Geochemistry of minerals in CRP sediment cores from the Ross Sea, Antarctica

Sixty-four volcanic chists, sandstones and tephras between 5.95 and 618.19 meters below sea floor (mbsf) in the Cape Roberts Project cores 2 and 2A cores (CRP-2/2A) were examined for Cenozoic and Mesozoic volcanic components, using optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Minerals and glass shards in a selection of samples were analysed by electron microprobe fined with an EDAX detector. Laser-Ablation ICP-Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine rare earth elements and 14 additional trace elements in glass shards, pyroxenes and feldspars in order to pin-point the onset of McMurdo Volcanic Group (MVG) activity in the stratigraphic column. Pumices in tephra layers of peralkaline phonolite composition in Unit 7.2 -between 108 and 114 mbsf - were also analysed for trace elements by ICP-MS. This tephra unit is not reworked and its isotopic age (21.44 �� 0.05 Ma) is the age of deposition. The height of the eruptive column responsible for the deposition of the tephra was probably less than 8 km; the source was local, probably within 30 km from the drill site. Phonolite of unit 7.2 of CRP-2/2A has no direct petrogenetic relation with the peralkaline trachyte in the tephra-enriched layer of CRP-1 at 116.55 mbsf. Volcanic clasts and sand grains (glass shards, aegirine-augite, anorthoclase) related to Cenozoic activity of MVG were observed only starting from Unit 9.8, where they are dated at 24.22 �� 0.06 Ma at c. 280 mbsf. In this unit the lowest- occurring basaltic glass shard is found at 297.54 mbsf. Sampled McMurdo volcanics are generally vesicular and vary in composition from alkali basalt to trachyte and peralkaline phonolite. By contrast, below 320 mbsf, aphyric or slightly-porphyritic volcanic clasts become more abundant but they are all non-vesiculated, pigeconite and ilmenite-bearing basalts and dolerite of tholeiitic affinity. These rocks are considered to be related to lava flows and associated intrusions of Jurassic age (Kirkpatrick basalts and Ferrar dolerite). As in CRP-1, McMurdo volcanics appear to derive from a variety of lithologics. Besides glaciers, a dominant role of wind transportation from exposed volcanic rocks may be inferred from the contemporary occurrence of glass shards of different compositions at depths above 297.54 mbsf. These data confirm that the onset of magmatic activity in southern Victoria Land is considerably delayed (by about 24 Ma) with respect to northern Victoria Land.

Preliminary results and documentation of sediment cores CRP2 and CRP-2A from the Ross Sea off Cape Roberts, Antarctica

