Soils potential mapping

A miniaturized MB spectrometer MIMOS II was developed for the robotic exploration of Mars, where it provided fundamental information about mineralogical composition and alteration processes, helped to classify rocks and soils, aided geologic mapping, was instrumental in assessing habitability of past and present environments, and identified potential construction resources for future human explorers. The applicability of the instrument as a process monitor for oxygen production and prospecting tool for lunar ISRU has been demonstrated. The characterization of air pollution sources and the study of mixed-valence materials as a function of depth in soil are examples of terrestrial in situ applications. MIMOS lla with additional XRF capability will open up new applications. 

Several soil-vapor monitoring techniques are currendy being used to define areas of volatile organic chemical contamination. These procedures usually involve the collection of representative samples of the soil gas for analysis of indicator compounds. Maps marked with concentration contours of these indicator compounds can be used to identify potential sources to delineate the contaminated area. Indicator compounds (usually the more volatile compounds) are selected for each specific situation. For gasoline contamination, the compounds are usually benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and total xylene (BTEX). In the case of a fuel oil spill, the most commonly used indicator is naphthalene. Some laboratories have adapted the laboratory procedures used for quality analysis of wellhead condensate (i.e., normal paraffins) to include light-end (<8 carbons) molecular analysis. 

At the Agency s laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria, scientists and technicians have focused their efforts on the measurement and analysis of hundreds of samples collected during inspections. They include smear samples taken from various sites in Iraq to detect potential undeclared nuclear activities samples of uranium and plutonium compounds samples of construction materials such as graphite, steel, and beryllium and samples of soil, vegetation, water, rocks, and ores (see Tables 11.7 and 11.8). The results helped inspectors to map the Iraqi nuclear programme, both with respect to declared and undeclared activities. 

In a first step, nutrient-depleted soils with low buffering capacity are identified to a,s,sess regions with potential for destabilization of forest ecosystems by acid deposition. Becau.se the acidity neutralization capacity of. soils (ANC) cannot be accurately determined from the global data, a simple approach based on the Soil Map of the World (FAO, 1995) is carried out. To evaluate the buffering capacity of the top.soils, the CEC data (cation exchange capacity) and the base saturation data (Na, K, Mg, and Ca) are combined with a map of the global distribution of forests (WCMC, 1997) to obtain the measures for fore.st soils with low buffering capacity. 

The District suggests that the partners discuss, as a priority, the need for more extensive sampling (some of these properties had only three samples) and whether a mapping of the soil gas would be useful in pointing to potential burial sites. The Corps should discuss interim measures with the property owners. 

Geologic features map It is a compilation of features shown on the other interpretive maps. The map shows geologic features on the seafloor and to depths of 300-600 m that are of potential significance to a site. All features are described quantitatively to facilitate use by engineers. Examples are faults, slides, slumps, creep zones, steep slopes, irregular seafloor topography, unusual soil and rock conditions, and buried stream channels. 

For a typical soil investigation campaign aimed at mapping a potential dedicated borrow area, the flowchart in Figure 3.2 can be used as a guideline (reference is also made to section 3.5). 

V5 = uncertain site soil, potentially measured by NEHRP site soil classification or shearwave velocity in the top 30 m of soil (Vs30) or something else. To find Vs30, see the site data application at www.opensha.org/apps for U.S. locations or Google the USGS s Global Vs30 map server for other locations V = a particular value of V. 

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