scholarly journals Mineralogical and Chemical Investigations of the Amguid Crater (Algeria): Is there Evidence on an Impact Origin?

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Gian Paolo Sighinolfi ◽  
Maurizio Barbieri ◽  
Daniele Brunelli ◽  
Romano Serra
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Particles ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Interplanetary Dust ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Local Source ◽  
Residual Soil ◽  
Quartz Crystals ◽  
Extraterrestrial Origin ◽  
Impact Origin

Mineralogical and chemical investigations were carried out on intra-craterial bedrocks (Lower Devonian sandstone) and regolithic residual soil deposits present around the Amguid structure, to discuss the hypothesis of its formation through a relatively recent (about 0.1 Ma) impact event. Observations with an optical microscope on intra-craterial rocks do not unequivocally confirm the presence of impact correlated microscopic planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz crystals. Field observations, and optical and instrumental analysis (Raman spectroscopy) on rocks and soils (including different granulometric fractions) do not provide any incontrovertible pieces of evidence of high energy impact effects or products of impact (e.g., high pressure—temperature phases, partially or totally melted materials, etc.) either in target rocks or in soils. A series of selected main and trace elements (Al, Fe, Mg, Ni, Co and Cu) were analysed on rocks and soils to evaluate the presence in these materials of extraterrestrial sources. Comparative chemical data on rocks and soils suggest that these last are significantly enriched in Fe-poor Mg-rich materials, and in Co, Ni and Cu, in the order. A large number of EDAX-SEM analyses on separated soil magnetic particles indicate an abnormally high presence of Al-free Mg-rich sub-spherical or drop-like silicate particles, showing very similar bulk chemistries compatible with forsterite olivine. Some particles were found associated with a Ni-rich iron metal phase, and this association suggests a specific extraterrestrial origin for them. Electron microscope analysis made on a large number of soil magnetic particles indicates that 98% of them are terrestrial phases (almandine garnet, tourmaline and Fe-oxides, in abundance order), whereas, only a few grains are of questionable origin. One of the Mg-rich silicate particles was found to be a forsterite (Mg = 0.86) Mn-rich (MnO: 0.23%) Cr-free olivine, almost surely of extraterrestrial sources. Electron microprobe analysis of three soil particles allowed identification of uncommon Cr-rich (Cr2O3 about 8%) spinels, poorly compatible with an origin from terrestrial sources, and in particular from local source rocks. We propose a specific extraterrestrial origin for sub-spherical olivine particles characterised by quite similar magnesian character. Excluding any derivation of these particles from interplanetary dust, two other possible extraterrestrial sources should be considered for them, i.e., either normal micrometeorite fluxes or strongly un-equilibrated, or the Vigarano type Carbonaceous (CV) chondrite meteorite material. In this case, further studies will confirm an impact origin for Amguid, as such magnesian olivine components found in soils might represent the only remnants of a vaporised projectile of ordinary non-equilibrated meteoritic composition.

scholarly journals Optical Imaging of Magnetic Particle Cluster Oscillation and Rotation in Glycerol

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
River Gassen ◽  
Dennis Thompkins ◽  
Austin Routt ◽  
Philippe Jones ◽  
Meghan Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Particles ◽  
Magnetic Particle ◽  
Barium Hexaferrite ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Simplified Model ◽  
Particle Cluster ◽  
Average Deviation ◽  
Cross Sectional

