Massey Documents by Type
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294
Browse
8 results
Search Results
Item Volcanism and rapid sedimentation affect the benthic communities of Deception Island, Antarctica(Elsevier B.V., 2021-05-01) Angulo-Preckler C; Pernet P; García-Hernández C; Kereszturi G; Álvarez-Valero AM; Hopfenblatt J; Gómez-Ballesteros M; Otero XL; Caza J; Ruiz-Fernández J; Geyer A; Avila CDeception Island is amongst the most active volcanoes in the Southern Ocean, with over 20 explosive eruptions in the last ca. 200 years. The eruption that formed the caldera at Deception Island occurred 3980 ± 125 calendar years Before Present, and it is the largest eruptive event documented in Antarctica during Holocene. Since then, post-caldera volcanic activity has comprised many scattered eruptive vents across the island. Mortality of benthic organisms has been reported during the most recent eruptions occurred on the island, in 1967, 1969, and 1970 Common Era (CE), with very low abundances of organisms during the 1967–1973 CE period. Within the sea-flooded part of the caldera depression, named Port Foster, a submarine volcanic axis with several volcanic cones is observed. An interdisciplinary team sampled the best morphologically preserved volcanic edifice within Port Foster, the so-called Stanley Patch. Geophysical data traced the volcano and characterized its morphology and inner structure. Underwater scuba sampling allowed to acquire sediment and rock samples, photographs and video images of the benthic organisms and seascape. Morphology of Stanley Patch cone and textural characteristics of the collected pyroclastic rocks indicate that the volcanic edifice was originated during an explosive eruption. Furthermore, the lack of palagonitization, quenched pyroclast margins, and hyaloclastite deposits indicate that this cone has formed on-land, before the caldera floor became inundated by the seawater, highlighting the complex intra-caldera evolution of Deception Island. A sediment core from the crater was collected for sedimentological, and geochemical analysis. Antarctic climate and seasonal sea ice, together with organic degradation due to high sedimentation rates, explain the low total organic carbon data measured. The volcanic history of the island has probably avoided the development of a stable benthic community over time, similar to other Antarctic shallow communities. Moreover, the current geomorphological conditions still shape different benthic communities than in the surrounding coastal ecosystems. Stanley Patch, and the whole Port Foster, provide a natural laboratory for benchmarking the reestablishment of benthic communities on a volcanic-influenced shallow marine environment, offering relevant data for future studies evaluating global climate change effects on the Antarctic seabed.Item Heavy metals and gold in waters, sediments and aquatic vegetation from the Hauraki goldfields area of New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geochemistry at Massey University(Massey University, 2000) Sabti, HuthamThe Hauraki Goldfields area and the distribution of the heavy metals and gold from this goldfield area are reviewed. The current environmental impact of base metal mining at the Tui Mine, Te Aroha and gold mining near Waihi, was investigated by analysis of local waters, stream sediments, and aquatic vegetation. Analysis of waters from the Tui and Tunakohoia Streams showed concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead and zinc above recommended levels for potable water in the upper parts of these waterways. The discharge of these streams into the Waihou River (sampled upstream from Te Aroha and downstream to past Paeroa) did not have any significant effect on heavy-metal concentrations in this river. Aquatic macrophytes sampled in the Waihou, Ohinemuri and Waitekauri Rivers had very high heavy-metal concentrations compared with the ambient water and should be considered as potentially useful for assessing the impact of low-metal fluxes into the waters. Gold was determined in sediments from the Ohinemuri and Waitekauri Rivers along with other heavy metals derived from sulphide mineralisation at Waihi and Waitekauri. Gold was detected in aquatic macrophytes from streams draining both the Martha Mine at Waihi and the Golden Cross Mine at Waitekauri and indicated the possibility of prospecting for gold by analysis of these plants. X-ray diffraction analysis of heavy metal fractions in stream sediments showed the presence of pyrite in the upper reaches of the Tunakohoia and Tui Streams that drain the mineralised reefs and Tui tailings dam. Relatively immobile lead (galena) was retained close to the source, whereas copper and zinc minerals were more mobile and distributed further downstream from the