scholarly journals Oxygen and sulfur mass-independent isotopic signatures in black crusts: the complementary negative ∆<sup>33</sup>S-reservoir of sulfate aerosols?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Genot ◽  
David Au Yang ◽  
Erwan Martin ◽  
Pierre Cartigny ◽  
Erwann Legendre ◽  
...  

Abstract. To better understand the formation and the oxidation pathways leading to gypsum-forming “black crusts” and investigate their bearing on the whole atmospheric SO2 cycle, we measured the oxygen (δ17O, δ18O and ∆17O) and sulfur (δ33S, δ34S, δ36S, ∆33S and ∆36S) isotopic compositions of black crust sulfates sampled on carbonate building stones along a NW-SE cross-section in the Parisian basin. The δ18O and δ34S, ranging between 7.5 and 16.7 ± 0.5 ‰ (n = 27, 2σ) and between −2.6 and 13.9 ± 0.2 ‰ respectively, show anthropogenic SO2 as the main sulfur source (from 2 to 81 %, in average ~30 %) with host-rock sulfates making the complement. This is supported by ∆17O-values (up to 2.6 ‰, in average ~0.86 ‰), requiring > 60 % of atmospheric sulfates in black crusts. Both negative ∆33S-∆36S-values between −0.34 and 0.00 ± 0.01 ‰ and between −0.7 and −0.2 ± 0.2 ‰ respectively were measured in black crusts sulfates, that is typical of a magnetic isotope effect that would occur during the SO2 oxidation on the building stone, leading to 33S-depletion in black crust sulfates and subsequent 33S-enrichment in residual SO2. Given that sulfate aerosols have mostly ∆33S > 0 ‰ and no processes can yet explain this enrichment, resulting in a non-consistent S-budget, black crust sulfates could well represent the complementary negative ∆33S-reservoir of the sulfate aerosols solving the atmospheric SO2 budget.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 4255-4273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Genot ◽  
David Au Yang ◽  
Erwan Martin ◽  
Pierre Cartigny ◽  
Erwann Legendre ◽  
...  

Abstract. To better understand the formation and the oxidation pathways leading to gypsum-forming “black crusts” and investigate their bearing on the whole atmospheric SO2 cycle, we measured the oxygen (δ17O, δ18O, and Δ17O) and sulfur (δ33S, δ34S, δ36S, Δ33S, and Δ36S) isotopic compositions of black crust sulfates sampled on carbonate building stones along a NW–SE cross section in the Parisian basin. The δ18O and δ34S values, ranging between 7.5 ‰ and 16.7±0.5 ‰ (n=27, 2σ) and between −2.66 ‰ and 13.99±0.20 ‰, respectively, show anthropogenic SO2 as the main sulfur source (from ∼2 % to 81 %, average ∼30 %) with host-rock sulfates making the complement. This is supported by Δ17O values (up to 2.6 ‰, on average ∼0.86 ‰), requiring > 60 % of atmospheric sulfates in black crusts. Negative Δ33S and Δ36S values between −0.34 ‰ and 0.00±0.01 ‰ and between −0.76 ‰ and -0.22±0.20 ‰, respectively, were measured in black crust sulfates, which is typical of a magnetic isotope effect that would occur during the SO2 oxidation on the building stone, leading to 33S depletion in black crust sulfates and subsequent 33S enrichment in residual SO2. Except for a few samples, sulfate aerosols mostly have Δ33S values > 0 ‰, and no processes can yet explain this enrichment, resulting in an inconsistent S budget: black crust sulfates could well represent the complementary negative Δ33S reservoir of the sulfate aerosols, thus solving the atmospheric SO2 budget.


2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Montana ◽  
Luciana Randazzo ◽  
Ilaria A. Oddo ◽  
Mariano Valenza
Keyword(s):  

2014 ◽  
Vol 185 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudine Malfilatre ◽  
Erwan Hallot ◽  
Philippe Boulvais ◽  
Marc Poujol ◽  
Annick Chauvin ◽  
...  

