46 MHz, clf) and high frequency (4.6 MHz, chf), thus allowing calculation of frequency-dependent susceptibility (cfd, cfd%) for detecting ultra-fine ferromagnetic minerals.</p>It was found that soils with Hues ranging from 7.5YR to 10YR have appreciable amount of magnetic materials and soils with Hues of 2.5YR are generally nonmagnetic. The results of soil magnetic susceptibility profiles show spatial variation closely related to the variation in basement rocks, which provides excellent evidence that the magnetic susceptibility variation reflects basement rocks or bedrock composition (soil parent material). In relation to the Botswana physiographic units, soils from the hardveld (Precambrian) show the highest susceptibilities, followed by those from the sandveld, with the lowest values being from the alluvial. The frequency dependent magnetic susceptibilities indicate the presence of ultra-fine super-paramagnetic minerals such as magnetite/maghemite. It is suggested that a systematic and continuous programme of rock and soil magnetic measurements would benefit various socio-economic and development priority sectors of Botswana. This also applies to many developing countries in Africa where soil physics and measurement of soil susceptibility in particular, is generally still at an embryonic stage.

Multiple geophysical methods used to examine neotectonic structures in the western foothills of the Sierra de El Maitén (Argentina), North Patagonian Andes

ABSTRACTA high‐resolution geophysical study was carried out in a region of the retroarc of the Patagonian Andes located on the western slope of the Sierra de El Maitén. This structure is characterized by an imbricated west‐vergent fault system developed in the orogenic front area of the North Patagonian Andes that has uplifted. Oligocene volcanic rocks (Ventana Formation) affect Miocene to Quaternary sediments. Even though neotectonic fault scarps are affecting Quaternary deposits in the foothills of this range, no direct observation of slip in Quaternary strata was determined. The main objective of this study is to determine geometry of recognized neotectonic structures, characterizing them by variations in magnetic susceptibility, density, and p‐wave velocities. The combined application of different geophysical methods has allowed the characterization of the bedrock geometry and the determination of neotectonic displacements along faults. The potential field model and its integration with a seismic profile show the accurate geometry of this tectonic zone, which is crucial for seismogenic hazard analysis, in the area of northern Patagonia, a highly significant economic zone due to tourism with several towns (El Maitén, Esquel, and San Carlos de Bariloche) dispersed throughout the area of young tectonic activity.

An airborne magnetometry study across Zagros collision zone along Ahvaz–Isfahan route in Iran

Convergence between the Eurasian and Arabian plates formed the Zagros orogenic belt between Late Cretaceous and Pliocene as a relatively young and active fold-thrust belt in Iran. The structural geology along Ahvaz to Isfahan route across Zagros is investigated employing magnetic data in order to determine the crustal structure in the collision zone of the two Palaeo-continents. Airborne magnetometry data with a line space of survey of 7.5km have been used to image the variations of the apparent magnetic susceptibility along this route. At first the airborne data were stably 500-m downward continued to the ground surface in order to enhance subtle changes of the Earth's magnetic field. Then 3D inverse modeling of magnetic data was implemented, while the cross section of the magnetic susceptibility variations along the route was mapped down to a depth of 100km. The acquired magnetic susceptibility model could appropriately predict the observed magnetic data as well. In addition, the analytic signal filter was applied to the reduced-to-pole magnetic data leading to the determination of active faults in Zagros fold-thrust belt (ZFTB) structural zone based upon the generated peaks. Some probable locations of fault events were also suggested in Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ). The locations of faults correspond well to the magnetic susceptibility variations on the inverted section. Probable direction, slope and depth extension of these faults were also plotted on the magnetic susceptibility model, showing an intensively tectonized zone of the SSZ. The main difference between two domains is that the Eurasian plate seems to contain high magnetic susceptible materials compared to the Arabian plate. The recovered model of the apparent magnetic susceptibility values indicated that the average thickness of the non-magnetic sedimentary units is about 11km and the Curie depth locates approximately at depth of 24km for the whole studied area.