The site for CRP-2, 14 km east of Cape Roberts (77.006��S; 163.719��E), was selected to overlap the early Miocene strata cored in nearby CRP-1, and to sample deeper into the east-dipping strata near the western margin ofe he Victoria Land Basin to investigate Palaeogene climatic and tectonic history. CRP-2 was cored from 5 to 57 mbsf (metres below the sea floor) (core recovery 91 %), with a deviation resulting in CRP-2A being cored at the same site. CRP-2A reached down to 624mbsf (recovery 95%), and to strata with an age of c. 33-35 Ma. Drilling took place from 16 October to 25 November 1998, on 2.0-2.2 m of sea ice and through 178 m of water. Core fractures and other physical properties, such as sonic velocity, density and magnetic susceptibility, were measured throughout the core. Down-hole logs for these and other properties were run from 63 to 167 mbsf and subsequently from 200 to 623 mbsf, although density and velocity data could be obtained only to 440 mbsf because of hole collapse. Sonic velocity averages c. 2.0 km S-1 for the upper part of the hole, but there is an sharp increase to c. 3.0 km s-1 and also a slight angular unconformity, at 306 mbsf, corresponding most likely to the early/late Oligocene boundary (c. 28-30 Ma). Velocity then increases irregularly to around 3.6 km s-1 at the bottom of the hole, which is estimated to lie 120 m above the V4/V5 boundary. The higher velocities below 306 mbsf probably reflect more extensive carbonate and common pyrite cementation, in patches, nodules, bedding-parallel masses and as vein infills. Dip of the strata also increases down-hole from 3�� in the upper 300 in to over 10�� at the bottom. Temperature gradient is 21�� k-1. Over 2 000 fractures were logged through the hole. Borehole televiewer imagery was obtained for the interval from 200 to 440 mbsf to orient the fractures for stress field analysis. Lithostratigraphical descriptions on a scale of 1:20 are presented for the full length of the core, along with core box images, as a 200 page supplement to this issue. The hole initially passed through a layer of muddy gravel to 5.5 mbsf (Lithological Sub-Unit or LSU 1.1), and then into a Quaternary diatom-bearing clast-rich diamicton to 21 mbsf (LSU 2. l), with an interval of alternating compact diamicton and loose sand, and containing a rich Pliocene foraminiferal fauna, to 27 mbsf (LSU 2.2). The unit beneath this (LSU 3.1) has similar physical properties (sonic velocity, porosity, magnetic susceptibility) and includes diamictites of similar character to those of LSU 2.1 and 2.2, but an early Miocene (c. 19 Ma) diatom assemblage at 28 mbsf (top of LSU 3.1) shows that this sub-unit is part of the older section. The strata beneath 27 mbsf, primary target for the project, extend from early Miocene to perhaps latest Eocene age, and are largely cyclic glacimarine nearshore to offshore sediments. They are described as 41 lithological sub-units and interpreted in terms of 12 recurrent lithofacies. These are 1) mudstone, 2) inter-stratified mudstone and sandstone, 3) muddy very fine to coarse sandstone, 4) well-sorted stratified fine sandstone, 5) moderately to well-sorted, medium-grained sandstone, 6) stratified diamictite, 7) massive diamictite, 8) rhythmically inter-stratified sandstone and mudstone, 9) clast-supported conglomerate, 10) matrix-supported conglomerate, 11) mudstone breccia and 12) volcaniclastic sediment. Sequence stratigraphical analysis has identified 22 unconformity-bounded depositional sequences in pre- Pliocene strata. They typically comprise a four-part architecture involving, in ascending order, 1) a sharp-based coarse-grained unit (Facies 6,7,9 or 10), 2) a fining-upward succession of sandstones (Facies 3 and 4), 3) a mudstone interval (Facies l), in some cases coarsening upward to muddy sandstones (Facies 3), and 4) a sharp-based sandstone dominated succession (mainly Facies 4). The cyclicity recorded by the strata is interpreted in terms of a glacier ice margin retreating and advancing from land to the west, and of rises and falls in sea level. Analysis of sequence periodicity awaits afirmer chronology. However, apreliminary spectral analysis of magnetic susceptibility for a deepwater mudstone within one of the sequences (from 339 to 347 mbsf) reveals ratios between hierarchical levels that are similar to those of the three Milankovitch orbital forcing periodicities. The strata contain a wide range of fossils, the most abundant being marine diatoms. These commonly form up to 5% of the sediment, though in places the core is barren (notably between 300 and 412 mbsf). Fifty samples out of 250 reviewed were studied in detail. The assemblages define ten biostratigraphical zones, some of them based on local or as yet undescribed forms. The assemblages are neritic, and largely planktonic, suggesting that the sea floor was mostly below the photic zone throughout deposition of the corcd sequence. Calcareous nannofossils, representing incursions of ocean surface waters, are much less common (72 out of 183 samples examined) and restricted to mudstone intervals a few tens of metres thick, but are important for dating. Foraminifera are also sparse (73 out of 135 samples) and represented only by calcareous benthic species. Changing assemblages indicate a shift from inshore environments in the early Oligocenc to outer shelf in the late Oligocenc, returning to inshore in the early Miocene. Marine palynomorplis yielded large numbers of well-preserved forms from most of the 116 samples examined. The new in situ assemblagc found last year in CRP-1 is extended down into the late Oligocene and a further new assemblage is found in the early Oligoccnc. Many taxa are new, and cannot us yet contribute to an improved understanding of chronology or ecology. Marine invertebrate macrofossils, mostly molluscs and serpulid tubes, are scattered throughout the core. Preservation is good in mudstones but poor in other lithologies. Climate on land is reflected in the content of terrestrial palynomorphs, which are extremely scarce down to c. 300 mbsf. Some forms are reworked, and others represent a low growing sparse tundra with at least one species of Nothofagus. Beneath this level, a significantly greater diversity and abundance suggests a milder climate and a low diversity woody vegetation in the early Oligocene, but still far short of the richness found in known Eocene strata of the region. Sedimentary facies in the oldest strata also suggest a milder climate in the oldest strata cored, with indications of substantial glacial melt-water discharges, but are typical of a coldcr climate in late Oligocene and early Miocene times. Clast analyses from diamictites reveal weak to random fabrics, suggesting either lack of ice-contact deposition or post-depositional modification, but periods when ice grounded at the drill site are inferred from thin zones of in-situ brecciated rock and soft-sediment folding. These are more common above c. 300 mbsf, perhaps reflecting more extensive glacial advances during deposition of those strata. Erosion of the adjacent Transantarctic Mountains through Jurassic basalt and dolerite-intruded Beacon strata into basement rocks beneath is recorded by petrographical studies of clast and sand grain assemblages. Core below 310 mbsf contains a dominance of fine-grained Jurassic dolerite and basalt fragments along with Beacon-derived coal debris and rounded quartz grains, whereas the strata above this level have a much higher proportion of basement derived granitoids, implying that the large areas of the adjacent mountains had been eroded to basement by the end of the early Oligocene. There is little indication of rift-related volcanism below 310 mbsf. Above this, however, basaltic and trachytic tephras are common, especially from 280 to 200 mbsf, from 150 to 46 mbsf, and in Pliocene LSU 2.2 from 21 to 27 mbsf. The largest volcanic eruptions generated layers of coarse (up to 1 cm) trachytic pumice lapilli between 97 and 114 mbsf. The thickest of these (1.2 m at 112 mbsf) may have produced an eruptive column extending tens of km into the stratosphere. A source within a few tens of km of the drill site is considered most likely. Present age estimates for the pre-Pliocene sequence are based mainly on biostratigraphy (using mainly marine diatoms and to a lesser extent calcareous nannofossils), with the age of the tephra from 112 to 114 mbsf (21.44k0.05 Ma from 84 crystals by Ar-Ar) as a key reference point. Although there are varied and well-preserved microfossil assemblages through most of the sequence (notably of diatoms and marine palynomorphs), they comprise largely taxa either known only locally or as yet undescribed. In addition, sequence stratigraphical analysis and features in the core itself indicate numerous disconformities. The present estimate from diatom assemblages is that the interval from 27 to 130 mbsf is early Miocene in age (c. 19 to 23.5 Ma), consistent with the Ar-Ar age from 112 to 114 mbsf. Diatom assemblages also indicate that the late Oligocene epoch extends from c. 130 to 307 mbsf, which is supported by late Oligocene nannofossils from 130 to 185 mbsf. Strata from 307 to 412 mbsf have no age-diagnostic assemblages, but below this early Oligocene diatoms and nannofossils have been recovered. A nannoflora at the bottom of the hole is consistent with an earliest Oligocene or latest Eocene age. Magnetostratigraphical studies based on about 1000 samples, 700 of which have so far undergone demagnetisation treatment, have provided a polarity stratigraphy of 12 pre-Pliocene magnetozones. Samples above 270 mbsf are of consistently high quality. Below this, magnetic behaviour is more variable. A preliminary age-depth plot using the Magnetic Polarity Time Scale (MPTS) and constrained by biostratigraphical data suggests that episodes of relatively rapid sedimentation took place at CRP-2 during Oligocene times (c. 100 m/My), but that more than half of the record was lost in a few major and many minor disconformities. Age estimates from Sr isotopes in shell debris and further tephra dating are expected to lead to a better comparison with the MPTS. CRP-2/2A has recorded a history of subsidence of the Victoria Land Basin margin that is similar to that found in CIROS-170 km to the south, reflecting stability in both basin and the adjacent mountains in late Cenozoic times, but with slow net accumulation in the middle Cenozoic. The climatic indicators from both drill holes show a similar correspondence, indicating polar conditions for the Quaternary but with sub-polar conditions in the early Miocene-late Oligocene and indications of warmer conditions still in the early Oligocene. Correlation between the CRP-2A core and seismic records shows that seismic units V3 and V4, both widespread in the Victoria Land Basin, represent a period of fluctuating ice margins and glacimarine sedimentation. The next drill hole, CRP-3, is expected to core deep into V5 and extend this record of climate and tectonics still further back in time.

