The population of cosmic voids

We consider the main population of cosmic voids in a heirarchical clustering model. Based on the Press-Schechter formalism modified for regions in the Universe with reduced or enhanced matter densities, we construct the mass functions for gravitationally bound objects of dark matter occupying voids or superclusters. We show that the halo mass functions in voids and superclusters differ substantially. In particular, the spatial density of massive (M ～ 10¹² M _⊙) halos is appreciably lower in voids than in superclusters, with the difference in the mass functions being greater for larger masses. According to our computations, an appreciable fraction of the mass of matter in voids should be preserved to the present epoch in the form of primordial gravitationally bound objects (POs) with modest masses (to 10% for M _PO < 10⁹ M _⊙) keeping baryons. These primordial objects represent “primary blocks” in the heirarchical clustering model. We argue that the oldest globular clusters in the central regions of massive galaxies are the stellar remnants of these primordial objects: they can form in molecular clouds in these objects, only later being captured in the central regions of massive galaxies in the process of gravitational clustering. Primordial objects in voids can be observed as weak dwarf galaxies or Lyα absorption systems.     

Galactic systems against the background of the cosmic vacuum: Structure and evolution of the zero-acceleration surface

The structure and evolution of the zero-acceleration surface around wide triple systems of galaxies are studied in detail. (The zero-acceleration surface is the boundary separating regions in which (i) the Newtonian gravitational attraction of the galactic matter and (ii) the Einsteinian universal repulsion of the cosmic vacuum dominate.) For a typical system, this surface is spherical in shape and several megaparsecs in size, and remains nearly unchanged throughout the lifetime of the system. The concept of a boundary surface can also be extended to systems on the largest possible scales, and its general properties are discussed in relation to clusters, superclusters, and voids.     

A possible explanation for the Arp-Burbidge paradox

The Arp-Burbidge paradox (the enhanced density of distant quasars in the vicinity of some nearby galaxies) can potentially be explained as an effect of gravitational lensing within the existing cosmological paradigm. Distant, rich X-ray clusters, or even superclusters, of galaxies are observed along the lines of sight toward many of the objects on which this “paradox” is based. Such clusters can act as complex, transparent gravitational lenses, which can change the observed surface density of background objects due to the gravitational fields of both the cluster as a whole and of massive member galaxies, as well as of possible intergalactic globular clusters that may contain an appreciable fraction (～10%) of the dark matter in galaxy clusters. We have verified the statistical basis for the supposedly “paradoxical” observational facts using data from the SDSS catalog, and used the minimal spanning tree method to search for inhomogeneities in the surface distributions of 32 800 quasars in one region of the celestial sphere (α = 120°–260°, δ = 20°–70°).     

Pingos and pingo scars: Their characteristics,distribution, and utility in reconstructing former permafrost environments

Pingos are large frost mounds which develop in permafrost as the result of the segregation of massive ground-ice lenses. At least two genetic varieties of pingos, open- and closed-systems, form under differing conditions of climate, topography, and groundwater occurrence. Active pingos are known to occur in many high latitude regions. Pingo scars are the degeneration products of pingos. Ideally they are ramparted, circular depressions, although they may be expressed in a variety of divergent forms due to differing conditions of topography, substrate materials, degree of thermokarst overprint, and erosional/depositional histories. Pingo scars occur in many modern permafrost regions. Presumed pingo scars have also been identified in many regions beyond the present permafrost limit and therefore may have utility in reconstructing former permafrost environments.     

Influence of structural position on fracture networks in the Torridon Group,Achnashellach fold and thrust belt,NW Scotland

In fold-and-thrust belts rocks undergo deformation as fold geometries evolve. Deformation may be accommodated by brittle fracturing, which can vary depending on structural position. We use 2D forward modelling and 3D restorations to determine strain distributions throughout folds of the Achnashellach Culmination, Moine Thrust Belt, NW Scotland. Fracture data is taken from the Torridon Group; a thick, coarse grained fluviatile sandstone deposited during the Proterozoic. Modelling infers a correlation between strain and simple curvature; we use simple curvature to infer how structural position and strain control fracture attribute variations in a fold and thrust belt.In high curvature regions, such as forelimbs, fracture intensities are high and fractures are short and oriented parallel to fold hinges. In low curvature regions fractures have variable intensities and are longer. Fracture orientations in these regions are scattered and vary over short distances. These variations do not relate to strain; data suggests lithology may influence fracturing. The strain history of fold structures also influences fracturing; structures with longer deformation histories exhibit consistent fracture attributes due to moderate-high strain during folding, despite present day low curvature. This is in contrast to younger folds with similar curvatures but shorter deformation histories. We suggest in high strain regions fracturing is influenced by structural controls, whereas in low strain regions lithology becomes more important in influencing fracturing.     

