Arc Region Research Articles

Geodetic observation of strain accumulation in the Banda Arc region

The Banda Arc region has produced several large destructive earthquakes, some of which have been followed by tsunamis. To better understand the earthquake potential in this area, we performed a comparison between geodetic and seismic moment rates. Data were collected from 110 continuous and campaign GPS stations observed for approximately ten years. The results show that the derived velocity field indicates that the Banda Arc deformation is characterized mainly by crustal shortening caused by the interaction of the Australian, Pacific, and Philippine Sea plates. Meanwhile, the contraction strain pattern dominates the Banda Arc area except around Papuan Bird’s Head. Areas with high strain rates have a history of significant seismicity, such as the Flores-Wetar Back Arc, the area around Ambon, and the Papuan Bird’s Head. The ratio of the geodetic moment rate to the seismic moment rate in the Banda, Bird’s Head, South Sulawesi, and Sumba zones are ∼1.5–7.0, indicating a moment deficit rate. The moment deficit rate provides an equivalent earthquake potential of Mw 7.7–8.1. This potential may be related to an aseismic deformation or stress accumulation, the under-sampling of long-term earthquake rates within the seismic catalogs, or a composite of these factors.

FOCAL MECHANISMS OF EARTHQUAKES IN THE SUBDUCTION ZONE OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC PLATE

Deformation features of the subducting Pacific lithospheric plate are considered according to the data on earthquake focal mechanisms. The territory includes the convergent boundaries between the Pacific Plate and the North American (in the Aleutian arc region), the Okhotsk, the Eurasian and the Philippine plates.It has been shown that the angle of subducting Pacific Plate in the Aleutian subduction zone affects the focal mechanisms of earthquakes that occurred in the upper, 35 km part of the oceanic plate in the zone of its bending. There occur normal-fault earthquakes at a steep-angle subduction and rare thrust earthquakes at a shallow-angle subduction. The azimuthal orientation of P-axes of the focal mechanism solutions in the upper (1–70 km) contact zone corresponds to the Pacific Plate displacement vector when the plate fragments are subducting west-northwestwards. There occurs a change in azimuthal orientation of the compression axes in the subducting plate at a depth of more than 70 km: the axes occupy different azimuthal sectors showing difference in the orientation of their slope, with the orientations of the T-axes become multidirectional.The calculation of seismotectonic deformations was carried out based on the data on focal mechanisms of 7768 earthquakes. It was revealed that the Exx and Ezz deformation fields are the most homogeneous at depths of 1–70 km. The pattern of seismotectonic deformations changes abruptly for deep parts of the subducting plate (105–200, 200–400, and 400–700 km), there are observed heterogeneous deformation fields Exx, Eyy and Еzz with alternating episodes of extension and shortening.There has been proposed the author’s scheme of the influence of the upper mantle convection structure on the geometry of the subducting plate (slab) as a potential catalyst for the processes responsible for the separation of seismic activity zones and the change of earthquake types with depth and in different parts of the extended subduction zone.

Upper mantle and continental crust anisotropy in southeastern Mexico determined from shear-wave splitting measurements using local intraslab earthquakes

Cocos intraslab earthquakes were used to make shear-wave splitting measurements to explore the factors that control seismic anisotropy and to study the mantle wedge flow patterns in southeastern Mexico, where the Cocos plate subducts beneath the North American plate. Cocos intraslab earthquakes reach depths of 250 km, making it possible to sample the mantle wedge. The Silver and Chan (1991) covariance method was used to measure the splitting parameters: the fast polarization direction (φ) and the delay time (δt). The measurements can be divided into three regions: (1) northwest and (2) southeast of the Tehuantepec Ridge extension (i.e., the subducted Tehuantepec Ridge within the Cocos slab) and (3) the region above the subhorizontal Cocos slab. (1) In the first region, northeast of the 100 km isodepth contour of the Cocos slab, the fast axes are trench-perpendicular. This can be explained assuming the development of A-type olivine fabric and the existence of 2-D corner flow driven by the downdip motion of the Cocos slab. Southwest of the 100 km isodepth contour, measurements show trench-parallel fast polarization directions that are also consistent with corner flow, albeit in a serpentinized mantle wedge. Right above the Tehuantepec Ridge extension (northeast of the 100 km isodepth contour of the subducting slab), a change in the fast polarization directions from trench-normal to trench-parallel while going from northwest to southeast is observed and signals a change in the mantle flow pattern possibly through a vertical tear in the Cocos slab. 3-D toroidal flow could drive subslab mantle material around this slab edge and into the mantle wedge. (2) In the second region, the measured fast polarization directions show a trench-parallel orientation that is interpreted to result from southeastward trench-parallel flow through a serpentinized mantle wedge tip and also through a mantle wedge core made up of A- or C-type olivine fabrics with their fast axes oriented parallel to the flow direction. Trench-perpendicular fast polarization directions are observed beneath the fore-arc region of the Central America Volcanic Arc, near Tacaná Volcano, and trench-parallel polarizations are observed beneath the arc. These orientations could be explained by assuming the presence of B-type olivine fabric in the mantle wedge tip, A- or C-type olivine fabric in the mantle wedge core, and trench-parallel flow, so that the orientations of the fast axes become perpendicular to the mantle flow direction beneath the fore-arc and parallel to it beneath the arc. Lastly, (3) in the third region, over the flat slab, the observed delay times (0.04–0.42 s) are consistent with crustal anisotropy magnitudes, and the fast polarization directions seem to be controlled by the orientations of fault systems and alignments in foliations. Therefore, crustal faults and folds seem to be the dominant factors controlling the observed anisotropy.