Cambios en la estructura econ��mica social y conflictos sociales en el noroeste del Chubut 1990-2005

Buscamos avanzar en el conocimiento sobre c��mo se desarrolla el movimiento de la sociedad argentina en su conjunto, analizado desde un caso particular que es el noreste del Chubut en el per��odo que va desde la imposici��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero en 1989-1990 hasta el a��o 2005. Se pretende en esta tesis entender y conceptualizar en t��rminos cient��ficos c��mo se mueve esa sociedad, de qu�� son expresi��n cada uno de sus conflictos, qu�� expresan los distintos sectores que se movilizan, qu�� expresan los cambios estructurales que se desarrollan, etc. Desde esta perspectiva nos interesa espec��ficamente poder aportar al debate sobre cu��les son las opciones de plantear un proyecto alternativo de desarrollo para la provincia, la regi��n y el pa��s. Dentro del tema general de buscar comprender el movimiento de la sociedad, realizamos un abordaje de la realidad desde la utilizaci��n de un conocimiento acumulado y desde un recorte de esa realidad. Ese recorte lo realizamos a dos niveles. En primer lugar en t��rminos espaciales: tomamos como base una regi��n que denominamos el noreste de Chubut. Recortamos de la provincia del Chubut al ��rea que tuvo el mayor crecimiento vinculado a los programas de polos de desarrollo durante las d��cadas del '60, '70 y parte del '80. La misma est�� delimitada por los actuales departamentos de Rawson y Biedma, de acuerdo a la divisi��n administrativa que toma la provincia desde 1957. En segundo lugar realizamos un recorte en t��rminos temporales: abordamos como objeto de estudio al movimiento de la sociedad en esa regi��n durante el per��odo que va de 1989-1990 hasta el 2005. Consideramos que tomar este per��odo nos permite observar el proceso de cambios que se generan con la realizaci��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero y el proceso de protestas, luchas y conflictos sociales que en el marco de estos cambios se desarrollan en la sociedad. La decisi��n de estudiar hasta el 2005 parte de considerar relevante comprender c��mo continua el proceso despu��s del 2001-2002. En esos a��os se produce la recuperaci��n de la econom��a nacional, con un gran impulso para la regi��n, lo cual genera el inter��s de poder precisar de qu�� se trata esta 'recuperaci��n' y si estamos ante un movimiento org��nico o coyuntural de la econom��a. El per��odo tambi��n nos permiti�� profundizar en el debate de las relaciones de fuerzas pol��ticas, al hacer observable el per��odo en que la burgues��a logra recuperar la representaci��n institucional como expresi��n leg��tima de la sociedad y consigue frenar la protesta social