Abstract Two examples of granitic stones from Brittany (western France) commercialized under the names of “gris-bleu de Louvigné” and “bleu de Lanhélin” were characterized in order to explore how the provenance of a building stone can be traced back with a maximum of confidence. For this purpose, petrographical, geochemical and magnetic characteristics, representing more than 70 quantitative and qualitative variables, were compiled for a total of 32 samples. We have defined two reference populations for these building stones and have extracted their discriminative characteristics. We have then compared four randomly selected samples and two foreign commercial counterparts of these stones to the reference populations. Discriminative variables differ from one case of comparison to the other, which indicates that a combination of various tools and variables will be generally required to unequivocally fingerprint the origin of a given granitic stone. Where several quarries are mining a single geological unit within a composite intrusion, the provenance of a granitic rock can be defined at the scale of the intrusion. In addition, stones coming from two different intrusions from the same batholith can be distinguished. We conclude that the provenance of any granitic building stone is identifiable, especially if the intrinsic variability of a population of samples representative of that stone has been previously circumscribed. This study underlines that the compilation of databases for building stone identity cards is an essential first step toward the creation of official labels guaranteeing stone provenances.


2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.J. Smith ◽  
M. Gomez-Heras ◽  
S. McCabe

The problem of the decay and conservation of stone-built heritage is a complex one, requiring input across many disciplines to identify appropriate remedial steps and management strategies. Over the past few decades, earth scientists have brought a unique perspective to this challenging area, drawing on traditions and knowledge obtained from research into landscape development and the natural environment. This paper reviews the crucial themes that have arisen particularly, although not exclusively, from the work of physical geographers — themes that have sought to correct common misconceptions held by the public, as well as those directly engaged in construction and conservation, regarding the nature, causes and controls of building stone decay. It also looks to the future, suggesting how the behaviour of building stones (and hence the work of stone decay scientists) might alter in response to the looming challenge of climate change.


2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 55-65
Author(s):  
Nikolaos L. Ninis ◽  
Stavros K. Kourkoulis

AbstractIt was pointed out in Part I of this short two-paper series, that the mechanical incompatibility between the authentic building stone of ancient monuments and the stones used as substitute ones during restoration projects, may be the reason of violation of basic restoration principles concerning the protection of the ancient material. In this context certain geometrical configurations of the boundaries of the specimens are examined in this Part II as a possible means of modifying the mechanical behaviour of the substitute stones, in order to make them as compatible as possible with the authentic material. Modifications of both the contact surfaces (in order to change the friction conditions) of the specimens as well as of the free ones (in order to quantify the influence of transforming the smooth cylindrical surface to a fluted one) are examined experimentally. This approach is based on existing observations and numerical studies indicating that the behaviour of a stone specimen in the post-peak region is affected by the geometrical configuration of its boundaries. Taking advantage of the experimental results an alternative compatibility criterion is introduced for situations where the “required” quality of the building stone is its ability to withstand deformation without failing structurally, a characteristic pertinent to statically indeterminate structures, whose design is based on deformation control. This criterion combines both peak stress and maximum failure strain providing a better insight into the problem of mechanical incompatibility of natural building stones.


2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 239-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dusar ◽  
R. Dreesen ◽  
L. Indeherberge ◽  
E. Defour ◽  
R. Meuris

AbstractThe origin of a peculiar type of silicified limestone with nodular flints used in parish churches at Sluizen and Vreren, south of Tongeren (province of Limburg, Belgium), has now been elucidated by the discovery of the same rock type in its natural setting, namely the silicified top of the Cretaceous which underlies Clay-with-flints (‘flint eluvium’) and Oligocene sands in a disused quarry at Elst, municipality of Riemst (Limburg, Belgium). Co-operation between professional geologists and amateur palaeontologists has allowed to characterise this rock type, here referred to as ‘Elst tauw’, both petrographically and palaeontologically. The rich echinoid fauna has also been assessed, on the basis of a comparison with assemblages from the Clay-with-flints at Halembaye (Haccourt/Lixhe, province of Liège, Belgium) and at Zichen-Eben Emael in the Hesbaye region. P.J. Felder's ecozones, based on bioclast assemblages, substantiated by analyses of petrographical biofacies features of the original calcarenite, has allowed lithostratigraphic correlation of the ‘Elst tauw’ with the ‘Roosburg block’, which is a variety of ‘Maastricht stone’. Both methods indicate that the ‘Elst tauw’ developed in beds that can be assigned to the condensed Valkenburg-Schiepersberg interval of the lower Maastricht Formation. Petrographical analysis has shown the ‘Elst tauw’ to be quite distinctive; in addition, its natural occurrence at the Elst quarry matches the building stone records in rock type. The latter stem from the same small area, situated southwest of Maastricht. The major steps in its diagenetic history could be reconstructed, starting with pervasive pyritisation of the calcareous allochems, followed by silicification of the grains and pore spaces (different silica cements that became partially recrystallised), completed by oxidation of pyrite with transformation into limonite and, finally, dissolution of the non-pyritised or partially pyritised skeletal allochems creating a mouldic porosity. Silicification probably was achieved prior to the Oligocene. This particular mode of formation has generated a discussion on the proper use of the vernacular term ‘tauw’, a term used in a different sense by the industry, stratigraphers and students of building stones.


