Attenuation of coda waves in the contact zone between the Dinarides and the Adriatic Microplate

The attenuation of coda waves is analysed for nine seismic stations in the area of convergent motion of the Adriatic microplate and the Dinarides. The frequency dependent coda quality factor of the form Q_c = Q₀ fⁿ is estimated for up to seven central frequencies (1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 Hz) and for 21 successive 30 s long time windows. Q₀ was found to increase from 68–353 for short lapse times of 20–50 s, to 158–373 for lapse times of 90–100 s. Parameter n is observed to vary between 0.46 and 0.89, with a pronounced tendency to decrease with increasing Q₀, and vice versa. Both Q₀ and n seem to stabilize for lapse times larger than 50–80 s, indicating that a change in rock properties controlling coda attenuation occurs at depths of about 100–160 km. The spatial distribution of observed Q₀ is well correlated with observed seismicity and inferred tectonic activity. In particular, we observe significant negative correlation of Q₀ with the peak ground acceleration (PGA) estimate for the return period of 475 years. The degree of frequency dependence n, is the smallest for stations on the islands, where the crust is the thinnest. The largest n is observed over the thickest crust in the region, where the Moho lies at depths of over 55 km.     

Short- and long-time behavior of aquifer drainage after slow and sudden recharge according to the linearized Laplace equation

During the last 25 years there has been a great interest in deriving aquifer characteristics from outflow data. This analysis has been mainly based of the drainage of a horizontal aquifer after sudden drawdown, using the Boussinesq approximation. Following the general approach of Brutsaert and Lopez [Brutsaert W, Lopez, JP. Basin-scale geohydrologic drought flow features of riparian aquifers in the southern Great Plains. Water Resour Res 1998;34(2):233–40], it was determined that for this geometry the aquifer behavior could be characterized by dQ/dt ∝ Q³ for small t and by dQ/dt ∝ Q^3/2 for large t. It was remarked that dQ/dt ∝ Q for large t is often observed. In practice, it is also difficult to determine if dQ/dt ∝ Q³ for small t because this behavior can only be observed over a very short period.Here, we present a similar analysis of aquifer behavior based on the more fundamental Laplace solution for penetrated aquifers. It has been shown that also when the drain does not fully penetrate the aquifer, the solution still produces good results [Szilagyi, J. Sensitivity analysis of aquifer parameter estimations based on the Laplace equation with linearized boundary conditions. Water Resour Res 2003;39(6)]. The Laplace solution quickly shows that dQ/dt ∝ Q for t → ∞ and dQ/dt ∝ Q^∞ for t → 0, after sudden drawdown. This analysis reconfirms previous findings concerning long-time behavior. More importantly, the analysis shows that the exponent B in dQ/dt ∝ Q^B does not have a fixed limited value for short times for the given geometry. Further analysis, however, shows that under certain conditions the relation dQ/dt ∝ Q³ is retained for 0 ≪ t < 1. Detailed examination of the Laplace solution also shows under which types of recharge dynamics a well-identifiable transition takes place between short- and long-term behavior. As long as such a clear transition exists, the aquifer characterization method proposed earlier by Brutsaert and Lopez [Brutsaert W, Lopez, JP. Basin-scale geohydrologic drought flow features of riparian aquifers in the southern Great Plains. Water Resour Res 1998;34(2):233–40] can be applied. It is shown that for a sharp pulse input, the Laplace solution gives similar results as presented by Brutsaert and Lopez [Brutsaert W, Lopez, JP. Basin-scale geohydrologic drought flow features of riparian aquifers in the southern Great Plains. Water Resour Res 1998;34(2):233–40]. For a smooth pulse, the transition becomes unclear. What is “smooth” and “sharp” depends on input and aquifer characteristics, whereby shallow aquifers give clearer transitions than deep aquifers for the same input. The analysis shows that when rain ceases suddenly after the aquifer has come into equilibrium with a steady rain input, a usable transition in the relation between dQ/dt and Q can be found as well. Researchers can use the present analysis to assess whether specific aquifers and recharge events can be used for the previously suggested characterization method.     

