Ecological problems and ecological restoration zoning of the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world but it has shrunk dramatically as a result of irrational human activities, triggering the "Aral Sea ecological crisis". The ecological problems of the Aral Sea have attracted widespread attention, and the alleviation of the Aral Sea ecological crisis has reached a consensus among the five Central Asian countries(Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan). In the past decades, many ecological management measures have been implemented for the ecological restoration of the Aral Sea. However, due to the lack of regional planning and zoning, the results are not ideal. In this study, we mapped the ecological zoning of the Aral Sea from the perspective of ecological restoration based on soil type, soil salinity, surface water, groundwater table, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI), land cover, and aerosol optical depth(AOD) data. Soil salinization and salt dust are the most prominent ecological problems in the Aral Sea. We divided the Aral Sea into 7 first-level ecological restoration subregions(North Aral Sea catchment area in the downstream of the Syr Darya River(Subregion Ⅰ);artificial flood overflow area in the downstream of the Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅱ);physical/chemical remediation area of the salt dust source area in the eastern part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅲ);physical/chemical remediation area of severe salinization in the central part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅳ);existing water surface and potential restoration area of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅴ);Aral Sea vegetation natural recovery area(Subregion Ⅵ);and vegetation planting area with slight salinization in the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅶ)) and 14 second-level ecological restoration subregions according to the ecological zoning principles. Implementable measures are proposed for each ecological restoration subregion. For Subregion Ⅰ and Subregion Ⅱ with lower elevations, artificial flooding should be carried out to restore the surface of the Aral Sea. Subregion Ⅲ and Subregion Ⅳ have severe salinization, making it difficult for vegetation to grow. In these subregions, it is recommended to cover and pave the areas with green biomatrix coverings and environmentally sustainable bonding materials. In Subregion Ⅴ located in the central and western parts of the South Aral Sea, surface water recharge should be increased to ensure that this subregion can maintain normal water levels. In Subregion Ⅵ and Subregion Ⅶ where natural conditions are suitable for vegetation growth, measures such as afforestation and buffer zones should be implemented to protect vegetation. This study could provide a reference basis for future comprehensive ecological management and restoration of the Aral Sea.

Detailed seismic zoning of the East Kazakhstan region in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is currently drafting new construction regulations that comply with the major provisions of the Eurocodes.Such regulations are created on the basis of seismic zoning maps of various degrees of detail,developed by our Institute of Seismology using a new methodological approach for Kazakhstan.The article is about creating the first normative map of the Detailed Seismic Zoning on a probabilistic foundation for the Republic of Kazakhstan’s East Kazakhstan region.We carried out the probabilistic assessment of seismic hazard using a methodology consistent with the main provisions of Eurocode 8and updated compared with that used in developing maps of Kazakhstan’s General Seismic Zoning and seismic microzoning of Almaty.The most thorough and current data accessible for the area under consideration were combined with contemporary analytical techniques.Updates have been done to not only the databases being used but also the way seismic sources were shown,including active faults now.On a scale of 1:1000000,precise seismic zoning maps of the East Kazakhstan region were created for two probabilities of exceedance:10%and 2%in 50 years in terms of peak ground accelerations and macroseismic intensities.The obtained seismic hazard distribution is generally consistent with the General Seismic Zoning of Kazakhstan’s previous findings.However,because active faults were included and a thoroughly revised catalog was used,there are more pronounced zones of increased danger along the fault in the western part of the region.In the west of the territory,acceleration values also increased due to a more accurate consideration of seismotectonic conditions.Zoning maps are the basis for developing new state building regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

High-Efficiency Dynamic Scanning Strategy for Powder Bed Fusion by Controlling Temperature Field of the Heat-Affected Zone

Improvement of fabrication efficiency and part performance was the main challenge for the large-scale powder bed fusion(PBF)process.In this study,a dynamic monitoring and feedback system of powder bed temperature field using an infrared thermal imager has been established and integrated into a four-laser PBF equipment with a working area of 2000 mm×2000 mm.The heat-affected zone(HAZ)temperature field has been controlled by adjusting the scanning speed dynamically.Simultaneously,the relationship among spot size,HAZ temperature,and part performance has been established.The fluctuation of the HAZ temperature in four-laser scanning areas was decreased from 30.85℃to 17.41℃.Thus,the consistency of the sintering performance of the produced large component has been improved.Based on the controllable temperature field,a dynamically adjusting strategy for laser spot size was proposed,by which the fabrication efficiency was improved up to 65.38%.The current research results were of great significance to the further industrial applications of large-scale PBF equipment.