Magnetic particles have been evaluated for their biomedical applications as a drug delivery system to treat asthma and other lung diseases. In this study, ferromagnetic barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) particles were suspended in water or glycerol, as glycerol can be 1000 times more viscous than water. The particle concentration was 2.50 mg/mL for BaFe12O19 particle clusters and 1.00 mg/mL for Fe3O4 particle clusters. The magnetic particle cluster cross-sectional area ranged from 15 to 1000 μμm2, and the particle cluster diameter ranged from 5 to 45 μμm. The magnetic particle clusters were exposed to oscillating or rotating magnetic fields and imaged with an optical microscope. The oscillation frequency of the applied magnetic fields, which was created by homemade wire spools inserted into an optical microscope, ranged from 10 to 180 Hz. The magnetic field magnitudes varied from 0.25 to 9 mT. The minimum magnetic field required for particle cluster rotation or oscillation in glycerol was experimentally measured at different frequencies. The results are in qualitative agreement with a simplified model for single-domain magnetic particles, with an average deviation from the model of 1.7 ± 1.3. The observed difference may be accounted for by the fact that our simplified model does not include effects on particle cluster motion caused by randomly oriented domains in multi-domain magnetic particle clusters, irregular particle cluster size, or magnetic anisotropy, among other effects.

scholarly journals Mechanical Properties of Electrospun, Blended Fibrinogen: PCL Nanofibers

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1843
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn M. Sharpe ◽  
Hyunsu Lee ◽  
Adam R. Hall ◽  
Keith Bonin ◽  
Martin Guthold
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Strain Softening ◽  
Electrospun Nanofibers ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Ductile Material ◽  
Breaking Strain ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Microscope Technique ◽  
Afm Probe

Electrospun nanofibers manufactured from biocompatible materials are used in numerous bioengineering applications, such as tissue engineering, creating organoids or dressings, and drug delivery. In many of these applications, the morphological and mechanical properties of the single fiber affect their function. We used a combined atomic force microscope (AFM)/optical microscope technique to determine the mechanical properties of nanofibers that were electrospun from a 50:50 fibrinogen:PCL (poly-ε-caprolactone) blend. Both of these materials are widely available and biocompatible. Fibers were spun onto a striated substrate with 6 μm wide grooves, anchored with epoxy on the ridges and pulled with the AFM probe. The fibers showed significant strain softening, as the modulus decreased from an initial value of 1700 MPa (5–10% strain) to 110 MPa (>40% strain). Despite this extreme strain softening, these fibers were very extensible, with a breaking strain of 100%. The fibers exhibited high energy loss (up to 70%) and strains larger than 5% permanently deformed the fibers. These fibers displayed the stress–strain curves of a ductile material. We provide a comparison of the mechanical properties of these blended fibers with other electrospun and natural nanofibers. This work expands a growing library of mechanically characterized, electrospun materials for biomedical applications.

scholarly journals The Mesoproterozoic Stac Fada Member, NW Scotland: an impact origin confirmed but refined

2020 ◽  
Vol 178 (1) ◽  
pp. jgs2020-056
Author(s):  
G. R. Osinski ◽  
L. Ferrière ◽  
P. J. A. Hill ◽  
A. R. Prave ◽  
L. J. Preston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Impact Structure ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Impact Ejecta ◽  
Ejecta Blanket ◽  
Chicxulub Impact ◽  
Melted Material ◽  
Impact Origin ◽  
Primary Impact

The origin of the Stac Fada Member has been debated for decades with several early hypotheses being proposed, but all invoking some connection to volcanic activity. In 2008, the discovery of shocked quartz led to the hypothesis that the Stac Fada Member represents part the continuous ejecta blanket of a meteorite impact crater, the location of which was, and remains, unknown. In this paper, we confirm the presence of shock-metamorphosed and -melted material in the Stac Fada Member; however, we also show that its properties are unlike any other confirmed and well documented proximal impact ejecta deposits on Earth. Instead, the properties of the Stac Fada Member are most similar to the Onaping Formation of the Sudbury impact structure (Canada) and impact melt-bearing breccias from the Chicxulub impact structure (Mexico). We thus propose that, like the Sudbury and Chicxulub deposits, Melt Fuel Coolant Interactions – akin to what occur during phreatomagmatic volcanic eruptions – played a fundamental role in the origin of the Stac Fada Member. We conclude that these rocks are not primary impact ejecta but instead were deposited beyond the extent of the continuous ejecta blanket as high-energy ground-hugging sediment gravity flows.