Research on Measurement of Tooth Profile Parameters of Synchronous Belt Based on Point Cloud Data.

Accurately detecting the tooth profile parameters of the synchronous belt is crucial for the transmission’s load distribution and service life. However, the existing detection methods have low efficiency, are greatly affected by the manual experience, and cannot realize automatic detection. A measurement method based on point cloud data is proposed to solve this issue. The surface space points of the synchronous belt are acquired by a line-structured light sensor, and the raw point clouds are preprocessed to remove outliers and reduce the number of points. Then, the point clouds are divided into plane and arc regions, and different methods are used for fitting. Finally, the parameters of each tooth are calculated. The experimental results show that the method has high measurement accuracy and reliable stability and can replace the original detection method to realize automatic detection.

Ultramafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits from Cuban ophiolites

Ultramafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits (UM-VMS) located in the Havana-Matanzas ophiolite (Cuba) are the only known example of this type of mineralization in the Caribbean realm. UM-VMS from Havana-Matanzas are enriched in Cu, Ni, Co, Au, and Ag. The mineralization consists of massive sulfide bodies mostly composed of pyrrhotite and hosted by serpentinized upper mantle peridotites. Chemical composition of unaltered cores in Cr-spinel grains found within the massive sulfide mineralization and in the peridotite host indicates formation in the fore-arc region of the Greater Antilles volcanic arc. A first stage of serpentinization probably took place prior to the sulfide mineralization event. The UM-VMS mineralization formed by the near-complete replacement of the silicate assemblage of partially serpentinized peridotites underneath the seafloor. The sequence of sulfide mineralization has been divided into two stages. The first stage is characterized by a very reduced hydrothermal mineral assemblage consisting of pyrrhotite, Co–Ni–Fe diarsenides, chalcopyrite, Co-rich pentlandite, and electrum. In the second stage, pyrite and Co–Ni–Fe sulfarsenides partially replaced pyrrhotite and diarsenides, respectively, under a more oxidizing regime during the advanced stages of ongoing serpentinization. The proposed conceptual genetic model presented here can be useful for future exploration targeting this type of deposit in the Caribbean region and elsewhere.

The Role of Crustal Accretion Variations in Determining Slab Hydration at an Atlantic Subduction Zone

AbstractWe present a 2D P‐wave velocity model from the outer rise region of the Lesser Antilles island arc, the first wide‐angle seismic study of outer rise processes at an Atlantic subduction zone. The survey consists of 46 OBS receivers over a 174 km profile with velocities resolved to 15 km below top basement. The final velocity model, produced through tomographic inversion, shows a clear decrease in the velocity of the lower crust and upper mantle of the incoming plate as it approaches the trench. We attribute this drop to outer rise bend‐related hydration, similar to Pacific cases, but superimposed on spatial variations in hydration generated at the slow‐spreading ridge axis. In thin, tectonically controlled crust formed under magma‐poor spreading conditions the superposition of these sources of hydration results in compressional velocities as low as 6.5 km s−1 beneath the PmP reflector. In contrast, segments of crust interpreted as having formed under magma‐rich conditions show velocity reductions and inferred hydrous alteration more like that observed in the Pacific. Hence, variations in the style of crustal accretion, which is observed on 50–100 km length scales both along and across isochrons, is a primary control over the distribution of water within the slab at Atlantic subduction systems. This heterogeneous pattern of water storage within the slab is likely further complicated by along strike variations in outer rise bending, subducting fracture zones and deformation at segment ends and may have important implications for our understanding of long‐term patterns of hazard at Atlantic subduction systems.