Variation of intrinsic and scattering attenuation of seismic waves with depth in the Bam region,East-Central Iran

The attenuation properties of the lithosphere in the Bam region, East-Central Iran, have been investigated. For this purpose, 42 local earthquakes having focal depths less than 25 km have been used. The quality factor of coda waves (Q_c) has been estimated using the single back-scattering model. The quality factors Q_p, Q_d (P and direct S-waves) have been estimated using the extended-coda normalization method. Q_i and Q_s (the intrinsic and scattering attenuation parameters) have been estimated for the region. The values of Q_p, Q_d, Q_c, Q_i and Q_s show a dependence on frequency in the range of 1.5–24 Hz for the Bam region. The average frequency-dependent relationships estimated for the region are Q_p=(36±6)f^(1.03±0.06), Q_d=(59±8)f^(1.00±0.03), Q_c=(79±5)f^(1.01±0.04), Q_s=(131±4)f^(1.01±0.04) and Q_i=(104±6)f^(1.01±0.05). A comparison between Q_i and Q_s shows that intrinsic absorption is predominant over scattering.The variation of Q has also been estimated at different lapse times to observe heterogeneities variation with depth. The variation of Q with frequency and lapse time shows that the lithosphere becomes more homogeneous with depth.The estimated Q_o values at different stations suggest a low value of Q indicating a heterogeneous and attenuative crust beneath the entire region.     

Lapse time and frequency-dependent attenuation characteristics of coda waves in the Northwestern Himalayas

We analyzed the local earthquakes waveform recorded on a broadband seismic network in the northwestern Himalayan Region to compute lapse time and frequency dependence of coda Q (Q _c). The observed Q _c values increase with increasing lapse time at all frequency bands. The increase in Q _c values with lapse time is attributed to an increase in Q _c with depth. This implies that attenuation decreases with increasing depth. The approximate radius of medium contributing to coda generation varies from 55 to 130 km. By comparing the Q _c values with those from other regions of the world, we find that they are similar to those obtained from tectonically active regions. The estimated Q _c values show a frequency-dependent relationship, Q _c = Q ₀ f ⁿ , where Q ₀ is Q _c at 1 Hz and n represents degree of frequency dependence. They represent the level of heterogeneity and tectonic activity in an area. Our results show that northwest Himalayas are highly heterogeneous and tectonically very active. Q ₀ increases from 113 ± 7 to 243 ± 10 and n decreases from 1.01 ± 0.05 to 0.85 ± 0.03 when lapse time increases from 30 to 70 s. As larger time window sees the effect of deeper part of the Earth, it is concluded that Q ₀ increases and n decreases with increasing depth; i.e., heterogeneity decreases with depth in the study area.     

Dependence of coda attenuation on frequency and lapse time in central Greece

The dependence of coda attenuationQ _c on frequency and lapse time was studied. Data from small local earthquakes, recorded at three stations (VMR, VSI and VFI) of the VOLNET network operating in central Greece, were used.Q _c was estimated by applying the single scattering model to bandpass-filtered seismograms, over a frequency range of 1 to 12 Hz. Analysis was performed every 10 s until the end on overlapping time windows.Q _c is found to depend on frequencyf in Hz according to a power law,Q _c =Q ₀ f ⁿ . ObservedQ ₀ ranges from 30 to 100 and the powern ranges from 0.90 to 0.70.Q ₀ increases andn decreases with lapse time increasing. A strong dependence ofQ _c on lapse time was also found. In the frequency range of 1 to 8 Hz and at a short lapse time,Q _c values were found to be similar for all three stations. On the other hand, at the longest analyzed time window (50 s), the estimatedQ _c values show a discrepancy which is more obvious at a higher frequency band. The scattering coefficient around the central station VSI is found to range from 0.029 to 0.0041 km^–1.Q _c from the single scattering model andQ _s from the amplitude ratio of directS to coda waves for the VSI station are similar. We believe dependence of coda attenuationQ _c on frequency and lapse time is caused by a combination of geotectonic features and depth variation asQ _s .     