Cambios en la estructura econ��mica social y conflictos sociales en el noroeste del Chubut 1990-2005

Buscamos avanzar en el conocimiento sobre c��mo se desarrolla el movimiento de la sociedad argentina en su conjunto, analizado desde un caso particular que es el noreste del Chubut en el per��odo que va desde la imposici��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero en 1989-1990 hasta el a��o 2005. Se pretende en esta tesis entender y conceptualizar en t��rminos cient��ficos c��mo se mueve esa sociedad, de qu�� son expresi��n cada uno de sus conflictos, qu�� expresan los distintos sectores que se movilizan, qu�� expresan los cambios estructurales que se desarrollan, etc. Desde esta perspectiva nos interesa espec��ficamente poder aportar al debate sobre cu��les son las opciones de plantear un proyecto alternativo de desarrollo para la provincia, la regi��n y el pa��s. Dentro del tema general de buscar comprender el movimiento de la sociedad, realizamos un abordaje de la realidad desde la utilizaci��n de un conocimiento acumulado y desde un recorte de esa realidad. Ese recorte lo realizamos a dos niveles. En primer lugar en t��rminos espaciales: tomamos como base una regi��n que denominamos el noreste de Chubut. Recortamos de la provincia del Chubut al ��rea que tuvo el mayor crecimiento vinculado a los programas de polos de desarrollo durante las d��cadas del '60, '70 y parte del '80. La misma est�� delimitada por los actuales departamentos de Rawson y Biedma, de acuerdo a la divisi��n administrativa que toma la provincia desde 1957. En segundo lugar realizamos un recorte en t��rminos temporales: abordamos como objeto de estudio al movimiento de la sociedad en esa regi��n durante el per��odo que va de 1989-1990 hasta el 2005. Consideramos que tomar este per��odo nos permite observar el proceso de cambios que se generan con la realizaci��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero y el proceso de protestas, luchas y conflictos sociales que en el marco de estos cambios se desarrollan en la sociedad. La decisi��n de estudiar hasta el 2005 parte de considerar relevante comprender c��mo continua el proceso despu��s del 2001-2002. En esos a��os se produce la recuperaci��n de la econom��a nacional, con un gran impulso para la regi��n, lo cual genera el inter��s de poder precisar de qu�� se trata esta 'recuperaci��n' y si estamos ante un movimiento org��nico o coyuntural de la econom��a. El per��odo tambi��n nos permiti�� profundizar en el debate de las relaciones de fuerzas pol��ticas, al hacer observable el per��odo en que la burgues��a logra recuperar la representaci��n institucional como expresi��n leg��tima de la sociedad y consigue frenar la protesta social

Cambios en la estructura econ��mica social y conflictos sociales en el noroeste del Chubut 1990-2005

