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Tang M, Chen H, Lee CTA, Cao W. Subaerial crust emergence hindered by phase-driven lower crust densification on early Earth. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadq1952. [PMID: 39259787 PMCID: PMC11389787 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq1952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Earth owes much of its dynamic surface to its bimodal hypsometry, manifested by high-riding continents and low-riding ocean basins. The thickness of the crust in the lithosphere exerts the dominant control on the long-wavelength elevations of continents. However, there is a limit to how high elevations can rise by crustal thickening. With continuous crustal thickening, the mafic lower crust eventually undergoes a densifying phase transition, arresting further elevation gain-an effect clearly observed in modern orogenic belts. On early Earth, lower crust densification should also limit how high a thickening crust can rise, regardless of the thickening mechanisms. We suggest that lower crust densification combined with a thicker oceanic crust in the Archean may have limited the whole-Earth topographic relief to 3 to 5 kilometers at most-half that of the present day. Unless the oceans were far less voluminous, limited relief would inevitably lead to a water world on early Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tang
- Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belt and Crustal Evolution, MOE, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belt and Crustal Evolution, MOE, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cin-Ty A Lee
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Wenrong Cao
- Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, MS-172, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Ben Abdallah M, Chamkha M, Karray F, Sayadi S. Microbial diversity in polyextreme salt flats and their potential applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11371-11405. [PMID: 38180652 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31644-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent geological, hydrochemical, and mineralogical studies performed on hypersaline salt flats have given insights into similar geo-morphologic features on Mars. These salt-encrusted depressions are widely spread across the Earth, where they are characterized by high salt concentrations, intense UV radiation, high evaporation, and low precipitation. Their surfaces are completely dry in summer; intermittent flooding occurs in winter turning them into transitory hypersaline lakes. Thanks to new approaches such as culture-dependent, culture-independent, and metagenomic-based methods, it is important to study microbial life under polyextreme conditions and understand what lives in these dynamic ecosystems and how they function. Regarding these particular features, new halophilic microorganisms have been isolated from some salt flats and identified as excellent producers of primary and secondary metabolites and granules such as halocins, enzymes, carotenoids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and exopolysaccharides. Additionally, halophilic microorganisms are implemented in heavy metal bioremediation and hypersaline wastewater treatment. As a result, there is a growing interest in the distribution of halophilic microorganisms around the world that can be looked upon as good models to develop sustainable biotechnological processes for all fields. This review provides insights into diversity, ecology, metabolism, and genomics of halophiles in hypersaline salt flats worldwide as well as their potential uses in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Ben Abdallah
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Mohamed Chamkha
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Karray
- Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sami Sayadi
- Biotechnology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Singh AP, Mishra OP, Singh OP. Seismic evidence of pop-up tectonics beneath the Shillong Plateau area of Northeast India. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14135. [PMID: 35986047 PMCID: PMC9391424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractOur detailed 3-D seismic tomographic assimilation using high-quality phase arrival time data recorded by the local seismographic network demonstrated that heterogeneities in the crustal faults have contributed significantly to the pop-up tectonics beneath the Shillong Plateau, characterized by high-V and low-σ. The major seismogenic faults, namely, the north-dipping Dapsi thrust in association with Dauki fault in the south and south dipping Brahmaputra fault in the north, located either side of the Shillong Plateau that acted as the causative factors for the pop-up, which attributed to the lithostatic (high-V, low-σ) and sedimentary (low-V, high-σ) load, respectively. Seismicity is found confined to a depth ≤ 60 km. Uneven distribution of structural heterogeneities in the upper crust is responsible for earthquake genesis of varying strengths. It is intriguing to note that high-velocity anomalies and low-ϭ in the uppermost crust, interpreted as the Shillong Plateau that acted as a geometric asperity and the juxtaposition of high-V and low-V became the source zone of the 1897 Shillong earthquake (Ms 8.7) as a novel observation for the region. Structural heterogeneities are distinctly distributed between low-V, high-σ and high-V, low-σ in the lower crust plays a major role for future intense seismogenesis due to differential strain accumulation.