The chronostratigraphy of the latest Middle Pleistocene aeolian and alluvial activity on the Island of Hvar, eastern Adriatic, Croatia

Pleistocene aeolian sands and alluvial deposits can frequently be traced along the Mediterranean coast. Such deposits also exist along the eastern Adriatic coast and the nearby islands. Four stratigraphical sections of these deposits were studied on the Island of Hvar with the purpose of establishing a chronological framework of the aeolian–alluvial depositional system, using luminescence dating and magnetic susceptibility stratigraphy. Luminescence dating was applied on coarse‐grained feldspar and quartz grains separated from the sands. Both quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and feldspar post‐IR infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) age estimates are in good agreement, with values ranging between 167±24 to 120±12 ka (OSL) and 179±18 to 131±18 ka (pIRIR measured at 290 °C) after a fading correction for the pIRIR signal. The results can be clearly correlated to around the end of oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 6 and the beginning of OSI 5, indicating that the aeolian accumulation of sands was a result of the Penultimate Glacial and climate fluctuations at the beginning of the Last Interglacial. Variations in magnetic susceptibility (MS) data can be interpreted alongside these dating results; several stronger peaks detected at the very end of the Penultimate Glacial and the initial stage of the Last Interglacial cycle most probably indicates more intensive pedogenesis resulting from a more favourable climate, probably because of climate changes. Breccias related to major bounding surfaces in association with evidence of soil formation and bioturbation could be the result of more favourable climate conditions and changes during the transition from OIS 6 to OIS 5 (Penultimate Glacial–Last Interglacial). These results are in agreement with similar data from the wider Mediterranean area.

A combined magnetometry and gravity study across Zagros orogeny in Iran

In this work, the structural geology and the tectonic conditions of the Zagros orogeny along the route of Qom to Kermanshah cities were investigated using the combined geophysical methods of the airborne magnetometry and the ground-based gravity data. Airborne magnetometry data of Iran with a line space of survey, 7.5km, were used to model the magnetic susceptibility property along the route. At first, the airborne magnetic data were stably 500-m downward continued to the ground surface in order to enhance minor changes of the Earth’s magnetic field over the studied region. Afterward, 3D inverse modeling of the magnetic data was implemented to the downward continued data, and subsequently the section of magnetic susceptibility variation along the desired route was extracted and imaged at depth. The acquired model could appropriately predict the observed magnetic data, showing low misfit values between the observation and the predicted data. The analytic signal filter was applied to the reduced-to-pole (RTP) magnetic data leading to the determination of the active and probable hidden faults in the structural zones of the Zagros, such as Sanandaj-Sirjan, Central Domain (CD) and Urumieh-Dokhtar based upon the generated peaks along the profile of analytic signal filter. In addition, the density variations of the subsurface geological layers were determined by 3D inverting of the ground-based gravity data over the whole study area, and extracting this property along the route. The joint models of magnetic susceptibility and density variation could appropriately localize the traces of faults along with the geologically and tectonically structural boundaries in the region. The locations of faults correspond well to the variation of geophysical parameters on the inverted sections. Probable direction, slope and extension at depth of these faults were also determined on the sections, indicating a high tectonized zone of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) parallel to the zone of the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Assemblage (UDMA). The UDMA zone increases the magnetic and the Bouguer anomalies by intruding into the CD zone as well.

Foreign Body Emboli following Cerebrovascular Interventions: Clinical, Radiographic, and Histopathologic Features.

Foreign material emboli following cerebral, cardiac, and peripheral catheterizations have been reported since the mid-1990s. Catheter coatings have been frequently implicated. The most recent surge of interest in this phenomenon within the neurointerventional community is associated with procedures using flow-diversion devices for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Following coil-supported Pipeline embolization in 4 cases and stent-supported coiling in 1, 5 patients developed multiple subcentimeter enhancing lesions, usually with surrounding edema and variable magnetic susceptibility in the vascular territories of the treated aneurysms. Conventional angiography findings were unrevealing. Laboratory work-up showed mild CSF protein elevation with no leukocytosis. Brain biopsy in 2 cases revealed granulomatous angiitis encasing foreign material, identical in stain appearance to a polyvinylpyrrolidone catheter coating. Corticosteroid administration typically produced clinical improvement. A heterogeneous radiographic and clinical course was noted, with rise and fall in the number of enhancing lesions in 2 patients and persistence in others. The etiology may be related to widespread adoption of increasingly sophisticated catheterization techniques.

