Transformations due to mylonitization processes in granitic rocks

[Resumen] El objetivo de este estudio es determinar las transformaciones, tanto a nivel mineralógico como textural, experimentadas por rocas graníticas tardihercínicas afectadas por procesos de milonitización en el sector oriental de la Sierra de Gredos (Sistema Central Español). De igual modQ se intenta determinar la influencia de dichas transformaciones en la composición química de las rocas milonitizadas . El incremento progresivo de la deformación provoca una serie de transformaciones texturales en las que a partir de granitoides de grano grueso porfídicos se generan unas milonitas porfidoclásticas planolineares en el núcleo de la banda de fractura. Desde el punto de vista mineralógico se aprecia una total trituración y degradación de la biotita, que se transforma a clorita de grano muy fino dispersa en la matriz milonítica. También se observan ciertas removilizaciones de feldespato potásico y albita y reajustes metamórficos de bajo grado (en facies de esquistos verdes). Los cambios composicionales acompañantes consisten en un enriquecimiento en Si02, CaO y Na20 en la zona de máxima milonitización y un empobrecimiento en K20 y P20 S en el mismo sentido. En cuanto a los elementos traza, tan sólo Rb y Sr muestran un ligero empobrecimiento en la zona milonítica.[Abstract] The aim of this paper is the determination of the textural and mineralogical transformations introduced in late-Hercynian granitic rocks which have undergone mylonitization processes in the Eastern Sierra de Gredos (Spanish Central System). It also is intended to determine the influence of such changes on the chemical composition of the mylonitic rocks. The progressive increasing of strain causes a series of textural transformations in the originally porphyritic, coarse-grained granitoids leading to formation of porphyroclastic mylonitic rocks with development of planelinear fabrics at the core of the fracture zone. From a mineralogical point of view, transformation~ consist in entire crushing and degradation of biotite, which converts into very fine-grained chlorite disseminated within the mylonitic matrix. Likewise, K-feldspar and albite remobilizations and low grade (greenschists facies) metamorphic readjustments can be observed. The accompanying compositional changes are Si02, CaO and Na20 enrichment and K20 and P20S impoverishment towards the zone of maximum mylonitization. Concerning the trace elements, only Rb and Sr show a weak impoverishment within the mylonitic zone

Dynamics and control of the expansion of finite-size plasmas produced in ultraintense laser-matter interactions

The strong influence of the electron dynamics provides the possibility of controlling the expansion of laser-produced plasmas by appropriately shaping the laser pulse. A simple irradiation scheme is proposed to tailor the explosion of large deuterium clusters, inducing the formation of shock structures, capable of driving nuclear fusion reactions. Such a scenario has been thoroughly investigated, resorting to two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Furthermore, the intricate dynamics of ions and electrons during the collisionless expansion of spherical nanoplasmas has been analyzed in detail using a self-consistent ergodic-kinetic model. This study clarifies the transition from hydrodynamic-like to Coulomb-explosion regimes

Petrological study of sorne dark inclusions in hercynian granitoids frorn the Hesperian Massif (Spain)