scholarly journals Hydrocarbon source rock potential of Miocene diatomaceous sequences in Szurdokpüspöki (Hungary) and Parisdorf/Limberg (Austria)

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-42
Author(s):  
Emilia Tulan ◽  
Michaela S. Radl ◽  
Reinhard F. Sachsenhofer ◽  
Gabor Tari ◽  
Jakub Witkowski
Keyword(s):  
Source Rock ◽  
Pannonian Basin ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Hydrocarbon Source Rock ◽  
Petroleum Potential ◽  
Northern Margin ◽  
Geochemical Parameters ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractDiatomaceous sediments are often prolific hydrocarbon source rocks. In the Paratethys area, diatomaceous rocks are widespread in the Oligo-Miocene strata. Diatomites from three locations, Szurdokpüspöki (Hungary) and Limberg and Parisdorf (Austria), were selected for this study, together with core materials from rocks underlying diatomites in the Limberg area. Bulk geochemical parameters (total organic carbon [TOC], carbonate and sulphur contents and hydrogen index [HI]) were determined for a total of 44 samples in order to study their petroleum potential. Additionally, 24 samples were prepared to investigate diatom assemblages.The middle Miocene diatomite from Szurdokpüspöki (Pannonian Basin) formed in a restricted basin near a volcanic silica source. The diatom-rich succession is separated by a rhyolitic tuff into a lower non-marine and an upper marine layer. An approximately 12-m thick interval in the lower part has been investigated. It contains carbonate-rich diatomaceous rocks with a fair to good oil potential (average TOC: 1.28% wt.; HI: 178 to 723 mg HC/g TOC) in its lower part and carbonate-free sediments without oil potential in its upper part (average TOC: 0.14% wt.). The composition of the well-preserved diatom flora supports a near-shore brackish environment. The studied succession is thermally immature. If mature, the carbonate-rich part of the succession may generate about 0.25 tons of hydrocarbons per square meter. The diatomaceous Limberg Member of the lower Miocene Zellerndorf Formation reflects upwelling along the northern margin of the Alpine-Carpathian Foreland. TOC contents are very low (average TOC: 0.13% wt.) and demonstrate that the Limberg Member is a very poor source rock. The same is true for the underlying and over-lying rocks of the Zellerndorf Formation (average TOC: 0.78% wt.). Diatom preservation was found to differ considerably between the study sites. The Szurdokpüspöki section is characterised by excellent diatom preservation, while the diatom valves from Parisdorf/Limberg are highly broken. One reason for this contrast could be the different depositional environments. Volcanic input is also likely to have contributed to the excellent diatom preservation in Szurdokpüspöki. In contrast, high-energy upwelling currents and wave action may have contributed to the poor diatom preservation in Parisdorf. The hydrocarbon potential of diatomaceous rocks of Oligocene (Chert Member; Western Carpathians) and Miocene ages (Groisenbach Member, Aflenz Basin; Kozakhurian sediments, Kaliakra canyon of the western Black Sea) has been studied previously. The comparison shows that diatomaceous rocks deposited in similar depositional settings may hold largely varying petroleum potential and that the petroleum potential is mainly controlled by local factors. For example, both the Kozakhurian sediments and the Limberg Member accumulated in upwelling environments but differ greatly in source rock potential. Moreover, the petroleum potential of the Szurdokpüspöki diatomite, the Chert Member and the Groisenbach Member differs greatly, although all units are deposited in silled basins.

scholarly journals Synergistic Effects of Salt Concentration and Working Temperature towards Dendrite-Free Lithium Deposition

Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panlong Li ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chanyuan Zhang ◽  
Renhe Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Growth ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Coulombic Efficiency ◽  
Side Reaction ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Metal Anode ◽  
Working Temperature ◽  
Charge Discharge