Buscamos avanzar en el conocimiento sobre c��mo se desarrolla el movimiento de la sociedad argentina en su conjunto, analizado desde un caso particular que es el noreste del Chubut en el per��odo que va desde la imposici��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero en 1989-1990 hasta el a��o 2005. Se pretende en esta tesis entender y conceptualizar en t��rminos cient��ficos c��mo se mueve esa sociedad, de qu�� son expresi��n cada uno de sus conflictos, qu�� expresan los distintos sectores que se movilizan, qu�� expresan los cambios estructurales que se desarrollan, etc. Desde esta perspectiva nos interesa espec��ficamente poder aportar al debate sobre cu��les son las opciones de plantear un proyecto alternativo de desarrollo para la provincia, la regi��n y el pa��s. Dentro del tema general de buscar comprender el movimiento de la sociedad, realizamos un abordaje de la realidad desde la utilizaci��n de un conocimiento acumulado y desde un recorte de esa realidad. Ese recorte lo realizamos a dos niveles. En primer lugar en t��rminos espaciales: tomamos como base una regi��n que denominamos el noreste de Chubut. Recortamos de la provincia del Chubut al ��rea que tuvo el mayor crecimiento vinculado a los programas de polos de desarrollo durante las d��cadas del '60, '70 y parte del '80. La misma est�� delimitada por los actuales departamentos de Rawson y Biedma, de acuerdo a la divisi��n administrativa que toma la provincia desde 1957. En segundo lugar realizamos un recorte en t��rminos temporales: abordamos como objeto de estudio al movimiento de la sociedad en esa regi��n durante el per��odo que va de 1989-1990 hasta el 2005. Consideramos que tomar este per��odo nos permite observar el proceso de cambios que se generan con la realizaci��n de la hegemon��a del capital financiero y el proceso de protestas, luchas y conflictos sociales que en el marco de estos cambios se desarrollan en la sociedad. La decisi��n de estudiar hasta el 2005 parte de considerar relevante comprender c��mo continua el proceso despu��s del 2001-2002. En esos a��os se produce la recuperaci��n de la econom��a nacional, con un gran impulso para la regi��n, lo cual genera el inter��s de poder precisar de qu�� se trata esta 'recuperaci��n' y si estamos ante un movimiento org��nico o coyuntural de la econom��a. El per��odo tambi��n nos permiti�� profundizar en el debate de las relaciones de fuerzas pol��ticas, al hacer observable el per��odo en que la burgues��a logra recuperar la representaci��n institucional como expresi��n leg��tima de la sociedad y consigue frenar la protesta social

Argon composition and new combined chronologies of ODP Sites 185-1149 and 191-1179

Despite the different scientific objectives of Legs 185 and 191, the sedimentary sections recovered from Sites 1149 and 1179 are the two most complete sections recovered from the northwestern Pacific Basin by either the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) (i.e., Legs 6, 20, 32, and 86) or ODP (i.e., Legs 185 and 191). During Leg 185, a complete sedimentary section (410 m) and an additional 133 m of highly altered volcanic basement were recovered. The Miocene to Pleistocene section (i.e., upper ~150 m) recovered from Site 1149 includes lithostratigraphic Unit I (0-118.2 meters below sea floor [mbsf]) and Subunit IIA (118.2-149.5 mbsf) of Plank, Ludden, Escutia, et al. (2000, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.185.2000) and consists of ash- and biogenic silica- bearing clay, radiolarian-bearing clay, silt-bearing clay, ash-bearing siliceous ooze, and diatomaceous clay, with numerous discrete volcanic ash layers (Plank, Ludden, Escutia, et al., 2000, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.185.2000). During Leg 191, a near-continuous 375-m-thick sedimentary section was recovered in addition to 100 m of basaltic basement. The upper 221.5 m of the sedimentary section at Site 1179 (i.e., within lithostratigraphic Unit I of Kanazawa, Sager, Escutia et al. [2001, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.191.2001]) consists of upper Miocene to Pleistocene clay- and radiolarian-bearing diatom ooze containing numerous discrete ash layers. The presence of discrete ash layers within the Miocene to Pleistocene sedimentary section at both Site 1149 and 1179 provides a unique opportunity to conduct 40Ar/39Ar ash chronology to refine the excellent magnetostratigraphic records (based on the scale of Berggren et al., 1995) obtained shipboard from both sites (Plank, Ludden, Escutia, et al., 2000, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.185.2000; Kanazawa, Sager, Escutia, et al., 2001, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.191.2001).In this data report we present the analytical results from the 40Ar/39Ar incrementally heated analyses and provide a new combined late Miocene to Pleistocene 40Ar/39Ar and magnetostratigraphic chronology for the northwestern Pacific.

Late Pliocene dinoflagellate cyst and diatom analysis from a high resolution sequence in DSDP Site 594, Chatham Rise, south west Pacific

A high resolution mixed carbonate and siliciclastic sequence from DSDP Site 594 contains a detailed record of climate change in the late Pliocene. The sequence can be accurately dated by the LAD of Nitzschia weaveri, the LAD of Thalassiosira insigna, the LAD of T. vulnifica and the LAD of T. kolbei diatom datums. Carbonate content and delta18O signatures provide added resolution and place the sequence between isotope stage 100 and 92. The sequence contains well-preserved and diverse dinoflagellate cyst floras. Use of principal component (PCA) and canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) identifies changes in the assemblages that principally reflect warming and cooling trends. Species association with warmer climates included Impagidinium patulum, I. paradoxum and I. sp. cf. paradoxum while those from cooler climates include Invertecysta tabulata and I. velorum. CCA is shown to be a valuable method of determining the past environmental preferences of extinct species such as I. tabulata.