Spatially Localized Two-Dimensional J-Resolved NMR Spectroscopy via Intermolecular Double-Quantum Coherences for Biological Samples at 7 T.

Background and PurposeMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) constitutes a mainstream technique for characterizing biological samples. Benefiting from the separation of chemical shifts and J couplings, spatially localized two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved spectroscopy (JPRESS) shows better identification of complex metabolite resonances than one-dimensional MRS does and facilitates the extraction of J coupling information. However, due to variations of macroscopic magnetic susceptibility in biological samples, conventional JPRESS spectra generally suffer from the influence of field inhomogeneity. In this paper, we investigated the implementation of the localized 2D J-resolved spectroscopy based on intermolecular double-quantum coherences (iDQCs) on a 7 T MRI scanner.Materials and MethodsA γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) aqueous solution, an intact pig brain tissue, and a whole fish (Harpadon nehereus) were explored by using the localized iDQC J-resolved spectroscopy (iDQCJRES) method, and the results were compared to those obtained by using the conventional 2D JPRESS method.ResultsInhomogeneous line broadening, caused by the variations of macroscopic magnetic susceptibility in the detected biological samples (the intact pig brain tissue and the whole fish), degrades the quality of 2D JPRESS spectra, particularly when a large voxel is selected and some strongly structured components are included (such as the fish spinal cord). By contrast, high-resolution 2D J-resolved information satisfactory for metabolite analyses can be obtained from localized 2D iDQCJRES spectra without voxel size limitation and field shimming. From the contrastive experiments, it is obvious that the spectral information observed in the localized iDQCJRES spectra acquired from large voxels without field shimming procedure (i.e. in inhomogeneous fields) is similar to that provided by the JPRESS spectra acquired from small voxels after field shimming procedure (i.e. in relatively homogeneous fields).ConclusionThe localized iDQCJRES method holds advantage for recovering high-resolution 2D J-resolved information from inhomogeneous fields caused by external non-ideal field condition or internal macroscopic magnetic susceptibility variations in biological samples, and it is free of voxel size limitation and time-consuming field shimming procedure. This method presents a complementary way to the conventional JPRESS method for MRS measurements on MRI systems equipped with broad inner bores, and may provide a promising tool for in vivo MRS applications.

Diffusion imaging of the vertebral bone marrow.

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) of the vertebral bone marrow is a clinically important tool for the characterization of bone-marrow pathologies and, in particular, for the differentiation of benign (osteoporotic) and malignant vertebral compression fractures. DWI of the vertebral bone marrow is, however, complicated by some unique MR and tissue properties of vertebral bone marrow. Due to both the spongy microstructure of the trabecular bone and the proximity of the lungs, soft tissue, or large vessels, substantial magnetic susceptibility variations occur, which severely reduce the magnetic field homogeneity as well as the transverse relaxation time T*2 , and thus complicate MRI in particular with echoplanar imaging (EPI) techniques. Therefore, alternative diffusion-weighting pulse sequence types such as single-shot fast-spin-echo sequences or segmented EPI techniques became important alternatives for quantitative DWI of the vertebral bone marrow. This review first describes pulse sequence types that are particularly important for DWI of the vertebral bone marrow. Then, data from 24 studies that made diffusion measurements of normal vertebral bone marrow are reviewed; summarizing all results, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of normal vertebral bone marrow is typically found to be between 0.2 and 0.6 × 10-3 mm2 /s. Finally, DWI of vertebral compression fractures is discussed. Numerous studies demonstrate significantly greater ADCs in osteoporotic fractures (typically between 1.2 and 2.0 × 10-3 mm2 /s) than in malignant fractures or lesions (typically 0.7-1.3 × 10-3 mm2 /s). Alternatively, several studies used the (qualitative) image contrast of diffusion-weighted acquisitions for differentiation of lesion etiology: a very good lesion differentiation can be achieved, particularly with diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession sequences, which depict malignant lesions as hyperintense relative to normal-appearing vertebral bone marrow, in contrast to hypointense or isointense osteoporotic lesions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Physical properties of cage-like compound UB12