The lithium- (Li-) metal anode is crucial for developing high-energy-density batteries, while its dendritic growth and the low charge/discharge Coulombic efficiency in organic electrolytes hinder its practical application. Herein, we employed an in situ optical microscope to investigate the effect of the electrolyte concentration and the working temperature on the Li-plating/-stripping process. It is found that a higher concentration electrolyte can suppress its side reaction to improve the charge/discharge Coulombic efficiency, and a higher temperature can help lithium plate/strip uniformly with less lithium dendritic growth. An average Coulombic efficiency was obtained as high as 99.2% for over 150 cycles with a fixed plating capacity of 2 mAh cm-2 on copper foil in a 3 mol/kg ether-based electrolyte under 60°C, which provides an efficient and facile strategy for developing high-performance Li-metal batteries.

scholarly journals Sequence Stratigraphic Modeling of the Lower Thamama Group, East Onshore Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

GeoArabia ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabah K. Aziz ◽  
Mohamed M. Abd El-Sattar
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Depositional Environment ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Sequence Stratigraphic ◽  
Reservoir Development ◽  
Energy Environment ◽  
Exploration Activity

ABSTRACT The Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian to Valanginian) Habshan Formation (Lower Thamama Group) of Abu Dhabi was deposited on a broad carbonate shelf. In east onshore Abu Dhabi, the Habshan Formation consists mainly of limestone and dolomite reaching a thickness of more than 1,100 feet. The depositional environment ranged from shallow-water peritidal to deeper shelf basin. The integration of seismic-stratigraphic, biostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic and electric log data reveals three sequences (I to III) and three shelf edges within the Habshan Formation in east onshore Abu Dhabi. These high energy shelfal sediments prograde toward the basin to the east and northeast with their shelf edges trending north-northwest to south-southeast. The seismic data indicates that the basin was filled in the east during the Hauterivian, after the deposition of Sequence IV (equivalent to the Zakum formation). Good reservoir development is found in the carbonates deposited in the high energy environment along the shelf edge of the Habshan sequence, particularly within the oblique and sigmoidal clinoforms, whereas potential source rocks are expected to be developed basinward. This combination renders the Habshan and Zakum sequences an attractive exploration target, both as structural and stratigraphic traps. Recent exploration activity in the area established the presence of hydrocarbons within the Habshan Sequence III in east onshore Abu Dhabi.

scholarly journals Biosensing System for Concentration Quantification of Magnetically Labeled E. coli in Water Samples

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 2250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Malec ◽  
Georgios Kokkinis ◽  
Christoph Haiden ◽  
Ioanna Giouroudi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Particles ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Magnetic Field Gradient ◽  
Microfluidic Channel ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Biosensing System

Bacterial contamination of water sources (e.g., lakes, rivers and springs) from waterborne bacteria is a crucial water safety issue and its prevention is of the utmost significance since it threatens the health and well-being of wildlife, livestock, and human populations and can lead to serious illness and even death. Rapid and multiplexed measurement of such waterborne pathogens is vital and the challenge is to instantly detect in these liquid samples different types of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. In this work, we propose a biosensing system in which the bacteria are labelled with streptavidin coated magnetic markers (MPs—magnetic particles) forming compounds (MLBs—magnetically labelled bacteria). Video microscopy in combination with a particle tracking software are used for their detection and quantification. When the liquid containing the MLBs is introduced into the developed, microfluidic platform, the MLBs are accelerated towards the outlet by means of a magnetic field gradient generated by integrated microconductors, which are sequentially switched ON and OFF by a microcontroller. The velocities of the MLBs and that of reference MPs, suspended in the same liquid in a parallel reference microfluidic channel, are calculated and compared in real time by a digital camera mounted on a conventional optical microscope in combination with a particle trajectory tracking software. The MLBs will be slower than the reference MPs due to the enhanced Stokes’ drag force exerted on them, resulting from their greater volume and altered hydrodynamic shape. The results of the investigation showed that the parameters obtained from this method emerged as reliable predictors for E. coli concentrations.