The Geology, Fluid Inclusions, and O-S Isotopes of the Mibei Gold Deposit, Hunan Province, Southern China

The Mibei gold deposit,located in the southwestern part of the Xuefengshan uplift zone,the middle section of the Jiangnan orogenic belt in southern China,has estimated gold resources of approximately seven tons.This deposit is primarily a quartz vein-type gold deposit,with ore bodies occurring mainly within Neoproterozoic metasediments.The main metallic minerals in the ore are pyrite,chalcopyrite,and arsenopyrite.In this study,the petrography and microthermometry of ore-forming fluid inclusions,oxygen isotopes of gold-bearing quartz,and sulfur isotopes of goldbearing sulfides and arsenopyrite were analyzed.Three types of fluid inclusions were identified:type Ⅰa three-phase inclusions comprising vapor and two phases of liquids(V_(CO_(2))+L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),type Ⅰb two-phase liquids(L_(CO_(2))+L_(H2O)),typeⅡ two-phase vapor-rich inclusions(V/V+L> 50%),and type Ⅲ pure liquid inclusions.Type Ⅰ inclusions were heated uniformly to the liquid phase,type Ⅱ inclusions were heated uniformly to the gas phase,and type Ⅲ inclusions were heated without change.In general,the temperature range of homogenization to liquid phase of fluid inclusions in the Mibei gold deposit is 204-227℃.The salinity of the inclusion ranges from 4.6 to 12.2 wt% NaCl equiv.The δ~(18)O_(SMOW) of gold-bearing quartz varies from 16.9‰ to 17.5‰.The δ~(18)O_(H2O) of gold-bearing quartz are varied from 6.5‰ to 7.5‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing pyrite range from 1.7‰ to 6.8‰.The δ~(34)S values of gold-bearing arsenopy rite range from 5.6%o to 5.9‰.Theδ~(34)S values of pyrite from wall rocks slate range from 6.4‰ to 11.6‰.This evidence implies that the ore-forming fluids of the Mibei gold deposit originated from magmatic-hydrothermal processes,mixing with minor S from the surrounding metasediments.Combined with the evolution of the Jiangnan orogenic belt,due to the magmatic and tectonic activities of the Xuefengshan uplift during the Caledonian period,the fault seal mechanism controlled the ore-forming process.Overall,the Mibei gold deposit is more akin to a magmatic-hydrothermal gold deposit.

Activity Pattern and Habitat Use of Shorebirds in an Artificial Wetland Complex:A Case Study of Breeding Pied Avocet in the Yellow River Delta,China

With the loss of substantial natural wetlands in coastal zones,artificial wetlands provide alternative habitats for many shorebirds.Scientific management of artificial wetlands used by shorebirds plays an important role in maintaining the stability of shorebird population.Satellite tracking technique can obtain high-precision location information of individuals day and night,providing a good technical support for the study of quantitative relationship between waterfowls and their habitats.In this study,satellite tracking method,Remote Sensing(RS)and Geographic Information System(GIS)technology were used to analyze the activity pattern and habitat utilization characteristics of Pied Avocet during breeding period in an artificial wetland complex in the Yellow River Delta(YRD),China.The results showed that the breeding Pied Avocets had a small range of activity,with a total core and main home range of 33.10 km^(2) and 216.30 km^(2),respectively.This species tended to forage in the pond and salt pan during the day and night,respectively,with an unfixed staying time in the breeding ground.The distance between breeding ground and feeding ground was less than 6 km.It is emphasized that in addition to improving the conditions of the remaining natural habitats,effective managing artificial habitats is a priority for shorebird conservation.This research could provide reference for the management of artificial wetlands in coastal zones and supply technique support for the protection of shorebirds and their habitats,and alleviate human-bird conflicts and sustainable development of coastal zones.

Thermal and mechanical behavior of casting copper alloy wheel during wheel and belt continuous casting process

To investigate the thermal and mechanical behavior of casting wheel,a two-dimensional thermoelastic-plastic finite element model was used to predict the temperature,stress and distortion distribution of the casting wheel during the wheel and belt continuous casting process.The effects of grinding thickness and casting speed on the thermal and mechanical behaviors of the center of the hot face of the casting wheel were discussed in detail.In each rotation,the casting wheel passes through four different spray zones.The results show that the temperature distribution of the casting wheel in different spray zones is similar,the temperature of the hot face is the highest and the temperature reaches the peak in the spray zoneⅢ.The stress and distortion depend on the temperature distribution,and the maximum stress and distortion of the hot face are 358.2 MPa and 1.82 mm,respectively.The temperature at the center of the hot face decreases with increasing grinding thickness and increases with increasing casting speed.