Scattering coefficients in the mantle revealed from the seismogram envelope analysis based on the multiple isotropic scattering model

At longer periods, scattered ScS waves sometimes dominate over coda waves at large lapse times. Examining recordings of seismic envelopes at 9 IRIS seismic stations of regional earthquakes with focal depths deeper than 150 km in periods from 1 to 20 s for a wide lapse time range up to 2000 s, we found significant frequency dependence. The coda decay gradient at short periods is steeper than that at longer periods; however, the change of coda gradient associated with the ScS arrival becomes distinct as the period becomes longer. In particular, a clear offset of coda amplitude appears in central Asia for 10 and 15 s period bands. The multiple isotropic scattering process of S-waves in the heterogeneous mantle can be simply simulated by using the Monte Carlo simulation method based on the radiative transfer theory in scattering media. Assuming a two-plane-layer attenuation structure and smoothed velocity model of the PREM, we estimated the average total scattering coefficients of S-waves such as 7.52 × 10^− 4∼1.32 × 10^− 3 km^− 1 and 2.08 × 10^− 4∼6.23 × 10^− 4 km^− 1 at 4 s, and 4.51 × 10^− 4∼7.37 × 10^− 4 km^− 1 and 2.80 × 10^− 5∼2.71 × 10^− 4 km^− 1 at 10 s, for the lithosphere and the upper mantle and for the lower mantle, respectively. Our results indicate that scattering occurs mostly in the lithosphere and the upper mantle and support that medium heterogeneity spreads over the whole mantle though its scattering power is small. Strong scattering occurs beneath central Asia and Papua New Guinea, whereas the scattering beneath Italy and regions of east Russia is much weaker. The numerical calculation enables us to confirm that much stronger scattering than intrinsic attenuation causes the offset behavior with coda decay gradient change after the ScS arrival for 4 and 10 s period bands in some regions.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Q</Emphasis><Subscript>c</Subscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q</Emphasis><Subscript>S</Subscript> wave attenuation of South African earthquakes

Quality factor Q, which describes the attenuation of seismic waves with distance, was determined for South Africa using data recorded by the South African National Seismograph Network. Because of an objective paucity of seismicity in South Africa and modernisation of the seismograph network only in 2007, I carried out a coda wave decay analysis on only 13 tectonic earthquakes and 7 mine-related events for the magnitude range 3.6?≤?M _L ?≤?4.4. Up to five seismograph stations were utilised to determine Q _c for frequencies at 2, 4, 8 and 16 Hz resulting in 84 individual measurements. The constants Q ₀ and α were determined for the attenuation relation Q _c(f)?=?Q ₀ f ^α . The result was Q ₀?=?396?±?29 and α?=?0.72?±?0.04 for a lapse time of 1.9*(t _s???t ₀) (time from origin time t ₀ to the start of coda analysis window is 1.9 times the S-travel time, t _s) and a coda window length of 80 s. This lapse time and coda window length were found to fit the most individual frequencies for a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 3 and a minimum absolute correlation coefficient for the envelope of 0.5. For a positive correlation coefficient, the envelope amplitude increases with time and Q _c was not calculated. The derived Q _c was verified using the spectral ratio method on a smaller data set consisting of nine earthquakes and one mine-related event recorded by up to four seismograph stations. Since the spectral ratio method requires absolute amplitudes in its calculations, site response tests were performed to select four appropriate stations without soil amplification and/or signal distortion. The result obtained for Q _S was Q ₀?=?391?±?130 and α?=?0.60?±?0.16, which agrees well with the coda Q _c result.     

Estimation of the Free Core Nutation parameters from SG data: Sensitivity study and comparative analysis using linearized least-squares and Bayesian methods

The Free Core Nutation (FCN) is investigated with the help of its resonance effect on the tidal amplitudes in Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) records of the GGP network. The FCN resonance parameters are combined in a resonance equation involving the Earth's interior parameters. The sensitivity of the FCN parameters to the diurnal tidal waves demonstrates that the quality factor of the FCN is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the imaginary part estimates of the gravimetric factors close to the resonance. The weak amplitude of Ψ₁ tidal wave on the Earth, which is the closest in frequency to the FCN, in addition to errors in ocean loading correction, explains the poor determination of the quality factor Q from surface gravimetric data. The inversion of tidal gravimetric factors leads to estimates of the period, Q and resonance strength of the FCN. We show that, by inverting log(Q) instead of Q, the results using the least-squares method optimized using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm are in agreement with the Bayesian probabilistic results and agree with the results obtained from VLBI nutation data. Finally, a combined inversion of 7 GGP European SG data is performed giving T = 428 ± 3 days and 7762 < Q < 31,989 (90% C.I.). An experimental estimate of the internal pressure Love number is also proposed.     