Boron and uranium form three metallic borides having the chemical formulae UB2, UB4 and UB12. In this study, we present the temperature variations of magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, electrical resistivity (performed in magnetic fields of 0 and up to 9 T), thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity measured on the bulk sample of UB12. This dodecaboride behaves as a typical metal, being a Pauli paramagnet and exhibiting a large variety of physical properties due to its specific close-packed structure containing B12 groups. We describe also an uncommon phenomenon observed in UB12, that is, a fairly large scattering of the experimental resistivity data under application of a magnetic field at low temperatures and its systematic vanishing during heating of the sample. This effect is probably caused by inharmonious movement (rattling) of the uranium atoms inside the oversized coordination cage, B24, reflected by applying the magnetic field. The specific heat, resistivity, thermoelectric power and heat transport data have been analysed in the framework of the low-frequency Einstein modes, which are mainly responsible for the phonon spectra behaviour in the system studied here.

Shallow-water facies setting around the Kačák Event: a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract In the Eifel area (western Rheinisches Schiefergebirge), a shallow- to deep-subtidal sequence of mixed carbonates and siltstones around the Kačák Event Interval close to the Eifelian–Givetian stage boundary was studied. An overall transgressive trend is inferred by the microfacies evolution. The stratigraphic variations of magnetic susceptibility in carbonates and in shale intervals show an overall decreasing evolution towards the top, which fits well with the transgressive trend. In addition, carbon and oxygen isotopes, and major, trace and rare earth element (REE) analysis have been used to get a better understanding of palaeoenvironmental variations in a shallow-water realm in the late Eifelian ( kockelianus and ensensis conodont biozones): for example, the δ 13 C excursion and Ce anomaly are interpreted to be the local representation of the beginning of the Kačák Event Interval, which is also consistent with the stratigraphy and microfacies analyses.

An economic passive sampling method to detect particulate pollutants using magnetic measurements

Identifying particulate matter (PM) emitted from industrial processes into the atmosphere is an important issue in environmental research. This paper presents a passive sampling method using simple artificial samplers that maintains the advantage of bio-monitoring, but overcomes some of its disadvantages. The samplers were tested in a heavily polluted area (Linfen, China) and compared to results from leaf samples. Spatial variations of magnetic susceptibility from artificial passive samplers and leaf samples show very similar patterns. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that the collected PM are mostly in the range of 2–25 μm; frequent occurrence of spherical shape indicates industrial combustion dominates PM emission. Magnetic properties around power plants show different features than other plants. This sampling method provides a suitable and economic tool for semi-quantifying temporal and spatial distribution of air quality; they can be installed in a regular grid and calibrate the weight of PM.

Copper ion salts of arylthiotetrathiafulvalenes: synthesis, structure diversity and magnetic properties.

The combination of CuBr2 and arylthio-substituted tetrathiafulvalene derivatives (1–7) results in a series of charge-transfer (CT) complexes. Crystallographic studies indicate that the anions in the complexes, which are derived from CuBr2, show diverse configurations including linear [Cu(I)Br2]–, tetrahedral [Cu(II)Br4]2–, planar [Cu(II)2Br6]2–, and coexistence of planar [Cu(II)Br4]2– and tetrahedral [Cu(II)Br3]– ions. On the other hand, the TTFs show either radical cation or dication states that depend on their redox potentials. The central TTF framework on most of TTFs is nearly planar despite the charge on them, whereas the two dithiole rings on molecule 4 in complex 4·CuBr4 are significantly twisted with a dihedral angle of 38.3°. The magnetic properties of the complexes were elucidated. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility of complex 5·Cu2Br6 shows the singlet–triplet transition with coupling constant J = −248 K, and that of 3·(CuBr4)0.5·CuBr3·THF shows the abrupt change at 270 K caused by the modulation of intermolecular interactions. The thermo variation of magnetic susceptibility for the other complexes follows the Curie–Weiss law, indicating the weak antiferromagnetic interaction at low temperature.

