<p> Orientations of deformation lamellae in quartz and C-axes of quartz grains containing lamellae were measured at seven locations across a gently folded bed of the Oriskany Sandstone, central Pennsylvania. Lamellae so measured have an average inclination of 20°-30° to the basal plane, and are therefore categorized as "subbasal".</p> <p> Fabrics of poles to deformation lamellae and corresponding C-axis orientations suggest a paleostress field for the fold which had the arrangement; σ1 bedding parallel, σ3 bedding perpendicular, and σ2 fold axis subparallel. Relative magnitudes of the stresses were given by the condition σ1 > σ3. σ2 is believed to have varied in magnitude between σ1 and σ3 during fold development.</p> <p> Exact timing of formation of lamellae is uncertain. Textural evidence shows that they predate a later generation of compressional and tensional microfractures associated with the deformation. The best explanation is that they formed in early stages of layer parallel compaction when compressive stresses in all zones of the fold were greatest. Stress refraction may or may not have been operative.</p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)

No description available.

We examine discrete models with hexagonal symmetry to compare the sequence of transitions with the alpha-inc-beta phase transition of quartz. We examine a model by Parlinski which employs interactions of nearest and next-nearest neighbor atoms. We numerically determine the configurations which lead to minimum energy for a range of parameters. We then use Golubitsky's results on systems with hexagonal symmetry to derive the bifurcation diagram for Parlinski's model. Finally, we study a large class of modifications to Parlinski's model and show that all such modifications have the same bifurcation picture as the original model. / Ph. D.

published_or_final_version / Chemistry / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Earth Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This is a study of the structural and electronic behavior and properties of graphene on α-quartz and α-sapphire using Density Functional Theory. We construct initial structures using the above 2 substrates, place a layer of graphene on them and subsequently allow the atoms to relax. After relaxation we study any structural changes, band structures, density of states, charge density to determine the electronic properties of the entire structure. Eventually this study will help in the search for good substrates for graphene based transistors. / text

No description available.

Modeling sediment erosion is important in a wide range of environmental problems. The effects of various environmental factors on erosion rates have been studied, but the effects of surface slope on erosion rates of a wide range of sediments have not been quantified. The effects of surface slope, both in the direction of flow (pitch) and perpendicular to the flow (roll), on erosion rates of quartz particles were investigated using the Sediment Erosion at Depth Flume (Sedflume). / US Navy (USN) author.

Abstract Geochemical, microstructural and petrological analyses were conducted on metapelites from the Strafford Dome, Vermont. Samples record metamorphic conditions from biotite to peak kyanite/staurolite grade and preserve microstructures related to two Acadian nappe emplacement events. The purpose of this study was to test the validity and application of the Ti-in-quartz (“TitaniQ”) thermobarometer to constraining pressure-temperature-timing-deformation (P-T-t-D) paths in metamorphic tectonites. Due to the nearly ubiquitous presence of quartz in continental rocks, the ability to apply this method would have significant implications for improving our ability to resolve tectonic histories. Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging on quartz was conducted to qualitatively assess the distribution of Ti in a single grain and/or compare neighboring crystals. X-ray mapping of garnet porphyroblasts was conducted to estimate P-T conditions during garnet growth to provide a framework for included quartz grains. P-T-X contour diagrams (used in P-T calculations for garnet growth) were constructed from data obtained by X-ray fluorescence analysis on bulk-rock chemistries. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to constrain Ti concentrations in quartz due to the low [Ti] present in the Strafford samples (<10 ppm). Analysis of the samples revealed [Ti] in zoned quartz grains that can be grouped and associated with certain P-T-D conditions. A majority of quartz grains have dark cores in CL images with low [Ti] (~2.5–3.5 ppm) in both matrix quartz and inclusions. Quartz inclusions in garnets that grew syn-tectonically with D2 have bright rims ~5.5 ppm. Matrix quartz, on the other hand, has rims with much higher [Ti] (~7.5–9.5 ppm). Comparing these Ti concentrations to summary P-T paths from previous studies suggests: quartz inclusions have rims recrystallized during the end of D1 deformation, matrix grains have rims re-equilibrated at peak P-T conditions post-D2 deformation, and the dark cores observed in CL images must be from early prograde or relics of the protolith. The evaluation of the TitaniQ thermobarometer’s application to constrain P-T-t-D histories has highlighted some potential problems and significant benefits. To use the thermobarometer, either T or P must be independently constrained, which is often difficult to do given the many microstructural contexts of quartz in a single sample. This study capitalized on the ability to determine the relative timing of quartz (re)crystallization relative to garnet growth. Using another trace element thermobarometer would be ideal (e.g. Zr-in-rutile) for greater precision, although the relevant accessory phases may not be present and constraining the timing of re-equilibration is challenging. The abundance of quartz in continental rocks and the various microstructural occurrences of quartz in a single metamorphic tectonite provides additional opportunities to constrain points on the P-T-D path than conventional thermobarometers. The TitaniQ thermobarometer has the potential to yield deeper insights into the tectonic history of crustal rocks than previously available. These findings further elucidate the potential of the method for use in studies of metamorphic tectonites, continental tectonics and rheology.

Region surrounding the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex represents one of the most important gold bearing zones in the Czech Republic. Several types of gold deposits dominated by hydrothermal quartz gangue were explored here and distinguished: the Intrusion related gold deposits ("Petráčkova hora" and "Mokrsko") and the orogenic gold deposits ("Jílové u Prahy" and "Kasejovice" ). Deposits "Libčice u Nového Knína" and "Roudný u Vlašimi" are partially similar to the orogenic gold type, but are different from other orogenic type deposits in the region. All together 38 samples from these five deposits were analyzed with laser ablation technique (LA- ICP-MS) to produce 228 measurements. Selected samples were selected to represent both main quartz gangue carrying the Au ore and latter weakly mineralized quartz gangue. Samples representing hydrothermal quartz gangue with no direct relation to Au-ore deposits were also collected in order to compare chemical composition of both quartz types originating from the same area. Main concern of this work was in-situ analysis of chemical composition of different generations of quartz gangue and statistical comparison of differences within individual deposits as well as comparing the examined deposits themselves. Total 65 isotopes were measured, trace element...