Major Zones Research Articles

China's newest design of apartment buildings with modernized façade: a comparative evaluation of its energy performance in five major climate zones

Many studies have indicated that the energy efficiency of residential buildings can greatly mitigate energy shortages and environmental problems. High window-to-wall ratio, flat geometric shape, and open space layout are the key characteristics of apartment buildings with modernized façade (ABMF), and the major design trend dominating China's housing market. This study aims to understand the isolated effects of these three design factors on the energy performance of ABMF in five major climate zones using a parametric performance design method. Three important findings were concluded: 1) the energy use intensity (EUI) of ABMF showed a positive relationship to the window-to-wall ratio in five climate zones. Qingdao in Cold Region (2.12 kWh/m2) and Kunming in Temperate Region (1.04 kWh/m2) exhibited lowest average increase in EUI; 2) the reduction of EUI was twice as much in Kunming than in the other four cities, when the aspect ratio of ABMF changed from 1.75 to 0.95; 3) the ‘exterior-side hall’ was the most energy-efficient layout in the five cities. This study is the first to investigate the energy performance of the newest apartment design and hopefully can attract more studies to explore the suitability of ABMF for the sustainable development of China's housing market.

Neogene Hydrothermal Fe‐ and Mn‐Oxide Mineralization of Paleozoic Continental Rocks, Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean

AbstractRocks dredged from water depths of 1,605, 2,500, 3,300, and 3,400 m in the Arctic Ocean included Paleozoic continental rocks pervasively mineralized during the Neogene by hydrothermal Fe and Mn oxides. Samples were recovered in three dredge hauls from the Chukchi Borderland and one from Mendeleev Ridge north of Alaska and eastern Siberia, respectively. Many of the rocks were so pervasively altered that the protolith could not be identified, while others had volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic protoliths. The mineralized rocks were cemented and partly to wholly replaced by the hydrothermal oxides. The Amerasia Basin, where the Chukchi Borderland and Mendeleev Ridge occur, supports a series of faults and fractures that serve as major zones of crustal weakness. We propose that the stratabound hydrothermal deposits formed through the flux of hydrothermal fluids along Paleozoic and Mesozoic faults related to block faulting along a rifted margin during minor episodes of Neogene tectonism and were later exposed at the seafloor through slumping or other gravity processes. Tectonically driven hydrothermal circulation most likely facilitated the pervasive mineralization along fault surfaces via frictional heating, hydrofracturing brecciation, and low‐ to moderate temperature Fe‐ and Mn‐rich hydrothermal fluids, which mineralized the crushed, altered, and brecciated rocks.

The geometry of fault reactivation and uplift along the central part of the Maacama Fault Zone, Northern California Coast Ranges (USA)

Fault reactivation of bedrock structures in active fault zones influences stress state and earthquake rupture phenomena through the introduction of weak slip surfaces that impact fault zone geometry and width. Yet, geometric relationships between modern faults and older reactivated faults are difficult to quantify in rocks that have experienced multiple deformation episodes. We used new geologic mapping, geomorphic tools, and structural modeling to quantify rock uplift and subsurface fault geometry of the central part of the Maacama Fault Zone near Ukiah, California, USA, and the surrounding area. Results suggest that the northern Mayacamas Mountains are in a tectonically driven disequilibrium, with differential rock uplift focused on the western side of the range. Steeply east-dipping fault surfaces and splays characterize the geometry of the Maacama Fault Zone. We mapped two newly identified faults to the east of the main Maacama Fault, the Cow Mountain–Mill Creek Fault, and Willow Creek Fault, which align with a moderately east-dipping cluster of microseismicity between 4–10 km depth beneath the Mayacamas Mountains. Static stress modeling on the Maacama Fault Zone and newly identified faults to the east quantify slip tendency values of 0.5–0.4, which suggests that the faults are moderately to poorly suited for slip in the modern stress field and may be weak. We infer that modern uplift is driven by oblique reverse, up-to-the-east, dip-slip motion on the reactivated Cenozoic Cow Mountain–Mill Creek and Willow Creek Faults as material is advected through a restraining bend on the Maacama Fault. This study shows that reactivated bedrock faults increase the fault zone width and introduce fault surfaces that contribute a component of vertical deformation and uplift in major strike-slip fault zones. Deformation is accommodated on an interconnected network of new and reactivated faults that delineate a complex seismic hazard.