Frequency magnitude distribution and spatial correlation dimension of earthquakes in north-east Himalaya and adjacent regions

Abstract The north-east sector of the Himalaya is one of the most active tectonic belts, with complex geological and tectonic features. The b-value and spatial correlation dimension (Dc) of earthquake distribution in the north-east Himalaya and its adjacent regions (20–32°N and 88–98°E) are estimated in the present study. Based on seismicity and faulting pattern, the region is divided into five active regions, namely the (i) South-Tibet, (ii) Eastern-Syntaxis, (iii) Himalayan-Frontal Arc, (iv) Arakan-Yoma belt and (v) Shillong-Plateau. A homogeneous catalogue of 1,416 earthquakes (mb ≥ 4.5) has been prepared from a revised catalogue of the ISC (International Seismological Centre). The b-value has been appraised by the maximum likelihood estimation method, while Dc values have been calculated by the correlation integral method; b-values of 1.08 ± 0.09, 1.13 ± 0.05, 0.92 ± 0.05, 1.00 ± 0.03 and 0.98 ± 0.08 have been computed for the South-Tibet, Eastern-Syntaxis, Himalayan-Frontal Arc, Arakan-Yoma belt and Shillong-Plateau region, respectively. The Dc values computed for the respective regions are 1.36 ± 0.02, 1.74 ± 0.04, 1.57 ± 0.01, 1.8 ± 0.01, and 1.83 ± 0.02. These values are > 1.5, except for the South-Tibet (1.36 ± 0.02). The b-values around the global average value (1.0) reflect the stress level and seismic activity of the regions, while high Dc values refer to the heterogeneity of the seismogenic sources.

Contrasting Roles of DOP as a Source of Phosphorus and Energy for Marine Diazotrophs

The oceanic dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) pool is mainly composed of P-esters and, to a lesser extent, equally abundant phosphonate and P-anhydride molecules. In phosphate-limited ocean regions, diazotrophs are thought to rely on DOP compounds as an alternative source of phosphorus (P). While both P-esters and phosphonates effectively promote dinitrogen (N2) fixation, the role of P-anhydrides for diazotrophs is unknown. Here we explore the effect of P-anhydrides on N2 fixation at two stations with contrasting biogeochemical conditions: one located in the Tonga trench volcanic arc region (“volcano,” with low phosphate and high iron concentrations), and the other in the South Pacific Gyre (“gyre,” with moderate phosphate and low iron). We incubated surface seawater with AMP (P-ester), ATP (P-ester and P-anhydride), or 3polyP (P-anhydride) and determined cell-specific N2 fixation rates, nifH gene abundance, and transcription in Crocosphaera and Trichodesmium. Trichodesmium did not respond to any DOP compounds added, suggesting that they were not P-limited at the volcano station and were outcompeted by the low iron conditions at the gyre station. Conversely, Crocosphaera were numerous at both stations and their specific N2 fixation rates were stimulated by AMP at the volcano station and slightly by 3polyP at both stations. Heterotrophic bacteria responded to ATP and 3polyP additions similarly at both stations, despite the contrasting phosphate and iron availability. The use of 3polyP by Crocosphaera and heterotrophic bacteria at both low and moderate phosphate concentrations suggests that this compound, in addition to being a source of P, can be used to acquire energy for which both groups compete. P-anhydrides may thus leverage energy restrictions to diazotrophs in the future stratified and nutrient-impoverished ocean.