areas of mineralisation. The relative mobilities of gold, copper, cadmium, lead and zinc from the Tui tailing dam (a serious environmental concern) were assessed by elution of these metals from columns containing 600 g of tailing, eluted with water, ammonium thiocyanate or ammonium thiosulphate. These elutions were carried out with, or with out, amendments. When eluted with water, the heavy metals showed a mobility sequence in the order copper, cadmium, zinc, lead, gold. After elution with 0.2% ammonium thiocyanate, there was a reduced mobility of zinc, copper and cadmium compared with the water elution and increased mobility of gold, Ammonium thiocyanate is specific in solubilising gold. Lead showed enhanced mobility, perhaps due to formation of the soluble complex ion Pb(CNS)4 2-. Mobility for zinc was enhanced by ammonium thiosulphate. A laboratory investigation on foam flotation was undertaken on gold, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium in waters. A range of variables involved at their separation from dilute solutions by batch foam flotation technique was studied. I have recently developed a method of adsorbing colloid flotation in order to concentrate gold from natural waters into a very small volume of foam prior to quantification by GFAAS. Adsorbing colloid flotation (ACF) is a separation technique with distinct advantages for removing trace elements from natural and industrial waters. These advantages are: rapid processing, simple design, small volume of final solution, low residual concentration, flexibility of operation, and moderate cost. In this method, the substance to be removed (e.g. metal ions) is adsorbed on colloidal particles or coprecipitated on a floc produced by the addition of a flocculating agent. A surfactant is then added to adsorb on the particle or floc thus rendering it hydrophobic. The metal-loaded particle is then removed by further adsorption at the surface of rising bubbles in a flotation system. Experiments were carried out by use of a 52 mm diameter, 620 mm long glass column using a glass frit of pore size 20-40 μm for bubble generation. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) a cationic surfactant, and thiourea (a complexing agent) were used either individually or in combination for removal of gold. The heavy metals included (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) removed by dodecyl sulfate-Na salt (NaDS) and sodium oleate(NaO). The electrolyte tolerance of adsorbing colloid flotation of heavy metals ions (Pb2+ , and Cd2+ ) from waste water was improved significantly by use of the Fe(OH)3 and NaLS (sodium laurylsulfate) system for lead removal or A1(OH)3 and HTMABr (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) system for cadmium removal. Extraction of the gold into the foam layer was strongly dependent on the pH of the feed for which pH 11 was optimum. Adding 10 mg/L of thiourea to an equal volume of CTAB instead of CTAB alone, increased the extraction of gold to a dramatic degree. A distribution coefficient (Kd ) of 46,000 was achieved under optimum conditions. The percentage extraction reached 99%. The method was applied to a number of natural waters draining gold mines and the Tui base metal mine in the Hauraki Goldfields region. Gold values reflected the presence of mineralization in the stream and river samples. It was concluded that the method may have some use in hydrogeochemical prospecting for gold. Examples are given for the laboratory separation by foam flotation techniques of gold, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium ions from a solution . Different technological variables that affect the process were investigated, such as concentration level, pretreatment required, pH effect, etc.Item Kora : a study of a miocene, submarine arc-stratovolcano, North Taranaki Basin, New Zealand : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with Honours at Massey University(Massey University, 1998) Adams, Joshua Donald BusbyKora is a relict submarine arc-stratovolcano buried offshore in north Taranaki Basin. New Zealand. Kora was active on the seafloor in middle to upper bathyal water depths from the late Early Miocene to Late Miocene times. Post-eruptive burial of the volcanic edifice by Mohakatino Formation and Giant Foresets Formation sediments has preserved the edifice and its flanking volcaniclastic deposits. Arco Petroleum New Zealand Inc. drilled the Kora feature in 1987 and 1988. Core recovered from the Kora-1A, Kora-2, and Kora-3 wells contain lithologies derived entirely from fragmented volcanic rocks, with no evidence for massive lavas or pillow lavas. Typical lithologies are interbedded tuffs, hyaloclastite tuffs, volcanic conglomerates, and tuff breccias. The framework clasts in the tuff breccias and conglomerates