The impact of residential winter HVAC usage behavior on arthritis in older adults: A PLS-SEM analysis

Environmental factors like temperature and humidity have been shown to influence arthritis symptoms in older adults, and HVAC equipment can regulate indoor environmental parameters. This study aimed to explore the pathways and effectiveness of residential HVAC usage behavior during winter on arthritis conditions. Conducted across four major climate zones in China, this cross-sectional study involved 3579 older adults aged 60–74 years and collected data on demographics, residential environments, lifestyles, and health outcomes. Utilizing Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), a complex structural equation model (SEM) and an HVAC-Health mediation model was developed to analyze the relationships among influencing factors and health outcomes. Results revealed that socio-economic status, building characteristics, lifestyles, HVAC usage behavior, and indoor environmental exposure significantly affect the frequency of arthritis flare-ups (p < 0.05). Specifically, lifestyles, indoor wet and cold exposures have strong direct effects on health outcomes, with path coefficients of 0.178, 0.155 and 0.143, respectively. Moreover, HVAC usage indirectly influences health through mediators, with cold exposure (β = 0.045, p < 0.001), air pollution (β = 0.025, p < 0.001), and wet exposure (β = 0.012, p = 0.001) ranked in terms of their mediating effects. This research underscores the crucial role of HVAC systems in mitigating arthritis symptoms in older adults, advocating for enhanced implementation of HVAC technologies in senior housing to promote health and well-being. The originality of this study lies in employing the PLS-SEM method to elucidate how the indoor environment—particularly under the premise of HVAC usage—affect arthritis symptoms in older adults.

Late Miocene high-angle faulting in the Cyclades: offshore-onshore tectonic studies and U-Pb calcite dating.

Aegean extension began during Eocene-Oligocene times and led to the thinning of the upper plate into a retreating slab system. The style of extension during the Miocene remains controversial, with a majority of studies arguing for extension accommodated by low-angle extensional brittle-ductile faults, called detachments. In other hands, the present-day active seismic faults in the Aegean Sea are only high-angle normal faults and dextral strike-slips. We aim to constrain and date the style of faulting in central Greece by combining analysis of 19 offshore seismic lines with onshore structural observations on Syros Island and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of calcite sampled in two major fault zones of Syros (Palos and Fabrika faults). Three main sets of faults have been identified in the Central Cyclades: NW-SE trending normal faults, NNW-SSE oblique (sinistral)-normal faults, and NNE-SSW trending dextral strike-slip faults. High-angle normal faults define regularly spaced horsts and grabens, suggesting a wide rifting-type of extension. Dextral strike-slip faults occur at Syros, mainly offshore, and are kinematically compatible with normal faults. U-Pb dating of calcite crystallizing in normal fault planes at Syros yields ages at c.a. 10 Ma for high-angle normal faults activity. On these bases, we propose that wide rifting with high-angle normal faults accommodated Aegean extension when trench retreat accelerated in the middle to late Miocene. At this time, dextral strike-slip faults formed as a response of the onset of Anatolia lateral extrusion.

Taking Alberta Back: Faith, Fuel, and Freedom on the Canadian Far Right

Alberta, Canada is both a major extractive zone—home to the world’s third largest proven oil reserves, mostly in the form of oil sands located in the north of the province—and a place whose political culture has been profoundly influenced by evangelical Christianity. It is both “petro province” and “God’s province”. Despite these distinct political economic and socio-cultural features, relatively little scholarly attention has been given to the contemporary relationships among them. To explore this, we profile the populist far-right social movement organization Take Back Alberta (TBA), which, by channeling the interlocking “freedom” and separatist movements into the governing United Conservative Party (UCP), played a pivotal role in Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s rise to power. We ask the following question: what role do religion and a populist defense of the fossil fuel industry (or “extractive populism”) play, both ideologically and organizationally, within TBA? Drawing from TBA-related documents, including websites, podcasts, social media, and speeches, our analysis produces two key findings: first, that TBA deploys a radical, far-right version of extractive populism, which “anchors” the Danielle Smith government, and, second, that evangelical Christianity contributes to this extractive populism organizationally—by impacting TBA’s membership and resource infrastructure—and discursively, by influencing the collective action frames utilized by TBA leaders in advocating for the interests of the fossil fuel industry.