Age and Chemostratigraphy of the Finlayson Lake District, Yukon: Implications for Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Mineralization and Tectonics along the Western Laurentian Continental Margin

Abstract The Yukon-Tanana terrane in the Finlayson Lake district, Yukon, represents one of the first arc–back-arc systems that formed adjacent to the Laurentian continental margin in the mid-Paleozoic. Back-arc rocks contain many large and high-grade volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. This study integrates U-Pb zircon geochronology, lithogeochemistry, and Hf-Nd isotopes to establish precise controls on tectonomagmatic activity adjacent to the western Laurentian margin in the Late Devonian to Early Mississippian. High-precision chemical abrasion- (CA-) ID-TIMS U-Pb zircon geochronology defines coeval arc (ca. 363.1 to 348 Ma) and back-arc (ca. 363.3 to 355.0 Ma) magmatism in the Finlayson Lake district that intruded continental crust of Laurentian affinity (e.g., Snowcap assemblage). Mafic and felsic rocks display geochemical and isotopic characteristics that are consistent with being formed from mixtures of depleted asthenosphere and enriched lithospheric mantle sources. These melts variably entrained Laurentian continental crust via high-temperature crustal melting due to basaltic underplating. The high-temperature back-arc felsic magmatism occurs at specific time periods coinciding with VMS deposits and supports previous genetic models for VMS mineralization that suggest elevated heat flow and hydrothermal circulation were due to regional-scale rift-related magmatism rather than from local subvolcanic intrusions. The short timescales and transient nature of tectonomagmatic events in the Finlayson Lake district suggest that rapid and complex subduction initiation of oceanic and continental crust fragments facilitated coeval compression, extension, and magmatism in the arc and back-arc regions. We thus reevaluate the presently accepted tectonostratigraphic framework of the Finlayson Lake district and suggest revised interpretations that shed light on VMS depositional environments and a possible broader association with the ca. 358 Ma Antler Orogeny. Results of this study have implications for incipient tectonics, magmatism, and mineralization along the western Laurentian continental margin and other orogenic belts globally.

Time evolution of plasma parameters in the jet of a low-power vacuum arc thruster

The plasma parameters temporal evolution of a 30 W-class Vacuum Arc Thruster equipped with a Ni-Cr cathode is examined in the far-field region of the plasma jet. Measurements have been performed 20 cm downstream of the arc region where the plasma is created. The thruster operated at 1 Hz with 25 μs duration current pulses. The maximum current intensity reaches 4000 A about 8 μs after the discharge ignition. The change in the electron density, electron temperature and plasma potential during the short high-current pulse has been obtained by means of time-resolved Langmuir probe measurements. A time-of-flight technique based on a planar probe has been used to determine the mean ion velocity in the plasma jet. In addition, a Faraday cup allowed the determination of the ion current density. The electron density peaks at ∼ 8×1017 m−3 at 12 μs. The electron temperature is above 25 eV at 7 μs and then it stabilizes around 5 eV. Several ion populations are identified. The lowest ion mean velocity amounts to 20 km/s. Interestingly, combining all data allows to assess the ion mean electrical charge and its temporal behavior. The mean charge reaches 12 a few μs after ignition. It decays quickly afterwards and stays unchanged at 2 beyond 10 μs. Analysis of all the results support the idea of two distinct plasma discharge regimes.

Thermal Induced Interface Mechanical Response Analysis of SMT Lead-Free Solder Joint and Its Adaptive Optimization.

Surface mount technology (SMT) plays an important role in integrated circuits, but due to thermal stress alternation caused by temperature cycling, it tends to have thermo-mechanical reliability problems. At the same time, considering the environmental and health problems of lead (Pb)-based solders, the electronics industry has turned to lead-free solders, such as ternary alloy Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305). As lead-free solders exhibit visco-plastic mechanical properties significantly affected by temperature, their thermo-mechanical reliability has received considerable attention. In this study, the interface delamination of an SMT solder joint using a SAC305 alloy under temperature cycling has been analyzed by the nonlinear finite element method. The results indicate that the highest contact pressure at the four corners of the termination/solder horizontal interface means that delamination is most likely to occur, followed by the y-direction side region of the solder/land interface and the top arc region of the termination/solder vertical interface. It should be noted that in order to keep the shape of the solder joint in the finite element model consistent with the actual situation after the reflow process, a minimum energy-based morphology evolution method has been incorporated into the established finite element model. Eventually, an Improved Efficient Global Optimization (IEGO) method was used to optimize the geometry of the SMT solder joint in order to reduce the contact pressure at critical points and critical regions. The optimization result shows that the contact pressure at the critical points and at the critical regions decreases significantly, which also means that the probability of thermal-induced delamination decreases.