[Resumen] Se estudian algunos enclaves de origen ígneo incluidos en granitoides hercínicos sincinemáticos meso y catazonales situados en la zona Centroibérica. Esta serie de rocas así como otras similares situadas en áreas próximas, y estudiadas por diversos autores, presentan un notable grado de variabilidad composicional, encontrándose desde tipos fuertemente metaalumínicos a otros peralumínicos, e incluso rocas aberrantes fuertemente subsaturadas y con leucita normativa. También se observa, a nivel de afloramiento y microscópico, una fuerte heterogeneidad en las estructuras y en las texturas, debido a la superposici6n de procesos de hibridación y reajustes mineralógicos. Estas transformaciones están además relacionadas en pate con reacciones entre los materiales básicos y los granitoides que las incluyen. En los casos estudiados, la reactividad está realzada por el carácter catazonal de los granitoides, por su riqueza en fase volátil (manifiesta por una considerable proporción de moscovita) y por la imbricación con los procesos metam6rficos regionales y la migmatizaci6n. Por otra parte, se estudian rocas de un pequeño cuerpo plutónico básicJ, intrusivo en un conjunto de metasedimentos de grado medio-alto, próximos a un área de intensa migmatización, y que por sus características pueden corresponderse con algunos de los enclaves básicos incluidos en los granitoides migmáticos inhomogéneos.[Abstract] Several dark inclusions of igneous origin from synkinematic meso and catazonal Hercynian granitoids of the Central Iberian Zone are studied. The rocks of this group of inclusions and of similar ones outcropping in adyacent areas, which have been studied by various authors, showa remarkable degree of compositional variability. They range from strongly meta-aluminous to peraluminous types and even unusual undersaturated rocks or rocks with normative leucite· are known to exist among them. Hybridization processes, together with mineralogical readjus~ments, resulted in a marked textural and structural heterogeneity of the rocks at the scale of an outcrop or under the microscope. Part of these transformations can be related to interaction between the basic material of the inclusions and the enclosing granitoids. In the cases studied, reactivity was enhanced by the catazonal character of the granitoids, their richness in volatiles (as indicated by their considerable amount of muscovite) and their involvment in processes of regional metamorphism and migmatization. The rocks of a small plutonic outcrop intrusive in medium to high grade metasediments are studied.The chemico-mineralogical characteristics of these rocks suggest that they may be comparable withsorpe of the basic inclusions found in masses of the so-called inhomogeneous migmatitic granitoids

Efficient calculation of van der Waals dispersion coefficients with time-dependent density functional theory in real time: application to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The van der Waals dispersion coefficients of a set of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ranging in size from the single-cycle benzene to circumovalene (C66H20), are calculated with a real-time propagation approach to time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). In the non-retarded regime, the Casimir-Polder integral is employed to obtain C6, once the dynamic polarizabilities have been computed at imaginary frequencies with TDDFT. On the other hand, the numerical coefficient that characterizes the fully retarded regime is obtained from the static polarizabilities. This ab initio strategy has favorable scaling with the size of the system - as demonstrated by the size of the reported molecules - and can be easily extended to obtain higher order van der Waals coefficients.Comment: submitted to J. Chem. Phy

All-optical trapping and acceleration of heavy particles

A scheme for fast, compact, and controllable acceleration of heavy particles in vacuum is proposed, in which two counterpropagating lasers with variable frequencies drive a beat-wave structure with variable phase velocity, thus allowing for trapping and acceleration of heavy particles, such as ions or muons. Fine control over the energy distribution and the total charge of the beam is obtained via tuning of the frequency variation. The acceleration scheme is described with a one-dimensional theory, providing the general conditions for trapping and scaling laws for the relevant features of the particle beam. Two-dimensional, electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations confirm the validity and the robustness of the physical mechanism.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, to appear in New Journal of Physic

Petrological and chronological considerations on the hercynian granitic rocks from Galicia (NW Spain)

