On the effect of oceanic tides on the inertial coupling between the liquid core and the mantle

The amplitudes and phases of forced nutation and diurnal earth tides depend significantly on the moment of forces between the liquid core and mantle of the Earth, resulting from the differential rotation of the core. The solution to the dynamic problem of rotation of an imperfectly elastic mantle with an imperfectly liquid core and an ocean indicates that the predominant role is played by the so-called core-mantle inertial coupling (related to the effect of hydrodynamic pressure in the liquid core on the ellipsoidal core-mantle boundary). The magnitude of this coupling depends significantly not only on the dynamic flattening of the liquid core but also on the elastic and inelastic properties of the mantle, as well as on the amplitudes and phases of oceanic tides. In this paper, the effects of oceanic tides on the magnitude of inertial coupling between the liquid core and the mantle and on the period and damping decrement of free nearly diurnal nutation are estimated.     

The effect of the pollution of the ground layer of the atmosphere on the albedo

Summary A simple model is proposed suitable for studying the effect of the ground layer of the atmosphere, polluted by aerosol, on the albedo. This model is founded on solving the equation of transfer of radiative energy. The numerical results are discussed, particular attention being paid to the analysis of errors due to neglecting the multiple reflection of solar radiation on the aerosol particles. A method which would also include the multiple reflection is proposed, and the conditions under which the presence of the aerosol is responsible for an increase or decrease of the solar radiation balance on the Earth's surface, are analysed.     

地表潮汐平面应变状态与地震关系的研究

以河北怀来台三方向伸缩仪为例，根据应变观测平面应变状态的基本理论和计算方法，通过计算得到了应变观测点的最大主应变、最小主应变、主应变方向和剪切应变的变化曲线，结合1989年10月18日山西大同－阳高6．1级地震和1998年1月10日河北张北6．2级地震，对地表平面应变状态与地震的关系进行了深入研究。得出如下结论：地表潮汐平面应变状态与地震存在一定的关系，而且在中强地震前地表潮汐平面应变状态表现出不同的变化特征。     

On the synchronism in the events within the core and on the surface of the earth: the changes in the organic world and in the polarity of the geomagnetic field in the phanerozoic

The data on geomagnetic reversals are compared with the changes in the organic world and with the lower-mantle plumes. The times of the formation of plumes and the times of their appearance on the Earth’s surface relate to the intervals characterized by the different frequencies of geomagnetic reversals, i.e., there is no interrelation between the formation of plumes and the frequency of the changes in the geomagnetic field polarity. At the same time, a certain synchronism is observed between the frequency of the geomagnetic reversals and the boundaries of the biostratigraphic ages, i.e., the changes in the organic world in the long-period range. A hypothesis is proposed, which explains the change in the sign of the geomagnetic field by the combined effect of the irregular rotation of the internal core relative to the mantle and the changes in the slope angle of the axis of the Earth’s rotation, which, in turn, results in synchronous events on the Earth’s surface: the rates of changes in the organic world.     

地磁日变规律的破坏与地震的关系研究

2001年11月14日昆仑山8.1级地震前，震中距为400km的格尔木台地磁垂直分量Z的日变形态发生异常，1998年1月10日张北Ms6.2地震前，北京台和静海台Z的日变形态也有异常。但是，2000年1月15日云南姚安Ms6.5地震和1月27日丘北Ms5.5地震前，通海台的Z分量无异常。这可能与地震的复杂性有关。     

Shielded by the wind: the influence of the interstellar medium on the environment of Earth

We report on the recent studies on the long-term influence of cosmic rays on the Earth's environment. While on short time-scales solar activity is the driver for atmospheric changes suspected to be due to cosmic rays, for long time-scales the heliosphere, i.e. the circumsolar region occupied by the expanding part of the Sun's atmosphere, has to be considered. The heliosphere is identified as an important shield against interstellar influences and hazards. It has been demonstrated by quantitative modelling that a change of the interstellar medium surrounding the heliosphere as a result of the Sun's quasi-Keplerian motion around the galactic center triggers significant changes of planetary environments caused by enhanced fluxes of neutral atoms as well as by the increased cosmic ray fluxes. We give a compilation of recent space science results of interest to the atmospheric science community.     