Effect of pumping gas on temperature field and pressure in hollow tungsten arc

A hollow tungsten negative pressure arc (HTNA) is a heat source that controls the gas flow inside a tungsten electrode and optimizes the arc output. However, to ensure the widespread applicability of HTNAs, the factors affecting the temperature and pressure distribution of an HTNA should be studied. In this study, the effect of pumping gas on the temperature and pressure distribution of an HTNA is elucidated through experiments and numerical simulations. A double spectral line acquisition system with nine optical transmission fibers was used to obtain the arc light intensity for the temperature calculation and spatial reconstruction. Consequently, a unified numerical model was developed to quantitatively study the physical field distribution under the effect of pumping gas. It was observed that the maximum temperature of the traditional gas tungsten arc (GTA) and hollow tungsten arc (HTA) decreased more than that of the HTNA owing to the effects of pumping gas. By analyzing the current density and flow field, it was concluded that convective heat transfer owing to pumping gas is the primary cause of the temperature difference between the arcs rather than Joule heat. Compared with the effect of the Lorenz force, the arc flow had a more significant effect on the pressure difference between the inner and outer tungsten electrodes. The gas in the arc region flowing into tungsten also affected the arc pressure on the base metal surface. The results of this study are expected to provide guidance for controlling the energy output of the welding arcs.

Polymerase ζ Is Involved in Mitochondrial DNA Maintenance Processes in Concert with APE1 Activity.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damaged by reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers so far poorly understood processes of mtDNA maintenance that are coordinated by a complex interplay among DNA repair, DNA degradation, and DNA replication. This study was designed to identify the proteins involved in mtDNA maintenance by applying a special long-range PCR, reflecting mtDNA integrity in the minor arc. A siRNA screening of literature-based candidates was performed under conditions of enforced oxidative phosphorylation revealing the functional group of polymerases and therein polymerase ζ (POLZ) as top hits. Thus, POLZ knockdown caused mtDNA accumulation, which required the activity of the base excision repair (BER) nuclease APE1, and was followed by compensatory mtDNA replication determined by the single-cell mitochondrial in situ hybridization protocol (mTRIP). Quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria unveiled an additional, ROS-independent involvement of POLZ in the formation of a typical deletion in the minor arc region. Together with data demonstrating the localization of POLZ in mitochondria, we suggest that POLZ plays a significant role in mtDNA turnover, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress.

The Baltimore Oriole’s Nest: Cool Winds from the Inner and Outer Parts of a Star-forming Galaxy at z = 1.3

Strong galactic winds are ubiquitous at z ≳ 1. However, it is not well-known where inside galaxies these winds are launched from. We study the cool winds (∼104 K) in two spatial regions of a massive galaxy at z = 1.3, which we nickname the “Baltimore Oriole’s Nest.” The galaxy has a stellar mass of 1010.3±0.3 M ⊙, is located on the star-forming main sequence, and has a morphology indicative of a recent merger. Gas kinematics indicate a dynamically complex system with velocity gradients ranging from 0 to 60 km s−1. The two regions studied are: a dust-reddened center (Central region), and a blue arc at 7 kpc from the center (Arc region). We measure the Fe ii and Mg ii absorption line profiles from deep Keck/DEIMOS spectra. Blueshifted wings up to 450 km s−1 are found for both regions. The Fe ii column densities of winds are 1014.7±0.2 cm−2 and 1014.6±0.2 cm−2 toward the Central and Arc regions, respectively. Our measurements suggest that the winds are most likely launched from both regions. The winds may be driven by the spatially extended star formation, the surface density of which is around 0.2 M ⊙ yr−1 · kpc−2 in both regions. The mass outflow rates are estimated to be 4 M ⊙ yr−1 and 3 M ⊙ yr−1 for the Central and Arc regions, with uncertainties of one order of magnitude or more. The findings of this work and a few previous studies suggest that the cool galactic winds at z ≳ 1 might be commonly launched from the entire spatial extents of their host galaxies, due to extended galaxy star formation.