Inorganic and organic geochemistry and sediment descriptions at DSDP Hole 93-603B

About one hundred samples of sediments and rocks recovered in Hole 603B were analyzed for type, abundance, and isotopic composition of organic matter, using a combination of Rock-Eval pyrolysis, C-H-N-S elemental analysis, and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Concentrations of major, minor, and trace inorganic elements were determined with a combination of X-ray fluorescence and induction-coupled plasma spectrometry. The oldest strata recovered in Hole 603B (lithologic Unit V) consist of interbedded light-colored limestones and marlstones, and black calcareous claystones of Neocomian age. The inorganic and organic geochemical results suggest a very terrigenous aspect to the black claystones. The organic geochemical results indicate that the limestones and marlstones contain a mixture of highly degraded marine and terrestrial organic matter. Comparison of the Neocomian carbonates at Site 603 with those on the other side of the North Atlantic, off Northwest Africa at Site 367, shows that the organic matter at Site 367 contains more marine organic matter, as indicated by higher pyrolysis hydrogen indices and lighter values of d13C. Comparison of inorganic geochemical results for the carbonate lithologies at Site 603 with those for carbonate lithologies at Site 367 suggests that the Site 603 carbonates may contain clastic material from both North American and African sources. The black claystones at Site 603, on the other hand, probably were derived almost entirely from North American clastic sources. Lithologic Unit IV overlying the Neocomian carbonates, consists of interbedded red, green, and black claystones. The black claystones at Site 603 contain more than ten times the organic carbon concentration of the interbedded green claystones. The average concentration of organic carbon in the black claystones (2.8%), however, is low relative to most mid-Cretaceous black claystones and shales in the Atlantic, particularly those found off Northwest Africa. The geochemical data all suggest that the organic matter in the black claystones is more abundant but generally more degraded than the organic matter in the green claystones, and that it was derived mainly from terrestrial sources and deposited in oxygenated bottom waters. The increased percentage of black claystone beds in the upper Cenomanian section, and the presence of more hydrogen-rich organic matter in this part of the section, probably resulted from the increased production and accumulation of marine organic matter that is represented worldwide near the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary in deep-sea and land sections. A few upper Cenomanian black claystone samples that have hydrogen indices > 150 also contain particularly high concentrations of V and Zn. Most samples of black claystone, however, are not particularly metal-rich compared with other black claystones and shales. Compared with red claystones from lithologic Unit IV, the green and black claystones are enriched in many trace transition elements, especially V, Zn, Cu, Co, and Pb. The main difference between the "carbonaceous" claystones of lithologic Unit IV and "variegated" or "multicolored" claystones of the overlying Upper Cretaceous to lower Tertiary Unit III is the absence of black claystone beds. As observed at several other sites (105 and 386), the multicolored claystones at Site 603 are somewhat enriched in several trace transition elements-especially Cu, Ni, and Cr-relative to most deep-sea clays. The multicolored claystones are not enriched in Fe and Mn, and therefore are not "metalliferous" sediments in the sense of those found at several locations in the eastern Pacific. The source of the slightly elevated concentrations of transition metals in the multicolored claystones probably is upward advection and diffusion of metals from the black claystones of the underlying Hatteras Formation. The red, orange, and green claystone beds of lithologic Unit II (Eocene), like those of Unit III, really represent a continuation of deposition of multicolored claystone that began after the deposition of the Neocomian carbonates. The color of the few black beds that occur within this unit results from high concentrations of manganese oxide rather than high concentrations of organic matter.

Integration versus Outsourcing in Stable Industry Equilibrium with Communication Networks

For the selection of a firm's structure between vertical integration and arm's-length outsourcing, the importance of the thickness of the market had been emphasized in the previous literature. Here we take account of communication networks such as telephone, telex, fax, and the Internet. By doing so, we could illustrate the relationship between communication networks and the make-or-buy decision. With communication network technology differing in each type of firm, both vertically integrated firms and arm's-length outsourcing firms coexist, which was never indicated in the previous literature. However, when common network technology is introduced, such coexistence generically does not occur.

OER Development and Promotion. Outcomes of an International Research Project on the OpenCourseWare Model

In this paper, we describe the successful results of an international research project focused on the use of Web technology in the educational context. The article explains how this international project, funded by public organizations and developed over the last two academic years, focuses on the area of open educational resources (OER) and particularly the educational content of the OpenCourseWare (OCW) model. This initiative has been developed by a research group composed of researchers from three countries. The project was enabled by the Universidad Polit��cnica de Madrid OCW Office���s leadership of the Consortium of Latin American Universities and the distance education know-how of the Universidad T��cnica Particular de Loja (UTPL, Ecuador). We give a full account of the project, methodology, main outcomes and validation. The project results have further consolidated the group, and increased the maturity of group members and networking with other groups in the area. The group is now participating in other research projects that continue the lines developed here