Response of the radiation belt electron flux to the solar wind velocity: Parameterization by radial distance and energy

The solar wind velocity is the primary driver of the electron flux variability in Earth's radiation belts. The response of the logarithmic flux (“log-flux”) to this driver has been determined at the geosynchronous orbit and at a fixed energy [Baker, D.N., McPherron, R.L., Cayton, T.E., Klebesadel, R.W., 1990. Linear prediction filter analysis of relativistic electron properties at 6.6 RE. Journal of Geophysical Research 95(A9), 15,133–15,140) and as a function of L shell and fixed energy [Vassiliadis, D., Klimas, A.J., Kanekal, S.G., Baker, D.N., Weigel, R.S., 2002. Long-term average, solar-cycle, and seasonal response of magnetospheric energetic electrons to the solar wind speed. Journal of Geophysical Research 107, doi:10.1029/2001JA000506). In this paper we generalize the response model as a function of particle energy (0.8–6.4 MeV) using POLAR HIST measurements. All three response peaks identified earlier figure prominently in the high-altitude POLAR measurements. The positive response around the geosynchronous orbit is peak P₁ (τ=2±1 d; L=5.8±0.5; E=0.8–6.4 MeV), associated with high-speed, low-density streams and the ULF wave activity they produce. Deeper in the magnetosphere, the response is dominated by a positive peak P₀ (0±1 d; 2.9±0.5R_E; 0.8–1.1 MeV), of a shorter duration and producing lower-energy electrons. The P₀ response occurs during the passage of geoeffective structures containing high IMF and high-density parts, such as ICMEs and other mass ejecta. Finally, the negative peak V₁ (0±0.5 d; 5.7±0.5R_E; 0.8–6.4 MeV) is associated with the “D_st effect” or the quasiadiabatic transport produced by ring-current intensifications. As energies increase, the P₁ and V₁ peaks appear at lower L, while the D_st effect becomes more pronounced in the region L<3. The P₀ effectively disappears for E>1.6 MeV because of low statistics, although it is evident in individual events. The continuity of the response across radial and energy scales supports the earlier hypothesis that each of the three modes corresponds to a qualitatively different type of large-scale electron acceleration and transport.     

Compressibility of brownmillerite (Ca2Fe2O5): effect of vacancies on the elastic properties of perovskites

The evolution with pressure of the unit-cell parameters brownmillerite (Ca₂Fe₂O₅), a stoichiometric defect perovskite structure, has been determined to a maximum pressure of 9.46 GPa, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements at room temperature. Brownmillerite does not exhibit any phase transitions in this pressure range. A fit of a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation-of-state to the P–V data yields values of K_T0=127.0(5) GPa and K₀′=5.99(13). Analysis of the unit-cell parameter data shows that the structure compresses anisotropically. Compressional moduli for the axes are K_a0=141(1) GPa, K_b0=118(3) GPa and K_c0=122.2(2) GPa, with K_a0′=8.9(3), K_b0′=6.2(6) and K_c0′=4. The stiffest direction (i.e. along a) coincides with the direction of the FeO₄ tetrahedral chains. Comparison of these data with the elasticity systematics of Ca-perovskites shows that the presence of oxygen vacancies in the brownmillerite structure softens the structure by ∼25% and that the ordering of vacancies in the perovskite structure increases the anisotropy of compression.     

