The Course of Time in the Cracking of Earth CrustCaused by Earthquake of Magnitude 8

The world,the continent and the large country at all times have similar distribution of intervals between recurrences of the great earthquakes,depending on the earthquake sequence. lt indicates that how the force source of world scale changes with time and space.

Column leaching process of rare earth and aluminum from weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore with ammonium salts

In order to better understand the leaching process of rare earth （RE） and aluminum （Al） from the weathered crust elutiondepositedRE ore, the mass transfer of RE and Al in column leaching was investigated using the chromatographic plate theory. Theresults show that a higher initial ammonium concentration in a certain range can enhance the mass transfer process. pH of leachingagent in the range of 2 to 8 almost has no effect on the mass transfer efficiency of RE, but plays a positive role in the mass transferefficiency of Al under strong acidic condition （pH〈4）. There is an optimum flow rate that makes the highest mass transfer efficiency.The optimum leaching condition of RE is the leaching agent pH of 4？8, ammonium concentration of 0.4 mol/L and flow rate of0.5 mL/min. The mass transfer efficiencies of RE and Al both follow the order： （NH4）2SO4〈NH4Cl〈NH4NO3, implying thecomplexing ability of anion.

Leaching process of rare earths from weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore

In order to strengthen the leaching procedure,the chemical processes of leaching rare earths (RE) from the weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore were investigated frow the viewpoints of kinetics,hydrodynamic and mass transfer.The results show that the leaching hydrodynamics follows the Darcy law.The leaching kinetics can be described by the shrinking core model;the leaching process is controlled by diffusion of porous solid layer;and the mass transfer can be described with Van Deemter equation.This provides a theoretic basis and a scientific approach with high efficiency and optimized extraction conditions in industrial practice.

Simulation of one-dimensional column leaching of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore

The ion exchange model of the leaching process was determined via batch leaching experiments using the Kerr model, with the selectivity coefficient experimentally determined to be 12.59×10^-10 L^2/g^2. Solute transport laws of ammonium ions (NH4 +) and rare earth ions (RE^3+) in column leaching were described by the convection-dispersion equation (CDE). The source and sink in the CDE were determined by the Kerr model. The CDE with strong nonlinearity was solved using the sequential non-iterative method. Compared with the breakthrough curve of RE^3+, the correlation coefficient between the simulated and experimental curves reached 0.8724. Therefore, this method can simulate the one-dimensional column leaching of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore. Moreover, the effects of different concentrations of ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) solution on the leaching rate of rare earth were analyzed. The optimal concentration of the (NH4)2SO4 solution had a linear relationship with the rare earth grade.

Effect of particle size and grain composition on two-dimensional infiltration process of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores

The two-dimensional infiltration experiment was carried out by means of digital image technology.The evolution process of the wetting body was described.The wetted front distance and the time show a very significant power function relationship.The horizontal wetted distance is larger than the vertical wetted distance in the initial stage.Then,the vertical distance of the wetted body gradually approaches to the horizontal distance.The infiltration distance decreases as the content of fine particles increases.The wetted front migration rate curve shows a three-stage change law,and it increases with the increase of coarse particle content.The directional velocity ratio is defined.The initial value of horizontal infiltration rate is larger than that of vertical one,and then the vertical infiltration rate is gradually close to the horizontal value.The empirical relationship between the characteristic particle size and the stable infiltration rate is established,which provides a theoretical basis for the prediction of the stable infiltration rate in in-situ leaching.

RARE EARTH PARTITIONING OF GRANITOID WEATHERING CRUST IN SOUTHERN CHINA

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A new type of rare earth elements deposit in weathering crust of Permian basalt in western Guizhou, NW China

A new type of rare earth elements （REEs） deposit was discovered from the gaolinite mudstone in the weathering crust of Permian basalt, Bijie region, western Guizhou, China. It contained ∑RE2O3 0.065%-1.086%. This type of REEs deposit was widely distributed with steady horizon and thickness of 3-4 m. The ore-bearing weathering crust （kaolinite） of the three discovered REEs deposits belonged to the third episode of the Emeishan basalt eruption. The new type of REEs deposit was suggested that basalt （tuff） weathering could lead to the enrichment of the rare earth elements. Therefore, it is of important economic significance to explore REEs deposits in the weathering crust of basalt （tuffs） in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan Provinces.