Intelligent context-aware services based on internet of things architectures

La Internet de las Cosas (IoT), como parte de la Futura Internet, se ha convertido en la actualidad en uno de los principales temas de investigaci��n; en parte gracias a la atenci��n que la sociedad est�� poniendo en el desarrollo de determinado tipo de servicios (telemetr��a, generaci��n inteligente de energ��a, telesanidad, etc.) y por las recientes previsiones econ��micas que sit��an a algunos actores, como los operadores de telecomunicaciones (que se encuentran desesperadamente buscando nuevas oportunidades), al frente empujando algunas tecnolog��as interrelacionadas como las comunicaciones M��quina a M��quina (M2M). En este contexto, un importante n��mero de actividades de investigaci��n a nivel mundial se est��n realizando en distintas facetas: comunicaciones de redes de sensores, procesado de informaci��n, almacenamiento de grandes cantidades de datos (big--���data), sem��ntica, arquitecturas de servicio, etc. Todas ellas, de forma independiente, est��n llegando a un nivel de madurez que permiten vislumbrar la realizaci��n de la Internet de las Cosas m��s que como un sue��o, como una realidad tangible. Sin embargo, los servicios anteriormente mencionados no pueden esperar a desarrollarse hasta que las actividades de investigaci��n obtengan soluciones hol��sticas completas. Es importante proporcionar resultados intermedios que eviten soluciones verticales realizadas para desarrollos particulares. En este trabajo, nos hemos focalizado en la creaci��n de una plataforma de servicios que pretende facilitar, por una parte la integraci��n de redes de sensores y actuadores heterog��neas y geogr��ficamente distribuidas, y por otra lado el desarrollo de servicios horizontales utilizando dichas redes y la informaci��n que proporcionan. Este habilitador se utilizar�� para el desarrollo de servicios y para la experimentaci��n en la Internet de las Cosas. Previo a la definici��n de la plataforma, se ha realizado un importante estudio focalizando no s��lo trabajos y proyectos de investigaci��n, sino tambi��n actividades de estandarizaci��n. Los resultados se pueden resumir en las siguientes aseveraciones: a) Los modelos de datos definidos por el grupo ���Sensor Web Enablement��� (SWE���) del ���Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC��)��� representan hoy en d��a la soluci��n m��s completa para describir las redes de sensores y actuadores as�� como las observaciones. b) Las interfaces OGC, a pesar de las limitaciones que requieren cambios y extensiones, podr��an ser utilizadas como las bases para acceder a sensores y datos. c) Las redes de nueva generaci��n (NGN) ofrecen un buen sustrato que facilita la integraci��n de redes de sensores y el desarrollo de servicios. En consecuencia, una nueva plataforma de Servicios, llamada Ubiquitous Sensor Networks (USN), se ha definido en esta Tesis tratando de contribuir a rellenar los huecos previamente mencionados. Los puntos m��s destacados de la plataforma USN son: a) Desde un punto de vista arquitect��nico, sigue una aproximaci��n de dos niveles (Habilitador y Gateway) similar a otros habilitadores que utilizan las NGN (como el OMA Presence). b) Los modelos de datos est��n basado en los est��ndares del OGC SWE. iv c) Est�� integrado en las NGN pero puede ser utilizado sin ellas utilizando infraestructuras IP abiertas. d) Las principales funciones son: Descubrimiento de sensores, Almacenamiento de observaciones, Publicacion--���subscripcion--���notificaci��n, ejecuci��n remota homog��nea, seguridad, gesti��n de diccionarios de datos, facilidades de monitorizaci��n, utilidades de conversi��n de protocolos, interacciones s��ncronas y as��ncronas, soporte para el ���streaming��� y arbitrado b��sico de recursos. Para demostrar las funcionalidades que la Plataforma USN propuesta pueden ofrecer a los futuros escenarios de la Internet de las Cosas, se presentan resultados experimentales de tres pruebas de concepto (telemetr��a, ���Smart Places��� y monitorizaci��n medioambiental) reales a peque��a escala y un estudio sobre sem��ntica (sistema de informaci��n vehicular). Adem��s, se est�� utilizando actualmente como Habilitador para desarrollar tanto experimentaci��n como servicios reales en el proyecto Europeo SmartSantander (que aspira a integrar alrededor de 20.000 dispositivos IoT). v Abstract Internet of Things, as part of the Future Internet, has become one of the main research topics nowadays; in part thanks to the pressure the society is putting on the development of a particular kind of services (Smart metering, Smart Grids, eHealth, etc.), and by the recent business forecasts that situate some players, like Telecom Operators (which are desperately seeking for new opportunities), at the forefront pushing for some interrelated technologies like Machine--���to--���Machine (M2M) communications. Under this context, an important number of research activities are currently taking place worldwide at different levels: sensor network communications, information processing, big--��� data storage, semantics, service level architectures, etc. All of them, isolated, are arriving to a level of maturity that envision the achievement of Internet of Things (IoT) more than a dream, a tangible goal. However, the aforementioned services cannot wait to be developed until the holistic research actions bring complete solutions. It is important to come out with intermediate results that avoid vertical solutions tailored for particular deployments. In the present work, we focus on the creation of a Service--���level platform intended to facilitate, from one side the integration of heterogeneous and geographically disperse Sensors and Actuator Networks (SANs), and from the other the development of horizontal services using them and the information they provide. This enabler will be used for horizontal service development and for IoT experimentation. Prior to the definition of the platform, we have realized an important study targeting not just research works and projects, but also standardization topics. The results can be summarized in the following assertions: a) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC��) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE���) data models today represent the most complete solution to describe SANs and observations. b) OGC interfaces, despite the limitations that require changes and extensions, could be used as the bases for accessing sensors and data. c) Next Generation Networks (NGN) offer a good substrate that facilitates the integration of SANs and the development of services. Consequently a new Service Layer platform, called Ubiquitous Sensor Networks (USN), has been defined in this Thesis trying to contribute to fill in the previous gaps. The main highlights of the proposed USN Platform are: a) From an architectural point of view, it follows a two--���layer approach (Enabler and Gateway) similar to other enablers that run on top of NGN (like the OMA Presence). b) Data models and interfaces are based on the OGC SWE standards. c) It is integrated in NGN but it can be used without it over open IP infrastructures. d) Main functions are: Sensor Discovery, Observation Storage, Publish--���Subscribe--���Notify, homogeneous remote execution, security, data dictionaries handling, monitoring facilities, authorization support, protocol conversion utilities, synchronous and asynchronous interactions, streaming support and basic resource arbitration. vi In order to demonstrate the functionalities that the proposed USN Platform can offer to future IoT scenarios, some experimental results have been addressed in three real--���life small--���scale proofs--���of concepts (Smart Metering, Smart Places and Environmental monitoring) and a study for semantics (in--���vehicle information system). Furthermore we also present the current use of the proposed USN Platform as an Enabler to develop experimentation and real services in the SmartSantander EU project (that aims at integrating around 20.000 IoT devices).