Bendamustine and rituximab as frontline therapy in extranodal marginal zone lymphoma:a single-institution experience

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma(EMZL)encompasses 70%of cases of marginal zone lymphoma.Frontline bendamustine and rituximab(BR)were derived from trials involving other indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.Only one trial has evaluated frontline BR prospectively in EMZL.This retrospective study reports outcomes among EMZL patients receiving frontline BR.Twenty-five patients were included with a median age of 69 years(40–81).Five(20.0%)patients had stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ disease,and 20(80.0%)had stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ disease.The median number of cycles was 6.0(3.0–6.0).Maintenance rituximab was administered to 10(41.7%)individuals.Overall response rate(ORR)was 100.0%(60.0%complete response,40.0%partial response).Medians of overall survival and progression-free survival were not reached.The estimated 2-year progression-free survival was 85.2%and overall survival was 100.0%.Four(16.6%)patients had infections related to treatment;3(12.0%)transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma;5(20.8%)had a relapse or progression of EMZL;and 3(12.0%)died unrelated to BR.BR is an efficacious and well-tolerated front-line regimen for EMZL with response data consistent with existing literature.

Influence of ecological function protection zone on the water conservation in Gansu-Qinghai Contiguous Region of the upper Yellow River

The implementation of Ecological Function Protection Zone(EFPZ)policy is significant for the ecological restoration and conservation of soil and water in the territory space.This manuscript analyzed and quantified the impact of EFPZ on the regional water conservation function,based on land use data from 2005,2008,2010,2015 and 2020,by conducting a counterfactual simulation along with the GeoSOS-FLUS model and the InVEST model.The results demonstrate that the delineation of EFPZ can significantly influence the water conservation.(1)From 2010 to 2020,as the EFPZ was implemented,the water conservation in the study area was increasing year by year,with a growth rate of 0.03×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).On the other hand,the simulated water conservation capacity without the implementation of EFPZ decreased year by year,with a decrease rate of 0.01×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).(2)The EFPZ accounts for only 23%of the total area,but the contribution rate of water conservation reaches 80%.The actual values of water conservation and average water yield per unit pixel in the EFPZ show an increasing trend both internally and externally,while the counterfactual simulation values exhibit a decreasing trend.(3)The water conservation is much higher within the EFPZ than without EFPZ.The implementation of EFPZ has a significant effect on the improvement of the water conservation capacity in Maqu EFPZ and Yellow River Source EFPZ.The protection effectiveness should be enhanced in Qilian Mountain EFPZ and afforestation activities need to be carefully considered in Loess Plateau EFPZ.

Effect of intermittent joint distribution on the mechanical and acoustic behavior of rock masses

The mechanical characteristics and acoustic behavior of rock masses are greatly influenced by stochastic joints.In this study,numerical models of rock masses incorporating intermittent joints with different numbers and dip angles were produced using the finite element method(FEM)with the intrinsic cohesive zone model(ICZM).Then,the uniaxial compressive and wave propagation simulations were performed.The results indicate that the joint number and dip angle can affect the mechanical and acoustic properties of the models.The uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)and wave velocity of rock masses decrease monotonically as the joint number increases.However,the wave velocity grows monotonically as the joint dip angle increases.When the joint dip angle is 45°–60°,the UCS of the rock mass is lower than that of other dip angles.The wave velocity parallel to the joints is greater than that perpendicular to the joints.When the dip angle of joints remains unchanged,the UCS and wave velocity are positively related.When the joint dip angle increases,the variation amplitude of the UCS regarding the wave velocity increases.To reveal the effect of the joint distribution on the velocity,a theoretical model was also proposed.According to the theoretical wave velocity,the change in wave velocity of models with various joint numbers and dip angles was consistent with the simulation results.Furthermore,a theoretical indicator(i.e.fabric tensor)was adopted to analyze the variation of the wave velocity and UCS.

A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases:newborn neurons

It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system,including humans'.This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant,and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed.Herein,we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury,and describe novel treatment strategies that to rget endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury.Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis,encompassing the activation,proliferation,ectopic migration,diffe rentiation,and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells.Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment,most activated neural stem cells diffe rentiate into glial cells rather than neurons.Consequently,the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function.Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies,including using neurotrophic factors,bioactive materials,and cell reprogramming techniques.Used alone or in combination,these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area,ensure their survival and diffe rentiation into mature functional neurons,and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit.Thus can integration re plenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury,by improving the local microenvironment.By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis,endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons.This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.

