Digital Commons Network^™

New Petrographic And Geochemical Constraints On Pre-Eruptive Storage Conditions And Their Control On Eruptive Styles In Martinique’S Recent Volcanic Systems, Abigail Martens

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the volcanic systems of Martinique Island, focusing on magma storage conditions, magmatic evolution, and eruption dynamics. Chapter 3 presents a petrographic analysis of volcanic rocks from the island’s old, intermediate, and recent arcs, examining the evolution of plagioclase textures and the increasing abundance of other mineral phases, such as pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, and quartz, which provide insights into changing magmatic conditions. The main research is divided into two projects. Chapter 4 addresses the pre-eruptive storage conditions (pressure and temperature) of magmas beneath recent (<5 Ma) volcanic complexes (Morne Jacob, Piton du Carbet, Trois Îlets, Mt. Conil, and Mt. Pelée), exploring magma evolution, crystallization, and the role of lower crustal injections and flank collapses in triggering eruptions. Results reveal variable magma storage depths (<6 km), with significant temperature and pressure variations, indicating complex magmatic systems. Chapter 5 focuses on the Roches-Genty ignimbrite in southwestern Martinique, investigating its stratigraphy, geochemistry, and age using field mapping, grain size analysis, and 40Ar/39Ar dating. The study identifies two distinct sub-Plinian eruptive phases associated with the Dizac ignimbrite, with ages of 3.37 ± 0.14 Ma and 2.10 ± 0.26 Ma, providing insights into past explosive volcanic activity. Geochemical analysis confirms an andesitic composition, similar to regional volcanic systems. This dissertation enhances understanding of Martinique’s volcanic history, providing valuable insights into magmatic processes and eruption dynamics, with implications for volcanic hazard assessments in the Lesser Antilles.

Predicting Ph At In-Situ Temperature For Aquatic Environments, Sarah E. Bartoloni

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

pH is typically measured at a constant temperature and, as needed, converted to in-situ temperature using a system of thermodynamic equations. Using this equilibrium approach, adjustment of pH to in situ conditions requires two measured CO2 system parameters (pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, or CO2 fugacity). Currently, when pH is the only measured CO2 system parameter, linear models are used to adjust the pH to in-situ temperature. Although many studies have attempted to optimize CO2 equilibrium constants (K1 and K2) for the CO2 system over a range of conditions, very little prior work has experimentally examined which CO2 system …

Resolution Of Lava Tubes With Ground Penetrating Radar, Sanaz Esmaeili

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Finding habitable places to keep astronauts safe from surface radiation, magnetic storms, and temperature fluctuations will be an important component of future planetary exploration missions. Remote sensing surveys on other planets indicate the presence of lava tubes. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has shown great potential for detection of tunnels in terrestrial environments. In this research, the capabilities of this near surface rapid exploratory tool for detection of lava tubes are investigated. This dissertation describes terrestrial examples of how GPR can be utilized to explore tubes and addresses the capabilities of GPR for resolving tube-related features such as the floor, fractures, …

High-Resolution Investigation Of Event Driven Sedimentation: Response And Evolution Of The Deepwater Horizon Blowout In The Sedimentary System, Rebekka A. Larson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation combines the investigation of the sedimentological impacts of the Deepwater Horizon (DwH) blowout event in the deep-sea benthos, with the refinement and advancement of methods and approaches for high-resolution investigations of events preserved in sedimentary records. An approach that combined, rapid collection of cores, a continued annual time series collection of cores, and high-resolution sampling and analyses, in particular short-lived Radioisotopes (SLRad), enabled the temporal resolution required to detect the sedimentary response to the short-duration DwH event, and evaluate post-event sedimentation patterns at a comparable time scale (months).

The collection of 179 sediment cores from 80 sites between …

Vent-Fault Spatial Study Of Selected Volcanic Fields Of Southwestern North America And Mexico, Michelle Leonard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Of fundamental concern in volcanic hazard and risk assessment studies of volcanic systems is what role crustal structures might play in the ascent of magma through the crust. What are the processes that govern the spatial distribution and timing of eruptions, especially in populated areas or near sensitive facilities? Many studies have drawn the conclusion that faults play a critical role as easily–exploitable crustal weaknesses along which magma can ascend. Great care must be used when assuming a causative relationship between patterns of vents and faults especially when such relationships may be incorporated into hazard assessment models or other forecasting …

Martian Modules: Design Of A Programmable Martian Settlement, Craig A. Trover

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The evolution of human beings is marked

by adaptation. The ability to adapt to and

manipulate our environment is one definer of

intelligence, and ours is unique among life

on Earth. Since moving off of the African

Continent, humans have migrated to inhabit

every part of the Earth. Human existence

and perpetuity in the universe depends upon

the success of this adaptation, and inevitably,

migrating off of this planet. The technological

advances being developed today will change

our way of life, and enable people to travel to

and live permanently on the Moon and Mars.

This study involves the architectural …

The Virtual Landscape Of Geological Information Topics, Methods, And Rhetoric In Modern Geology, Sarah Elizabeth Fratesi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Geology is undergoing changes that could influence its knowledge claims, reportedly becoming more laboratory-based, technology-driven, quantitative, and physics- and chemistry-rich over time. This dissertation uses techniques from information science and linguistics to examine the geologic literature of 1945-2005. It consists of two studies: an examination of the geological literature as an expanding network of related subdisciplines, and an investigation of the linguistic and graphical argumentation strategies within geological journal articles.