Study on Microbes and Their Effects on Rare Earth Extraction in Weathering Crust of Granite

Microbes were cultured from the samples at various depths in a weathering profile of RE-bearing granite in Gonghe RE mine, Guangdong Province. The cultured microbes, existing at a depth of 0.2 similar to 12 in and being more plentiful within 3 in in the profile, include bacteria ( Bacillus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Alkaligenes, Neisseria, Staphylococcus and anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium), fungi ( Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, Mucor and Saccharomycete) and actinomyces. Experiments were made under room temperature by using solutions of the cultured microbes and their metabolites, compared with distilled water and the culture solution without microbes, to leach RE from the sample of the weathering crust. The results are shown by the experiments: (1) The mixed microbes cultured from the profile and their metabolites increase the quantity of RE leached from the sample and reduce the pH of the solutions. (2) The ability to leach RE from the sample varies with various microbes, decreasing in a sequence of fungi ( Mucor, saccharomycete, Aspegillus and Penicillium), zymotic bacilli (Enterobacter, Escherichia etc.), Staphylococcus, zymotic Bacillus, actinomyces and Alkaligenes. (3) The RE leached with bacteria is mainly related to the pH value of the solutions influenced by the metabolites of the bacteria; whereas that leached with fungi is mainly related to the adsorption and imbibition of RE by the fungi and the complexing of RE with their metabolites. (4) Compared with that leached with ammonium sulfate, the fractionation of the RE leached with microbes is characterized by higher delta (Ce), lower delta (Eu) and lower ratios of N-La/Sm and N-Gd/Yb . The result of the fractionation of RE accords with the distribution of RE in the various layers of a profile of weathering crust of granite in South China. The experimental results indicate that microbes and their metabolites should play a positive role in the mobilization, migration and fractionation of RE in the weathering crust in South China.

Rare Earth Elements Composition and Constraint on the Genesis of the Polymetallic Crusts and Nodules in the South China Sea

The rare earth elements（REE） composition of the polymetallic crusts and nodules obtained from the South China Sea（SCS） were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results revealed great differences in the REE abundances（∑REE） of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules; the crusts show the highest ∑REE, whereas the nodules exhibit the lowest ∑REE. The similarity in their NASC-normalized patterns, the enriched light REE（LREE）, the markedly positive Ce anomaly（δCe）, and the non-or weakly positive Eu anomaly（δEu）, suggest that the polymetallic crusts and nodules are of hydrogenetic origin. Moreover, the REE contents and their relevant parameters are quite different among the various layers of the crusts and nodules, which probably results from the different marginal sea environments and mineral assemblages of the samples. The growth profiles of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules reveal the tendency ∑REE and δCe to slightly increase from the outer to the inner layers, suggesting that the growth environments of these samples changed smoothly from an oxidizing to a relatively reducing environment; in addition, the crust ST1 may have experienced a regressive event（sea-level change） during its growth, although the REE composition of the seawater remained relatively stable. On the basis of the regional ∑REE distribution in the SCS crusts and nodules,the samples collected near the northern margin were influenced by terrigenous material more strongly compared with the other samples, and the REE contents are relatively low. Therefore, the special geotectonic environment is a significant factor influencing the abundance of elements, including REE and other trace elements. Compared with the oceanic seamount crusts and deep-sea nodules from other oceans,the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules exhibit special REE compositions and shale-normalized patterns, implying that the samples are of marginal sea-type Fe-Mn sedimentary deposits, which are strongly affected by the epicontinental environment, and that they grew in a more oxidative seawater environment. This analysis indicates that the oxidized seawater environment and the special nano property of their Fe-Mn minerals enrich the REE adsorption.

Soil−water characteristics of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores

The permeability of the weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores directly affects the efficiency of in-situ leaching.The soil−water characteristic curve(SWCC)is an important constitutive relation for calculating the permeability of ore body,which is related to many factors.Soil−water characteristic tests of rare earth ore samples considering different factors were carried out by using the pressure plate instrument.Effects of dry density,particle size and solution leaching on water holding behavior and the mechanism were investigated.The experimental observations indicate that with the decrease of dry density,the pore ratio increases gradually,and the saturated water content increases.Under the same matric suction,the water content decreases gradually with the increase of particle size,thus decreasing water holding capacity of ore accordingly.In the same water content,matric suction is inversely proportional to particle size.Under the same matric suction,the water content of ore samples after leaching is less than that of the ore samples before leaching,indicating that solution leaching can decrease water holding capacity of ore.

Correlation analysis on partition of rare earth in ion-exchangeable phase from weathered crust ores

The rare earth(RE)in weathered crust ores mainly exists as ion-exchangeable phase,approximately 80%.The correlation analysis on partition of 376 samples in ion-exchangeable phase from weathered crust ores was conducted.The results show that partition both among heavy RE elements and light RE elements with high partition appears positive correlation,but partition sums between the heavy RE elements and the light RE elements appear close negative correlation obviously.Clear negative correlations exist between the light RE elements(except Ce)and yttrium(Y).Matrix of correlation analysis on this partition can be divided into three zones.The correlated coefficient variation from negative to positive in zones B and C occurs at Gd,so does that in zones B and A(except Ce,Eu,and Sm),suggesting that RE elements can be divided into two groups with Gd as border.This phenomenon is called Gadolinium-broken effect.