A machine learning approach for the prediction of pore pressure using well log data of Hikurangi Tuaheni Zone of IODP Expedition 372,New Zealand

Pore pressure(PP)information plays an important role in analysing the geomechanical properties of the reservoir and hydrocarbon field development.PP prediction is an essential requirement to ensure safe drilling operations and it is a fundamental input for well design,and mud weight estimation for wellbore stability.However,the pore pressure trend prediction in complex geological provinces is challenging particularly at oceanic slope setting,where sedimentation rate is relatively high and PP can be driven by various complex geo-processes.To overcome these difficulties,an advanced machine learning(ML)tool is implemented in combination with empirical methods.The empirical method for PP prediction is comprised of data pre-processing and model establishment stage.Eaton's method and Porosity method have been used for PP calculation of the well U1517A located at Tuaheni Landslide Complex of Hikurangi Subduction zone of IODP expedition 372.Gamma-ray,sonic travel time,bulk density and sonic derived porosity are extracted from well log data for the theoretical framework construction.The normal compaction trend(NCT)curve analysis is used to check the optimum fitting of the low permeable zone data.The statistical analysis is done using the histogram analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient matrix with PP data series to identify potential input combinations for ML-based predictive model development.The dataset is prepared and divided into two parts:Training and Testing.The PP data and well log of borehole U1517A is pre-processed to scale in between[-1,+1]to fit into the input range of the non-linear activation/transfer function of the decision tree regression model.The Decision Tree Regression(DTR)algorithm is built and compared to the model performance to predict the PP and identify the overpressure zone in Hikurangi Tuaheni Zone of IODP Expedition 372.

A method for extracting the preseismic gravity anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau based on the maximum shear strain using GRACE data

The occurrence of earthquakes is closely related to the crustal geotectonic movement and the migration of mass,which consequently cause changes in gravity.The Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment(GRACE)satellite data can be used to detect gravity changes associated with large earthquakes.However,previous GRACE satellite-based seismic gravity-change studies have focused more on coseismic gravity changes than on preseismic gravity changes.Moreover,the noise of the north–south stripe in GRACE data is difficult to eliminate,thereby resulting in the loss of some gravity information related to tectonic activities.To explore the preseismic gravity anomalies in a more refined way,we first propose a method of characterizing gravity variation based on the maximum shear strain of gravity,inspired by the concept of crustal strain.The offset index method is then adopted to describe the gravity anomalies,and the spatial and temporal characteristics of gravity anomalies before earthquakes are analyzed at the scales of the fault zone and plate,respectively.In this work,experiments are carried out on the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas,and the following findings are obtained:First,from the observation scale of the fault zone,we detect the occurrence of large-area gravity anomalies near the epicenter,oftentimes about half a year before an earthquake,and these anomalies were distributed along the fault zone.Second,from the observation scale of the plate,we find that when an earthquake occurred on the Tibetan Plateau,a large number of gravity anomalies also occurred at the boundary of the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian Plate.Moreover,the aforementioned experiments confirm that the proposed method can successfully capture the preseismic gravity anomalies of large earthquakes with a magnitude of less than 8,which suggests a new idea for the application of gravity satellite data to earthquake research.

Investigation of FRP and SFRC Technologies for Efficient Tunnel Reinforcement Using the Cohesive Zone Model

Amid urbanization and the continuous expansion of transportation networks,the necessity for tunnel construction and maintenance has become paramount.Addressing this need requires the investigation of efficient,economical,and robust tunnel reinforcement techniques.This paper explores fiber reinforced polymer(FRP)and steel fiber reinforced concrete(SFRC)technologies,which have emerged as viable solutions for enhancing tunnel structures.FRP is celebrated for its lightweight and high-strength attributes,effectively augmenting load-bearing capacity and seismic resistance,while SFRC’s notable crack resistance and longevity potentially enhance the performance of tunnel segments.Nonetheless,current research predominantly focuses on experimental analysis,lacking comprehensive theoretical models.To bridge this gap,the cohesive zone model(CZM),which utilizes cohesive elements to characterize the potential fracture surfaces of concrete/SFRC,the rebar-concrete interface,and the FRP-concrete interface,was employed.A modeling approach was subsequently proposed to construct a tunnel segment model reinforced with either SFRC or FRP.Moreover,the corresponding mixed-mode constitutive models,considering interfacial friction,were integrated into the proposed model.Experimental validation and numerical simulations corroborated the accuracy of the proposed model.Additionally,this study examined the reinforcement design of tunnel segments.Through a numerical evaluation,the effectiveness of innovative reinforcement schemes,such as substituting concrete with SFRC and externally bonding FRP sheets,was assessed utilizing a case study from the Fuzhou Metro Shield Tunnel Construction Project.

