Ridge subduction at an erosive margin - the collision zone of the Nazca Ridge in southern Peru

The 1.5-km-high, obliquely subducting Nazca Ridge and its collision zone with the Peruvian margin have been imaged by wide-angle and reflection seismic profiles, swath bathymetry, and gravity surveying. These data reveal that the crust of the ridge at its northeastern tip is 17 km thick and exhibits seismic velocities and densities similar to layers 2 and 3 of typical oceanic crust. The lowermost layer contributes 10–12 km to the total crustal thickness of the ridge. The sedimentary cover is 300–400 m thick on most parts of the ridge but less than 100 m thick on seamounts and small volcanic ridges. At the collision zone of ridge and margin, the following observations indicate intense tectonic erosion related to the passage of the ridge. The thin sediment layer on the ridge is completely subducted. The lower continental slope is steep, dipping at ∼9°, and the continental wedge has a high taper of 18°. Tentative correlation of model layers with stratigraphy derived from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 112 cores suggests the presence of Eocene shelf deposits near the trench. Continental basement is located <15 km landward of the trench. Normal faults on the upper slope and shelf indicate extension. A comparison with the Peruvian and northern Chilean forearc systems, currently not affected by ridge subduction, suggests that the passage of the Nazca Ridge along the continental margin induces a temporarily limited phase of enhanced tectonic erosion superposed on a long-term erosive regime

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impacts Related to Mould-Affected Housing: An Australian Integrative Review

In response to an Australian governmental inquiry into biotoxin-related illness, the purpose of this integrative review is to bring together the current state of evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and impacts related to mould-affected housing in an Australian context, in order to inform building, housing and health research, practice and policy. The robust integrative review methodology simultaneously sought quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature from multiple disciplines, identifying only 45 studies directly relating to Australian housing and indoor mould. Twenty-one studies highlight negative health impacts relating to indoor residential mould, with asthma, respiratory, allergy conditions and emerging health concerns for chronic multiple-symptom presentation. The majority of studies reported risk factors for indoor mould including poor housing conditions, poor-quality rental accommodation, socioeconomic circumstance, age-related housing issues and concerns for surface/interstitial condensation and building defects in newer housing. Risks for indoor mould in both older and newer housing raise concerns for the extent of the problem of indoor mould in Australia. Understanding the national prevalence of housing risks and “root cause” associated with indoor mould is not conclusive from the limited existing evidence. Synthesis of this evidence reveals a lack of coverage on: (1) national and geographical representation, (2) climatical coverage, (3) housing typologies, (4) housing defects, (5) maintenance, (6) impact from urbanisation, and (7) occupant’s behaviour. This integrative review was key in identifying emerging housing and health concerns, highlighting gaps in data and implications to be addressed by researchers, practice and policy and acts as a comprehensive holistic review process that can be applied to other countries

Onset characteristics and breadth of occupants' long-lasting building-related symptoms attributed to living in damp housing conditions in Australia: Qualitative insights

Few studies explore persistent building-related symptoms in a residential context. Additionally, a growing body of literature suggests symptoms related to indoor building dampness and mould (D/M) may present as a broader set of symptoms than previously thought. In this study, we performed deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis, using a Long COVID-19 symptom category framework, to analyse first person responses to open-ended symptom questions from an online survey. This study describes 154 residential occupants’ self-reported symptomatic experiences, at the onset of symptoms perceived to be related to living with indoor D/M. The majority of occupants experienced 3 or more D/M indicators and reported multiple concurrent symptoms that came on gradually and persisted for 1 year or more, significantly impacting quality of life. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, led by brain fog, headaches, sleep issues and memory loss, were the most prevalent symptom category, however new categories emerged for hypersensitivities, increased occurrence of infections and asthma-related symptoms. Occupants with short-term (1–30 days) and long-term (2 years or more) experience of living with D/M conditions reported long-lasting symptoms. In conclusion, in providing deeper insights into the symptomatic experiences of occupants, this study highlights the need for a framework that encompasses the breadth of symptoms and their system categories. It also provides a nuanced understanding of the characteristics of symptom onset and prevalence.</p

Microfracture Surface Characterizations: Implications for In Situ Remedial Methods in Fractured Rock

Agreement No. CR-827878-01-0 to the USEPA. It has been subjected to the Agency’s peer and administrative review and has been approved for publication as an EPA document. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. All research projects making conclusions or recommendations based on environmentally related measurements and funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are required to participate in the Agency Quality Assurance Program. This project did not involve environmentally related measurements and, as such, did not require a Quality Assurance Plan. ii Foreword The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is charged by Congress with protecting the Nation’s land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate, EPA’s research program is providing dat