3D distribution of biomineral and chitin matrix in the stomatopod dactyl club by high energy XRD-CT

Stomatopods are ferocious hunters that use weaponized appendages to strike down their pray. The clubs of species such as Odontodactylus scyllarus undergo tremendous forces, and in consequence they have intricate structures, consisting of hydroxyapatite, chitin, amorphous calcium phosphate and carbonate, and occasionally calcite. These materials are distributed differently across the four major zones of the dactyl club: the impact, periodic lateral and medial, and striated regions. While stomatopod clubs and their structure have been studied for a long time, studies have thus far been constrained to 2D mapping experiments with moderate resolution due to difficulties in preparing whole club thin sections, and absorption tomography that gives information on densities but not molecular length scales. To address this problem, and shed light on the structure of entire clubs, we herein used X-ray powder diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT) using high energy X-rays at the P07 beamline of PETRA-III to allow penetrating the large samples whilst still obtaining high resolution information. This allowed mapping the 3D distribution of diffraction phases including the biomineral apatite and the semi-crystal chitin matrix. This showed that hydroxyapatite forms an envelope around the club, and that chitin forms 2D sheets in the periodic region of the club.

Creating a comprehensive framework for design, construction and management of healthy buildings

While healthy buildings are investigated in academic research, practice, and policy, they often fail to address the needs and gaps due to insufficient knowledge transfer between them. Moreover, there is no general definition of healthy buildings that could act as a reference for different stakeholders of the building sector. Therefore, this paper presents a novel framework for healthy buildings and a definition for compiling existing knowledge and addressing the needs and gaps. The holistic approach of the framework was developed through an extensive literature review and tested with 12 building case studies in the major European climate zones. The framework outlines five different dimensions (improving mental and physical health, designed for human needs, sustainably built and managed, resilient and adaptive, empowering people), including 24 indicators and sub-indicators. The validation of the framework revealed that it is possible to assess different building projects against different indicators under each dimension. However, challenges remain due to issues such as lack of time, cost of data collection, or lack of documentation. The developed framework provides a balanced approach that promotes both individual well-being and broader sustainability goals. It provides necessary guidance to inform practitioners and policy makers as well as other building sector stakeholders to integrate healthy buildings thinking into their project development, assessment, and decision making.

Dynamic evolution of competing same-dip double subduction: New perspectives of the Neo-Tethyan plate tectonics

Same-dip double-subduction (SDDS) systems are widely reported from present as well as past complex convergent plate tectonic configurations. However, the dynamics of their evolution is poorly understood, which is crucial to conceptualize anomalous subducting slab kinematics and associated observed geological phenomena, such as irregular trench migration rates, high convergence velocities, and slab break-off. To bridge this gap, we develop dynamic thermo-mechanical subduction models and investigate the initiation and evolution of SDDS systems, considering three different initial plate configurations: oceanic, oceanic-continental and multiple continental settings, based on Neo-Tethyan paleo-reconstructions. Each model offers new insights into the complex tectonic history of the major Neo-Tethyan subduction zones, particularly the Indo–Eurasian and Andaman convergent systems. We evaluate the slab-slab interactions, trench and subduction kinematics, inter-plate reorganization, and temporally varying mantle flow patterns involved in the dynamic evolution of these SDDS systems. The oceanic SDDS model simulations reveal that a sizable oceanic plate can initiate two subduction zones synchronously, and they evolve unequally in a competing mode, leading to exceptionally high convergence rates (∼16–17 cm/year) for a prolonged duration (∼7–8 Myr). This finding explains the coeval activity of coupled subduction zones in the Indo-Eurasia convergence during the Cretaceous evolution of the Neo-Tethys. We further implement a corresponding single subduction model to assess the additional effects of competing slab kinematics in an oceanic SDDS setting. The ocean-continent SDDS model, on the other hand, localizes subduction preferentially at passive margins between the oceanic plate and the continental block, forming double subduction zones that grow almost equally to form a spreading centre between the two trenches. These model results allow to reconstruct the Cenozoic evolution of the eastern Neo-Tethyan region, which ultimately led to the development of the Andaman subduction zone. We also show the post-Cretaceous evolution of the Indo–Eurasian collision zone as a consequence of the SDDS dynamics in presence of multiple continental blocks. These dynamics facilitated slab break-off, transforming the SDDS into a single subduction system in a relatively short time frame (∼3 Myr). We finish with a synthesis of the paleo-reconstructions of the Neo-Tethys in the perspective of these SDDS models.