are porphyritic andesite lithic clasts and andesite eruptives. The lithics were derived from subvolcanic intrusions that formed prior to the main period of edifice construction between 16 Ma and 12 Ma. The round porphyritic conglomerate framework clasts were shaped in transit through the volcanic conduit during volcanic eruptions. Conglomerates lack a planar clast fabric and have a polymodal matrix. They were deposited as density modified grain flows. The tuff breccias are the suspended tails of these deposits. The interbedded tuffs and sparse pebble trains are interpreted to be suspension deposits derived from primary subaqueous eruptions. The fragmental volcaniclastic rocks erupted from Kora were formed entirely at the water-magma interface from fuel-coolant interactions, and cooling-contraction granulation. In contrast, modern volcaniclastic rocks on the southern Kermadec submarine arc-volcanoes, Rumble IV and Rumble V, commonly form from collapsing proximal pillow lava outcrops and small eruptive vents. Like Kora, epiclastic redeposition of volcaniclastic debris on Rumble IV and Rumble V include avalanche slides, debris flows, and grain flows, with little evidence for large-scale channel deposits. Seismic facies comprising the Kora edifice were determined from seismic reflection profiles. The individual apron facies reflectors are identified. These comprise a downlapping terminal wedge that marks the downslope limit of volcaniclastic debris, or the surface along which they travelled. Long continuous, subparallel, individual apron facies reflectors typify northwestern aspects of Kora; these reflectors can be traced laterally from the crest of the edifice to the long thin terminal wedge at the toe of the edifice. The southeastern aspect consists of individual apron facies reflectors that are hummocky, discontinuous and intertwined, with short thick terminal wedges. The edifice has been subject to a sector collapse on NW slopes, where a slump scar occurs. The eastern slopes dip more steeply than the western slopes. The edifice has a conical morphology and is some 10 - 12 km in diameter. The major element geochemical analyses from Kora have been compared to geochemical anlayses from the Coromandel, Waitakere, Rumble IV, Wairakau, Egmont, Titiraupenga, Alexandra, Kiwitahi, and Tongariro volcanic centres using discriminant function analysis. Results have identified four assemblages of volcanic centres with comparable major element geochemistry. Kora, which fits in to the Waitakere, Wairakau and Alexandra volcanic assemblage is a southward extension of the Northland volcanic "trend".Item Solvent extraction in analytical geochemistry : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University of Manawatu(Massey University, 1966) Boswell, Colin RalphA procedure conbining solvent extraction enrichment techniques and spectrographic analysis was developed for the quantitative determination of many trace elements in a wide range of silicate rocks and in a series of highly saline Antarctic lake waters. Since a great deal of the work depended on spectrographic analysis, an investigation was carried out to improve the precision and sensitivity of existing methods. An improved method for the determination of spectralline intensities was developed. This was based on the author's nodification of the partial Seidel function, referred to as B-functions. A conversion table for these is given. A scale calibrated in B-functions was incorporated into a Hilger microphotometer enabling such values to be obtained directly without the use of conversion tables. B-values can be plotted directly onto the linear ordinate of semilog paper if the self-calibration method is used for evaluating line intensities. This results in a straightening of the characteristic curve with an attendant time saving and an improvement in the accuracy of the background extrapolation. A nomographic technique was also developed for use in conjunction with this scale and resulted in a rapid evaluation of line intensities but with some loss in precision. Cathode excitation as distinct from cathode layer was compared with anode excitation under the same conditions. Data on 33 elements were used to study relative self-absorption effects, absolute sensitivities, volatilisation curves, times for complete combustion and background effects. Data on14 elements and 35 line pairs were used to study reproducibilities in the three matrices, NaCl, CaCl2 and carbon. It was shown that cathode excitation in a carbon matrix afforded the greatest precision for a number of the more volatile elements. Anode excitation provided generally better precision if a NaCl matrix was used. CaCl2 was a very unsatisfactory rnatrix. For the more volatile elements cathode excitation provided a higher sensitivity than