Enhanced U-Pb detrital zircon, Lu-Hf zircon, δ18O zircon, and Sm-Nd whole rock global databases

High-quality global isotopic databases provide Earth scientists with robust means for developing and testing a variety of geological hypotheses. Database design establishes the range of questions that can be addressed, and validation techniques can enhance data quality. Here, six validated global isotopic databases provide extensive records of analyses from U-Pb in detrital zircon, Lu-Hf in zircon, Sm-Nd from whole rocks, and δ18O in zircon. The U-Pb detrital zircon records are segregated into three independently sampled databases. Independent samples are critical for testing the replicability of results, a key requisite for gaining confidence in the validity of a hypothesis. An advantage of our updated databases is that a hypothesis developed from one of the global detrital zircon databases can be immediately tested with the other two independent detrital zircon databases to assess the replicability of results. The independent εHf(t) and εNd(t) values provide similar means of testing for replicable results. This contribution discusses database design, data limitations, and validation techniques used to ensure the data are optimal for subsequent geological investigations

Regional trends and petrologic factors inhibit global interpretations of zircon trace element compositions

The trace element composition of zircon reveals information about the melt that they are derived from, as such, detrital zircon trace element compositions can be used to interrogate melt compositions, and thus the evolution of the continental crust in time and space. Here, we present a global database of detrital zircon compositions and use it to test whether average global trends for five common petrogenetic proxies truly represent secular changes in continental evolution. We demonstrate that the secular trend is broadly comparable across continental regions for Ti-in-zircon temperatures, but for other trace element ratios interrogated, secular trends are highly variable between continental regions. Because trace element ratios result from multiple petrologic variables, we argue that these petrogenetic proxies can be overinterpreted if projected to global geologic processes. In particular, we caution against the interpretation of crustal thickness from trace elements in zircon, and we argue that our results negate current hypotheses concerning secular changes in crustal thickness

The replication crisis and its relevance to Earth Science studies: Case studies and recommendations

Numerous scientific fields are facing a replication crisis, where the results of a study often cannot be replicated when a new study uses independent data. This issue has been particularly emphasized in psychology, health, and medicine, as incorrect results in these fields could have serious consequences, where lives might be at stake. While other fields have also highlighted significant replication problems, the Earth Sciences seem to be an exception. The paucity of Earth Science research aimed at understanding the replication crisis prompted this study. Specifically, this work aims to fill that gap by seeking to replicate geological results involving various types of time-series. We identify and discuss 11 key variables for replicating U-Pb age distributions: independent data, global sampling, proxy data, data quality, disproportionate non-random sampling, stratigraphic bias, potential filtering bias, accuracy and precision, correlating time-series segments, testing assumptions and divergent analytical methods, and analytical transparency. Even while this work primarily focuses on U-Pb age distributions, most of these factors (or variations of them) also apply to other geoscience disciplines. Thus, some of the discussions involve time-series consisting of εHf, δ18O-zircon, 14C, 10Be, marine δ13C, and marine δ18O. We then provide specific recommendations for minimizing adverse effects related to these factors, and in the process enhancing prospects for replicating geological results

A geochronological review of magmatism along the external margin of Columbia and in the Grenville-age orogens forming the core of Rodinia