Formation of monazite and xenotime inclusions in fluorapatite megacrysts, Gloserheia Granite Pegmatite, Froland, Bamble Sector, southern Norway

Xenotime and monazite inclusions in fluorapatite megacrysts from a granitic pegmatite, Gloserheia, Froland, Bamble Sector, southern Norway are described utilizing high contrast backscattered electron imaging of cross sections of a selection of fluorapatite crystals. Electron microprobe analysis is then used to further characterize the xenotime and monazite, as well as (Y+REE) normal and depleted regions in the fluorapatite. In the (Y+REE) normal regions Y₂O₃ ranges from 0.4 to 1.3 whereas it ranges from below the electron microprobe detection limit to around 0.4 in the depleted regions. Low Y values in monazite (X_Y?=?0.01?0.05) co-existing with xenotime indicates that inclusion formation in the originally (Y+REE)-enriched fluorapatite must have occurred below 300°C. Formation of the xenotime and monazite inclusions is attributed to fluid-aided coupled dissolution-reprecipitation processes during the later stages of subsolidus cooling of the pegmatite. The fluorapatite megacrysts are hypothesized to have under gone two major fluid-induced alteration events. The first occurred sometime after crystallization was complete at temperatures below 300°C and resulted in the initial formation of the xenotime and monazite inclusions. The second occurred at some later time as the product of a relatively limited fluid infiltration, also under T?<?300°C. This resulted in the formation of (Y+REE)-depleted regions along lattice and cleavage planes while at the same time promoting Ostwald ripening of the xenotime inclusions resulting in larger grains in the (Y+REE)-depleted areas.     

Aqueous alteration of the Bali CV3 chondrite: evidence from mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and oxygen isotopic compositions

A petrographic, geochemical, and oxygen isotopic study of the Bali CV3 carbonaceous chondrite revealed that the meteorite has undergone extensive deformation and aqueous alteration on its parent body. Deformation textures are common and include flattened chondrules, a well-developed foliation, and the presence of distinctive (100) planar defects in olivine. The occurrence of alteration products associated with the planar defects indicates that the deformation features formed prior to the episode of aqueous alteration. The secondary minerals produced during the alteration event include well-crystallized Mg-rich saponite, framboidal magnetite, and Ca-phosphates. The alteration products are not homogeneously distributed throughout the meteorite, but occur in regions adjacent to relatively unaltered material, such as veins of altered material following the foliation. The alteration assemblage formed under oxidizing conditions at relatively low temperatures (<100 degrees C). Altered regions in Bali have higher Na, Ca, and P contents than unaltered regions which suggests that the fluid phase carried significant dissolved solids. Oxygen isotopic compositions for unaltered regions in Bali fall within the field for other CV3 whole-rocks, however, the oxygen isotopic compositions of the heavily altered material lie in the region for the CM and CR chondrites. The heavy-isotope enrichment of the altered regions in Bali suggest alteration conditions similar to those for the petrographic type-2 carbonaceous chondrites.     

西安城市工业区和咸阳郊区大气降水S同位素地球化学

对2007年度西安城市工业区（主要包括西安市区和咸阳市区）和咸阳郊区永寿县的大气降水SO4^2-含量及S同位素组成（δ^34S值）进行了测定。结果显示,西安城市工业区和咸阳郊区大气降水的SO4^2-含量具有基本相同的年内变化规律,都表现为冬季高、夏季低的特征。而且除9月份外,其他各月份均是西安城市工业区高于咸阳郊区。西安和咸阳所有大气降水样品的δ^34S值都为正值,西安大气降水δ^34S值的变化范围为8．71‰．19．05‰,平均为13．41‰,咸阳永寿大气降水δ^34S值的变化范围为4．67‰—20．59‰,平均为11．23‰。相比国内其他地区大气降水的S同位素组成,西安和咸阳两采样点的大气降水具有相对较高的δ^34S值。在采样年度内,西安大气降水δ^34S值的季节变化规律不明显,而咸阳永寿大气降水δ^34S值则表现为冬季低、夏季高的季节波动规律。海相贡献比例计算结果显示,两地大气降水SO4^2-海相输入比例很小。再结合大气降水δ^34S值特征,推断认为西安城市工业区大气降水SO4^2-主要来自工业生产燃煤释放的SO2的转化,属于燃煤型大气污染,而咸阳郊区永寿县大气SO2则主要来自西安城市工业区大气SO2的扩散。     

中国新疆及周边国家和地区典型矿床特征对比研究

中国新疆及周边国家和地区是全球性中亚巨型成矿域的重要组成部分。黑色岩系矿床、斑岩矿床、块状硫化物矿床、陆相火山岩金矿床、与富碱性侵入岩有关矿床和砂岩铜矿等几种重要的典型矿床类型在该成矿域均已有不同程度的发现,特别是近几年来在该成矿域相继发现多个大型和超大型矿床的事实,说明中亚成矿域具有独特的成矿特点和巨大的找矿潜力。笔者通过分析研究中国新疆及周边国家和地区大型或超大型矿床的成矿规律和典型矿床特征,对新疆及相邻地区的大型或超大型矿床的找矿方向提出了见解。     

Mapping hotspots of underground water quality based on the variation of chemical concentration in Amman,Zarqa and Balqa regions,Jordan