Spatial variation of soil magnetic susceptibility in relation to different emission sources in southern Poland

The study in the area surrounding the Rybnik urban agglomeration (southern Poland) was conducted to determine the influence of various emission sources on the occurrence of local magnetic anomalies observed in the forest topsoils. For this reason field measurement of volume-specific magnetic susceptibility (κ) was conducted in forest topsoil on the area of study. The measurements were performed twice: directly on the surface and after removal of forest litter to see the influence of the litter on the magnetic signal measured on the soil surface. The maps of surface distribution of κ value revealed that magnetic anomalies were observed 2.0km around the residential areas dominated by low emission sources, 2.1km around the coke plant, 2.8km around the old steelworks, 1.4km around the coal-mining waste heaps, and 4.0km around the combined heat and power plant and coal mines. On the 43% of the study area, the topsoil magnetic susceptibility was between 50 and 100×10−5 SI units; on the 5.2% of the area, κ value was between 100 and 200×10−5 SI units; and on the 1.2% of the research area, the κ value was over 200×10−5 SI units. Also the vertical distribution of technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) along the topsoil profile was analysed using topsoil 30cm cores. Two κ value maxima were observed in the soil profile. The upper one (κaverage=333.9×10−5 SI units) was found in either the Oa or Ah subhorizons at the depth of 3cm to 8cm dependently of thickness of organic horizon. The lower one (κaverage=53.4×10−5 SI units) was observed in the B or C horizon at the depth of 19cm to 23cm. The upper maxima was of anthropogenic origin with large content of the magnetic fraction (magnetic spherules), whereas the lower maxima containing isometric crystals of iron oxides was of pedogenic or geogenic origin. The soil magnetometry seems to be a useful tool in identification of anthropogenic “hot spots” caused by industrial and urban dust deposition from different emission sources.

Atmospheric pollution history at Linfen (China) uncovered by magnetic and chemical parameters of sediments from a water reservoir

We studied magnetic and chemical parameters of sediments from sediments of a water reservoir at Linfen (China) in order to quantitatively reconstruct the atmospheric pollution history in this region. The results show that the main magnetic phases are magnetite and maghemite originating from the surrounding catchment and from anthropogenic activities, and there is a significant positive relationship between magnetic concentration parameters and heavy metals concentrations, indicating that magnetic proxies can be used to monitor the anthropogenic pollution. In order to uncover the atmospheric pollution history, we combined the known events of environmental improvement with variations of magnetic susceptibility (χ) and heavy metals along the cores to obtain a detailed chronological framework. In addition, air comprehensive pollution index (ACPI) was reconstructed from regression equation among magnetic and chemical parameters as well as atmospheric monitoring data. Based on these results, the atmospheric pollution history was successfully reconstructed.

High resolution stratigraphy across the early–middle Pleistocene boundary from a core of the Kokumoto Formation at Tabuchi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

We present a detailed stratigraphy of the lithology, sedimentary facies, magnetic susceptibility, and chemical composition of a 54-m thick core sequence drilled adjacent to the Chiba section, a candidate for the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point of the early–middle Pleistocene boundary. Siltstones rich in trace fossils are dominant throughout the core, except for the lowermost sand beds. The Byakubi tephra is divided into three units, of which the uppermost (39.54–39.49 m core depth) is identified as a primary bed showing evidence of fallout. The preliminary Matuyama–Brunhes magnetic polarity boundary lies 1 m above the top of the fallout unit. Maximum and minimum susceptibility axes for anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility have shallow (<11°) and steep (>73°) inclinations, respectively, throughout the core. The results suggest that sedimentary structures formed in calm environments remain undisturbed in the sediment. Clustered maximum axis directions indicate the influence of a persistent NW–SE contour current. The homogeneous depositional environment for the siltstone interval is supported by relatively smooth variations in magnetic susceptibility and chemical composition. Stratigraphic correlation with published oxygen isotope data indicates that the depositional age of the core may extend from the end of marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 20 to just after mid-MIS 19, from which an average sedimentation rate of 2–2.5 m/ky is estimated. These results suggest that the Chiba section has a high potential to provide an excellent stratotype for the early–middle Pleistocene boundary.