Building the qualification and a skill development program within the ENEN-III European Project

The ENEN III project covers the structuring, organization, coordination and implementation of training schemes in cooperation with local, national and international training organizations, to provide training to professionals active in nuclear organizations or their contractors and sub-contractors. The training schemes provide a portfolio of courses, training sessions, seminars, and workshops for continuous learning for upgrading knowledge and developing skills. The training schemes allow individuals to acquire qualifications and skills, as required by the specific positions in the nuclear sector which will be documented in a training passport. The essence of such passport is to be recognized within the EU by the whole nuclear sector which provides mobility to the individual looking for employment and an EU wide recruitment field for the nuclear employers.

Control de m��dulo 3G mediante aplicaci��n Android

Este proyecto describe la metodolog��a a seguir para conectar la plataforma Arduino a dispositivos Android y establecer una conexi��n que permita controlar dicha plataforma. Sobre Arduino se acoplar�� un m��dulo 3G que permitir�� hacer uso de funcionalidades propias de los tel��fonos m��viles. El objetivo final del proyecto era el control del m��dulo 3G mediante comandos AT enviados desde un dispositivo Android (tableta) conectado a trav��s de USB. Para ello, se ha desarrollado una aplicaci��n de demostraci��n que permite el uso de algunas de las funcionalidades de comunicaci��n del m��dulo 3G. Para alcanzar el objetivo propuesto se ha investigado sobre temas tales como: internet de las cosas, las tecnolog��as de comunicaciones m��viles, el sistema operativo Android y el desarrollo de aplicaciones m��viles, la plataforma Arduino, el funcionamiento del m��dulo 3G y sobre la comunicaci��n serie que permitir�� comunicarse entre Android y m��dulo 3G. El proyecto proporciona una gu��a de iniciaci��n con explicaciones de los diferentes dispositivos, tecnolog��as y pasos a seguir para la integraci��n de las diferentes plataformas que se han usado en el proyecto: Arduino, M��dulo de comunicaciones 3G, y Android. ABSTRACT. This project describes the methodology to connect the Arduino platform to Android devices and establish a connection to allow the platform control. A 3G module will be engaged on Arduino allowing the usage of mobile phones functionalities. The main objective of the project was the control of 3G module through AT commands sent from an Android device (tablet) connected via USB. For that, a demonstration application was developed to permit the use of some communication features of 3G module. To achieve the target, an investigation has been carried out about issues such as: internet of things, mobile communications technologies, the Android operating system and mobile applications development, the Arduino platform, the 3G module operation and serial communication that allows the communication between Android and the 3G module. The project provides a starter guide with explanations of the different devices, technologies and steps for the integration of the different platforms that have been used in the project: Arduino, 3G communications module and Android.