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Göğüş OH, Sundell K, Uluocak EŞ, Saylor J, Çetiner U. Rapid surface uplift and crustal flow in the Central Andes (southern Peru) controlled by lithospheric drip dynamics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5500. [PMID: 35365670 PMCID: PMC8975996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The high flux magmatism, crustal shortening/extension and plateau formation in Cordilleran orogenic systems have been explained by removal of lithosphere (lower crust and the sub-arc mantle lithosphere) that develops beneath the magmatic arc and hinterland regions. However, the primary role of this process driving surface uplift, and crustal deformation is not well understood. Here, reconciling geodynamic model predictions with lithospheric structure and paleoelevation estimates, we suggest that viscous drip-type lithospheric removal from beneath the Central (Peruvian) Andes can explain several tectonic features: (1) “double humped” shaped/axisymmetric topographic profile and rapid surface rise (up to 1.2 km in ~ 4.31 Myrs); (2) thicker crust associated with the lower surface elevation of the Altiplano plateau (Lake Titicaca region) (negative residual topography) and higher topography and thinner crust of Western and Eastern Cordilleras (positive residual topography); and (3) faster wave speed (colder)/sub-Moho anomaly underlying the Altiplano, surrounded by slower speed anomalies on both western arc-forearc areas and parts of the eastern Cordillera and Sub-Andes. Our results emphasize the important role of lithospheric drip and associated mantle dynamics in the transient evolution of Andean orogeny controlling surface uplift and crustal flow and thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oğuz H Göğüş
- Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Kurt Sundell
- Department of Geosciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, USA
| | - Ebru Şengül Uluocak
- Department of Geophysical Engineering, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Joel Saylor
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Uğurcan Çetiner
- Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), İstanbul, Turkey
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Saccò M, White NE, Harrod C, Salazar G, Aguilar P, Cubillos CF, Meredith K, Baxter BK, Oren A, Anufriieva E, Shadrin N, Marambio-Alfaro Y, Bravo-Naranjo V, Allentoft ME. Salt to conserve: a review on the ecology and preservation of hypersaline ecosystems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2828-2850. [PMID: 34747117 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
When it comes to the investigation of key ecosystems in the world, we often omit salt from the ecological recipe. In fact, despite occupying almost half of the volume of inland waters and providing crucial services to humanity and nature, inland saline ecosystems are often overlooked in discussions regarding the preservation of global aquatic resources of our planet. As a result, our knowledge of the biological and geochemical dynamics shaping these environments remains incomplete and we are hesitant in framing effective protective strategies against the increasing natural and anthropogenic threats faced by such habitats. Hypersaline lakes, water bodies where the concentration of salt exceeds 35 g/l, occur mainly in arid and semiarid areas resulting from hydrological imbalances triggering the accumulation of salts over time. Often considered the 'exotic siblings' within the family of inland waters, these ecosystems host some of the most extremophile communities worldwide and provide essential habitats for waterbirds and many other organisms in already water-stressed regions. These systems are often highlighted as natural laboratories, ideal for addressing central ecological questions due to their relatively low complexity and simple food web structures. However, recent studies on the biogeochemical mechanisms framing hypersaline communities have challenged this archetype, arguing that newly discovered highly diverse communities are characterised by specific trophic interactions shaped by high levels of specialisation. The main goal of this review is to explore our current understanding of the ecological dynamics of hypersaline ecosystems by addressing four main research questions: (i) why are hypersaline lakes unique from a biological and geochemical perspective; (ii) which biota inhabit these ecosystems and how have they adapted to the high salt conditions; (iii) how do we protect biodiversity from increasing natural and anthropogenic threats; and (iv) which scientific tools will help us preserve hypersaline ecosystems in the future? First, we focus on the ecological characterisation of hypersaline ecosystems, illustrate hydrogeochemical dynamics regulating such environments, and outline key ecoregions supporting hypersaline systems across the globe. Second, we depict the diversity and functional aspects of key taxa found in hypersaline lakes, from microorganisms to plants, invertebrates, waterbirds and upper trophic levels. Next, we describe ecosystem services and discuss possible conservation guidelines. Finally, we outline how cutting-edge technologies can provide new insights into the study of hypersaline ecology. Overall, this review sheds further light onto these understudied ecosystems, largely unrecognised as important sources of unique biological and functional diversity. We provide perspectives for key future research avenues, and advocate that the conservation of hypersaline lakes should not be taken with 'a grain of salt'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Salazar
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Pablo Aguilar
- Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile.,Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Carolina F Cubillos
- Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Karina Meredith
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Bonnie K Baxter
- Great Salt Lake Institute, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT, 84105, U.S.A
| | - Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Institute of Life Sciences, the Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Elena Anufriieva
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Nickolai Shadrin
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Yeri Marambio-Alfaro
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Víctor Bravo-Naranjo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena, Benavente 980, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
All models of the magmatic and plate tectonic processes that create continental crust predict the presence of a mafic lower crust. Earlier proposed crustal doubling in Tibet and the Himalayas by underthrusting of the Indian plate requires the presence of a mafic layer with high seismic P-wave velocity (Vp > 7.0 km/s) above the Moho. Our new seismic data demonstrates that some of the thickest crust on Earth in the middle Lhasa Terrane has exceptionally low velocity (Vp < 6.7 km/s) throughout the whole 80 km thick crust. Observed deep crustal earthquakes throughout the crustal column and thick lithosphere from seismic tomography imply low temperature crust. Therefore, the whole crust must consist of felsic rocks as any mafic layer would have high velocity unless the temperature of the crust were high. Our results form basis for alternative models for the formation of extremely thick juvenile crust with predominantly felsic composition in continental collision zones.