Along‐strike variation in the shear wave crustal structure of the NE Himalayan and Indo‐Burmese arc: Evidence based on surface wave dispersion analysis

Surface wave dispersion data is used to infer the shear wave velocity structure variation in the north‐east Himalaya and Indo‐Burmese arc regions. We have used 25 earthquakes data from four groups with a magnitude range of 5.0–6.7, epicentral distance range 368–800 km, and focal depth less than 50 km. Ray paths from the earthquake location to the seismic station are transversely passing different geotectonic units of the Himalayas, Indo‐Gangetic plains, and Indo‐Burma collision zones. The weighted average dispersion curve and the path averaged shear wave velocity models are computed for the four groups located at different azimuths around Shillong seismic station. Non‐linear least‐square inversion is performed to obtain the shear wave velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle from joint inversion of Rayleigh and Love waves group velocities. Subsequently, Rayleigh and Love waves group velocities are inverted separately to obtain vertical and horizontal components of S‐wave velocity. Next, using these components anisotropy coefficient values at different depths for each path are also estimated. A high variation of dispersion curves and the shear wave velocity models from one group to another indicates that the region is geotectonically very complex. An approximately 80 km‐thick zone beneath the study region has shear wave velocity as low as 1.7 km/s in the uppermost crust in the southern part and ~4.7 km in the uppermost mantle beneath the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS). Inferred velocity is also lower than that of PREM and AK135 global models with a much thicker crust beneath the study region. Radial anisotropy varies even within the northern part from the Indo‐Eurasian collision zone to EHS and northern to southern Indo‐Burma ranges. Anisotropy is comparatively stronger in the deeper part below ~40 km for the three paths, except for the EHS, where the result is contrary.

Geochemical characteristics and indication of graphite deposits in Xinrong Region, Shanxi, China

The NE–SW-trending graphite belt found in the Xinrong Region, Datong City is one the richest graphite reserves in China, extending for more than 22 km. The ore-bearing layer of the Huangtuyao Formation is a graphite-bearing gneiss. Based on major and trace element analysis data, we determined from three diagrams that the graphite-bearing gneiss is a parametamorphic rock, and this gneiss was formed by the regional metamorphism of carbonaceous argillite. The detritus of this ore deposit originated from an arc region as seen from the K 2 O/Na 2 O–SiO 2 diagram. According to the Ta/Yb, Sr/Yb and K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios as well as the composition of Gehuyao gneiss, we concluded that this gneiss has typical low-potassium adakitic rock characteristics. Combined with the MgO/SiO 2 diagram and the characteristics of low K 2 O and high Al 2 O 3 , the genetic model of Gehuyao gneiss is melted subducted oceanic crust. Based on regional geological data and comparison of samples, we found an inherent relationship in the main composition content between the graphite-bearing gneiss and the Gehuyao gneiss. This indicates that the ore deposit accumulated the weathering products of Gehuyao gneiss during the sedimentary period. This research provides evidence for ore body evolution and makes it possible to establish the sedimentary–metamorphic model of the graphite ore in this region. In light of the range of the ore body, we predict that the potential area for graphite mineralization in the North China Craton was 2 ± 1.5 km away from the boundary. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Applications of Innovations in Geochemical Data Analysis collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/applications-of-innovations-in-geochemical-data-analysis

Tonian and Cryogenian – Early Cambrian sedimentation in NW India: Implications on the transition from Rodinia to Gondwana

The Tonian Punagarh-Sindreth and Cryogenian – early Cambrian Marwar sequences in NW India encompass a geological record that could provide vital information for working out the tectonic evolution of this region and a better understanding of the Rodinia to Gondwana transition. The Tonian Punagarh and Sindreth sub-basins received a dominantly felsic detritus with negligible sorting of heavy minerals and mild to weak chemical weathering conditions. The clastic compositions and geochemical characteristics of the Punagarh and Sindreth groups suggest a back-arc basin setting and the detritus sourced from a volcanic arc and cratonic interior region. The Punagarh basin was proximal to the craton while the Sindreth basin was close to an arc system. In contrast, the Cryogenian – early Cambrian Marwar Supergroup clastic sequence contains mature quartz arenite whose high CIA (77.8–94.8) and low ICV (0.18–1.00) values suggest a strong chemical weathering in the source region and noteworthy physical sorting during transportation and sedimentation. An abundance of quartz grains (87–94%), enrichment of Zr, and detritus predominantly derived from the cratonic basement indicate deposition of Marwar sediments in a tectonically stable basin, temporally coinciding with the Gondwana assembly. Collectively, the ∼ 760 Ma active continental margin in NW India, documented by the provenance and tectonic setting of the Punagarh and Sindreth basins, is in agreement with the subduction of the peripherical Rodinia supercontinent during its breakup. On the other hand, the passive continental margin sedimentation in Marwar Supergroup points toward an open sea between NW India and western Gondwana during the Gondwana assembly.

