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Bedrock formation at Meridiani Planum Bedrock formation at Meridiani Planum

The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity discovered sulphate-rich sedimentary rocks at Meridiani Planum on Mars, which are interpreted by McCollom and Hynek as altered volcanic rocks. However, their conclusions are derived from an incorrect representation of our depositional model, which is upheld by more recent Rover data. We contend that all the available data still support an aeolian...
Authors
S. W. Squyres, O. Aharonson, R. E. Arvidson, J.F. Bell, P. R. Christensen, B. C. Clark, J.A. Crisp, W. Farrand, T. Glotch, M.P. Golombek, J. Grant, J. Grotzinger, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, J. R. Johnson, B.L. Jolliff, A.H. Knoll, S. M. McLennan, H.Y. McSween, Johnnie N. Moore, J. W. Rice, N. Tosca

Quantity, composition, and source of sediment collected in sediment traps along the fringing coral reef off Molokai, Hawaii Quantity, composition, and source of sediment collected in sediment traps along the fringing coral reef off Molokai, Hawaii

Sediment traps were used to evaluate the frequency, cause, and relative intensity of sediment mobility/resuspension along the fringing coral reef off southern Molokai (February 2000–May 2002). Two storms with high rainfall, floods, and exceptionally high waves resulted in sediment collection rates > 1000 times higher than during non-storm periods, primarily because of sediment...
Authors
Michael H. Bothner, R. L. Reynolds, M.A. Casso, C. D. Storlazzi, M.E. Field

Large internal waves in Massachusetts Bay transport sediments offshore Large internal waves in Massachusetts Bay transport sediments offshore

A field experiment was carried out in Massachusetts Bay in August 1998 to assess the role of large-amplitude internal waves (LIWs) in resuspending bottom sediments. The field experiment consisted of a four-element moored array extending from just west of Stellwagen Bank (90-m water depth) across Stellwagen Basin (85- and 50-m water depth) to the coast (24-m water depth). The LIWs were...
Authors
B. Butman, P. S. Alexander, A. Scotti, R.C. Beardsley, S.P. Anderson

Geochemistry of low-temperature springs northwest of Yellowstone caldera: Seeking the link between seismicity, deformation, and fluid flow Geochemistry of low-temperature springs northwest of Yellowstone caldera: Seeking the link between seismicity, deformation, and fluid flow

A comprehensive geochemical survey of springs outside the northwest margin of the Yellowstone caldera was undertaken in 2003 and 2004. This survey was designed to detect: (1) active leakage from a huge reservoir of CO2 gas recently postulated to extend from beneath the caldera into this area; and (2) lingering evidence for subsurface flow of magmatic fluids into this area during the 1985...
Authors
William C. Evans, Deborah Bergfeld, Matthias C. van Soest, Mark Huebner, John Fitzpatrick, Kinga M. Revesz

Channel formation by flow stripping: large-scale scour features along the Monterey East Channel and their relation to sediment waves Channel formation by flow stripping: large-scale scour features along the Monterey East Channel and their relation to sediment waves

The Monterey East system is formed by large-scale sediment waves deposited as a result of flows stripped from the deeply incised Monterey fan valley (Monterey Channel) at the apex of the Shepard Meander. The system is dissected by a linear series of steps that take the form of scour-shaped depressions ranging from 3·5 to 4·5 km in width, 3 to 6 km in length and from 80 to 200 m in depth...
Authors
A. Fildani, W. R. Normark, S. Kostic, G. Parker

Surficial geologic interpretation and sidescan sonar imagery of the sea floor in west-central Long Island Sound Surficial geologic interpretation and sidescan sonar imagery of the sea floor in west-central Long Island Sound

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is working cooperatively with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT-DEP) to conduct detailed studies of the surficial geology in Long Island Sound (LIS). The study goals are to interpret sedimentary environments within the Sound, to further understand processes...
Authors
K.Y. McMullen, L.J. Poppe, V.F. Paskevich, E. F. Doran, M. S. Moser, E. B. Christman, A. L. Beaver

Petrogenesis of the Apollo 14 high-alumina basalts: Implications from ion microprobe analyses Petrogenesis of the Apollo 14 high-alumina basalts: Implications from ion microprobe analyses

In this study, ion microprobe analyses of individual minerals are used to investigate the petrogenesis of the Apollo 14 high-Al basalts. We use trace element concentrations from individual minerals in the Apollo 14 high-Al basalts to evaluate both endogenic and exogenic models. The data show that if the Apollo 14 high-Al basalts were produced by melting within the lunar mantle, these...
Authors
Justin Hagerty, Charles K. Shearer, James J. Papike

Stratigraphy and sedimentology of a dry to wet eolian depositional system, Burns formation, Meridiani Planum, Mars Stratigraphy and sedimentology of a dry to wet eolian depositional system, Burns formation, Meridiani Planum, Mars

Outcrop exposures of sedimentary rocks at the Opportunity landing site (Meridiani Planum) form a set of genetically related strata defined here informally as the Burns formation. This formation can be subdivided into lower, middle, and upper units which, respectively, represent eolian dune, eolian sand sheet, and mixed eolian sand sheet and interdune facies associations. Collectively...
Authors
J. P. Grotzinger, R. E. Arvidson, J. F. Bell, W. Calvin, B. C. Clark, D.A. Fike, M. Golombek, R. Greeley, A. Haldemann, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, B. L. Jolliff, A. H. Knoll, M. Malin, S. M. McLennan, T. Parker, Laurence A. Soderblom, J. N. Sohl-Dickstein, S. W. Squyres, N.J. Tosca, W.A. Watters

Living with a volcano in your backyard: An educator's guide with emphasis on Mount Rainier Living with a volcano in your backyard: An educator's guide with emphasis on Mount Rainier

Today’s residents, as well as residents of centuries past, consider Mount Rainier “the spiritual and cultural icon of the Pacific Northwest.” As a backdrop for many of the State’s residents, Mount Rainier offers beauty, solace, inspiration, and challenge. The mountain sets the daily mood for thousands of people who gaze at and respect it. There is no mistaking this object of admiration...
Authors
Carolyn L. Driedger, Anne Doherty, Cheryl Dixon, Lisa M. Faust

Southern California — Wildfires and debris flows Southern California — Wildfires and debris flows

Wildland fires are inevitable in the western United States. Expansion of man-made developments into fire-prone wildlands has created situations where wildfires can destroy lives and property, as can the flooding and debris flows that are common in the aftermath of the fires. Fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows triggered by intense rainfall are one of the most dangerous post-fire...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
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