A total of 4344 magmatic U-Pb ages in the range 2300 to 800 Ma have been compiled from the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen along the margin of the Columbia / Nuna supercontinent and from the subsequent Grenvillian collisional orogens forming the core of Rodinia. The age data are derived from Laurentia (North America and Greenland, n = 1212), Baltica (NE Europe, n = 1922), Amazonia (central South America, n = 625), Kalahari (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica, n = 386), and western Australia (n = 199). Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia (and possibly other cratons) most likely formed a ca. 10 000-km-long external active continental margin of Columbia from its assembly at ca. 1800 Ma until its dispersal at ca. 1260 Ma, after which all cratons studied were involved in the Rodinia-forming Grenvillian orogeny. However, the magmatic record is not smooth and even but highly irregular, with marked peaks and troughs, both for individual cratons and the combined data set. Magmatic peaks typically range in duration from a few tens of million years up to around hundred million years, with intervening troughs of comparable length. Some magmatic peaks are observed on multiple cratons, either by coincidence or because of paleogeographic proximity and common tectonic setting, while others are not. The best overall correlation, 0.617, is observed between Baltica and Amazonia, consistent with (but not definitive proof of) their being close neighbours in a SAMBA-like configuration at least in Columbia, and perhaps having shared the same peri-Columbian subduction system for a considerable time. Correlation factors between Laurentia and Baltica, or Laurentia and Amazonia, are below 0.14. Comparison between the Grenville Province in northeastern Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian Province in southwestern Fennoscandia (Baltica) shows some striking similarities, especially in the Mesoproterozoic, but also exhibits differences in the timing of events, especially during the final Grenville-Sveconorwegian collision, when the Sveconorwegian evolution seems to lag behind by some tens of million years. Between the other cratons, the evolution before and during the final Grenvillian collision is also largely diachronous. After 900 Ma, magmatic activity had ceased in all areas investigated, attesting to the position of most of them within the stable interior of Rodinia.publishedVersio

Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training in a Gym Setting Improves Cardio-Metabolic and Psychological Health.

BACKGROUND: Within a controlled laboratory environment, high-intensity interval training (HIT) elicits similar cardiovascular and metabolic benefits as traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). It is currently unclear how HIT can be applied effectively in a real-world environment. PURPOSE: To investigate the hypothesis that 10 weeks of HIT, performed in an instructor-led, group-based gym setting, elicits improvements in aerobic capacity (VO2max), cardio-metabolic risk and psychological health which are comparable to MICT. METHODS: Ninety physically inactive volunteers (42±11 y, 27.7±4.8 kg.m-2) were randomly assigned to HIT or MICT group exercise classes. HIT consisted of repeated sprints (15-60 seconds, >90% HRmax) interspersed with periods of recovery cycling (≤25 min.session-1, 3 sessions.week-1). MICT participants performed continuous cycling (~70% HRmax, 30-45 min.session-1, 5 sessions.week-1). VO2max, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and psychological health were assessed pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: Mean weekly training time was 55±10 (HIT) and 128±44 min (MICT) (p<0.05), with greater adherence to HIT (83±14% vs. 61±15% prescribed sessions attended, respectively; p<0.05). HIT improved VO2max, insulin sensitivity, reduced abdominal fat mass, and induced favourable changes in blood lipids (p<0.05). HIT also induced beneficial effects on health perceptions, positive and negative affect, and subjective vitality (p<0.05). No difference between HIT and MICT was seen for any of these variables. CONCLUSIONS: HIT performed in a real-world gym setting improves cardio-metabolic risk factors and psychological health in physically inactive adults. With a reduced time commitment and greater adherence than MICT, HIT offers a viable and effective exercise strategy to target the growing incidence of metabolic disease and psychological ill-being associated with physical inactivity

Genetic architecture of subcortical brain structures in 38,851 individuals

Subcortical brain structures are integral to motion, consciousness, emotions and learning. We identified common genetic variation related to the volumes of the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, brainstem, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen and thalamus, using genome-wide association analyses in almost 40,000 individuals from CHARGE, ENIGMA and UK Biobank. We show that variability in subcortical volumes is heritable, and identify 48 significantly associated loci (40 novel at the time of analysis). Annotation of these loci by utilizing gene expression, methylation and neuropathological data identified 199 genes putatively implicated in neurodevelopment, synaptic signaling, axonal transport, apoptosis, inflammation/infection and susceptibility to neurological disorders. This set of genes is significantly enriched for Drosophila orthologs associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes, suggesting evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Our findings uncover novel biology and potential drug targets underlying brain development and disease