Mantle Wedge Seismic Anisotropy and Shear Wave Splitting: Effects of Oblique Subduction

AbstractWe investigate the evolution of olivine crystal preferred orientation (CPO) and its effect on local shear wave splitting (SWS) in the mantle wedge of oblique subduction zones. Based on model‐predicted 3‐D mantle wedge flow fields, we compute the A‐type and E‐type olivine CPO distribution for a range of subduction obliquity. The results show that the seismically fast axis does not necessarily align with the flow direction. To model the local SWS parameter distribution for oblique subduction zones, we apply a full range of initial polarization to multilayer models that approximate the model‐predicted CPO distributions. These models result in a bimodal SWS parameter distribution, which relaxes as subduction obliquity increases. Unlike non‐oblique subduction models, these models indicate considerable variations in the SWS parameters with subduction obliquity and initial polarization and also among the forearc, arc, and backarc regions. Because of this variability, a single SWS measurement cannot constrain the CPO distribution, and shear waves with a range of initial polarization are required to interpret the SWS parameters in oblique subduction zones. Our results indicate that 3‐D mantle wedge flow due to oblique subduction cannot explain commonly observed margin‐parallel fast direction in the forearc region but can explain margin‐normal fast directions that are observed in the arc and backarc regions of oblique subduction zones.

Rapid surface uplift and crustal flow in\xa0the Central Andes (southern Peru) controlled by lithospheric drip dynamics

The high flux magmatism, crustal shortening/extension and plateau formation in Cordilleran orogenic systems have been explained by removal of lithosphere (lower crust and the sub-arc mantle lithosphere) that develops beneath the magmatic arc and hinterland regions. However, the primary role of this process driving surface uplift, and crustal deformation is not well understood. Here, reconciling geodynamic model predictions with lithospheric structure and paleoelevation estimates, we suggest that viscous drip-type lithospheric removal from beneath the Central (Peruvian) Andes can explain several tectonic features: (1) “double humped” shaped/axisymmetric topographic profile and rapid surface rise (up to 1.2 km in ~ 4.31 Myrs); (2) thicker crust associated with the lower surface elevation of the Altiplano plateau (Lake Titicaca region) (negative residual topography) and higher topography and thinner crust of Western and Eastern Cordilleras (positive residual topography); and (3) faster wave speed (colder)/sub-Moho anomaly underlying the Altiplano, surrounded by slower speed anomalies on both western arc-forearc areas and parts of the eastern Cordillera and Sub-Andes. Our results emphasize the important role of lithospheric drip and associated mantle dynamics in the transient evolution of Andean orogeny controlling surface uplift and crustal flow and thickening.

Analysis of hospital costs by morbidity group for patients with severe mental illness

Objectives The goal of this study is to analyse hospital costs and length of stay of patients admitted to psychiatric units in hospitals in a European region of the Mediterranean Arc. The aim is to identify the effects of comorbidities and other variables in order to create an explanatory cost model. Methods In order to carry out the study, the Ministry of Health was asked to provide data on access to the mental health facilities of all hospitals in the region. Among other questions, this database identifies the most important diagnostic variables related to admission, like comorbidities, age and gender. The method used, based on the Manning–Mullahy algorithm, was linear regression. The results were measured by the statistical significance of the independent variables to determine which of them were valid to explain the cost of hospitalization. Results Psychiatric inpatients can be divided into three main groups (psychotic, organic and neurotic), which have statistically significant differences in costs. The independent variables that were statistically significant (p <.05) and their respective beta and confidence intervals were: psychotic group (19,833.0 ± 317.3), organic group (9,878.4 ± 276.6), neurotic group (11,060.1 ± 287.6), circulatory system diseases (19,170 ± 517.6), injuries and poisoning (21,101.6 ± 738.7), substance abuse (20,580.6 ± 514, 6) and readmission (19,150.9 ± 555.4). Conclusions Unlike most health services, access to psychiatric facilities does not correlate with comorbidities due to the specific nature of this specialization. Patients admitted to psychosis had higher costs and a higher number of average stays KEY MESSAGES The highest average hospital expenditure occurred in patients admitted for psychotic disorders. Due to the particularities of psychiatry units and unlike other medical specialties, the number of comorbidities did not influence the number of hospital stays or hospital expenditure. Apart from the main diagnostic group, the variables that were useful to explain hospital expenditure were the presence of poisoning and injuries as comorbidity, diseases of circulatory system as comorbidity, history of substance abuse and readmission.