The use of Bayesian methods for fitting rating curves,with case studies

Using data from two very large watersheds and five smaller, this paper explores the use of Bayesian methods for fitting rating curves. Posterior distribution of rating-curve parameters were calculated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, and 95% credible intervals were calculated for predicted discharges, given stage. Expected discharge was related to stage using a link function. For the five smaller watersheds, the assumptions were (a) that the distribution of discharge Q, given stage h, is Normal, with variance proportional to h; (b) that a log link function relates μ_Q, the mean of Q∣h, to a function of stage, of the form μ_Q = β(h + α)^λ. For the two large watersheds, however, a better fit was obtained by taking the distribution of Q to be log-Normal, and the link function as ln μ_Q = β₀ + β₁h. For the two large watersheds, priors for all three parameters were taken as uninformative; for the five smaller, the prior for parameter λ was taken as Normally distributed, N(2, 0.5). Acceptable ratings were obtained for all seven sites. It is argued that distributions of derived variables (such as annual maximum discharge) can be derived directly from (a) the posterior distribution of rating-curve parameters, and (b) the stage record, without recourse to additional assumptions. Estimates thus obtained for the T-year event will incorporate rating-curve uncertainty. It is argued that Bayesian methods are appropriate for rating-curve calculation because their inherent flexibility (a) allows the incorporation of prior information about the nature of a rating curve; (b) yields credible intervals for predicted discharges and quantities derived from them; (c) can be extended to allow for uncertainty in stage measurements.     

Estimation of Coda Wave Attenuation for the National Capital Region, Delhi, India Using Local Earthquakes

Attenuation of seismic waves is very essential for the study of earthquake source parameters and also for ground-motion simulations, and this is important for the seismic hazard estimation of a region. The digital data acquired by 16 short-period seismic stations of the Delhi Telemetric Network for 55 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 to 4.2, which occurred within an epicentral distance of 100 km in an area around Delhi, have been used to estimate the coda attenuation Q_c. Using the Single Backscattering Model, the seismograms have been analyzed at 10 central frequencies. The frequency dependence average attenuation relationship Q_c = 142f ^1.04 has been attained. Four Lapse-Time windows from 20 to 50 seconds duration with a difference of 10 seconds have been analyzed to study the lapse time dependence of Q_c. The Q_c values show that frequency dependence (exponent n) remains similar at all the lapse time window lengths. While the change in Q₀ values is significant, change in Q₀ with larger lapsetime reflects the rate of homogeneity at the depth. The variation of Q_c indicates a definitive trend from west to east in accordance with the geology of the region.     

Attenuation characteristics of Garwhal–Kumaun Himalayas from analysis of coda of local earthquakes

Coda of local earthquakes that occurred during 2006–2007 are used to study the attenuation characteristics of the Garhwal–Kumaun Himalayas. The coda attenuation characteristics are represented in terms of coda Q or Q _c . It is observed that Q _c increases with frequency. Q _c also varies with increase in lapse time of coda waves. Q _c increases up to an 85-s average lapse time. This is similar to observations around the world reported by many workers who have interpreted this as a manifestation of the fact that heterogeneity decreases with depth. However, around a 90-s average lapse time Q _c is lower than its values for lower and higher average lapse times. This is interpreted as an indication of possible presence of a fluid-filled medium or a medium having partial melts at around a 160-km depth. Q ₀, i.e., Q _c at 1 Hz, increases, and frequency parameter n decreases with increasing lapse time, barring around a 90-s lapse time. This again shows that in general, heterogeneity decreases with increasing depth. The Q ₀ and n values for smaller lapse times are similar to those for tectonically active areas. By comparing Q _c values obtained in this study with those obtained by us using the 1999 Chamoli earthquake aftershocks, it is concluded that the crust is turbid and the mantle is more transparent. However, whether the variation in Q _c values between 1999 and 2006–2007 is temporal or not cannot be definitely established from the available data set.     

Mercury emissions and stable isotopic compositions at Vulcano Island (Italy)