Comparison Between the Nutations of the Planet Mars and the Nutations of the Earth

The nutations of the planets Mars andEarth are investigated and compared. Alarge number of interior structureparameters are involved in the nutationcomputations. The comparison between the observations and the computationsprovides several constraints on these parmeters andtherefore allows a better understanding of the physics of the interior of theplanet. For the Earth, the high precision of the observations of the nutationshas led to a very good determination of interior properties of the planet. ForMars, observations of nutations are not yet available, and we review how theamplitude of the Martian nutations depends on the hypotheses consideredfor its interior. Although Mars is very similar to the Earth, its interior is not well known;for example, we don't knowif its core is liquid or solid. Only if the core is liquid,the Free Core Nutation (FCN) normal mode exists and can alter the nutationswhich are close to the resonance. From the observed geoids, it is known thatboth planets are not in hydrostatic equilibrium. The departure is larger forMars than for the Earth, and consequently, the implication of considering a convective mantle instead of a mantle in hydrostatic equilibrium described byClairaut's equation for the initial equilibrium state of the planet is largeron the Martian nutations than on the Earth nutations. The consequences of theuncertainty in the core dimensions are also examined and shown to be of a veryhigh influence for Mars if the core is liquid, due to the potential changes inthe FCN resonance. The influence of the presence of an inner core, which isknown to exist for the Earth, could be more important for Mars than for theEarth if the inner core is large. Due to the presence of Tharsis on Mars, thetriaxiality of this planet has, additionally, larger effects than on Earth.     

Exploring the Moon in the 21st century

Ian Crawford and Mahesh Anand report on a wide-ranging RAS Discussion Meeting on the future of lunar exploration, held in the Geological Society Lecture Theatre at Burlington House on Friday 11 November 2005.     

Application of the SP algorithm to the INTERMAGNET magnetograms of the disturbed geomagnetic field

The algorithmic system developed in the Laboratory of Geoinformatics at the Geophysical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, which is intended for recognizing spikes on the magnetograms from the global network INTERMAGNET provides the possibility to carry out retrospective analysis of the magnetograms from the World Data Centers. Application of this system to the analysis of the magnetograms allows automating the job of the experts-interpreters on identifying the artificial spikes in the INTERMAGNET data. The present paper is focused on the SP algorithm (abbreviated from SPIKE) which recognizes artificial spikes on the records of the geomagnetic field. Initially, this algorithm was trained on the magnetograms of 2007 and 2008, which recorded the quiet geomagnetic field. The results of training and testing showed that the algorithm is quite efficient. Applying this method to the problem of recognizing spikes on the data for periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity is a separate task. In this short communication, we present the results of applying the SP algorithm trained on the data of 2007 to the INTERMAGNET magnetograms for 2003 and 2005 sampled every minute. This analysis shows that the SP algorithm does not exhibit a worse performance if applied to the records of a disturbed geomagnetic field.     

On the variation in the geomagnetic dipole over the geological history of the Earth

The global database on the paleointensity, containing determinations of the virtual dipole moment (VDM) for a stable (normal) regime of the geomagnetic field in a time interval of up to 3.5 Ga, is supplemented by new VDM determinations and analyzed. The field generation process started no later than 3–3.5 Ga (earlier data are absent) at the stage of the Earth’s core formation. Since that time, the dipole value has differed from its present value by no more than an order of magnitude, and the deviations that have already been detected tend toward smaller values. The distribution of VDM values in the time interval 0–400 Ma is bimodal, which apparently reflects the presence of two different generation levels of the geomagnetic field distinguished by a relatively large value (close to the present field value) and a relatively small value (approximately half as large as the present value). The total duration of decreased VDM values appreciably exceeds that of increased VDM values (179.1 and 28.6 Myr, respectively). On the whole, data on the paleointensity do not contradict the hypothesis about the dipole nature of the field over the last 400 Myr; however, the number of determinations at high paleolatitudes is too small to draw decisive conclusions on the validity (or invalidity) of the dipole field approximation based solely on paleointensity data.     

On the properties of earthquake precursors in the electrostatic field of the surface atmosphere

The paper presents results of the analysis of occurrence times of earthquake precursors in a quasistatic electric field of the surface atmosphere on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The propagation velocity of the precursors and their occurrence time dependence on the earthquake source depth are estimated. A hypothesis on the possible correlation of the precursor propagation velocity with the diffusion rate of subsurface radon is proposed.     