[Resumen] Se realiza un estudio sobre más de 600 análisis químicos correspondientes a los diversos grupos de granitoides hercínicos de Galicia, y se establecen valores medios representativos para la composición química mayoritaria de estos grupos. La comparación con las medias previamente establecidas para el N. O. de Galicia, permite observar un desplazamiento hacia términos composicionales más ácidospara el conjunto de los granitoides sincinemáticos más profundos, que resulta notablemente más acentuado en el grupo de los granitoides sincinemáticos predominantemente biotíticos. Para los granitoides postcinemáticos, las desviaciones observadas son en cambio poco significativas. El examen de los datos normativos medios, pone en evidencia un carácter peralumínico generalizado para todo el conjunto, apreciándose no obstante un drástico descenso en el contenido en corindón para los granitoides postcinemáticos, que marca una distribución bimodal para este componente normativo. La clasificación petrológica con base en la mineralogía normativa pone de manifiesto un espectro composicional que fluctúa esencialmente entre granitos y monzogranitos, con muy escasa representación de los términos granodior1ticos. La variabilidad observada para los elementos mayores más signiflcativos presenta pautas poco dispersivas. Los espectros de tierras raras tienen una configuración muy similar para los granitoides precoces predominantemente biotíticos, los granitos de dos micas sincinemáticos y los granitoides inhomogéneos, con anomalías negativas de Eu poco acentuadas. Por el contrario, los granitoides tardicinemáticos someros y los granitoides post-cinemáticos, presentan también espectros bastante similares entre sí, con anomalís negativas de Eu que pueden ser considerables. Las dataciones cronológicas efectuadas por el método de Rb-Sr en roca total en algunos de los plutones post-cinemáticos se encuentran en un intervalo aproximado de 275-287 m. a., mientras que la mayoría de las dataciones sobre unidades sincinemáticas de dos micas y predominantemente biotíticas fluctúan entre 295 y 323 m. a., aunque se encuentran algunos datos fuera de este entorno, que precisan futuras verificaciones..[Abstract] A survey over more than 600 chemical analysis of Hercynian granitic rocks from Galicia is presented, and a new set of representative mean compositional values of the main groups is calculated. In general, these new mean values are richer in Si02 than the previously available ones. This difference is more conspicous in the biotite rich synkinematic group, and is minium in the postkynematic granitoids. The average normative compostion, shows a systematic peraluminous character for aH the granitoids. However, the group of postkynematic granitoids, are poorer in normative corundum than the other groups, which results in a bimodal distribution of this normative component. The normative petrological c1assification shows a compositional spectrúm ranging mainly from granites to monzogranites. The Granodioritic rocks are very scarce. The variation trends for the main mayor elements display patterns with little dispersion. The REE spectra for the biotite rich synkinematic granites, two mica synkinematic granites and inhomogenous granites are very similar, and show negligible Eu anomalies. By contrast, the shaHow level intrusion late-kynematic and postkynematic granites, display conspicous Eu anomalies and have similar spectra patterns, but different from the previously referred ones. Whole-rock-Rb-Sr ages for the postkynematic plutons range from 287 to 275 M. y. The majority of the data the synkinematic units range from 323 to 295 M. y. However, sorne chronological data faH out of these intervals, showing the need of further studies

Investigating the high-frequency spectral features of SNRs Tycho, W44 and IC443 with the Sardinia Radio Telescope

The main characteristics in the radio continuum spectra of Supernova Remnants (SNRs) result from simple synchrotron emission. In addition, electron acceleration mechanisms can shape the spectra in specific ways, especially at high radio frequencies. These features are connected to the age and the peculiar conditions of the local interstellar medium interacting with the SNR. Whereas the bulk radio emission is expected at up to $20-50$ GHz, sensitive high-resolution images of SNRs above 10 GHz are lacking and are not easily achievable, especially in the confused regions of the Galactic Plane. In the framework of the early science observations with the Sardinia Radio Telescope in February-March 2016, we obtained high-resolution images of SNRs Tycho, W44 and IC443 that provided accurate integrated flux density measurements at 21.4 GHz: 8.8 $\pm$ 0.9 Jy for Tycho, 25 $\pm$ 3 Jy for W44 and 66 $\pm$ 7 Jy for IC443. We coupled the SRT measurements with radio data available in the literature in order to characterise the integrated and spatially-resolved spectra of these SNRs, and to find significant frequency- and region-dependent spectral slope variations. For the first time, we provide direct evidence of a spectral break in the radio spectral energy distribution of W44 at an exponential cutoff frequency of 15 $\pm$ 2 GHz. This result constrains the maximum energy of the accelerated electrons in the range $6-13$ GeV, in agreement with predictions indirectly derived from AGILE and \textit{Fermi}-LAT gamma-ray observations. With regard to IC443, our results confirm the noticeable presence of a bump in the integrated spectrum around $20-70$ GHz that could result from a spinning dust emission mechanism.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figure