Sampling and analyses methods for determining the stable isotopic compositions of Hg in an active volcanic system were tested and optimized at the volcanic complex of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). Condensed gaseous fumarole Hg_(fum)^T, plume gaseous elemental Hg_(g)⁰ and plume particulate Hg_(p)^II were obtained at fumaroles F0, F5, F11, and FA. The average total Hg emissions, based on Hg^T/SO₂ in condensed fumarolic gases and plumes, range from 2.5 to 10.1 kg y^? 1, in agreement with published values [Ferrara, R., Mazzolai, B., Lanzillotta, E., Nucaro, E., Pirrone, N., 2000. Volcanoes as emission sources of atmospheric mercury in the Mediterranean Basin. Sci. Total Environ. 259(1–3), 115–121; Aiuppa, A., Bagnato, E., Witt, M.L.I., Mather, T.A., Parello, F., Pyle, D.M., Martin, R.S., 2007. Real-time simultaneous detection of volcanic Hg and SO₂ at La Fossa Crater, Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Sicily). Geophys. Res. Lett. 34(L21307).]. Plume Hg_(p)^II increases with distance from the fumarole vent, at the expense of Hg_(g)⁰ and indicates significant in-plume oxidation and condensation of fumarole Hg_(fum)^T.Relative to the NIST SRM 3133 Hg standard, the stable isotopic compositions of Hg are δ²⁰²Hg_(fum)^T = ? 0.74‰ ± 0.18 (2SD, n = 4) for condensed gaseous fumarole Hg_(fum)^T, δ²⁰²Hg_(g)⁰ = ? 1.74‰ ± 0.36 (2SD, n = 1) for plume gaseous elemental Hg_(g)⁰ at the F0 fumarole, and δ²⁰²Hg_(p)^II = ? 0.11‰ ± 0.18 (2SD, n = 4) for plume particulate Hg_(p)^II. The enrichment of Hg_(p)^II in the heavy isotopes and Hg_(g)⁰ in the light isotopes relative to the total condensed fumarolic Hg_(fum)^T gas complements the speciation data and demonstrates a gas-particle fractionation occurring after the gas expulsion in ambient T° atmosphere. A first order Rayleigh equilibrium condensation isotope fractionation model yields a fractionation factor α_cond-gas of 1.00135 ± 0.00058.     

On the comparison of tidal gravity parameters with tidal models in central Europe

Two accurately calibrated superconducting gravimeters (SGs) provide high quality tidal gravity records in three central European stations: C025 in Vienna and at Conrad observatory (A) and OSG050 in Pecný (CZ). To correct the tidal gravity factors from ocean loading effects we compared the load vectors from different ocean tides models (OTMs) computed with different software: OLFG/OLMP by the Free Ocean Tides Loading Provider (FLP), ICET and NLOADF. Even with the recent OTMs the mass conservation is critical but the methods used to correct the mass imbalance agree within 0.1 nm/s². Although the different software agrees, FLP probably provides more accurate computations as this software has been optimised. For our final computation we used the mean load vector computed by FLP for 8 OTMs (CSR4, NAO99, GOT00, TPX07, FES04, DTU10, EOT11a and HAMTIDE). The corrected tidal factors of the 3 stations agree better than 0.04% in amplitude and 0.02° in phase. Considering the weighted mean of the three stations we get for O1 δ_c = 1.1535 ± 0.0001, for K1 δ_c = 1.1352 ± 0.0003 and for M2 δ_c = 1.1621 ± 0.0003. These values confirm previous ones obtained with 16 European stations. The theoretical body tides model DDW99/NH provides the best agreement for M2 (1.1620) and MATH01/NH for O1 (1.1540) and K1 (1.1350). The largest discrepancy is for O1 (0.05%). The corrected phase α_c does not differ significantly from zero except for K1 and S2. The calibrations of the two SG's are consistent within 0.025% and agree with Strasbourg results within 0.05%.     

Balancing the global oceanic neodymium budget: Evaluating the role of groundwater