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Modification of the Continental Crust by Subduction Zone Magmatism and Vice-Versa: Across-Strike Geochemical Variations of Silicic Lavas from Individual Eruptive Centers in the Andean Central Volcanic Zone. GEOSCIENCES 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences3040633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lease RO, Ehlers TA. Incision into the Eastern Andean Plateau During Pliocene Cooling. Science 2013; 341:774-6. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1239132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard O. Lease
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72074, Germany
| | - Todd A. Ehlers
- Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72074, Germany
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Capitanio FA, Faccenna C, Zlotnik S, Stegman DR. Subduction dynamics and the origin of Andean orogeny and the Bolivian orocline. Nature 2011; 480:83-6. [DOI: 10.1038/nature10596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
AbstractThe analysis of magmatic distribution, basin formation, tectonic evolution and structural styles of different segments of the Andes shows that most of the Andes have experienced a stage of flat subduction. Evidence is presented here for a wide range of regions throughout the Andes, including the three present flat-slab segments (Pampean, Peruvian, Bucaramanga), three incipient flat-slab segments (‘Carnegie’, Guañacos, ‘Tehuantepec’), three older and no longer active Cenozoic flat-slab segments (Altiplano, Puna, Payenia), and an inferred Palaeozoic flat-slab segment (Early Permian ‘San Rafael’). Based on the present characteristics of the Pampean flat slab, combined with the Peruvian and Bucaramanga segments, a pattern of geological processes can be attributed to slab shallowing and steepening. This pattern permits recognition of other older Cenozoic subhorizontal subduction zones throughout the Andes. Based on crustal thickness, two different settings of slab steepening are proposed. Slab steepening under thick crust leads to delamination, basaltic underplating, lower crustal melting, extension and widespread rhyolitic volcanism, as seen in the caldera formation and huge ignimbritic fields of the Altiplano and Puna segments. On the other hand, when steepening affects thin crust, extension and extensive within-plate basaltic flows reach the surface, forming large volcanic provinces, such as Payenia in the southern Andes. This last case has very limited crustal melt along the axial part of the Andean roots, which shows incipient delamination. Based on these cases, a Palaeozoic flat slab is proposed with its subsequent steepening and widespread rhyolitic volcanism. The geological evolution of the Andes indicates that shallowing and steepening of the subduction zone are thus frequent processes which can be recognized throughout the entire system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Ramos
- Laboratorio de Tectónica Andina, Universidad de Buenos Aires – CONICET
| | - Andrés Folguera
- Laboratorio de Tectónica Andina, Universidad de Buenos Aires – CONICET
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Göğüş OH, Pysklywec RN. Near-surface diagnostics of dripping or delaminating lithosphere. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jb005123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tassara A, Götze HJ, Schmidt S, Hackney R. Three-dimensional density model of the Nazca plate and the Andean continental margin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1029/2005jb003976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Xie J, Gok R, Ni J, Aoki Y. Lateral variations of crustal seismic attenuation along the INDEPTH profiles in Tibet fromLg Qinversion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1029/2004jb002988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Xie
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; Palisades New York USA
| | - R. Gok
- Department of Physics; New Mexico State University; Las Cruces New Mexico USA
| | - J. Ni
- Department of Physics; New Mexico State University; Las Cruces New Mexico USA
| | - Y. Aoki
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; Palisades New York USA
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