The structure of cometary atmospheres

The temperature distributions in cometary atmospheres at various heliocentric distances for comets of Bennett and Encke types have been calculated by taking into account heating due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation, cooling by H₂O far infrared emission, and various dynamical processes (expansion, advection, and thermal conduction). The agreement of the results with the observations is in general satisfactory. The conversion of CH₄ and NH₃ to CO and N₂ through thermochemical reaction with H₂O is concluded to be impossible, since the temperature is too low at a heliocentric distance 1.5 AU where CO⁺ ions begin to be observable.     

Spatial distribution of deuterium in atmospheric water vapor: Diagnosing sources and the mixing of atmospheric moisture

We measured the stable isotopic composition of hydrogen (δD) within atmospheric water vapor collected simultaneously at six sites in the vicinity of a lake (Lake Kasumigaura, Eastern Japan) to determine its spatial distribution characteristics and thereby diagnose sources and mixing of atmospheric moisture. The measured spatial distribution of δD showed no relation to distance from the lake, although it showed a correlation with the distribution of the water-vapor mixing ratio Q. For two of the three sampling days, we found a simple two-component (i.e., water vapor transpiring from local land surfaces and pre-existing vapor in the background atmosphere) mixing line in a Keeling plot (i.e., δ − 1/Q diagram). On a third day, however, contributions from lake evaporation were detected in addition to the above components. On this day, lake-derived vapor accounted for approximately 10-20% of atmospheric water vapor at the sites located leeward of the lake. The observed differences in mixing patterns among sampling days can be explained by a simple atmospheric moisture budget. Thus, it is likely that simultaneous isotopic measurements of atmospheric water vapor at multiple locations with aid of Keeling plot are capable of giving us useful information in diagnosing the sources and mixing pattern of the vapor.     

Tectono–Magmatic Evolution and Metallogenesis along the Northeast Jiangxi Deep Fault, China

Abstract: From the southernmost part of Jiangsu province to the northeastern part of Jiangxi province, China, the Northeast Jiangxi Deep Fault runs for about 400 km length with a width of 30 to 40 km. This fault marks the suture zone of two ter-ranes of Proterozoic age. At the both sides of the fault, Yanshanian granitic activity is recognized. That is, the Dexing-Wuyuan porphyry belt on the NW side of the fault, and the Damaoshan-Lingshan granite belt on the SE side. The former activity is characterized by the occurrence of small stocks of granodioritic composition, rich in siderophile elements but poor in LIL elements. No distinct Eu anomaly is recognized in the REE pattern, and a low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio is reported. Magnetite, sphene and apatite are observed as accessory minerals. On the contrary, granitic activity on the SE side of the fault is characterized by the occurrence of composite batholiths, in general of granitic to monzogranitic composition, rich in LIL and alkali elements but poor in siderophile and alkali earth elements. A strong Eu anamaly is recognized in the REE pattern, and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are as high as 0. 716. Fluorite, zircon and REE minerals are observed as accessory minerals. These two contrasting granitic activities are refered to as syntexis– and transformation–types, respectively, following the classification commonly used in China, and have similar petrochemical characteristics to those defined for the magnetite– and ilmenite–series, and I– and S-type granitoids. Considering that the above igneous activity occurred far from the supposed subduction zone along the East Coast of China, intracontinental A-type (continent to continent) subduction is proposed to have occurred northwestwards along the NE Jiangxi Deep Fault during Yanshanian time due to a strong compressional stress from SE to NW. A-type subduction introduced the continental slab to some depth, and resulted in the production of the paired granitic activity observed on both sides of the fault. Many mineral deposits are associated with both granitic belts. In the Dexing-Wuyuan porphyry belt, the Dexing porphyry Cu and Yinshan polymetallic deposits are representative, whereas in the Damaoshan-Lingshan granite belt, several tens of rare metal deposits are known such as the Geyuan Nb–Ta–W–Sn deposits. Metal assemblages of those deposits reflect the source materials of magmas in both granitic belts.     

An experimental study of the partitioning of K,Rb, Cs,Sr and Ba between clinopyroxene and liquid at high pressures

The partition coefficients of K, Rb, Cs, Sr and Ba between clinopyroxene and liquid were experimentally determined in the system diopside-albite-anorthite-water at 15–30 kb and 1100–1200°C. Clinopyroxene and liquid (glass) were separated by a new technique (differential dissolution technique—DDT) and analyzed by isotope dilution. The partition coefficients lie in the range 0.054–0.081 for Sr, 0.0014–0.0026 for K, 0.00078–0.0023 for Ba, 0.0010–0.0041 for Rb, 0.00035–0.0036 for Cs. Variations of the partition coefficients with pressure, temperature and composition of the phases are relatively small, though no systematic study of these parameters was attempted.     