2019 ◽  
Vol 486 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson R. Shaffer

AbstractIndiana Limestone is one of the most used and versatile building stones in the USA. It is a uniform, carbonate grainstone formed during the Mississippian Subperiod of the Carbonifereous. The stone has excellent physical properties, good workability, fire resistance, durability, sustainability, reserves sufficient for hundreds of years, remarkable history, and is available in pleasing colours and textures. Indiana Limestone is used extensively for important buildings, homes, or carved as accents and sculptures, as well as other uses. At one time it was estimated that 60–80% of important US stone buildings were built with Indiana Limestone. This stone has been used for significant, even iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building and the Yankee Stadium, the Pentagon and many other government buildings, even religious structures such as the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, notable houses such as the Biltmore House in North Carolina, many Chicago landmarks, plus libraries, research centres, academic buildings and museums, across the USA. Sculptures throughout the USA and other countries are made of Indiana Limestone. The stone has good sustainability and is incorporated into the very culture of the state of Indiana and America. Indiana Limestone merits designation as a Global Heritage Stone Resource.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
T. Ajanaf ◽  
D. Gómez Grás ◽  
A. Navarro ◽  
J.D. Martín-Martín ◽  
J.R. Rosell ◽  
...  

The characterization of building materials is a key tool to assess deterioration processes and improve potential restoration works of archaeological sites. The aim of this paper is to identify and characterize the most important building stones used in the construction of the Roman city of Lixus (Larache, Morocco) by means of petrographic and petrophysical techniques. Based on the visual analysis of the monuments, three major building stones (i.e. lithotypes) have been identified: i) Oligocene sandstones, ii) Quaternary sandstones and iii) Quaternary conglomerates. Based on the analysis of the regional geology and exploitation marks, these three lithotypes have been recognised to crop out in the surroundings of Lixus and the quarries, presumably Roman in origin, recognized. The Oligocene sandstone is the primary building stone in Lixus as it forms and crops out extensively in the Tchemmis hill, at the top of which the city is settled. The Quaternary sandstones and conglomerates, which represent nearshore deposits and eolianites, crop out along the Atlantic coast where they form part of the cliffs next to Larache. Petrographic results indicate that lithotypes differ notably in grain size, ratio of detrital to allochemical components, and the configuration of their porous system. Mechanical analysis shows that the Oligocene sandstones are more resistant to compression than the Quaternary sandstones and conglomerates, the latter exhibiting relatively low compressive strength. The Oligocene sandstones, which display scarce porosity and permeability, show a hydric behaviour characterized by a very low degree of absorption and desorption water, likely resulting from a poor connectivity of the pore network. Contrary to the latter lithotype, the Quaternary sandstones, which exhibit very high porosity and permeability, display a hydric behaviour characterized by high degree of both absorption and desorption of water. This is attributed to the low degree of cementation compared to porosity of this lithotype and the excellent connectivity of the porous network. Finally, Oligocene and Quaternary sandstones do not show a significant weight loss after the accelerated artificial aging test, indicating that both are slightly affected by salt crystallization and presumably ice formation. Results indicate that the relatively fine state of conservation of the building rocks of Lixus is linked to intrinsic factors such as mineralogy and petrophysical characteristics together with the favourable effect of the climatic condition of the study area.


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