Constraining the timing of the India-Asia continental collision by the sedimentary record

Placing precise constraints on the timing of the India-Asia continental collision is essential to understand the successive geological and geomorphological evolution of the orogenic belt as well as the uplift mechanism of the Tibetan Plateau and their effects on climate,environment and life.Based on the extensive study of the sedimentary record on both sides of the Yarlung-Zangbo suture zone in Tibet,we review here the present state of knowledge on the timing of collision onset,discuss its possible diachroneity along strike,and reconstruct the early structural and topographic evolution of the Himalayan collided range.We define continent-continent collision as the moment when the oceanic crust is completely consumed at one point where the two continental margins come into contact.We use two methods to constrain the timing of collision onset:(1) dating the provenance change from Indian to Asian recorded by deep-water turbidites near the suture zone,and(2) dating the age of unconformities on both sides of the suture zone.The first method allowed us to constrain precisely collision onset as middle Palaeocene(59±l Ma).Marine sedimentation persisted in the collisional zone for another 20-25 Ma locally in southern Tibet,and molassic-type deposition in the Indian foreland basin did not begin until another 10-15 Ma later.Available sedimentary evidence failed to firmly document any significant diachroneity of collision onset from the central Himalaya to the western Himalaya and Pakistan so far.Based on the Cenozoic stratigraphic record of the Tibetan Himalaya,four distinct stages can be identified in the early evolution of the Himalayan orogen:(1) middle Palaeocene-early Eocene earliest Eohimalayan stage(from 59 to 52 Ma):collision onset and filling of the deep-water trough along the suture zone while carbonate platform sedimentation persisted on the inner Indian margin;(2) early-middle Eocene early Eohimalayan stage(from 52 to 41 or 35 Ma):filling of intervening seaways and cessation of marine sedimentation;(3) late Eocene-Oligocene late Eohimalayan stage(from 41 to 25 Ma):huge gap in the sedimentary record both in the collision zone and in the Indian foreland;and(4) late Oligocene-early Miocene early Neohimalayan stage(from 26 to 17 Ma):rapid Himalayan growth and onset of molasse-type sedimentation in the Indian foreland basin.     

Estimating the validity of the recognition results of earthquake-prone areas using the ArcMap

In 1972, V. Keilis-Borok and I. Gelfand introduced the phenomenological approach based on the morphostructural zoning and pattern recognition for identification of earthquake-prone areas. This methodology identifies seismogenic nodes capable of generating strong earthquakes on the basis of geological, morphological, and geophysical data, which do not contain information on past seismicity. In the period 1972–2018, totally, 26 worldwide seismic regions have been studied and maps showing the recognized earthquake-prone areas in each region have been published. After that, 11 of these regions were hit by earthquakes of the relevant sizes. The goal of this work is to analyze the correlation of the post-publication events with seismogenic nodes defined in these 11 regions. The test was performed using the NEIC earthquake catalog because it uniformly defines the location and magnitudes of earthquakes over the globe. The ArcMap facilities were exploited to plot the post-publication events on the maps showing the recognized seismogenic nodes. We found that about 86% of such events fall in the recognized seismogenic nodes. The performed test proved the sufficient validity of the methodology for identifying areas capable of strong earthquakes and confirms the idea on nucleating strong earthquakes at the nodes.     

Dynamics of the coastal zone of the Kuibyshev and Saratov reservoirs in the Tolyatti area and its correlation with the operation regime of the Zhigulevskaya HPP

The negative effect of vibrations of the spillway dam of the Zhigulevskaya HPP on the oscillations of soils and shore deformations near Tolyatti Town is demonstrated on the basis of field observational data.     

川滇地块东边界中南段构造应力分布特征与历史强震活动关系的数值模拟

本文以构造应力场观测结果、 岩石圈流变特性为约束, 采用摩擦接触单元反映断裂带空间分段特征, 以最接近真实地下环境的非线性黏弹性材料为模型的本构关系, 建立包括安宁河—则木河—小江断裂带的三维有限元模型, 模拟在速度边界条件和重力势能等动力因素共同作用下的断裂带应力分布特性. 研究结果表明, 模拟得到的断裂带现今构造应力场与地震活动有明显的对应关系, 应力比较集中的区域, 如石棉、 西昌、 巧家、 东川附近, 极有可能是未来的地震危险区域.      