anode excitation but with increased background and cyanogen emission. The extraction of the elements Au,Zn,Cd,Hg, Ga, In,Tl,Sn,Pb,As,Sb and Bi from hydrochloric acid into the three solvents cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexane was studied as a function of acid concentration. Cyclohexanone is a more efficient, but less selective extractant, than cyclohexanol. Cyclohexane has little extracting power for these elements. Solvent extraction of hydrochloric acid solutions of a series of highly saline Antarctic lake waters into cyclohexanone was used to enrich the elements Zn,Pb, In, Bi, Fe, Mn, Mo prior to spectrographic analysis. For this, the percent extraction of Fe, Mn and Mo into cyclohexanone from 3N hydrochloric acid was obtained. This investigation has shown that one of these lakes, Lake Bonney, has most probably had a seawater origin. It is also possible that another of these lakes, Lake Fryxell, may also have contained seawater in the past. From the relative abundance of the various elements in the other lakes, it was possible to conduct a geochemical reconnaissance of the areas surrounding the lakes. This suggested that the two most likely areas for mineralisation in the McMurdo Oasis area of Antarctica are the region surrounding and feeding water to Lake Hoare and the region surrounding Lake Joyce. A consideration of the theory of discontinuous counter current liquid-liquid extraction has shown that it is possible to simultaneously determine the extraction characteristics of a large number of elements for a given solvent system. If this technique is coupled with spectrographic analysis the determination is particularly rapid. The extraction of the elements Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, As, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, La, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi from hydrochloric acid into methyl isobutyl ketone was studied as a function of acid concentration. The data were obtained by studying spectrographically the distribution patterns of the elements after equilibration on a discontinuous counter current liquid-liquid extraction apparatus. A comparison of some of the data so obtained with results for the same system as reported by other workers showed that the technique is valid and accurate. Using these data it was possible to devise a scheme which could separate Fe from the majority of the trace elements extracted by cyclohexanone from a hydrochloric acid solution of a rock. By a combination of batch extraction with cyclohexanone and counter current distribution with methyl isobutyl ketone it was possible to obtain quantitative data for Zn and Ga and semiquantitative data for In in a wide range of silicate rocks by spectrochemical analysis. By the use of extraction into cyclohexanone coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry it was possible to determine the concentration of Pb, Cd and Bi in the same suite of rocks. By the use of these techniques it wa spossible to obtain fresh abundance data for the above elements in the four standard rocks,G-1, W-1 CAAS syenite and CAAS sulphide. The cyclohexanone/hydrochloric acid extraction system provides a satisfactory enrichment technique for the spectrographic analysis of trace elements in material with a low Fe content. For material containing a high concentration of Fe, it is necessary to combine this technique with discontinuous counter current liquid-liquid extraction to separate the Fe before spectrographic analysis. However, under these conditions, certain elements can be determined by direct atomic absorption spectrometry of the cyclohexanone extract.Item The analytical geochemistry of platinum group metals in cretaceous/tertiary boundary clays : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry at Massey University(Massey University, 1991) Wilson, Shane MalcolmThe Cretaceous tertiary boundary controversy is discussed. The importance of the platinum group metals (PGM) as markers of extraterrestrial material in sediments is explained. The use of inductively coupled plasma source mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS), to determine PGM in geological materials, was investigated. Both techniques require the analyte to be substantially separated from the geological matrix before instrumental analysis is performed. Separation schemes involving fire-assay, ion exchange chromatography, solvent extraction, and coprecipitation, were investigated. A standard ore (PTC- 1) was successfully analysed for Rh and Pd using a separation scheme involving Te coprecipitation followed by dissolution and determination by ICP- MS . The same ore was successfully analysed for Pd using GF-AAS after a separation procedure involving solvent extraction of a