Geochemistry of rare earth elements in cobalt-rich crusts from the Mid-Pacific M seamount

Rare earth elements（REEs） and major elements of 25 cobalt-rich crusts obtained from different depths of Mid-Pacific M seamount were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer and gravimetric method.The results showed that they were hydrogenous crusts with average ∑REE content of 2084.69 μg/g and the light REE（LREE）/heavy REE（HREE） ratio of 4.84.The shale-normalized REE patterns showed positive Ce anomalies.The total content of strictly trivalent REEs increased with water depth.The Ce content and LREE/HREE ratios in Fe-Mn crusts above 2000 m were lower than those below 2000 m.The change in REE with water depth could be explained by two processes：adsorptive scavenging by setting matters and behaviors of REE in seawater.However, the Ce abundance took no obvious correlation with water depth reflects the constant Ce flux.The Ce in crusts existed mainly as Ce（IV）, implying that the oxidative-enriching process was controlled by kinetic factors.

A proposed classification of the Earth’s crustal areas by the level of geodynamic threat

It is accepted as a well-known fact that in different places on the Earth’s crust,a similar anthropogenic impact causes a dissimilar response.Seismic zoning maps are not designed to predict such geodynamic hazards as rock bursts,induced earthquakes,reactivation of tectonic faults,etc.,and therefore require careful adjustments in places of intense impact on the subsurface strata.In this regard,we consider the classification of the Earth’s crustal areas according to the degree of geodynamic hazard,i.e.its potential geodynamic response to anthropogenic intervention.This classification is based on the concept that there exists a critically stressed layer within the Earth’s crust.It is believed that such a critically stressed layer within the Earth’s crust extends from the Earth’s surface to a certain depth,and each point depends on the nature of the interaction between crustal blocks of different hierarchical levels.From this perspective,anthropogenic impact,such as mining operations,represents a direct impact upon the critically stressed zone.We recognize the hypothesis that the thicker the critical stressed rock layer,the stronger the response might be to anthropogenic intervention,as it has more accumulated energy.Four categories of geodynamic threat have been found and mapped.To verify this classification,the manifestations of the geodynamic hazards were studied.The intensity of geodynamic hazard increased from the first area to the fourth area.The phenomenon of large induced seismic events with hypocenters at great depths is explained on the basis of this theory,and could be associated with anthropogenic impacts from the surface directly on the regional zone of the critically stressed rock massif.The approach can be used to assess the geodynamic consequences of human exposure to the Earth’s crust.

Magnetic Structure of the Earth’s Crust in the White Sea Region

The geological structure of the White Sea area and the surrounding land areas has been well studied in the framework of individual case studies. There are a number of local models of the deep structure of the Earth’s crust available. We propose a uniform assessment of deep crustal bodies responsible for long-period (regional) magnetic anomalies and consider their correlation with surface structures. The aim of the study is to build a three-dimensional magnetic model of the Earth’s crust in the White Sea region using aeromagnetic data and modeling technologies of the Integro software package. The model is formed on the basis of a digital map of the anomalous magnetic field reduced to the pole. The sources of magnetic anomalies are considered to be located in the Earth’s crust. The 3D distribution of the relative magnetic susceptibility of rocks was obtained by solving the inverse problem of the magnetic survey. To separate the magnetic sources by frequency and depth, it was necessary to continue the magnetic field of the model upward and to calculate the TDR derivatives, which determine the lateral boundaries of the sources of positive magnetic field anomalies. 2D distributions of magnetic sources of the model for vertical and horizontal sections with depths of 10, 15 and 20 km are analyzed. The correlation between the surface and deep structures of magnetic sources of the Earth’s crust in the region is shown.

