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G.P. Meeker

Publications and source records attributed to G.P. Meeker.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2014

The environmental and medical geochemistry of potentially hazardous materials produced by disasters

Many natural or human-caused disasters release potentially hazardous materials (HM) that may pose threats to the environment and health of exposed humans, wildlife, and livestock. This chapter summarizes the environmentally and toxicologically significant physical, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of materials produced by a wide variety of recent disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and extreme storms, spills of mining/mineral-processing wastes or coal extraction by-products, and the 2001 attacks on and collapse of the World Trade Center towers. In describing these characteristics, this chapter also illustrates the important roles that geochemists and other earth scientists can play in environmental disaster response and preparedness. In addition to characterizing in detail the physical, chemical, and microbial makeup of HM generated by the disasters, these roles also include (1) identifying and discriminating potential multiple sources of the materials; (2) monitoring, mapping, and modeling dispersal and evolution of the materials in the environment; (3) understanding how the materials are modified by environmental processes; (4) identifying key characteristics and processes that influence the materials' toxicity to exposed humans and ecosystems; (5) estimating shifts away from predisaster environmental baseline conditions; and (6) using geochemical insights learned from past disasters to help estimate, prepare for, and increase societal resilience to the environmental and related health impacts of future disasters.

Book chapter↗
USGS2012

Constraints on formation processes of two coarse-grained calcium- aluminum-rich inclusions: A study of mantles, islands and cores

Many coarse-grained calcium- aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) contain features that are inconsistent with equilibrium liquid crystallization models of origin. Spinel-free islands (SFIs) in spinel-rich cores of Type B CAIs are examples of such features. One model previously proposed for the origin of Allende 5241, a Type B1 CAI containing SFIs, involves the capture and assimilation of xenoliths by a liquid droplet in the solar nebula (El Goresy et al ., 1985; MacPherson et al ., 1989). This study reports new textural and chemical zoning data from 5241 and identifies previously unrecognized chemical zoning patterns in the melilite mantle and in a SFI. These zoning patterns are identified by large-scale elemental mapping techniques. The compositional zoning is completely independent of, and cross-cuts individual melilite crystals in the mantle, a relation that suggests the mantle was deposited or accreted onto a preexisting core of the inclusion. Lack of correlation with individual mantle crystals also suggests that the mantle totally recrystallized at subsolidus temperatures. Sodium distribution maps demonstrate that most of the Na in 5241 was introduced during the secondary alteration process. Major- and trace-element data from the SFI boundary in a second type B1 CAI, Allende 3529Z, were obtained. The boundary bisects a large fassaite crystal. If the SFI is a relict xenolith, then chemical differences are likely to be present across the boundary. Electron microprobe analysis of the fassaite crystal reveals concentric zoning of Ti, which is unrelated to the SFI boundary, as well as distinct zones enriched in Al and depleted in Ti +3 . Ion microprobe analyses at the SFI boundary show no significant variation in Ba, Sc, V, Cr, Sr, Zr, Nb and REE in fassaite. There is no evidence that requires the capture of a xenolith in 3529Z. Based on chemical zoning and textural arguments, it is suggested that both of these CAIs formed by a process of partial melting of precursors, which contained either vesicles or spinel-free grains. Allende 5241 shows evidence for vapor condensation and accretion and/or introduction of a second liquid to form the melilite mantle. Chemical zoning patterns in the mantles of the inclusions indicate that 3529Z experienced a higher degree of partial melting than 5241, but it was not high enough to melt spinel or completely melt and homogenize relict fassaite components.

Meteoritics↗
USGS2010

Fragmentation and hydration of tektites and microtektites

An examination of data collected over the last 30 years indicates that the percent of glass fragments vs. whole splash forms in the Cenozoic microtektite strewn fields increases towards the source crater (or source region). We propose that this is due to thermal stress produced when tektites and larger microtektites fall into water near the source crater while still relatively hot (>1150 °C). We also find evidence (low major oxide totals, frothing when melted) for hydration of most of the North American tektite fragments and microtektites found in marine sediments. High-temperature mass spectrometry indicates that these tektite fragments and microtektites contain up to 3.8 wt% H 2 O. The H 2 O-release behavior during the high-temperature mass-spectrometric analysis, plus high CI abundances (0.05 wt%), indicate that the North American tektite fragments and microtektites were hydrated in the marine environment ( i.e. , the H 2 O was not trapped solely on quenching from a melt). The younger Ivory Coast and Australasian microtektites do not exhibit much evidence of hydration (at least not in excess of 0.5 wt% H 2 O); this suggests that the degree of hydration increases with age. In addition, we find that some glass spherules (with <65 wt% SiO 2 ) from the upper Eocene clinopyroxene-bearing spherule layer in the Indian Ocean have palagonitized rims. These spherules appear to have been altered in a similar fashion to the splash form K/T boundary spherules. Thus, our data indicate that tektites and microtektites that generally contain >65 wt% SiO 2 can undergo simple hydration in the marine environment, while impact glasses (with <65 wt% SiO 2 ) can also undergo palagonitization.

