Earth Science Applications

Quantum gravity gradiometers based on atomic interferometry provide high sensitivity for the high resolution mapping of mass distribution above and below the surface of the earth (see Sect. 9.1.7). They can be used in the lab as ground-based version or in a satellite as space-born system. They measure differential acceleration with high precision. Their basic principle is shown in Fig. 10.27 [1487]. 

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Multifractal analysis provides a complete description of fault-network fractal properties. It could more veritably describe the complexity and essentiality of fault structure compared to single fractal analysis. The multifractal theory has been widely applied in various fields of earth science. More details about the properties of multifractal spectra in earth sciences applications can be found in References (Agterberg et al. 1996, Zhao et al. 2011, Kiyashchenko et al. 2004). Fault tectonic has multifractal structure characteristics (Panahi and Cheng 2004). But it was not found on the coalfield fault tectonics. 

From an analytical perspective, measurement of isotope ratios has become an effective technique for studying mass fractionation. Indeed, ratios to 1-2 permit precision levels can be obtained once measurement-induced variations are accounted for. This level of sensitivity, along with the small volumes analyzed, has thus made SIMS the technique of choice in numerous Earth Science applications. 

The uranium and thorium decay-series contain radioactive isotopes of many elements (in particular, U, Th, Pa, Ra and Rn). The varied geochemical properties of these elements cause nuclides within the chain to be fractionated in different geological environments, while the varied half-lives of the nuclides allows investigation of processes occurring on time scales from days to 10 years. U-series measurements have therefore revolutionized the Earth Sciences by offering some of the only quantitative constraints on time scales applicable to the physical processes that take place on the Earth. 

The application of the Diffusion-Adsorption model to dating bone (by AP) was funded by a NERC grant to Robert Hedges at the Research Laboratory for Archaeology, University of Oxford. The U-series date profiles shown here were measured at the NERC U-series dating facility at Open University, and the laser ablation U-series profile was measured at the Research School for Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra in collaboration with Steve Eggins and Rainer Griin. 

The fundamental work to establish the sequence of isotopes in the U and Th decay chains was therefore almost complete by 1913, only 17 years after the first discovery of radioactivity. It would be another 40 years before techniques for the routine measurement of some of these isotopes were developed (as detailed in Edwards et al. 2003) and the U-series isotopes started to see their widespread application to questions in the earth sciences. 

Applications The main application fields of PIXE are earth science, air pollution studies (aerosol analysis), mineralogical studies, forensic science, arts and archaeology. In the external-beam PIXE technique, the proton beam is taken out to ambient air. This mode finds application in the analysis of art objects (paintings, books, etc.). 

Sylvester, P. (ed.) (2001). Laser-Ablation-ICPMS in the Earth Sciences principles and applications. Ottawa, Ont, Mineralogical Association of Canada. 

McCormick, P.G., Alonso, T., Lincoln, F.J., Parks, T.C. and Schaffer, G.B. (1992) Rare earths, science, technology and applications. Proceedings of an International Symposium held jointly by TMS and AusIMM during the TMS Annual meeting, eds. Bautista, R.G. and Jackson, N., San Diego, California, March 1-5, p. 247. 

The first application of La-Ce dating to earth sciences was proposed by Ta-... 

Geochemical kinetics can be viewed as applications of chemical kinetics to Earth sciences. Geochemists have borrowed many theories and concepts from chemists. Although fundamentally similar to chemical kinetics, geochemical kinetics distinguishes itself from chemical kinetics in at least the following ways ... 

Gtlnther, D. Hattendorf, B. In Laser-Ablation-ICPMS an the Earth Sciences Principles and Applications, Sylvester, P., Ed. Short Course Series Mineralogical Assocation of Canada St. Johns, Newfoundland, 2001 Vol.29, pp 83-91. 

One of the most exciting recent developments in Earth Science is the development of quantitative geochemical and thermodynamical proxies for paleoaltimetry. This volume covers state-of-the art applications in this rapidly expanding field. The range of paleoelevation techniques covered here measure different aspects either directly or indirectly of topography. This review illustrates the impact that these new methodologies potentially have on outstanding problems in the field of continental tectonics. 

Veblen, D. R. In Applications of Electron Microscopyin the Earth Sciences White, J. C., Ed. Mineralogical Association of Canada Toronto, Canada, 1985 Chapter 3. 

Advances in Fluorine Science is a new book series presenting critical multidisciplinary overviews on areas in which fluorine and fluoride compounds have a decisive impact. The individual volumes of Advances in Fluorine Science are thematic, addressing comprehensively both the science and applications on topics including the Environment, Green chemistry, Medicine, Health Life Sciences, New Technologies Materials Science, Energy and the Earth Sciences. 

Bums, R. G. (1989b) Mossbauer spectra of 57Fe in rare earth perovskites Applications to the electronic states of iron in the Mantle. In Perovskite A Structure of Great Interest to Geophysics and Materials Science. (A. Navrotsky D. J. Weidner, eds AGU), Geophys. Mono., 45, 81-90. 

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