A relational database of global U–Pb ages

Enhanced understanding of how sampling techniques affect estimates of the global U–Pb age-distribution have, in turn, constrained U–Pb database design. Recent studies indicate that each continent has a unique age-distribution, as determined by zircon ages dated by the U–Pb isotope method. Likewise, broad regions within a continent also exhibit diverse age-distributions. To achieve a reliable estimate of the global distribution, the heterogenous composition of the continental crust requires sampling as many regions as feasibly possible. To attain this goal, and to provide a method for calculating age histograms, the records from a recent global U–Pb compilation are supplemented with 281,631 new records. These additions increase the database size to 700,598 records. In addition, the data are now restructured and made available as a relational database. After filtering the records by the six age-models included with the database, the results reveal two problems that might generally be unrecognized. First, an abrupt switch in the best-age at any given point (such as 1000 Ma) from 206Pb/238U ages to 207Pb/206Pb ages artificially depresses the age-distribution at the cutoff point. Second, rejecting analyses based on either absolute discordance or the magnitude of 2σ precision errors artificially depresses the age-distribution between 900 Ma and 2000 Ma. The results indicate that, when estimating the global U–Pb age-distribution, the methods for determining best-age and for rejecting records both require some attention. Possible solutions include using either an Accuracy Model or a Precision Model for estimating best-age, and then including all U–Pb records in the estimate, rather than rejecting any of them. Keywords: U–Pb age-distribution, Histogram, Global database, Sampling, Filtering, Zirco

Quasi-periodic fractal patterns in geomagnetic reversals, geological activity, and astronomical events

AbstractThe cause of geomagnetic reversals remains a geological mystery. With the availability of improved paleomagnetic databases in the past three years, a reexamination of possible periodicity in the geomagnetic reversal rate seems warranted. Previous reports of cyclicity in the reversal rate, along with the recent discovery of harmonic cycles in a variety of natural events, sparked our interest in reevaluating possible patterns in the reversal rate. Here, we focus on geomagnetic periodicity, but also analyze paleointensity, zircon formation, star formation, quasar formation, supernova, and gamma ray burst records to determine if patterns that occur in other types of data have similar periodicity. If so, then the degree of synchronization will indicate likely causal relationships with geomagnetic reversals. To achieve that goal, newly available time-series records from these disciplines were tested for cyclicity by using spectral analysis and time-lagged cross-correlation techniques. The results showed evidence of period-tripled cycles of 30.44, 91.33, 274, 822, and 2466 million years, corresponding to the periodicity from a new Universal Cycle model. Based on the results, a fractal model of the universe is hypothesized in which sub-electron fractal matter acts as a dynamic medium for large-scale waves that cause the cycles in astronomical and geological processes. According to this hypothesis, the medium of sub-electron fractal matter periodically compresses and decompresses according to the standard laws for mechanical waves. Consequently, the compressions contribute to high-pressure environments and vice versa for the decompressions, which are hypothesized to cause the instabilities that lead to episodic astronomical and geological events

Evaluating U-Pb accuracy and precision by comparing zircon ages from 12 standards using TIMS and LA-ICP-MS methods

U-Pb geochronological studies based on LA-ICP-MS isotopic measurements often require a profound understanding of the accuracy, precision, and preferred ages derived from this methodology. To enhance such awareness, an approximately 60,000 record U-Pb database is compiled from LA-ICP-MS zircon analyses of 12 standards (reference materials), with the standards having ages ranging from 3500 Ma to 0 Ma. Because the 12 standards are dated with the highly accurate and precise TIMS methods, a means exists for assessing the accuracy and precision of corresponding LA-ICP-MS ages. For each standard, the LA-ICP-MS ages are separated by concordance classes, and then age distributions are calculated for each concordance class using four age models: 206Pb/238U, 207Pb/206Pb, IsoplotR concordia, and non-iterative probability ages. Preferred U-Pb ages are determined by the model from which LA-ICP-MS ages consistently align with TIMS ages across the entire age continuum from 3500 Ma to present. The results favor the non-iterative probability model, which indicate that LA-ICP-MS ages have a mean accuracy of ±1.4 myr when comparing median LA-ICP-MS ages with mean TIMS ages; however, LA-ICP-MS ages have relatively poor 2σ internal precision, which is age-dependent and generally ranges from ±3 myr to ±25 myr, with mean 2σ internal precision of 15 myr. Additionally, the results suggest that U-Pb discordance has at least two primary sources: (a) inherent LA-ICP-MS imprecision due to repeated measurement errors of 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/206Pb ratios, is likely the primary cause of proximal-Wetherill discordance, whereas (b) Pb-loss is likely the primary contributor to distal-Wetherill discordance