Pd-ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complex. Sedimentary rock samples were collected from a newly discovered K/T boundary site (Flaxbourne River) in New Zealand. Determinations of Pd in Flaxbourne River sediments were made using GF-AAS after matrix separation using solvent extraction. Elevated levels of Pd at the K/T boundary were found contiguous with elevated levels of Ir. Besides these PGM, a further twenty elements were determined in Flaxbourne River K/T boundary sediments. The results of this geochemical survey are discussed with respect to the impact and volcanism theories (theories which seek to explain the palaeontological, geochemical, and geological changes occurring at the K/T boundary).Item Analytical, geochemical and biogeochemical studies of tungsten and molybdenum : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University(Massey University, 1974) Quin, Bertram FrancisSection I : studies were carried out which significantly improved the sensitivity of the colorimetric method for the determination of tungsten in geochemical and plant samples with dithiol. Proton-induced x-ray fluorescence was also investigated to determine its suitability for the detection of nanogram quantities of tungsten. However although it showed considerable potential, the sensitivity of the method could not be developed sufficiently to compare favourably with colorimetry. A rapid method for the determination of tungsten in ores and concentrates by atomic absorption spectrometry was developed which, through the use of an alkaline sample solution, was free of interference and instability problems. Following a careful study of the parameters involved in the colorimetric method for the determination of molybdenum with dithiol, a simple procedure was developed which could be used for the analysis of a wide range of materials. The use of the nitric/hydrofluoric acid mixture for the digestion of soils and rocks was investigated. It was found that the tendency for calcium and magnesium to precipitate as their fluorides could be avoided by the addition of a small quantity of perchloric acid. Section II : Scheelites from several localities in New Zealand were analysed for their trace element content. They were found to contain very low amounts of impurities. Their Sr/Ba ratio was found to be useful for distinguishing between lodes. Section III : An investigation was carried out to compare the relative efficacy of geochemical and biogeochemical exploration for tungsten under a wide range of geological, vegetational, climatic and topographical conditions. It was found that, under most conditions, both soil and plant sampling could be used equally successfully to pinpoint scheelite bearing veins. In areas of high rainfall and rugged topography, soil sampling did not always reveal the presence of reefs and, in these cases, trunk-sampling of trees could provide additional information. It was found that, for the purposes of biogeochemical prospecting, all tree species could be grouped together. Following this investigation, a more intensive study was carried out at Barrytown to test the suitability of trend surface analysis of biogeochemical data for locating rich pockets of scheelite with veins, with promising results. A brief comparison of geochemical and biogeochemical prospecting for molybdenum was carried out at Canaan, Nelson. It was found that plant sampling gave more information where the low soil pH prevented movement of molybdenum into the upper soil. Section IV : Following the results of the biogeochemical exploration in Section IV, which showed the existence of differences in the distribution of tungsten between tree organs from Barrytown and Canaan, the affect of soil sodium and potassium was investigated and was found to be responsible for these differences. As considerable areas containing scheelite mineralisation support pasture, an investigation was carried out to study the effects of applied tungsten on clover growth. Tungsten, applied as tungstate, was found to slightly decrease growth where fixation was the sole nitrogen source. In the presence of combined nitrogen, however, increases were recorded. A comparison of the elemental composition of native tree species was carried out to investigate the effects of substrate composition. It was found that, whereas vegetation analysis can in general be used to indicate the presence of mineralisation within a rock type, it is not a reliable indicator of the composition of different rock types.Item Studies on the analytical geochemistry of uranium and associated elements in the Hawks Crag breccia of New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry(Massey University, 1969) Cohen, Noel EdwardPart I: Studies were carried out on the optimum conditions for the successful use of a large quartz spectrograph