Geotechnical properties at DSDP Leg 66 Holes

Delineating the interrelationships between tectonics, sedimentation, and geotechnical properties is particularly important for areas subjected to the dynamic affects of convergence. DSDP Leg 66 drilling within the Middle America Trench complex provided a unique opportunity to investigate these interrelationships along a transect of eight drill sites beginning on the trench outer slope and traversing the trench, trench inner slope, and upper continental slope. Investigations of other convergent margins suggest that deformation occurs most rapidly along the lower trench inner slope and is reflected by the geotechnical properties (Carson, 1977; Seely, 1977; and von Huene, 1979). This study focuses on the geotechnical properties of Middle America Trench sediments and the possible affects of convergence on these properties.

Accumulation rates for western Dronning Maud Land from firn cores and snow pits

As a result of intensive field activities carried out by several nations over the past 15 years, a set of accumulation measurements for western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, was collected, based on firn-core drilling and snow-pit sampling. This new information was supplemented by earlier data taken from the literature, resulting in 111 accumulation values. Using Geographical Information Systems software, a first region-wide mean annual snow-accumulation field was derived. In order to define suitable interpolation criteria, the accumulation records were analyzed with respect to their spatial autocorrelation and statistical properties. The resulting accumulation pattern resembles well known characteristics such as a relatively wet coastal area with a sharp transition to the dry interior, but also reveals complex topographic effects. Furthermore, this work identifies new high-return shallow drilling sites by uncovering areas of insufficient sampling density.

(Table 1) Cortisol concentration in hair of East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

To demonstrate the ability to assess long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity in polar bears (Ursus maritimus), a pilot study was conducted in which cortisol concentration was analyzed in hair from 7 female (3-19 years) and 10 male (6-19 years) East Greenland polar bears sampled in 1994-2006. The hair was chosen as matrix as it is non-invasive, seasonally harmonized, and has been validated as an index of long-term changes in cortisol levels. The samples were categorized according to contamination: eight were clean (2 females, 6 males), 5 had been contaminated with bear blood (2 F, 3 M), and 4 with bear fat (3 F, 1 M). There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration between the three categories after external contamination was removed. However, contaminated hair samples should be cleaned before cortisol determination. Average hair cortisol concentration was 8.90 pg/mg (range: 5.5 to 16.4 pg/mg). There was no significant correlation between cortisol concentration and age (p = 0.81) or sampling year (p = 0.11). However, females had higher mean cortisol concentration than males (females mean: 11.0 pg/mg, males: 7.3 pg/mg; p = 0.01). The study showed that polar bear hair contains measurable amounts of cortisol and that cortisol in hair may be used in studies of long-term stress in polar bears.

Magnetic mineralogy and geochemistry of ODP Holes 137-504B and 140-504B samples

Leg 140 of the Ocean Drilling Program deepened Hole 504B to a total depth of 2000.4 m below seafloor (mbsf), making it the deepest hole drilled into ocean crust. Site 504, south of the Costa Rica Rift, is considered the most important in-situ reference section for the structure of shallow ocean crust. We present the results of studies of magnetic mineralogy and magnetic properties of Hole 504B upper crustal rocks recovered during Legs 137 and 140. Results from this sample set are consistent with those discussed in Pariso et al. (this volume) from Legs 111, 137, and 140. Coercivity (Hc) ranges from 5.3 to 27.7 mT (mean 12 mT), coercivity of remanence (HCR) ranges from 13.3 to 50.6 mT (mean 26 mT), and the ratio HCR/HC ranges from 1.6 to 3.19 (mean 2.13). Saturation magnetization (JS) ranges from 0.03 to 5.94 * 10**-6 Am**2, (mean 2.52 * 10**-6 Am**2), saturation remanence (JR) ranges from 0.01 to 0.58 * 10**-6 Am2 (mean 0.37 * 10**-6 Am**2), and the ratio JR/JS ranges from 0.08 to 0.29 (mean 0.16), consistent with pseudo-single-domain behavior. Natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensity ranges from 0.029 to 7.18 A/m (mean 2.95 A/m), whereas RM10 intensity varies only from 0.006 to 4.8 A/m and has a mean of only 1.02 A/m. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) intensity ranges from 0.04 to 6.0 A/m, with a mean of 2.46 A/m, and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) intensity ranges from 0.5 to 1683 A/m, with a mean of 430.7 A/m. Volume susceptibility ranges from 0.0003 to 0.043 SI (mean 0.011 SI). In all samples examined, high-temperature oxidation of primary titanomagnetite has produced lamellae or pods of magnetite and ilmenite. Hydrothermal alteration has further altered the minerals in some samples to a mixture of magnetite, ilmenite, titanite, and a high-titanium mineral (either rutile or anatase). Electron microprobe analyses show that magnetite lamellae are enriched in the trivalent oxides Cr2O3, Al2O3, and V2O5, whereas divalent oxides (MnO and MgO) are concentrated in ilmenite lamellae.