Magnetotelluric evidence for the formation of the layered Sask Craton by flat slab subduction

Long-period magnetotelluric (MT) data were collected at 56 locations over the Sask Craton in 2021 and 2022. The data were combined with existing broadband data and inverted to produce a 3-D resistivity model of the Sask Craton and Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO). The model reveals a number of northeast striking electrically conductive crustal structures that extend into the mantle lithosphere. In the mantle lithosphere, these conductors coalesce into a single large low resistivity anomaly in the depth range 70–85 km termed the Northern Sask Craton (NSC) conductor. The resistivity of the NSC conductor is attributed to sulfides deposited along an interface between a flat slab that was accreted to the base of the pre-THO Sask Craton lithosphere during closure of the Manikewan Ocean. Kimberlites have erupted along the margin of the NSC conductor. The boundary of the conductor likely represents deep-seated faults and mantle terrane boundaries formed during flat slab subduction that allowed the ascent of kimberlite melts. The resistivity of the northeast-trending conductors can be interpreted as due to graphite and sulfides precipitated by past fluid or melt flow during ocean closure and orogensis. A number of these conductors are located beneath known mineral districts and trends and may represent source pathways for regional base and precious metal deposits. Other conductors may represent possible, previously unknown, regions hosting mineralization. Many of these conductors are associated with major regional faults and shear zones, which may be deep-seated features that helped to guide both kimberlites and mineralizing fluids. Of the prominent northeast-trending conductors west of the Sask Craton, one corresponds to the previously reported North American Central Plains (NACP) conductor. The new model shows that this conductor abruptly terminates at 54 °N and is not observed farther south in the model. This shows that the NACP is not as spatially continuous as previously suggested, suggesting that the tectonic processes that formed the THO were not as uniform along-strike as shown in existing tectonic models. The connection of one of the northeast-trending anomalies to the NSC conductor suggests that a previously unrecognized phase of east-dipping subduction may have occurred beneath the Sask Craton as the THO was formed.

Do marine food subsidies predict large scale distribution of scavenging seabirds within the Bay of Biscay?

Omnivorous and opportunistic species have the potential to exploit human food subsidies. In marine ecosystem, understanding interaction between seabirds and fishery activities, particularly their scavenging behaviour on discards is crucial nowadays, in the context of EU landing obligation. The Bay of Biscay is one of the major fishing zones in Europe and a central area for the wintering of a high number of seabird species. During spring and autumn, oceanographic surveys were conducted by the R/V Thalassa with the aim to evaluate fishing resources along transects over the continental shelf, thereby providing an opportunity to study the distribution and scavenging behaviour of seabirds in this area. We investigated the influence of fishery activities (i.e. distribution of professional fishing vessels, quantity of discards) at large scale, and oceanographic conditions on the distribution of scavenging seabirds along the continental shelf. On average, large gulls (Larus spp) and northern gannets accounted for 70 % of the seabirds scavenging on discards. We compared model predictions using oceanographic variables with those using both oceanographic variables and fishery activities, in separate for spring and autumn and group of seabirds (i.e. large gulls and northern gannets). Results suggested that the distribution of scavenging seabirds was better predicted by oceanographic variables than by fishery activities. The predicted numbers of scavenging seabirds were higher in autumn than in spring, probably due to the annual cycle of seabirds (i.e. breeding versus wintering). At large scale, oceanographic variables were better predictors of suitable habitat. However, a closer evaluation of prediction differences between the two models highlighted high anomaly values for large gulls in autumn along the coast, that may indicate over predictions. These results have provided new knowledge on the ecology of scavenging seabirds, in an area with high fishery activity, especially in the context of landing obligation.