Identification and Characterization of Ultra-Thin (<100 nm) Flakes Using a Combination of Face-Lapping, High Energy (10 kV) SEM Imaging, and TEM

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mitro ◽  
S. Subramanian ◽  
S. (Wai Lung) Yeung ◽  
T. Chrastecky ◽  
B. Hagedorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Beam ◽  
Oxide Thickness ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
Sem Imaging ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract Ultra-thin (&lt;100 nm) flakes shorting metal lines are difficult to detect and often cause the device to fail after reliability stress or at the customer site. In most cases, the common technique of inspecting the device in an optical microscope followed by conventional low energy (&lt;3.0 kV) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is often not able to detect this type of defect. In rare cases, where the defect is successfully exposed by the traditional procedure, it is very challenging to perform additional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization of the defect without introducing arifacts during sample preparation of the exposed flake. A new procedure to identify these defects using a combination of face-lapping and high energy (&gt;10 kV) SEM imaging is described in this paper. In this method, the failing device is carefully face-lapped and inspected frequently using a high energy (&gt;10 kV) scanning electron beam. The high energy electron beam penetrates through the oxide layer and detects features embedded below the oxide. This technique greatly incresases the chances of detecting the flake, as the method is capable of detecting the defect at a larger range of oxide thickness as opposed to the traditional method. Additionally, TEM results were improved when the ultra-thin flakes were detected below the surface with the high energy SEM technique. Several examples of ultra-thin flakes found using the high energy SEM vs. low energy SEM will be presented.

The mineralogical, microstructural, chemical characteristics of Recently Formed Fulgurite in Kinmen, Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ting-Ju ◽  
Kuo Li-Wei ◽  
Chen Chien-Chih ◽  
Huang Wen-Jeng ◽  
Chen Tze-Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Electrical Discharge ◽  
High Pressures ◽  
Hydrothermal Condition ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Granitic Rocks ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Geological Evidence ◽  
Cg Lightning

&lt;p&gt;Lightning is a common high-energy phenomenon. In particular, cloud-to-ground lightning (CG lightning) generates shock wave and electrical discharge on the ground and forms the associated geological evidence including melting and shock lamella on rocks, termed fulgurites. Because lightning strikes on different protolith (cohesive or non-cohesive rocks), Pasek et al. (2012) divided the fulgurites into four types: (I) sand fulgurites, (ii) soil/clay fulgurites, (iii) calcic-soil fulgurites, and (iv) rock fulgurites. Compared with the reported fulgurites derived from non-cohesive rocks, the recognition of rock fulgurites was rare and remains unclear. Here we report the detailed characterization of rock fulgurites formed in a very recent CG lightning event with microanalytical methods including optical microscope, Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), regular and synchrotron X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscope. We also provide a CG lightning energy dissipation model constrained by the observed current values. The CG lightning event (the current value is ~ 162 kA) took place on granitic gneiss in Kimen county, Taiwan, on May. 7th, 2018. Our results show that the rock fulgurites were characterized with a black-to-brown thin (~10 &amp;#956;m in thickness) glassy crust with some vesicles covering on the host rock. Hydrous sulfates, including jarosites and gypsums, were recognized to locally deposit on fulgurites, likely suggesting the presence of hydrothermal condition in near-surface exposures after the cessation of the CG lightning. Planer deformation features derived from high pressures (up to several GPa) were found in k-feldspar located beneath the glassy crust, suggesting the presence of shock waves also on the surface. In addition, the estimated melting energy for the observed fulgurite (~20 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; in area with the thickness of 100 &amp;#956;m) is much less than one one-hundredth of the observed CG lightning. It supports the previous studies that documented most of the electrical discharge was dissipated into ground. Our study establishes a reference rock fulgurites data originated from CG lighting on granitic rocks set for future on-site drilling and presents an application of these data for studies of ancient rock fulgurite relicts.&lt;/p&gt;

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