The distinctly different, ε_Nd(0) values of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans requires that the residence time of Nd in the ocean (i.e., τ_Nd) be on the order of, or less than, the ocean mixing time of ∼ 500–1500 yr. However, estimates of τ_Nd, based on river influxes, range from 4000 to 15,000 yr, thus exceeding the ocean mixing time. In order to reconcile the oceanic Nd budget and lower the residence time by roughly a factor of 10, an additional, as yet unidentified, and hence “missing Nd flux” to the ocean is necessary. Dissolution of materials deposited on continental margins has previously been proposed as a source of the missing flux. In this contribution, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is examined as a possible source of the missing Nd flux. Neodymium concentrations (n = 730) and ε_Nd(0) values (n = 58) for groundwaters were obtained from the literature in order to establish representative groundwater values. Mean groundwater Nd concentrations and ε_Nd(0) values were used along with recent estimates of the terrestrial (freshwater) component of SGD (6% of river discharge on a global basis) to test whether groundwater discharge to the coastal oceans could account for the missing flux. Employing mean Nd concentrations of the compiled data base (i.e., 31.8 nmol/kg for all 730 analyses and 11.3 nmol/kg for 141 groundwater samples from a coastal aquifer), the global, terrestrial-derived SGD flux of Nd is estimated to range between 2.9 × 10⁷ and 8.1 × 10⁷ mol/yr. These estimates are of the same order of magnitude, and within a factor of 2, of the missing Nd flux (i.e., 5.4 × 10⁷ mol/yr). Applying the SGD Nd flux estimates, the global average ε_Nd(0) of SGD is predicted to be − 9.1, which is similar to our estimate for the missing Nd flux (− 9.2), and in agreement with the mean (± S.D.) ε_Nd(0) measured in groundwaters (i.e., ε_Nd(0) = −8.9 ± 4.2). The similarities in the estimated SGD Nd flux and corresponding ε_Nd(0) values to the magnitude and isotope composition of the missing Nd flux are compelling, and suggest that discharge of groundwater to the oceans could account for the missing Nd flux. Future investigations should focus on quantifying the Nd concentrations and isotope compositions of groundwater from coastal aquifers from a variety of coastal settings, as well as the important geochemical reactions that effect Nd concentrations in subterranean estuaries in order to better constrain contributions of SGD to the oceanic Nd budget.     

Storm time phase space density radial profiles of energetic electrons for small and large K values: SCATHA results

Measurements of the radial gradient of the phase space density (PSD) at constant first and second invariants provide a test of whether storm time electron acceleration processes are dominated by inward radial transport of electrons or whether other processes must be considered. We used the detailed energetic electron angular and spectral data from the SCATHA satellite to determine the evolution of electron PSD radial profiles through a moderate magnetic storm (2 May 1986; D_st=−95 nT). We compared the changes that occur in the profiles in the storm recovery period to the pre-storm profiles for first invariant values M=200–2500 MeV/G and for K values of 0.055–0.65 Re√G over the L* range of ∼5.2–7.3 Re. The PSD radial profiles showed a range of features from peaked in L* at small K and M during the pre-storm period to those in the late storm recovery phase, that were flat, had negative slopes for small K and had peaks in the L*=5.2–6.5 range for intermediate to large K. There were significant differences in the radial profiles for small and intermediate K values at constant M. For example, during the recovery period the PSD profiles were flat or decreasing for K=0.06 and M>1200 MeV/G, while they were peaked near L*=5.75 for K>0.2. These results imply that radial diffusion is a reasonable explanation of the near-equatorial post-storm PSD enhancements for L*>5.2 for this storm but that either significant electron pitch angle transport, losses, and/or acceleration of off-equatorial mirroring electrons by waves play an important role in the evolution off-equator PSD profiles during the storm recovery.     

Intrinsic absorption and scattering attenuation in the southern part of the Netherlands

We present the first systematic study of attenuation derived from the S-wave coda in the frequency range 1-32 Hz for the southern part of the Netherlands and its surroundings. For this we used two methods, the codaQ (Q _c) method and the Multiple Lapse Time Window (MLTW) method. In the interpretation of the results both single and multiple scattering in a half space are considered. Our aim is to validate these interpretations in our region and to try to identify theeffects of attenuation due to intrinsic absoprtion (Q _i)and scattering attenuation (Q _s). For this we analyzedmore than 100 3-component high-quality digital seismograms from 43 crustalevents and 23 different stations in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.Coda Q results show smaller Q _c (=Q ₀fⁿ) values for epicentral distances shorter than 25 km (Q ₀=90) compared to larger epicentral distances (Q ₀=190), but similar frequency dependence (f^-0.9). Interpretation of MLTW results provided a seismic albedo smaller then 0.5, suggesting that the intrinsic absorption dominates over scattering in this region. Both Q _i and Q _s show similar frequency dependences as Q _c. These results are comparable to those obtained in other areas, but we also show that more sophisticated models are required to remove ambiguities in the interpretation. For short lapse times and shortevent-station distances we find for the simple half space model a correspondinginterpretation of both methodologies, where Q _c correspondsto Q _t, suggesting that a model with single scattering in ahalf space is appropriate. For long lapse times and long event station distances, however, we find that the S-wave coda is, most probably, too much influenced by crust-mantel heterogenities and more sophisticated Qinversion models using larger data sets are required for more reliable attenuation estimates.     