On the Billefjorden fault zone in Garmdalen, central Spitsbergen: implications for the mapping of major fault zones during geological fieldwork and for the tectonic history of Svalbard

Background The present contribution reexamines the geometry of a segment of a presumably long-lived fault in Svalbard, the Balliolbreen Fault segment of the Billefjorden Fault Zone, along which presumably two basement terranes of Svalbard accreted in the early–mid Paleozoic after thousands of kilometers strike-slip displacement. Methods We performed structural fieldwork to Billefjorden in central Spitsbergen and interpreted satellite images. Results Field observations demonstrate that the Balliolbreen Fault formed as a top-west thrust fault in the early Cenozoic and that weak sedimentary units such as shales of the Lower Devonian Wood Bay Formation and coals of the uppermost Devonian–Mississippian Billefjorden Group partitioned deformation, resulting in significant contrast in deformation intensity between stratigraphic units. For example, tight early Cenozoic folds are localized in shales of the Wood Bay Formation and contemporaneous top-west brittle–ductile thrusts within coals of the Billefjorden Group, whereas Pennsylvanian deposits of the Hultberget (and/or Ebbadalen?) Formation are simply folded into gentle open folds. Rheological contrasts also resulted in the development of décollements locally, e.g., between tightly folded strata of the Wood Bay Formation and Billefjorden Group and flat-lying, brecciated limestone-dominated strata of the Wordiekammen Formation. Despite the limited quality and continuity of outcrops in the area, the eastward-thickening character (i.e., away from the fault) of Pennsylvanian deposits of the Hultberget, Ebbadalen, and Minkinfjellet formations suggests that the fault did not act as a normal fault in Pennsylvanian times. Conclusions The study suggests that strain partitioning of early Cenozoic Eurekan contraction alone may explain the deformation patterns in Paleozoic rock units in central Spitsbergen, i.e., that Late Devonian Svalbardian contraction is not required, and that a major segment of the Billefjorden Fault Zone formed in the early Cenozoic. The present work illustrates the crucial need for interdisciplinary approaches and composite educational backgrounds in science.

Utilizing geophysical methods for assessing groundwater resources in the Dijil River Catchment, Northwestern Ethiopia

This study utilizes geophysical methods to assess groundwater resources in the Dijil River catchment near Debremarkos Town, Northwestern Ethiopia. Recent alluvial deposits and volcanic rocks of varying ages characterize the area. The aim is to map subsurface formations and evaluate groundwater potential. Two hundred twenty-eight magnetic data were collected, mainly oriented in NE-SW, NW-SE, E-W, and N-S directions, and twenty-four Vertical Electrical Sounding data utilizing the Schlumberger configuration. The results of the magnetic data reveal lineaments in different directions in the study area. Most of the Geoelectric sections show three layers, of which the second or the third layers are aquifers having minimum and maximum resistivity of 6 and 155 Ohm.m, respectively, and average resistivity range of 13–50 Ohm.m with a thickness ranging 24–200m. The layers represent alluvial deposits, highly weathered and fractured basalt (major aquifer zone), and moderately to slightly weathered and fractured basalt. Shallow and deeper low resistivity horizons, indicating groundwater saturation zones, are visible. The integrated geophysical survey aligns well with available borehole data.