Identifying soil redistribution patterns by magnetic susceptibility on the black soil farmland in Northeast China

Erosion processes in the black soil region of Northeast China result in significant regional soil redistribution and crop production heterogeneity along slopes. It is difficult to link soil erosion and redistribution on a long-term scale using classical field plot monitoring or the costly 137Cs technique; however, magnetic susceptibility measurements can provide an economical tool to quantify soil redistribution over a large area and over a long duration. This study attempts to determine the variations of soil magnetic susceptibility on sloped farmland using soil sampling and to establish the relationship between patterns of soil redistribution and variations of magnetic susceptibility at different locations on a slope. Soil cores were collected along two typical transects on a cultivated slope and a reforested slope, respectively. The cores were 100cm deep and were spaced at an interval of 10cm; the samples were measured for mass-specific low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (χlf) and frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χfd). The results showed that the χlf profiles at different slope positions on uncultivated reforested land were relatively homogeneous, revealing a similar pedogenic process across the entire slope. However, the χlf profiles at different slope positions on cultivated land were significantly different, exhibiting signs of a soil erosion and deposition process. Maximum soil loss (15.8%) occurred at the shoulder segment, and maximum soil deposition (25.1%) was observed at the footslope. However, at least 10.6% of the topsoil had been eroded and lost due to cultivation over the past 60years in the study area. The results imply that magnetic susceptibility can be used to determine soil redistribution.

Structural, magnetic, and redox diversity of first-row transition metal complexes of a pyridine-based macrocycle: well-marked trends supported by theoretical DFT calculations.

A series of first-row transition metal complexes with 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene = L) was prepared ([M(II)(L)Cl2], where M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn (1, 3, 4, 6); [Fe(III)(L)Cl2]Cl (2), [Cu(II)(L)Cl]Cl (5)) and thoroughly characterized. Depending on the complexated metal atom, the coordination number varies from 7 (Mn, Fe, Co), through 5 + 2 for Ni and 4 + 1 for Cu, to 5 for Zn accompanied by changes in the coordination geometry from the pentagonal bipyramid (1-4) to the square pyramid (5 and 6). Along the series, the metal-oxygen distances were prolonged in such manner that their bonding character was investigated, apart from X-ray structural analysis, also by ab initio calculations (Mayer's bond order, electron localization function), which confirmed that, in 4 and 5, two and one oxygen donor atoms are semicoordinated, respectively, and one and two oxygen atoms are uncoordinated in 5, and 6, respectively. On the basis of the temperature variable magnetic susceptibility measurements, 1 and 2 behave as expected for 3d(5) high-spin configuration with negligible zero-field splitting (ZFS). On the other hand, a large axial ZFS (D(Co) ≈ 40 cm(-1), D(Ni) ≈ -6.0 cm(-1)) was found for 3 and 4, and rhombic ZFS (E/D ≈ 0.15) for 4. Antiferromagnetic exchange coupling was observed for 4 and 5 (J(Ni) = -0.48 cm(-1), and J(Cu) = -2.43 cm(-1), respectively). The obtained results correlate well with ab initio calculations of ZFS parameters as well as J-values, which indicate that the antiferromagnetic exchange is mediated by hydrogen bonds. The complexes were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry in water or acetonitrile. A quasi-reversible couple Mn(II)/Mn(III) at 1.13/0.97 V, an almost reversible couple Fe(II)/Fe(III) at 0.51/0.25 V, and a one-step/multistep reduction/oxidation of Cu(II) complex 5 at -0.33 V/0.06-0.61 V were detected.