Electron-positron pairs in a mildly relativistic plasma in active galactic nuclei

We investigate the electron-positron pair concentration in an optically thin mildly relativistic plasma which is supposed to exist in active galactic nuclei. Firstly the equilibrium concentration is calculated when copious soft photons are supplied through the cyclotron higher harmonics. It is shown that the attainable states of the plasma are strongly restricted. Secondly we examine the pair production in a hot accretion plasma around a massive black hole, comparing relevant time scales. We find that significant pair production occurs when the accretion rate is moderately high and the infall velocity is slow compared to the free fall.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984     

Japanese early-warning for debris flows and slope failures using rainfall indices with Radial Basis Function Network

Early-warning systems for natural disasters are important tools for disaster risk reduction and for achieving sustainable development and livelihoods. In 2005, the Japanese government initiated a new nationwide early-warning system for landslides disasters. The main methodology of the system is to set a criterion for occurrences of debris flows and slope failures based on several rainfall indices (60-min cumulative rainfall and soil–water index) in each 5-km grid mesh covering all of Japan. Because many of the records of mass movements are lacking in scientific precision on timing and location, the system applies Radial Basis Function Network methods to set the criterion based primarily on rainfall data recorded as not triggering disasters. Since the end of March 2007, under torrential rainfall conditions, early-warning information has been disseminated as part of weather news using TV, radio, and the Internet. Because of the increasing worldwide recognition of the importance of early-warning systems for natural disaster reduction, the aim of this article is to introduce the new Japanese early-warning system to the international landslide community. In this article, the method, the system, and the result of its application to landslide disasters in 2009 are presented.     

南海大气季节内振荡特征及其与ENSO循环的关系

采用1979—2009年NCEP/NCAR再分析资料、NOAA向外长波辐射(outgoing long-wave radiation,简称OLR)及扩展重建海表面温度资料,对南海大气季节内振荡(Intra-seasonal Oscillation,简称ISO)特征及其与ENSO循环的关系进行了诊断分析。结果表明:1)南海大气ISO的30~60 d周期在5—10月均显著。一般年南海大气ISO的对流传播在纬向上存在东传和西传,在经向上具有南北半球季节性摆动的特征。以低频动能表征的南海大气ISO强度年代际变化特征明显,近31 a来趋势增强,年变化呈单峰结构,峰值在7—8月。2)南海大气ISO的对流与ENSO循环显著相关,其强度在El Nio(La Nia)年减弱(增强)。与一般年对比,南海大气ISO对流在El Nio和La Nia年均表现为西传减弱、北传显著。北传特征表现为强对流活跃带于春季(4—5月)北跳至北半球(在La Nia年最北可至35°N),但在北半球的传播方向与一般年相比存在显著差异。3)南海大气ISO强度与ENSO循环关系密切,在El Nio(La Nia)年减弱(增强),两者表现为约半年(6~8个月)的滞后相关。Nio3区海表面温度异常序列与南海大气ISO强度的相关在中西太平洋地区和El Nio成熟前的春、秋季最显著,同时相关中心伴随低频动能高值区东移。     

Seasonal changes of the South American monsoon system during the Mid-Holocene in the CMIP5 simulations

The South American Monsoon System (SAMS) is a major climatic feature of South America, and its domain extends from Amazon to La Plata basin. The SAMS region is vulnerable to variations of climate and precipitation patterns, which could impact economic activities and lead to potential societal consequences. In the face of a warming future scenario, the importance of the study of the past climate with numerical simulations is to evaluate the climate models and to assure the reliability of future projections. Here we investigate the Mid-Holocene SAMS, evaluating changes in strength, life cycle and associated dynamical mechanisms in ten Earth System Models simulations. Our results show that the SAMS was weaker in the Mid-Holocene than in the pre-industrial climate in December–January–February (DJF), but stronger in September–October–November (SON). This is probably a consequence of insolation variations in the Mid-Holocene, which contributed to changes in the moisture flux from the Atlantic Ocean to the continent, the strength of the upper-level atmospheric circulation, and the amount of precipitation over the SAMS region. Moreover, we suggest that the life cycle of the SAMS was altered during the Mid-Holocene, with an earlier onset and demise. Our results also indicate that Mid-Holocene SAMS changes are connected to precipitation variations near Northeast Brazil, in a dipole configuration of precipitation between western Amazon and Northeast Brazil, due to the influence of the Walker cell. Finally, this study highlights a need for improvement of the numerical models to better simulate the amount of precipitation over South America and the upper-level circulation over western Amazon in SON, which are crucial factors for a more realistic representation of the SAMS.     

NanoSIMS analysis of organic carbon from the Tissint Martian meteorite: Evidence for the past existence of subsurface organic‐bearing fluids on Mars

Two petrographic settings of carbonaceous components, mainly filling open fractures and occasionally enclosed in shock‐melt veins, were found in the recently fallen Tissint Martian meteorite. The presence in shock‐melt veins and the deuterium enrichments (δD up to +1183‰) of these components clearly indicate a pristine Martian origin. The carbonaceous components are kerogen‐like, based on micro‐Raman spectra and multielemental ratios, and were probably deposited from fluids in shock‐induced fractures in the parent rock of Tissint. After precipitation of the organic matter, the rock experienced another severe shock event, producing the melt veins that encapsulated a part of the organic matter. The C isotopic compositions of the organic matter (δ¹³C = ?12.8 to ?33.1‰) are significantly lighter than Martian atmospheric CO₂ and carbonate, providing a tantalizing hint for a possible biotic process. Alternatively, the organic matter could be derived from carbonaceous chondrites, as insoluble organic matter from the latter has similar chemical and isotopic compositions. The presence of organic‐rich fluids that infiltrated rocks near the surface of Mars has significant implications for the study of Martian paleoenvironment and perhaps to search for possible ancient biological activities on Mars.     

Solar vector magnetograms of the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory

The title instrument is mounted on the 65 cm solar Coudé telescope at the Okayama observatory. Observation is usually of the Fei 5250 Å line. The data obtained are briefly described.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.