Northward migration past the nearctic biogeographical divide; neotropical Gyrodactylus spp. infecting Astyanax have crossed the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

The neotropical fish genus Astyanax (Characidae) and its associated helminths migrated northward from South America following the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI): ca. 150 Astyanax spp. are found throughout South and Central America, up to the Mexico-USA border. Most characids are distributed south of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), which bisects the country and represents a major transition zone between the neotropical and nearctic realms. Here, we characterize parasites of the monogenean genus Gyrodactylus infecting Astyanax spp. in Mexico: Astyanax aeneus south of the TMBV, Astyanax mexicanus north of it. Based on morphological, phylogenetic (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome oxidase subunit II (cox 2)) and statistical analyses of morphometric data, we confirmed the validity of Gyrodactylus pakan and Gyrodactylus teken, and erected two new species, Gyrodactylus aphaa n. sp. and Gyrodactylus ricardoi n. sp. These four gyrodactylids are part of a complex of morphologically cryptic species, which are phylogenetically closely related to each other, and sister species to Gyrodactylus carolinae and Gyrodactylus heteracanthus, parasites of characins in Brazil. Four gyrodactylid lineages (G. pakan, G. ricardoi n. sp., G. teken, Gyrodactylus sp. A) are distributed north of the TMVB; G. pakan is also widely distributed south of the TMVB, together with G. aphaa n. sp. Based on the ITS phylogeny, Brazilian parasites form a sister clade to all Mexican gyrodactylids, whose derived clades are distributed in progressively more northerly latitudes in Mexico – the three most-derived species north of the TMVB. This would suggest that gyrodactylid species diverged gradually, presumably as their characid fish hosts colonized and adapted to new environments north of the TMVB.

Deep structural insights into the origin of the Heyuan ms 4.5 revealed by deep seismic sounding profiles in southeast China

This study presents an interpretation of a deep seismic sounding (DSS) profile that carried out along the Cathaysia Block in southeast china, aiming to explore the crustal velocity structure. Data used in the survey were obtained from three controlled-source explosions conducted along the 320 km long Lianping-Heyuan-Shanwei profile. The modeling was based on ray tracing, using the extrapolation of seismic wave arrival times with the help of travel times predicted from a one-dimensional velocity model. The average velocity structure of the middle crust is 6.0–6.4 km/s, while a low velocity anomaly of approximately 0.1–0.2 km/s in the vicinity of the Heyuan-Shaowu fault zone. The resulting 2D velocity model indicates that steeply dipping low-velocity zones that correlate with the projection of two major fault zones. These zones, together with a flat LVZ at a depth of 12 km, define a triangular region that correlates with numerous hypocenters. This tectonic setting is favorable for the accumulation and release of strain in high-velocity media within the triangular region. The unique triangular structure in the upper crust provides necessary shallow medium conditions for seismic activity. This indicates that increased seismicity within this area is partially attributed to heightened stress within higher-velocity material. The triangular annular low-velocity body, situated in the upper crust, is influenced by dynamic environmental factors caused by deep thermal disturbances. The deep-seated fault serves as a conduit for the historical migration of thermal material, likely contributing to the seismogenic conditions for earthquakes in Heyuan’s region through deep-seated thermal disturbances. These findings provide a novel geophysical reference model for the regional seismicity near the Xinfengjang reservoir and significantly contribute to understanding the causal relationship between tectonic setting and seismicity. In comparison with previous studies, our research is dedicated to investigating the causes of shallow earthquakes in the region and exploring the relationship between deep and shallow structures.

Composite Granitic Plutonism in the Southern Part of the Wadi Hodein Shear Zone, South Eastern Desert, Egypt: Implications for Neoproterozoic Dioritic and Highly Evolved Magma Mingling during Volcanic Arc Assembly