Cameroon Climate Predictions Using the SARIMA-LSTM Machine Learning Model: Adjustment of a Climate Model for the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

It is acknowledged today within the scientific community that two types of actions must be considered to limit global warming: mitigation actions by reducing GHG emissions, to contain the rate of global warming, and adaptation actions to adapt societies to Climate Change, to limit losses and damages [1] [2]. As far as adaptation actions are concerned, numerical simulation, due to its results, its costs which require less investment than tests carried out on complex mechanical structures, and its implementation facilities, appears to be a major step in the design and prediction of complex mechanical systems. However, despite the quality of the results obtained, biases and inaccuracies related to the structure of the models do exist. Therefore, there is a need to validate the results of this SARIMA-LSTM-digital learning model adjusted by a matching approach, “calculating-test”, in order to assess the quality of the results and the performance of the model. The methodology consists of exploiting two climatic databases (temperature and precipitation), one of which is in-situ and the other spatial, all derived from grid points. Data from the dot grids are processed and stored in specific formats and, through machine learning approaches, complex mathematical equations are worked out and interconnections within the climate system established. Through this mathematical approach, it is possible to predict the future climate of the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon and to propose adaptation strategies.

Comparative Study of the Types of Photovoltaic Panels Used in Solar Pumping Systems in Dry Tropical Zones: Case of Adamawa Region in Cameroon

In the dry tropical zone where access to water is increasingly difficult for populations, solar pumping units are increasingly installed to provide water to population. In the local market, there are essentially two types of solar panels, namely monocrystalline and polycrystalline. However, the part of the local market is more dominated by the polycrystalline panel. In this work, comparative studies are carried out in order to characterize the two types of solar panels with regard to local constraints. Tests were carried out over the course of the sun to establish the performance of each type. The panels used have the same electrical characteristics and are connected to loads with same characteristics. Under the set operating conditions, the monocrystalline panel presents more performance than the polycrystalline panel. Although the local market is dominated by the polycrystalline panel, dust deposition tests on the surface of the panels show that the performance of the polycrystalline panel is more affected compared to the performance of the monocrystalline panel.

Projected Changes in the Climate Zoning of Côte d’Ivoire

This study assesses the projected changes in the climate zoning of Côte d’Ivoire using the hierarchical classification of principal components (HCPC) method applied to the daily precipitation data of an ensemble of 14 CORDEX-AFRICA simulations under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The results indicate the existence of three climate zones in Côte d’Ivoire (the coastal, the centre and the north) over the historical period (1981-2005). Moreover, CORDEX simulations project an extension of the surface area of drier climatic zones while a reduction of wetter zones, associated with the appearance of an intermediate climate zone with surface area varying from 77,560 km2 to 134,960 km2 depending on the period and the scenario. These results highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the delimitation of the climate zones of Côte d’Ivoire under the greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Thus, there is a reduction in the surface areas suitable for the production of cash crops such as cocoa and coffee. This could hinder the country’s economy and development, mainly based on these cash crops.

Textural and compositional zoning in plagioclase phenocrysts:implications for magma chamber processes in the Emeishan large Igneous Province,SW China

