The estimation of the shape of an array using a hidden Markov model

A hidden Markov model (HMM) technique for the estimation of the shape of a towed array is presented. It is assumed that there is a far-field source radiating sound containing possibly weak spectral lines. The technique uses either the Fourier coefficients at a given frequency computed from a single time block or the maximal eigenvector of a sample spectral covariance matrix. The technique is illustrated using several simulations. The results of these simulations indicate that the HMM technique yields shape and bearing estimates more accurate than those provided by a maximum-likelihood array shape estimation technique     

Volcanic lithogeochemistry and alteration at the Delbridge massive sulfide deposit, Noranda, Quebec

The Delbridge orebody occurs within a thick sequence (> 1 km) of porphyritic to aphyric massive rhyolite and rhyolite breccia of the Archean Blake River Group. The orebody produced ≈ 370,000 tonnes grading 0.61% Cu, 9.6% Zn, 110 g/t Ag and 2.1 g/t Au (1969–1971). The footwall consists of massive quartz porphyritic rhyolite mantled by proximal rhyolite breccias. An irregular chloritic alteration pipe with mineralization is subvertical to the ore lens. The orebody occurs at a thick cherty horizon within rhyolite breccia, and is overlain by a succession of mafic debris flows, porphyritic to aphyric massive rhyolite flows, and finally andesite. The main alteration assemblage in the rhyolite units is quartz-albite-sericite-chlorite-carbonate. Immobile element plots and rare-earth element data indicate that the footwall rhyolite flows and proximal breccias are tholeiitic to transitional (Zr/Y = 3.5–5.5; La_N/Yb_N = 1.7–2.6), whereas hangingwall rhyolite flows are mildly calc-alkaline (Zr/Y = 6.5–7.5; La_N/Yb_N = 2.8–3.8). These two rhyolite types also have separate alteration lines in Ti-Zr space and in various immobile element plots. The identification of chemically different rhyolites above and below the orebody provides markers that can be identified and traced even where strongly altered. An intrusive rhyolite mass in the footwall is chemically identical to the hangingwall aphyric rhyolite flows, and is interpreted as the feeder to these flows. Calculated mass changes in the footwall rhyolite commonly are large, and result from major silica change (±30%), significant loss of Na₂O + CaO, and important additions of K₂O and FeO + MgO. The margins of the pipe show net mass gain, whereas the interior of the pipe shows net mass loss. Hangingwall rhyolite shows mass changes that generally are much smaller than in the footwall. Felsic rocks in the silica-sericite alteration zone up to ≈ 200 m from the orebody have high δ¹⁸O values of 10–12‰, reflecting low-temperature alteration. The orebody occurs near the contact between a mainly tholeiitic rhyolite footwall and an overlying sequence of mildly calc-alkaline rhyolite then andesite.     

Field observations of stratified atmospheric flow above an obstacle

In a study using the plume from the Four Corners power plant, near Farmington, N.M., lee waves were observed during times when the plume flowed across the Hogback. Wavelengths were typically about 1.2 km; wave amplitudes were more variable, ranging from 20 to 100 m. The observed amplitudes imply an obstacle that is broader and shallower than is actually the case. This is in agreement with laboratory studies that show the existence of regions of complex flow both upstream and downstream from an obstacle, which have the effect of broadening the region over which laminar flow occurs. Visual observation, measurement of the plume cross-sectional area both upstream and downstream from the Hogback, and measurement of plume aerosol concentrations show that turbulent and eddy flow over and downwind from the Hogback increase the rate of mixing of the plume with the surrounding atmosphere. This in turn increases the rate at which plume components come into contact with the ground.     

An extreme value analysis of the flow of Burbage Brook

An extreme value analysis of the flow of Burbage Brook is carried out by modelling peaks over a high threshold. The aims are to illustrate recently developed statistical techniques and to report on interesting features of the flow of the brook over a 58-year period. Peak flows are found to show marked seasonal variation and a downward trend. Then-year return level is estimated for various values ofn, and the reliability of the estimates is assessed.     

Visual pollution in a national park

National Parks in Britain are not in areas of wilderness, but inhabited and farmed land. This makes management of the Parks difficult and insufficient moral and financial support from local authorities has led to their progressive deterioration. They are designed for the enjoyment of the public, but can they survive ‘people pollution’?     

Small oil spill kills 10–20 000 seabirds in North Norway

An estimated 10–20 000 seabirds were killed by a very small oil spill off the coast of North Norway in March 1979. Despite the fact that over 90% of these were Brunnich's Guillemots Uria lomvia, the breeding population of this species was not considered to have been seriously threatened by this spill. On the other hand, this episode did illustrate how extremely vulnerable certain seabird species are to oil.