The Abu Farayed Granite (AFG), located in the southeastern desert of Egypt, was intruded during the early to late stages of Pan-African orogeny that prevailed within the Arabian–Nubian Shield. The AFG intrudes an association of gneisses, island arc volcano–sedimentary rocks, and serpentinite masses. Field observations, supported by remote sensing and geochemical data, reveal a composite granitic intrusion that is differentiated into two magmatic phases. The early granitic phase comprises weakly deformed subduction-related calc–alkaline rocks ranging from diorite to tonalite, while the later encloses undeformed granodiorite and granite. Landsat-8 (OLI) remote sensing data have shown to be highly effective in discriminating among the different varieties of granites present in the area. Furthermore, the data have provided important insights into the structural characteristics of the AFG region. Specifically, the data indicate the presence of major tectonic trends with ENE–WSW and NW–SE directions transecting the AFG area. Geochemically, the AFG generally has a calc–alkaline metaluminous affinity with relatively high values of Cs, Rb, K, Sr, Nd, and Hf but low contents of Nb, Ta, P, and Y. The early magmatic phase has lower alkalis and REEs, while the later phases have higher alkalis and REEs with distinctly negative Eu anomalies. The AFG is structurally controlled, forming a N–S arch, which may be due to the influence of the wadi Hodein major shear zone. The diorite and tonalite are believed to have been originally derived from subduction-related magmatism during regional compression. This began with the dehydration of the descending oceanic crust with differential melting of the metasomatized mantle wedge. Magma ascent was long enough to react with the thickened crust and therefore suffered fractional crystallization and assimilation (AFC) to produce the calc–alkaline diorite–tonalite association. The granodiorite and granites were produced due to partial melting, assimilation, and fractionation of lower crustal rocks (mainly diorite–tonalite of the early stage) after subduction and arc volcanism during a late orogenic relaxation–rebound event associated with uplift transitioning to extension.

Large‐Scale Extensional Strain in Southern Tibet From Sentinel‐1 InSAR and GNSS Data

AbstractIn this study, we utilize C‐band Sentinel‐1 radar images from 2015 to 2022, combined with interseismic horizontal GNSS velocities, to construct large‐scale, high‐resolution, 3‐D velocity and strain rate maps over a vast region of southern Tibet. We show the distribution of prevailing dilatational strain accumulation along the seven major rift zones. Using 2‐D elastic dislocations invoking a two‐fault model in a Bayesian framework, we quantified the decadal extension rates across the seven rift zones, and we suggest a total extension rate of 18.4 ± 1.7 mm/yr, consistent with geological and geodetic estimates. The resulting strain rate maps, combined with the earthquake catalog, help us identify areas with high earthquake potential. Our study enhances our understanding of the present‐day tectonics and kinematics in southern Tibet and provides important constraints for seismic hazard assessment in this region.

Diversity and Prevalence of Indigenous Soil Bacillus spp. in the Major Cabbage Growing Agroecological Zones of Uganda

Different species of genus Bacillus have been reported from different environments of the world. They are reported to play a role of soil fertility improvement, plant growth promotion and disease and pest management. Most of these reports on Bacillus species are from studies conducted outside Uganda and therefore information on the prevalence and diversity of bacillus species in Ugandan soils is scanty. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and diversity of Bacillus spp. isolated from the cabbage rhizosphere in the four major cabbage-growing agroecological zones of Uganda. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosafety Makerere University for morphological and biochemical identification of the Bacillus bacteria. DNA extraction and PCR were conducted at the College of Natural Resources Makerere University while sequencing was done at Macrogen laboratories in Korea and Inqaba Biotec in South Africa. Morphological, biochemical and genomic analyses revealed five Bacillus spp. (22 Bacillus strains) grouped as B. cereus, B. mycoides, B. thuringiensis, B. megaterium and B. bingmayongensis. B. cereus and B. megaterium were the most dominant and widely spread Bacillus spp. A phylogenetic tree indicated three major clads, showing that B. thuringiensis was closely related to B. cereus while B.bingmayongesis was closely related to B.megaterium. The B. mycoides were closely related to some B. cereus strains and B. bingmayongensis. The phylogenetic tree further showed that some Bacillus strains of the same species were distantly related. It was therefore concluded that most abundant and prevalent Bacillus spp. in Ugandan soils were B. cereus and B. megaterium. The presence and abundance of these bacillus species in the Ugandan soil presents an opportunity for soil scientists to innovatively manipulate them for use as biofertilizers and biopesticides for crop production and management. Such innovations would reduce the reliance of farmers on synthetic fertilizers that are pollutants to the environment and unhealthy to the users and consumers

The tectonic development of the Central African Plateau: evidence from shear-wave splitting