Features of the Formation of Mineral Deposits at the Initial Stages of Formation of the Earth’s Mantle and Crust

The Purpose of the Work: The modern mantle and crust have a complex structure and, in addition, contain both thermal and material heterogeneities, as evidenced by the results of seismic and electromagnetic studies. Changes are also reflected by the change in the mineralogical and chemical composition of the matter. This structure was formed for the long geological history of the planet’s development and the process continues at the present time. The system remains unsteady. To understand the evolution of such dynamic structures, information is needed about the initial state of the system, in our case, about the state of the Earth at the final stage of its formation. It can be obtained only by the results of numerical modeling based on the results of the investigation of the evolution of isotope systems. Therefore, the purpose of the work is to identify the features of the formation of mineral deposits in the early crust and mantle. For this, it is necessary to obtain variants of the numerical solution of the problem of the formation of the planet. Solution Methods: An algorithm for solving a non-linear system of differential equations for solving a 3D boundary dynamic problem in the sphere of an increasing radius is developed. The numerical method of “through account” is used in the work. Results: Based on methods for solving boundary value problems for a system of differential equations with the use of new results of mineralogical and isotope studies of the oldest material samples, quantitative variants of the thermal evolution of the Earth, directly determining the formation of early metallogeny, are constructed. It is shown that the random distribution of particles and bodies of a protoplanetary cloud during the accumulation of the planet causes the formation of a random material and temperature composition of the growing crust and mantle, which ensured a special metallogeny of the cratons and their framing, which no longer repeated in the geological history of the planet. A special role in it was played by changes in the gravitational field during the growth of the planet and the angular velocity of the Earth’s rotation. Further Research: It is proposed to extend the results obtained to the conditions for taking into account the dynamics of the double Earth-Moon system.

China's Observation Network For Earth's Crust Movement Now Operational

An observation network focusing on earthquakes wascompleted one year aheadof schedule and put into operationrecently. According to scientists, this135-million-yuan (U.S.$16.3million) project could also be usedfor geodetic surveying, ionosphereand sea-level observations,

Contribution of CRUST2. 0 components to the tri-axiality of the Earth and equatorial flattening of the core

Equatorial flattening of the core were previously estimated to be 5 × 10^-4 by using seismically derived density anomaly, and 1. 7748280× 10^-5 by assuming that the ratio of polar flattening to equatorial flattening of the core is the same as that of the whole Earth. In this study, we attempted to explain the difference by applying a density-contrast stripping process to the crust in the second method. We use the CRUST2. 0 model to estimate the inertia-moment contribution resulted from the density-contrast structure in the crust to a tri-axial Earth. The contribution of the density contrast in the crust was removed layer by layer. The layers include topography, bathymetry, ice, soft sediment, hard sediment, upper crust, middle crust, lower crust and the reference crust. For the boundaries of the topography and bathymetry layers, we used ETOPO5 values with a resolution of 5＇. For boundaries of other layers, we used values from the CRUST2. 0 model with a resolution of 2~. After the contribution of density contrast is stripped, the equatorial flattening of the core was found to be 6. 544× 10 ^-5, which is still one order of magnitude smaller than the result given by the first method. This suggests that at least one of the methods is not correct. The influence of the uncertainty in the equatorial flattening of the core on the Free Core Nutation frequency is small, but its effect on the gravitational torque acting on the tri-axial inner core cannot be ignored. So an accurate determination of the equatorial flattening of the core is still necessary.

大别山岳西主簿风化壳型稀土矿床黏土矿物特征分析

近年来安徽省围绕大别山中生代侵入岩风化壳型矿床开展了大量地质工作,发现了主簿、石关等一批风化壳型钾长石-稀土、稀土矿床,但矿床中稀土矿浸取率普遍偏低。本文通过主簿矿床成矿母岩、风化壳及黏土矿物特征的分析,探讨风化壳中黏土矿物特征对稀土元素富集的控制作用。

龙陵-潞西稀土矿成矿地质规律及找矿前景浅析

龙陵-潞西花岗岩带风化壳离子吸附型稀土矿主要赋存于花岗岩风化壳上部全风化层、中上部强风化层内,花岗岩出露面积大于1000km^(2),风化壳保存程度高,厚度大于10m,单工程平均稀土总量(ΣREE)0.05%~0.107%,成矿地质条件较好,具有较大找矿潜力。

基于草酸沉淀稀土母液直接复用工艺的风化壳淋积型稀土矿浸取

为解决草酸沉淀稀土母液复用浸矿工艺无法在禁止使用强酸强碱的矿区开展这一问题,优化了稀土沉淀工艺以减少母液中残留草酸,探索了母液中草酸对稀土浸出过程的影响,从而实现沉淀母液直接复用浸矿,并对其动力学模型和传质过程进行分析。结果表明:优化工艺条件为草酸与稀土的摩尔比(M_(o)∶M_(r))为3.5,草酸质量分数为5%,搅拌速率为300 r/min,陈化时间为8 h,此时,沉淀母液中残留草酸浓度为0.0025 mol/L,低于0.0063 mol/L,可直接用于稀土浸取过程,稀土浸出率达90%以上,表明优化工艺条件下可实现沉淀母液直接复用;草酸沉淀稀土母液直接复用工艺中稀土的浸出过程受内扩散动力学控制,浸取温度的升高有利于稀土的浸取传质过程。