Crystal orientation mapping and microindentation reveal anisotropy in Porites skeletons

Structures made by scleractinian corals support diverse ocean ecosystems. Despite the importance of coral skeletons and their predicted vulnerability to climate change, few studies have examined the mechanical and crystallographic properties of coral skeletons at the micro- and nano-scales. Here, we investigated the interplay of crystallographic and microarchitectural organization with mechanical anisotropy within Porites skeletons by measuring Young’s modulus and hardness along surfaces transverse and longitudinal to the primary coral growth direction. We observed micro-scale anisotropy, where the transverse surface had greater Young’s modulus and hardness by ∼ 6 GPa and 0.2 GPa, respectively. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that this surface also had a higher percentage of crystals oriented with the a-axis between ± 30-60∘, relative to the longitudinal surface, and a broader grain size distribution. Within a region containing a sharp microscale gradient in Young’s modulus, nanoscale indentation mapping, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), EBSD, and Raman crystallography were performed. A correlative trend showed higher Young’s modulus and hardness in regions with individual crystal bases (c-axis) facing upward, and in crystal fibers relative to centers of calcification. These relationships highlight the difference in mechanical properties between scales (i.e. crystals, crystal bundles, grains). Observations of crystal orientation and mechanical properties suggest that anisotropy is driven by microscale organization and crystal packing, rather than intrinsic crystal anisotropy. In comparison with previous observations of nanoscale isotropy in corals, our results illustrate the role of hierarchical architecture in coral skeletons and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on mechanical properties at different scales

Trace elements in olivine fingerprint the source of 2018 magmas and shed light on explosive-effusive eruption cycles at Kīlauea Volcano

International audienceUnderstanding magma genesis and the evolution of intensive parameters (temperature, pressure, composition, degree of melting) in the mantle source of highly active volcanic systems is crucial for interpreting magma supply changes over time and recognizing cyclic behavior to anticipate future volcanic behavior. Major and trace elements in olivine are commonly used to study variations in mantle lithologies and melting conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, oxygen fugacity) affecting the mantle over time. Here, we track the temporal evolution of primary melts through the most recent cycle of explosive and effusive eruptions at Kīlauea (Hawai'i), which spans the last ∼500 years. We report major and trace elements in olivine from the last explosive period (∼1500 - early 1820's Keanakāko'i Tephra) and the most recent decade of the current effusive period (2018 LERZ, 2015-2018 Pu'u'ō'ō, 2008-2018 lava lake and 2020 eruption in Halema'uma'u). Scandium concentrations in olivine allow characterizing changes in mantle source between 1500 and 2018, and suggest that the recent (2015-2018) magma feeding the Pu'u'ō'ō cone did not significantly interact with the magma that erupted in the LERZ in 2018. The evolution of olivine and melt compositions over the past 500 years is not easily reconcilable with variations in mantle potential temperature, pressure of mantle melt pooling and storage, or oxygen fugacity. Instead, Sc, Mn, and Co concentrations and Ni/Mg ratio in high forsterite (Fo >87) olivine advocate for an increase in the proportion of clinopyroxene in the mantle source associated with a slightly higher degree of partial melting from 1500 to 2018. Changes in primitive melt compositions and degrees of mantle melting may well modulate magma supply to the crust and formation-replenishment of steady or ephemeral summit reservoirs, and thereby control transitions between explosive and effusive periods at Kīlauea. Analyzing trace elements in olivine at Kīlauea and elsewhere could therefore provide important clues on subtle changes occurring at the mantle level that might herald changes in volcanic behavior

Provenance of the upper Miocene-Pliocene Red Clay deposits of the Chinese loess plateau

A clear understanding of the provenance of late Cenozoic Chinese loess and the underlying Red Clay deposits will shed light on the history and mechanisms of Asian aridification. Although much progress has been made in understanding the source of Quaternary loess on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), the provenance of the underlying upper Miocene-Pliocene Red Clay sequence is largely unknown. Here we present the first provenance history of the Red Clay sequence based on zircon U-Pb ages from the central CLP. Visual and statistical analyses of the U-Pb age populations and comparison with results from potential source regions reveals that (1) the lowermost Red Clay of the late Miocene (depositional age of ~8 Ma) is likely sourced from the nearby Liupan Mountains and the Qaidam Basin; (2) the middle Red Clay (5.5-4 Ma) of the early-mid Pliocene is sourced mainly from the Taklamakan desert, transported via lower-level westerly winds; (3) the upper Red Clay of the late Pliocene (~3 Ma) is sourced from mixed areas, although western source materials from middle-northern Tibetan plateau (including Qaidam Desert sediments and materials eroded from the Qilian Mountains) sediments appear to dominate; and (4) the Quaternary loess is also sourced from mixed source regions, albeit with dominant northern CLP proximal desert sediments transported via winter monsoon winds, which in turn may be transported from mountain source regions of the northeastern Tibet and Gobi Altai via major river systems. This long term shift in sources suggests a progressive eastward aridification during the Pliocene in Asia with the specific timing of provenance shifts synchronous with large-scale climatic transitions and Tibetan uplift, demonstrating that Asian desertification is controlled by both factors.</p

Coronary artery disease in Hispanic Americans

A concerted national effort has reduced cardiovascular mortality rates in the general US population. Unfortunately, not all ethnic groups have benefited equally from these improvements in our national health. The author presents insights into social and clinical factors that affect cardiovascular disease among Hispanic Americans