MŠMT

The proposed project is aimed at the deciphering of potential sedimentary resources and process of sedimentations in the Magallanes foreland basin of the southernmost Andes (Tierra del Fuego) in cooperation with Argentinean colleagues. In order to reconstruct model for basin low-temperature evolution of sediments, we will date zircons and apatites using fission-track analytical technique. Integral part of the project will be modelling of time-temperature exhumation/burial of rocks based on the individual fission-track age and fission-track track length of studied apatites and zircons. Using fision-track geochronological technique for a Magallanes basin sediments allows a more complex interpretations of sedimetary evolution of the Patagonian orocline connected with the late Eocene’s final opening of Drake Passage and separation of Patagonia from Antarctic Peninsula.

The aim of the project is based on using and development a new techniques for low-temperature thermal reconstruction of the rocks: fission-track zircon analysis and U-Th/He dating method on zircons. This work will result in establishing a model of tectonosedimentary development of the Antarctic James Ross Basin including thermal reconstruction of Cretaceous sediments and a model of erosional history of these rocks. Obtained data will be compared to the potential source areas.

The Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian through Campanian) sedimentary rocks of Southern Utah in the USA yielded, during the past 15 years, a great number of disarticulated skeletal remains of small vertebrates, including frogs. The mentioned stratigraphic sequence represents a nearly uninterrupted sequence of strata deposited during almost 30 million years, in a relatively restricted geographic area. Abundance of fossil anuran remains is comparatively high in washing samples, and although traditional separation techniques (i.e., screen washing of matrix) caused partial destruction of the fragile anuran bones, the amount and kind of preserved bones make their sufficiently precise taxonomic determination possible. Preliminary analysis of the material recovered until now suggests that anuran samples from various localities represent taxonomically diversified assemblages that can be compared with each other not only in geographical, but in geochronological context as well.

The record of the last infilling (fossilisation) events contains not only data for solution of geomorphic evolution, but also for reconstruction of tectonic events in mobile regions. The application of broad variety of methods will be use therefore represent a tool for reconstruction of Cenozoic history in respective karst region in Slovenia.

To improve ultrasonic high pressure system, for simultaneous transmitting by P, two perpendicular oriented shear waves and sphere strain measurement. To study relationship between shape of solid rock constituents (clasts) and shape of pore space, their contribution to the bulk symmetry of rock fabric, and validation of the presumption of the transversal isotropy symmetry of phyllosilicate-rich sedimentary rocks. To study influence of the shape of pore space (in 3-dimensions) on the physical (gas and water permeability) and mechanical (deformation) properties. To determine pore space and 3D approximation using direct methods (microscopy, coloration of pores) and indirect methods (ultrasonics, 3D deformation measurement, 3D X-ray tomography). To quantify fabric and kinematic and dynamic anisotropy in rocks and their changes with hydrostatic pressure obtained by ultrasonic and neutron scattering. To develop a comprehensive model that relates elastic properties to rock composition and microstructure.

The aim of the proposed project is dating of the main tectonometamorphic phases and also reconstruction of low-temperature evolution of the eastern part of the Cordillera Darwin on Argentine territory of Tierra del Fuego and their comparison and the connection of the available data from the Chilean side. Previously published similar studies developed by the Czech team in the Antarctic Peninsula will serve as a basement for comparison and establishment of the geological evolution of the southernmost Andes and the Antarctic Peninsula. The results obtained during the resolution of this project will be used for better understanding of the geological evolution of the territory in the area of southern Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

We aim to focus on the optical effects of asteroid surface space weathering associated with micrometeorite bombardment and related occurrence of nanosized metallic iron. New methodology of quantitatively controlled artificial production of nanosized metallic iron particles in size range of ~1 nm to ~100 nm and their deposition in surface layers of silicate minerals as olivine and pyroxene is being developed. Subsequently, the changes in reflectance spectra of such modified minerals are measured and correlated to nanosized metallic iron concentration and grain size. These spectral trends related to artificially produced nanosized metallic iron are subsequently compared to the observed space weathering trends observed in reflectance spectra of silicate rich asteroids.

Principal aim of the project is to find more precise tools for the reconstruction and dating of Cenozoic tectonic processes (movements, rotations) and infilling processes in caves in tectonically mobile settings like as Slovenia. The application of broad variety of geochronologic methods (magnetostratigraphy, magnetosusceptibility stratigraphy, standard paleontology and biostratigraphy, stable isotopes, isotopic dating methods) can therefore represent a tool for the reconstruction of Cenozoic history in respektive karst region.