Magnetic properties of basalts from DSDP Hole 69-504B

The NRM intensity, AF demagnetization characteristics, hysteresis parameters, initial susceptibility, and thermomagnetic characteristics of 18 basalt specimens from Deep Sea Drilling Project Hole 504B were determined. In six samples, the grain size was large enough to allow microprobe analysis. We conclude (1) that the dominant magnetic mineral is titanomagnetite/titanomaghemite; (2) that, except for the upper few meters of the core where the grains are in the stable monodomain state, the grain size of the magnetic mineral lies in the pseudo-single-domain range (< 10 µm); (3) that maghemitization (i.e., low-temperature (< 350°C) oxidation) has taken place. We discuss possible geological histories.

Chemical composition, characteristics and age of glauconites at DSDP Leg 66 Holes

During the analysis of "glaucony" recovered during Leg 66, off Mexico, we reviewed the data on previously studied glaucony layers in active margin areas. We found the depth of Leg 66 glaucony sediments to be significantly greater than conventionally assumed appropriate to their genesis (100-500 m). Accordingly, we hypothesize their occurrence at unusual depth to be due to (1) transport of shallow sediments and redeposition at greater depths, (2) margin subsidence, or (3) genesis at greater depth than is generally assumed. For the area off Mexico, we reject (1). (2) has already been verified in Japan and is possible as an explanation for the present phenomenon without excluding (3), which we investigate in this chapter.

Petrography, minerals and isotopic composition at DSDP Leg 66 Holes

We collected 20 carbonate nodules from the inner trench slope deposits of the Middle America Trench area off Mexico. Carbonate nodules are found only within the methane-rich layer beneath the mixed layer of methane and hydrogen sulfide. They have been investigated by microscopic, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and stable isotopic analytical methods. Calcite, magnesian calcite, dolomite, and rhodochrosite were recognized as carbonate minerals. Each carbonate nodule is usually represented by single species of carbonate minerals. Carbonate nodules are subdivided into micrite nodules and recrystallized nodules according to textural features. The carbonate crystallites in each micrite nodule are equidimensional. Their sizes range from several to 30 µm, as revealed by SEM micrographs. The chemical composition of calcite is changed from pure calcite to high magnesian calcite, as shown by the shift of the (104) reflection in X-ray diffraction patterns. Fe substitution for Ca in dolomite was also observed. Carbon isotopic composition shows an unusually wide range - from -42.9 to +13.5 per mil - in PDB scale, whereas oxygen isotopic compositions of almost all the carbonate nodules are constantly enriched in 18O from +3.4 to +7.60 per mil in PDB scale. These wide variations in carbon isotopic composition indicate several sources for the carbon in carbonate nodules. Carbon with a negative d13C value was derived from biochemical oxidation of methane with a negative d13C value. On the other hand, carbon with positive d13C value was probably formed during methane production in an anoxic condition.