Textural and compositional zoning within plagioclase phenocrysts records the magma chamber processes,such as magma differentiation,magma recharge and mixing,and crustal contamination.The plagioclase phenocrysts in the Daqiao and Qiaojia plagioclase-phyric basalts from the Emeishan Large Igneous Province(LIP)show complex textural and compositional zoning patterns,e.g.,normal,reverse,oscillatory,and patchy zoning patterns.Most plagioclase phenocrysts exhibit a core–rim normal zoning pattern(Pl-A)with euhedral high-An cores(An=76–78%,in mole fraction)and low-An rims(An=68–72%),indicative of the crystal regrowth processes caused by recharge of relatively evolved magmas after the formation of high-An cores.Some phenocrysts have a core–rim reverse zoning pattern(Pl-B)with irregular ovaloid cores,characterized by extremely low An(60–61 mol%)and Ba(84–88 ppm)contents and extremely high87Sr/86Sr ratios(0.7120–0.7130).The rims of the Pl-B have relatively high An(69–72%),Ba(~160 ppm)contents,and low87Sr/86Sri(~0.7056).These Pl-B plagioclase phenocrysts preserve the information about the interaction between the crustal xenocrysts and the transporting magmas.Some plagioclase phenocrysts show a core–mantle–rim oscillatory zoning pattern(Pl-C)with multiple oscillations of An(70–80%),Ba(88–147ppm)from core to rim,revealing replenishment and mixing of multiple batches of basaltic melts with diverse compositions.87Sr/86Sr ratios of the Pl-C do not vary significantly(0.7050–0.7054).A small portion of phenocrysts has patchy patterns in the cores(Pl-D),where the low-An patches(72–75%)in form of elliptical or irregular elongated shapes were enclosed by the high-An domains(80–87%).These features can be attributed to crystal dissolution and regrowth processes during the reaction between earlyformed low-Cumulates and recharged hot primitive melts.The cores,mantles,and rims of different types of plagioclase phenocrysts(except the core of Pl-B)commonly display nearly constant Sr isotopic compositions,implying insignificant wall-rock assimilation at shallow-level magma reservoir(s)during the growth of these plagioclase phenocrysts.In conclusion,the massive crystallization of plagioclase in the late stage was an important controlling factor for the formation of iron-rich basalts in the Emeishan LIP.

Drilling-based measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock and its field application

The technology of drilling tests makes it possible to obtain the strength parameter of rock accurately in situ. In this paper, a new rock cutting analysis model that considers the influence of the rock crushing zone(RCZ) is built. The formula for an ultimate cutting force is established based on the limit equilibrium principle. The relationship between digital drilling parameters(DDP) and the c-φ parameter(DDP-cφ formula, where c refers to the cohesion and φ refers to the internal friction angle) is derived, and the response of drilling parameters and cutting ratio to the strength parameters is analyzed. The drillingbased measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock is constructed. The laboratory verification test is then completed, and the difference in results between the drilling test and the compression test is less than 6%. On this basis, in-situ rock drilling tests in a traffic tunnel and a coal mine roadway are carried out, and the strength parameters of the surrounding rock are effectively tested. The average difference ratio of the results is less than 11%, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method for obtaining the strength parameters based on digital drilling. This study provides methodological support for field testing of rock strength parameters.

Early Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone:Implications for the Opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean

In this study,zircon U-Pb dating of volcanic rocks from the Zhongba ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone(YZSZ)in southern Xizang(Tibet)yielded an age of 247±3 Ma.According to whole rock geochemical and Sr-NdPb isotopic data,the Early Triassic samples could be divided into two groups:Group 1 with P-MORB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70253–0.70602,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.2–5.3,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 16.353–18.222,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.454–15.564,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 35.665–38.136;Group 2 with OIB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70249–0.70513,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.4–4.9,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 17.140–18.328,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.491–15.575,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 36.051–38.247.Group 2 rocks formed by partial melting of the mantle source enriched by a former plume,and assimilated continental crustal material during melt ascension.The formation of Group 1 rocks corresponds to the mixing of OIB melts,with the same components as Group 2 and N-MORBs.The Zhongba Early Triassic rocks belong to the continental margin type ophiolite and formed in the continental–oceanic transition zone during the initial opening of the Neo-Tethys in southern Xizang(Tibet).

Improving creep strength of the fine-grained heat-affected zone of novel 9Cr martensitic heat-resistant steel via modified thermo-mechanical treatment

The infamous type Ⅳ failure within the fine-grained heat-affected zone (FGHAZ) in G115 steel weldments seriously threatens the safe operation of ultra-supercritical (USC) power plants.In this work,the traditional thermo-mechanical treatment was modified via the replacement of hot-rolling with cold rolling,i.e.,normalizing,cold rolling,and tempering (NCT),which was developed to improve the creep strength of the FGHAZ in G115 steel weldments.The NCT treatment effectively promoted the dissolution of preformed M_(23)C_(6)particles and relieved the boundary segregation of C and Cr during welding thermal cycling,which accelerated the dispersed reprecipitation of M_(23)C_(6) particles within the fresh reaustenitized grains during post-weld heat treatment.In addition,the precipitation of Cu-rich phases and MX particles was promoted evidently due to the deformation-induced dislocations.As a result,the interacting actions between precipitates,dislocations,and boundaries during creep were reinforced considerably.Following this strategy,the creep rupture life of the FGHAZ in G115 steel weldments can be prolonged by 18.6%,which can further push the application of G115 steel in USC power plants.