Meteoritics and Planetary Science↗
USGS2009

Method development for analysis of urban dust using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry to detect the possible presence of world trade center dust constituents

The collapse of the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001, sent dust and debris across much of Manhattan and in the surrounding areas. Indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected and characterized by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). From this characterization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USGS developed a particulate screening method to determine the presence of residual World Trade Center dust in the indoor environment using slag wool as a primary "signature". The method describes a procedure that includes splitting, ashing, and sieving of collected dust. From one split, a 10 mg/mL dust/ isopropanol suspension was prepared and 10-30 ??L aliquots of the suspension placed on an SEM substrate. Analyses were performed using SEM/EDS manual point counting for slag wool fibers. Poisson regression was used to identify some of the sources of uncertainty, which are directly related to the small number of fibers present on each sample stub. Preliminary results indicate that the procedure is promising for screening urban background dust for the presence of WTC dust. Consistent sample preparation of reference materials and samples must be performed by each laboratory wishing to use this method to obtain meaningful and accurate results. ?? 2009 American Chemical Society.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS2007

Mode of occurrence of arsenic in feed coal and its derivative fly ash, Black Warrior Basin, Alabama

An arsenic-rich (As = 55 ppm) bituminous feed coal from the Black Warrior Basin, Alabama and its derivative fly ash (As = 230 ppm) were selected for detailed investigation of arsenic residence and chemical forms. Analytical techniques included microbeam analysis, selective extraction, and As K-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. Most As in the coal is contained in a generation of As-bearing pyrite (FeS2) that formed in response to epigenetic introduction of hydrothermal fluids. XAFS results indicate that approximately 50% of the As in the coal sample occurs as the oxidized As(V) species, possibly the result of incipient oxidation of coal and pyrite prior to our analysis. Combustion of pyrite and host coal produced fly ash in which 95% of As is present as As(V). Selective extraction of the fly ash with a carbonate buffer solution (pH = 10) removed 49% of the As. A different extraction with an HCl-NH2OH mixture, which targets amorphous and poorly crystalline iron oxides, dissolved 79% of the As. XAFS spectroscopy of this highly acidic (pH = 3.0) fly ash indicated that As is associated with some combination of iron oxide, oxyhydroxide, or sulfate. In contrast, a highly alkaline (pH = 12.7) fly ash from Turkey shows most As associated with a phase similar to calcium orthoarsenate (Ca3(AsO4)2). The combined XAFS results indicate that fly ash acidity, which is determined by coal composition and combustion conditions, may serve to predict arsenic speciation in fly ash.

Fuel↗
USGS2003

Kilauea east rift zone magmatism: An episode 54 perspective

On January 29 30, 1997, prolonged steady-state effusion of lava from Pu'u'O'o was briefly disrupted by shallow extension beneath Napau Crater, 1 4 km uprift of the active Kilauea vent. A 23-h-long eruption ( episode 54 ) ensued from fissures that were overlapping or en echelon with eruptive fissures formed during episode 1 in 1983 and those of earlier rift zone eruptions in 1963 and 1968. Combined geophysical and petrologic data for the 1994 1999 eruptive interval, including episode 54 , reveal a variety of shallow magmatic conditions that persist in association with prolonged rift zone eruption. Near-vent lava samples document a significant range in composition, temperature and crystallinity of pre-eruptive magma. As supported by phenocryst liquid relations and Kilauea mineral thermometers established herein, the rift zone extension that led to episode 54 resulted in mixture of near-cotectic magma with discrete magma bodies cooled to ≤1100°C. Mixing models indicate that magmas isolated beneath Napau Crater since 1963 and 1968 constituted 32 65% of the hybrid mixtures erupted during episode 54 . Geophysical measurements support passive displacement of open-system magma along the active east rift conduit into closed-system rift -reservoirs along a shallow zone of extension. Geophysical and petrologic data for early episode 55 document the gradual flushing of episode 54 related magma during magmatic recharge of the edifice.