On the intensity of the geomagnetic field in the geological past

A detailed analysis of the data on the intensity of the geomagnetic dipole and frequency of its reversals presented in the world’s paleointensity databases provided the arguments in favor of the hypothesis of the negative correlation between the average virtual dipole moment (VDM) and the frequency of the reversals on the interval from 5 Ma to 100 Ma ago. However, the statistical confidence level of this hypothesis is only 60–70%, which is far below 95%, the standard required confidence level of a hypothesis to be considered statistically reliable. At a high level of confidence (above 99%), the presence of a positive correlation between the mean value and variance of VDM for a number of intervals of stable polarity in the Cenozoic and Mesozoic is confirmed. This finding means that the distribution of VDM on these time intervals is certainly non-Gaussian and is rather described by the gamma- or lognormal law. At the same time, in contrast to the earlier intervals, the histogram of VDM for the Brunhes epoch is closer to the normal distribution. Compared our conclusions with the published results on the numerical modeling of the geodynamo, we found that they are consistent in terms of a probable negative correlation between the average VDM and reversal frequency, as well as the lack of correlation between the average VDM and the length of the interval of stable polarity.     

Characteristics of the Activity of the Lintong-Chang＇an Fault in the Late Pleistocene

Analysis of fault outcrops and trench sections indicates fault displacements of 0.2m - 6.0 m on the bottom paleosol layer of the Epipleistocene with the maximum rate of 0.047 mm/a and an average displacement of 1.1 meters. The activity appears as fissures on the fault surface in the late Epipleistocene and there is no obvious displacement. The fault activity is weak and the most active segment is the Bailuyuan segment.     

基于台阵记录的局部场地条件地震动效应分析

基于自贡西山公园山体地形影响台阵和唐山响堂土层场地台阵的地震动记录, 采用互相关分析、 相干系数分析、 傅里叶谱比法和考虑相干系数的傅里叶谱比法, 对比研究了山体地形和土层场地两种局部场地条件对地震动的影响。 结果表明, 局部场地条件下的地震动效应与地震波的频率成分相关。 低频地震波由于其波长较长, 易于穿过土层场地和山体地形发生衍射, 从而导致二者地震动显著相关, 但二者在该频段的地震动场地效应差异不大; 较高频率的地震波由于其波长较短, 更容易受土层场地条件和山体地形条件的影响, 造成二者地震动场地效应差异显著。 此外, 由于山体顶部的尺寸变小, 低频长波长地震波容易在该位置发生衍射, 导致山顶周边测点的地震动相关性增加, 而较高频率的地震波则容易引起山顶局部场地发生共振效应。 山体地形上相邻位置的地震动差异一般较大, 相关性较低, 这与山体地形不同位置的几何形状对较高频率的地震波影响有关; 山底基岩的地震动受山体地形的影响较小, 该位置的地震动效应机制尚需作进一步研究。      

Estimation of the shortening rate since late Pleistocene in the Aksu area on the southern flank of the Tianshan, China

This research focused on the Aksu area in the central part of the southern Tianshan. Along the 60 km wide Aksu fold-and-thrust belt, active thrusts reach the surface and offset the youngest sediments. Our research was based on the geomorphologic study that examined the advance and retreat of glaciers cut by thrusts in the Tomur area in the north of Aksu. Our fieldwork revealed that two fault scarps were clearest across three different moraines that represent the maximum of advance of glaciers during three glacial periods along the Tailan River in the Tomur area. The measured heights of the fault scarps that cut the moraines, together with the moraines-inferred age, imply a shortening rate of 1.85 mm/a on the Aksu area since late Pleistocene. This rate, similar to that of the Korla area on its east side and of the Kaping area on its west side, but lower than that of the Kashgar area farther west and of the Manas area in the northern margin of the belt, implies that the distribution of shortening across the Tianshan changed markedly along the mountain.     

Active Features of the Hangingwall on the Listric Normal Fault Along the Southeastern Margin of Weihe Basin

Based on field observations and mechanic analysis,the authors think that synthetic faults,antithetic faults,and hangingwall cross-faults are formed on the piedmont alluvial-pluvial plain under the action of hangingwall blocks sliding downward and rotating along concave fault planes of the listric normal fault on the southeastern margin of Weihe Basin.The characteristics of different movements and expressions on the surface of these structures may be taken as the main marks for listric normal fault segmentation.