A Revision of the characteristics and clasification of the hercynian granitoids of Northern Galicia and Western Asturias (NW Spain)

[Resumen] Este trabajo resume parte de los resultados obtenidos en el desarrollo del proyecto «Caracterización y correlación petrológica, geoquímica y geocronológica de las rocas graníticas de Galicia (A Coruña-Lugo)>>, realizado por el 1. ~G. M. E. El estudio sistemático de los distintos plutones graníticos de esta región ha puesto de manifiesto que los criterios de clasificación tradicionalmente utilizados en este ámbito geológico, presentan una serie de limitaciones debidas por una parte a la rigidez de los grupos establecidos y por otra, a las características transicionales de algunas unidades plutónicas. Estos hechos permiten suponer que las relaciones entre los «granitoides alcalinos y alumínicos de dos micas» y los «granitoides de tendencia calcoalcalina» no son tan independientes como se ha venido considerando en los modelos preexistentes. En función de la profundidad y etapa de emplazamiento y de las características petrológicas, las distintas unidades se han agrupado en las siguientes familias: - Granitoides sincinemáticos de emplazamiento relativamente profundo. - Granitoides sincinemáticos de emplazamiento somero. - Granitoides postcinemáticos de emplazamiento somero. Asimismo se detectan unidades plutónicas complejas, constituidas por varios granitos, a los cuales les corresponderían génesis diferentes, si se siguiesen los criterios previamente vigentes.[Abstract] This article summarizes part of the results of the project «Petrological, geochemical and geochronological caracterization and correlation of the granitic rocks of Galicia (provinces of A Coruña-Lugo)>>, executed on behalf of the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining (1. G. M. E.). The Systematic investigation of the different granite plutons of the area evidences that the application of the criteria traditionally used for the classification of the granitic rocks in Galicia meets with serious difficulties. These are due to the rigidity of the established groups on the one hand and the transitional character of a number of plutonic units on the other hand. The study suggests that the relationship among the {<a1caline and aluminous two-mica granites» and the granitoids of the «ca1c-a1caline tendency is less independent than assumed in the hitherto used classification schemes and petrogenetical models. As a function of the depth and time of their emplacement and their petrological features, the different plutonic units are grouped into the following families: - Synkinematic, relatively deep-seated granitoid bodies. - Synkinematic, shallow-level granitoid bodies. - Postkinematic, shallow-level granitoid bodies. Attention is drawn to the occurrence of complex plutonic units whose constituent members would, according to the criteria of the pre-existing classification schemes, be petrogenetically unrelated or poorly related

Evolución petrológico geoquímica de los granitoides hercínicos del NO gallego

[Resumen] Se estudia el conjunto de rocas graníticas hercínicas del sector noroeste de Galicia, desde el punto de vista petrológico y geoquímico. Por características tect6nicas y mineral6gicas se han distinguido cuatro grupos de granitoides: Granotáides precoces, granitoides inhomogneos,/granitos de dos micas pre-fase 3, y granitos postcinemáticos. Todos los grupos, a excepci6n de los granitoides precoces, tienen una tendencia geoquímica más ácida y evolucionada que la media total de los granitoides gallegos. Los contenidos en Li,Rb,Ba,Sr, demuestran igualmente un alto grado de diferenciación. L1 y Rb por un lado, y Ba y Sr. por otro, se comportan de manera análoga en todos los grupos.[Abstract] This paper deals with the petrological and geochémical aspects of Hercynian granitic rocks in the northwestern part of Galicia. Based on minerological and structural criteria four granitoid groups are distinguished: Early-Hercynian granitoids, " inhomogeneus granitoids " , an'older group of two-micas granite (prior to the third Hercynian deformation) and postcinematic granites. Geochemically al1 the granitic rocks, with the exception of the EarlyHercynian granitoids, are more acid than the average value of all Galician granitoids. Also the abundances of Li, Rb, Ba, and Sr demonstrate a high degree of differentiation. The element pairs Li-Rb and Ba-Sr, tend to behave similarly in the granitoid groups