Age estimation of the deposition of the cretaceous Upper Sandstones and a later remagnetization event,from Hirna area,SE Ethiopia

Outcrops of the Cretaceous Upper sandstone formation some 375 km to the East of Addis Ababa on the motor Highway to Harar was paleomagnetically investigated. About seventy core samples were collected at various stratigraphic levels from 250–300 meters thick sedimentary formation. After standard sample preparations in the laboratory the resulting specimens were subjected to routine paleomagnetic demagnetization protocol. In the first steps of demagnetizations process the recent and viscous magnetizations were removed by heating until a temperature of level of 300 °C. Further demagnetization of the samples resulted in the isolation of the final magnetization with stable line segments that is directed towards the origin, which is interpreted as Characteristic Remanent Magnetization (ChRM). Rock – magnetic experiments have identified goethite (αFeOOH), hematite (αFe₂O₃), detritial hematite, and magnetite as the magnetic mineral phases carrying the remanence. The ChRM identified resulted in an average value of (D_s = 0.5°, I_s = ?0.7°, α₉₅ = 4.3°, N = 34) for the red sandstones while an average value of (D_s = 335.8°, I_s = ?31.8°, α₉₅ = 4.7°, N = 14) for the limestone intercalations. The former ChRM in the red sandstone is determined to be secondary while the latter ChRM is known to be primary. Comparison of these directional results and their pole equivalents with the African plate Apparent Polar Wander Path curve established by Besse and Courtillot (2003) give ages of between 115–130 Million years for the limestone intercalation and ages of 30 million years for red sandstone unit. These are interpreted respectively as estimates of the age of deposition and a later remagnetization respectively.     

Regional coda Q in Costa Rica, Central America

Regional seismic apparent attenuation was estimated for Costa Rica, Central America, by using a time domain single scattering model of the shear wave coda decay of local earthquakes. The sensitivity of coda Q (Q_c) measurements with respect to geological differences in the crust is demonstrated in eight sub-regions with a large variety of tectonic and geologic properties. The Q_c estimations were performed for 96 selected local earthquakes recorded at 13 sites during a period of three months. In order to model the scattering as a weak process and to avoid short distance nonlinear effects, we made use of the S-wave coda data only from events within a hypocentral distance of 12 to 106 km with a lapse time between 9 and 53 s. Seismograms were also divided into groups with three different focal depths d, namely d<21 km, 21 kmc values are frequency dependent in the range 1–9 Hz, and are approximated by a least-squares fit to the power law Q_c(f) = Q₀(f/f₀)ⁿ. The estimated parameters of the power-law dependence of Q_c for the whole region, including all depths and possible wave paths, are Q₀ = 91 (± 8.4) and n = 0.72 (±0.071). Differences in the parameter of Q_c for different depths intervals are small, ranging from Q₀ = 90 (±0.7) and n = 0.70 (±0.006) for the uppermost group, with focal depths less than 21 km, to Q₀ = 97 (±0.7) and n = 0.79 (±0.005) for the deepest group with focal depths larger than 43 km. The regional differences in Q_c for the eight sub-regions are significantly larger when compared with the differences between the three focal depth groups. An attempt is made to interpret the variation of Q_c in terms of spatial variations in the geologic and tectonic properties of the crust. Other authors have found that the frequency exponent n might be larger in active tectonic areas and smaller in more stable regions. In the northern region of the Pacific coast we obtain a value of n = 0.52 (±0.011), which might indicate a lower level of tectonic activity when compared with n = 0.85 (±0.015) and 0.83 (±0.031), respectively, for the central and southern sub-regions along the Pacific coast. The latter two sub-regions are located closer to the active area near the Cocos ridge. We obtain the frequency exponent n = 0.72 (±0.052) along a major shear zone in central Costa Rica characterized by high volcanic activity and large geologic complexity. Values of n along the Panamean border are 0.62 (±0.029) in the north and 0.86 (±0.009) and 0.83 (±0.031) in two regions adjacent to the subduction zone and the Cocos Ridge, respectively.