for the determination of thorium, yttrium and the rare earths in silicate rocks. The best line-to-background ratios were achieved by arcing samples in a matrix of 4% sodium chloride in carbon powder. An atmosphere of 20% argon and 80% oxygen was used to reduce background and eliminate cyanogen band interference. An anion-exchange procedure was used to separate the rare earths from other elements. The resulting enrichment allowed use to be made of less sensitive rare earth lines in the ultraviolet end of the spectrum where the spectrographic dispersion is greater. Line interferences were studied and necessary corrections for these interferences were calculated. The technique was tested by analysing the standard rocks, G-1, W-1 and CAAS syenite. Depending on its concentration, uranium was analysed by either fluorometric or spectrographic techniques. Good agreement with the recommended values for the standard rocks was obtained. Part II: An investigation of the known areas of uranium mineralization in the Lower Buller Gorge of New Zealand was carried out to investigate the suitability of stream-sediment analysis for geochemical prospecting for uranium. General analysis of the minerals revealed certain elemental associations. The distribution of these elements in the weathering sequence, minerals, soils, stream-sediments, was studied in an attempt to discover suitable pathfinders for uranium. All results were treated statistically. Rare earth analysis of stream sediments provided new information concerning the possible origin of the Hawks Crag Breccia. Part III: Use was made of a hiph-resolution gamma spectrometer to study the gamma radiation of uranium minerals in the low energy region of the spectrum, 30-360 KeV. Identification of the gamma radiation, in this region, was achieved by use of chemical separations and standard sources. This provided the basis for the development, and successful use, of a new method for the determination of "percentage equilibrium radium". The significance of the values for the "percentage equilibrium radium" of the minerals studied is discussed.Item A sedimentological and geochemical approach to understanding cycles of stratovolcano growth and collapse at Mt Taranaki, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2008) Zernack, Anke VerenaThe long-term behaviour of andesitic stratovolcanoes is characterised by a repetition of edifice growth and collapse phases. This cyclic pattern may represent a natural frequency at varying timescales in the growth dynamics of stratovolcanoes, but is often difficult to identify because of long cycle-timescales, coupled with incomplete stratigraphic records. The volcaniclastic ring-plain succession surrounding the 2 518 m Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand, comprises a wide variety of distinctive volcanic mass-flow lithofacies with sedimentary and lithology characteristics that can be related to recurring volcanic cycles over >190 ka. Debrisflow and monolithologic hyperconcentrated-flow deposits record edifice growth phases while polylithologic debris-avalanche and associated cohesive debris-flow units were emplaced by collapse. Major edifice failures at Mt. Taranaki occurred on-average every 10 ka, with five events recognised over the last 30 ka, a time interval for which stratigraphic records are more complete. The unstable nature of Mt. Taranaki mainly results from its weak internal composite structure including abundant saturated pyroclastic deposits and breccia layers, along with its growth on a weakly indurated and tectonically fractured basement of Tertiary mudstones and sandstones. As the edifice repeatedly grew beyond a critical stable height or profile, large-scale collapses were triggered by intrusions preceding magmatic activity, major eruptions, or significant regional tectonic fault movements. Clasts within debris-avalanche deposits were used as a series of windows into the composition of previous successive proto-Mt Taranaki edifices in order to examine magmatic controls on their failure. The diversity of lithologies and their geochemical characteristics are similar throughout the history of the volcano, with the oldest sample suites displaying a slightly broader range of compositions including more primitive rock types. The evolution to a narrower range and higher-silica compositions was accompanied by an increase in K2O. This shows that later melts progressively interacted with underplated amphibolitic material at the base of the crust. These gradual changes imply a long-term stability of the magmatic system. The preservation of similar internal conditions during the volcano’s evolution, hence suggests that external processes were the main driving force behind its cyclic growth and collapse behaviour and resulting sedimentation pattern.