The first investigation is a large-scale study of topics within articles from 67 geologic journals. Clustering of subdiscipline journals based on titles and keywords reveals six major areas of geology: …

Studies Of The Mechanics And Structure Of Shallow Magmatic Plumbing Systems, Mikel Díez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Volcanic activity, and the resultant deposits and structures at the Earth's surface, are the outcome of the inner workings of underground magmatic plumbing systems. These systems, essentially, consist of magma reservoirs which supply magma to the surface through volcanic conduits feeding volcanic eruptions. The mechanics and structure of plumbing systems remain largely unknown due to the obvious challenges involved in inferring volcanic processes occurring underground from observations at the surface. Nevertheless, volcanologists are beginning to gain a deeper understanding of the workings and architecture of magmatic plumbing systems from geophysical observations on active volcanoes, as well as from geological studies …

Cooperative Localization In Wireless Networked Systems, Mauricio Castillo-Effen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A novel solution for the localization of wireless networked systems is presented. The solution is based on cooperative estimation, inter-node ranging and strap-down inertial navigation. This approach overrides limitations that are commonly found in currently available localization/positioning solutions. Some solutions, such as GPS, make use of previously deployed infrastructure. In other methods, computations are performed in a central fusion center. In the robotics field, current localization techniques rely on a simultaneous localization and mapping, (SLAM), process, which is slow and requires sensors such as laser range finders or cameras.

One of the main attributes of this research is the holistic …

Animal Husbandry At Tell El Hesi (Israel): Results From Zooarchaeological And Isotopic Analysis, Shannon Marie Peck-Janssen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Located in today’s southern Israel, Tell el Hesi provides archaeologists with important clues to political and social changes in the ancient Near East. Zooarchaeological and stable isotopic analyses were conducted to evaluate shifts in animal husbandry practices during changing socioeconomic and sociopolitical conditions in the southern Levant.

During the Early Bronze Age, Tell el Hesi thrived as an agricultural grain producing center for the southern Levant. The acropolis served as both a storage and redistribution center for the inhabitants of Tell el Hesi. Coinciding with the collapse of the southern Levant, Tell el Hesi was abandoned throughout the Middle Bronze …

An Evaluation Of The Along Track Reef Imaging System (Atris) For Efficient Reef Monitoring And Rapid Groundtruthing Of Eaarl Lidar, Nicole O. Caesar

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Along-Track Reef-Imaging System (ATRIS) is a vessel-mounted, digital camera, depth sounder and Global Positioning System (GPS) package that facilitates the rapid capture of underwater images in shallow-water benthic environments. This technology has the potential to collect ecologically significant data, particularly in benthic habitats less than 10 m in depth, with better location referencing and in less time than is required for surveys carried out by Scuba divers. In October 2004, ATRIS was tested coincidently with SCUBA-assisted video along transects on five patch reefs in Biscayne National Park. Images from both data sets were subsampled, viewed, and benthic cover under …

Community Structure, Faunal Distribution, And Environmental Forcing Of The Extinction Of Marine Molluscs In The Pliocene San Joaquin Basin, Central California, John Richard Bowersox

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on reconstructing the dynamics within the Pliocene San Joaquin Basin (SJB) molluscan fauna. This was accomplished by 'binning' the data within a constrained chronostratigraphic framework into: 1) 484 individual stratigraphically-ordered locality collections; 2.) 116 stratigraphically-sequential compiled ten-meter sample intervals; 3.) 15 intervals compiled by 4th-order eustatic cycles; 4.) three formation-level compiled samples; and 5.) the Etchegoin group fauna (informal San Joaquin Basin nomenclature) overall. These datasets were analyzed by inferential, multivariate, and descriptive statistics to examine local and regional environmental controls on faunal composition, community associations and distributions; cross-scale faunal structure; and large-scale environmental controls on immigration, …

Storm-Influenced Sediment Transport Gradients On A Nourished Beach, Nicole A. Elko

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Beach nourishment provides an excellent opportunity for the study of intensified sediment transport gradients and associated morphological changes in a natural setting. The objectives of this study are to quantify and predict longshore and cross-shore transport gradients induced by 1) beach nourishment, 2) different storm wave conditions, and 3) the annual wave climate and long-term sediment supply. The details of sediment transport rates and gradients induced by gradual processes and high-energy events are analyzed on a macro-scale. Well-planned monitoring of the 2004 Upham Beach nourishment project in west-central Florida collected high-spatial and -temporal resolution field data. Three hurricanes passed by …

Ground Penetrating Radar Response To Thin Layers: Examples From Waites Island, South Carolina, Swagata Guha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thin layers (layers that are not resolvable in terms of GPR wavelengths) are very common in sedimentary deposits. To better understand ground penetrating radar (GPR) wave behavior in sequences of thin layers with contrasting electromagnetic parameters, 1D FDTD simulations are run for simple layer distributions. Laminated (mm-scale) sequences can produce reflected energy with 10-20% of the amplitude of reflections from equivalent isolated contacts. Amplitude spectra from laminae packages are shifted toward higher frequencies. Such spectral shifts in radar profiles may potentially be used as indicators of fine-scale laminations. A comparative study of GPR records and models generated from core data …

Construction Of A Late Pleistocene Paleothermometer Based On Amino Acid Racemization In Fossil Succinea Shells, Richard Ayres Walther

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Racemization kinetics of amino acids, determined for the commonly occurring fossil gastropod Succinea, facilitates the ability to construct an accurate and precise paleothermometer to estimate paleotemperatures over specific time intervals during the last 150,000 years in parts of Central Europe. Racemization within the carbonate shell of Succcinea is induced at high temperatures over increasing intervals of time in the laboratory and measured for aspartic acid (asp), glutamic acid (glu), valine (val), and phenylalanine (phe), by reverse-phase liquid chromatography.

The activation energy (E_a), frequency factor (A), and forward rate constant (k1) of the Arrhenius equation are determined from …