Hawaii↗
USGS2002

Characterization and modeling of illite crystal particles and growth mechanisms in a zoned hydrothermal deposit, Lake City, Colorado

Mean thickness measurements and crystal-thickness distributions (CTDs) of illite particles vary systematically with changes in hydrothermal alteration type, fracture density, and attendant mineralization in a large acid-sulfate/Mo-porphyry hydrothermal system at Red Mountain, near Lake City, Colorado. The hydrothermal illites characterize an extensive zone of quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration beneath two deeply rooted bodies of magmatic-related, quartz-alunite altered rock. Nineteen illites from a 3000 ft vertical drill hole were analyzed by XRD using the PVP-10 intercalation method and the computer program MudMaster (Bertaut-Warren-Averbach technique). Mean crystallite thicknesses, as determined from 001 reflections, range from 5-7 nanometers (nm) at depths from 0-1700 ft, then sharply increase to 10-16 nm at depths between 1800-2100 ft, and decrease again to 4-5 nm below this level. The interval of largest particle thickness correlates strongly with the zone of most intense quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration (QSP) and attendant high-density stockwork fracturing, and with the highest concentrations of Mo within the drill core. CTD shapes for the illite particles fall into two main categories: asymptotic and lognormal. The shapes of the CTDs are dependent on conditions of illite formation. The asymptotic CTDs correspond to a nucleation and growth mechanism, whereas surface-controlled growth was the dominant mechanism for the lognormal CTDs. Lognormal CTDs coincide with major through-going fractures or stockwork zones, whereas asymptotic CTDs are present in wallrock distal to these intense fracture zones. The increase in illite particle size and the associated zone of intense QSP alteration and stockwork veining was related by proximity to the dacitic magma(s), which supplied both reactants and heat to the hydrothermal system. However, no changes in illite polytype, which in other studies reflect temperature transitions, were observed within this interval.

Colorado↗
USGS1999

Determination of chemical-constituent loads during base-flow and storm-runoff conditions near historical mines in Prospect Gulch, upper Animas River watershed, southwestern Colorado

Prospect Gulch is a major source of iron, aluminum, zinc, and other metals to Cement Creek. Information is needed to prioritize remediation and develop strategies for cleanup of historical abandoned mine sites in Prospect Gulch. Chemical-constituent loads were determined in Prospect Gulch, a high-elevation alpine stream in southwestern Colorado that is affected by natural acid drainage from weathering of hydro-thermally altered igneous rock and acidic metal-laden discharge from historical abandoned mines. The objective of the study was to identify metal sources to Prospect Gulch. A tracer solution was injected into Prospect Gulch during water-quality sampling so that loading of geochemical constituents could be calculated throughout the study reach. A thunderstorm occurred during the tracer study, hence, metal loads were measured for storm-runoff as well as for base flow. Data from different parts of the study reach represents different flow conditions. The beginning of the reach represents background conditions during base flow immediately upstream from the Lark and Henrietta mines (samples PG5 to PG45). Other samples were collected during storm runoff conditions (PG100 to PG291); during the first flush of metal runoff following the onset of rainfall (PG303 to PG504), and samples PG542 to PG700 were collected during low-flow conditions. During base-flow conditions, the percentage increase in loads for major constituents and trace metals was more than an order of magnitude greater than the corresponding 36 % increase in stream discharge. Within the study reach, the highest percentage increases for dissolved loads were 740 % for iron (Fe), 465 % for aluminum (Al), 500 % for lead (Pb), 380 % for copper (Cu), 100 % for sulfate (SO4), and 50 % for zinc (Zn). Downstream loads near the mouth of Prospect Gulch often greatly exceeded the loads generated within the study reach but varied by metal species. For example, the study reach accounts for about 6 % of the dissolved-Fe load, 13 % of the dissolved-Al load, and 18 % of the dissolved-Zn load; but probably contributes virtually all of the dissolved Cu and Pb. The greatest downstream gains in dissolved trace-metal loads occurred near waste-rock dumps for the historical mines. The major sources of trace metals to the study reach were related to mining. The major source of trace metals in the reach near the mouth is unknown, however is probably related to weathering of highly altered igneous rocks, although an unknown component of trace metals could be derived from mining sources The late-summer storm dramatically increased the loads of most dissolved and total constituents. The effects of the storm were divided into two distinct periods; (1) a first flush of higher metal concentrations that occurred soon after rainfall began and (2) the peak discharge of the storm runoff. The first flush contained the highest loads of dissolved Fe, total and dissolved Zn, Cu, and Cd. The larger concentrations of Fe and sulfate in the first flush were likely derived from iron hydroxide minerals such as jarosite and schwertmanite, which are common on mine dumps in the Prospect Gulch drainage basin. Peak storm runoff contained the highest measured loads of total Fe, and of total and dissolved calcium, magnesium, silica and Al, which were probably derived from weathering of igneous rocks and clay minerals in the drainage basin.

Colorado↗