SUMMARY The Central African Plateau comprises a mosaic of numerous Archean terranes—the Congo, Bangweulu and Kalahari Cratons—sutured in a series of Proterozoic to early Cambrian orogenic events. Major upper-crustal deformation and complex craton margin fault zones reflect the region’s diverse tectonic history: rifting during the Neoproterozoic, collision during the Pan-African orogeny, and more recently, Permo-Triassic Karoo rifting and the Pliocene development of the Southwestern branch of the East African Rift. The tectonic evolution and extent to which the lithospheric mantle has been re-worked by each tectonic event is poorly understood. New seismograph networks across the Plateau provide fresh opportunity to place constraints on the plate-scale Precambrian-to-Phanerozoic processes that have acted across the region. Utilizing data from seismograph deployments across the Central African Plateau, including the new Copper Basin Exploration Science network—a NW–SE-trending, 750-km-long profile of 35 broad-band stations—we explore lithospheric deformation fabrics associated with past and present tectonic events via a shear-wave splitting study of mantle seismic anisotropy. Results reveal short length-scale variations in splitting parameters (fast direction: $\phi$, delay time: $\delta$t), suggestive of a fossil lithospheric fabric cause for the observed anisotropy. A lack of fault-parallel $\phi$ across the Mwembeshi shear zone, suggests it may be too narrow at mantle depths, a thin-skinned, crustal-scale feature, and/or did not experience sufficient fault parallel shear-strain during its last active phase to form a lithospheric deformation fabric discernible via teleseismic shear-wave splitting. In the heart of the Lufilian Arc, we observe abrupt changes in splitting parameters with NE–SW, N–S and NW–SE $\phi$ and 0.5 s $&amp;lt; $$\delta$t$&amp;lt; $ 1.2 s evident at short length-scales: no single, uniform, anisotropic lattice preferred orientation (LPO) fabric defines the entire region. This is consistent with the view that multiple episodes of deformation shaped the Lufilian Arc, or perhaps that pre-existing fabrics, relating to Neoproterozoic Katangan Basin development, have failed to be completely overprinted by the Pan-African orogeny. Near the Domes, where most intense crustal re-working is thought to have taken place during the Pan-African orogeny, there is a cluster of null and low $\delta$t splits which likely reflects the lack of organized LPO fabrics, perhaps due to the presence of depth-dependent anisotropy. The neighbouring Congo Craton margin is marked by consistently weak anisotropy ($\delta$t$\lt $ 0.7 s) indicating a weak horizontal alignment of olivine at mantle lithospheric depths, typical of several Archean terranes worldwide.

Integrated Geophysical Investigation using Aero-radiometric and Electrical Methods for Potential Gold mineralization within Yauri/Zuru Schist Belts, Kebbi State NW Nigeria

This study used aero-radiometric, 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and induced polarization (IP) methods to delineate gold mineralization potential. The study also confirmed and followed-up on regions with major structural features identified in previous aeromagnetic studies in the area. A half-degree airborne radiometric data of sheet 118_Yelwa from the NGSA, which contains three radioelements (%K, eTh, and eU) were used in this study. These datasets were processed and analyzed with Oasis Montaj Grid Math expression builder to obtain the %K_ratio_eTh and Ternary grid anomalies. The results identified zones E and F as hydrothermally altered regions that may harbour gold mineralization. These findings were consistent with the regions of major structural features identified in previous aeromagnetic studies in the area. The zones were located in the eastern parts of Ngaski, Yauri (Yelwa), Shanga, and Agwara, as well as Magama's northwest region. However, zone F1 (the eastern portion of Ngaski/Yauri) has been further investigated using 2ERT and IP detailed geophysical methods in a dipole-dipole configuration. The results of geoelectric techniques along profiles 1, 2, and 3 identified the major gold mineralization potential zones, which were labeled A1, A, and C. These regions have low/high resistivity and chargeability signatures, and could thus be interpreted as potential target zones for metallic mineral exploration, particularly gold mineralization. The regions are located in the northern part of Mararraba and southwest of the Jinsani areas of Kebbi State.