Saturday, December 8, 2012

Geochemical Environment

The Geochemical Environment is defined by the surrounding conditions of pressure, temperature, and abundance of chemical components. The geochemical environment influences the ore body formation and dispersion. Therefore a clear understanding of the geochemical environment is essential in mineral exploration.

The geochemical environment can be classified into two types based on the conditions of temperature, pressure and chemistry. They are,
1. Endogenic Environment.
2. Exogenic Environment.

The Endogenic Environment is the deep-seated environment in which forces driven by earth's internal heat predominate. Since rock formation often takes place in this environment, it is also called the "Primary Environment". Metamorphic conditions, magmatic, igneous conditions, activities in the vicinity of plate boundaries and sometimes deep seated sedimentary conditions are geological activities that are prominent in the endogenic environment. The endogenic environment can be characterized by,
- high temperature
- high pressure
- lack of free oxygen
- lack of free water and CO2
- restricted movement of fluids

The Exogenic Environment is the surficial environment in which forces are mainly driven by solar energy. It is also termed the "Secondary Environment". Geological activities present in the exogenic environment are, weathering, erosion, transportation and sedimentation. The exogenic environment can be characterized by,
- low temperature
- low pressure
- abundant free oxygen
- abundant water and CO2
- free movement of solutions

These two environments are connected to each other and material gets transported from one to another creating a closed system. Driven by the natural forces described above this dynamic system can be simplified and depicted in the diagram below. A good understanding of this cycle can help decision making in the mineral exploration process.

the geochemical cycle(Image from "Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration" by Rose et al)



Friday, December 7, 2012

The Hobbit at Savoy 3D

"The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey" will be screened at Savoy 3D cinema from the 15th of December 2012. "Savoy 3D" is Sri Lanka's largest 3D cinema and is equipped with the latest RealD XLS digital 3D projection system. The movie has been shot in 3D (not a post conversion) and therefore fans can expect a better and immersive experience in the Lord of the Rings universe. However like in certain previous occasions, the release date given above may change unexpectedly. So it's better to be ready for something like that to avoid disappointment.




The movie is based on J.R.R. Tolkein's novel "The Hobbit". This book was written before the much acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy and serves as a prequel to it. It relates the adventures of a Hobbit called Bilbo Baggins. This movie, "The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey" will be the first of a new trilogy set in the same universe and is expected to be followed by the two movies subtitled as "The Desolation of Smaug" and "there and Back Again".

Ardent fans of Lord of the Rings trilogy will be counting days until the release of this movie, while those who are new to the Lord of the Rings Universe like myself, will probably read the book before going to see the movie.

Official site : http://www.thehobbit.com/