This study uses geographic information systems to map the hotspots level changes in underground water quality based on pH, nitrate and conductivity in Amman, Zarqa and Balqa regions, Jordan using data from 57 wells. The chemical concentration for each parameter was obtained from the Water Authority of Jordan. The data were tested according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards by the Jordan Inorganic Laboratory of the Laboratories and Quality Department of Water Authority for 2004 and 2010 and were processed using Getis-Ord Gi statistics. The study indicated that there are periodic fluctuations for the values of selected chemical elements of groundwater that are localized, creating contamination hotspots within the study regions. The pH, nitrate and conductivity all indicated specific hotspots of higher than average values in 2004 and 2010 in the Zarqa region. The evidence indicates that there are two major localized areas of high value for all parameters centered in the western Zarqa region, an area dominated by urban infrastructure and irrigated lands. These findings have implications for the management of aquifer water quality through the identification of high-value hotspots. Because the aquifers in the regions are connected, understanding the hotspots with high pH, nitrate and conductivity values may enable improvements in the water quality across the aquifer systems in the regions.     

Platform margins, reef facies, and microbial carbonates; a comparison of Devonian reef complexes in the Canning Basin, Western Australia, and the Guilin region, South China

Devonian reef complexes were well developed in Western Australia and South China, but no detailed direct comparison has been made between reef building in the two regions. The regions differ in several respects, including tectonic, stratigraphic and palaeoceanographic–palaeogeographic settings, and the reef building styles reflect minor differences in reef builders and reef facies. Similarities and differences between the two reef complexes provide insights into the characteristics of platform margins, reef facies and microbial carbonates of both regions. Here we present a comparison of platform margin types from different stratigraphic positions in the Late Devonian reef complex of the Canning Basin, Western Australia and Middle and Late Devonian margin to marginal slope successions in Guilin, South China. Comparisons are integrated into a review of the reefal stratigraphy of both regions. Reef facies, reef complex architecture, temporal reef builder associations, 2nd order stratigraphy and platform cyclicity in the two regions were generally similar where the successions overlap temporally. However, carbonate deposition began earlier in South China. Carbonate complexes were also more widespread in South China and represent a thicker succession overall. Platforms in the Canning Basin grew directly on Precambrian crystalline basement or early Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks, but in South China, carbonate complexes developed conformably on older Devonian siliciclastic strata. Pre-Frasnian reef facies in South China had more abundant skeletal frameworks than in Canning Basin reefs of equivalent age, and Famennian shoaling margins containing various microbial reefs may have been more common and probably more diverse in South China. However, Late Devonian platform margin types have been documented more completely in the Canning Basin. Deep intra-platform troughs (deep depressions containing non-carbonate pelagic sediments — Nandan-type successions) that developed along syndepositional faults characterize Devonian carbonate platforms in South China, but have no equivalent on the Lennard Shelf, Canning Basin where inter-reef areas were more shallow. The South China platform-to-depression pattern was generally continuous from the Lower to Upper Devonian, indicating that many pre-Devonian tectonic features continued to exercise considerable effect through deposition. Localized, fault-controlled subsidence was an important factor in both regions, but similarities in 2nd order aggradation–progradation cycles suggest that eustasy was also an important control on the larger scale stratigraphic development of both regions.     

滇西保山、泰国西部和南部及澳大利亚悉尼盆地的冈瓦纳相二叠系对比

对滇西保山地块、泰国西部和南部及澳大利亚悉尼盆地的冈瓦纳相二叠纪地层进行了对比。前两者的二叠纪地层岩性和所含生物群面貌基本可以对比 ,皆反映出由冈瓦纳相向特提斯相的转变 ,后者是典型的冈瓦纳相 ,仅早二叠世地层的岩性和所含化石与前两者相似。     

宁夏中卫、中宁地区纳缪尔期贫氧生物相特征

宁夏中卫、中宁地区纳缪尔期动物群以游移的软体动物为主,伴以底栖固着的珊瑚、苔藓动物、腕足类和棘皮动物;个体小;具有以食肉或食腐肉及食沉积物为主的独特营养结构,食悬浮物的滤食性生物较少;有些化石已黄铁矿化。上述特征均直接与贫氧环境的含氧度低有关。根据岩石学特征分析,本区纳缪尔期的古地理环境为温暖、贫氧、盐度不稳定、水动力较弱、能量较小的浅海深水盆地。     

Structural block division for further deep research in coalbed methane development in the Gujiao area,Xishan coalfield,North China

The coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development in the Gujiao area, Xishan coalfield (XCF), is still at its initial stage, and no detailed research on the division of CBM development blocks and qualitative analysis of the effects of various parameters on CBM production have been conducted. In this work, the Gujiao area was divided into two subareas (A and B) and subdivided into eight blocks (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5) based on structural geometry. Various parameters were extracted from well logging, hydrofracturing, and draining data to reflect the effects of them on gas production. The results show that in the blocks A3, B2, and B4, the regions with high gas content are the favorable regions for CBM development. However, the efficient draining measure, which will effectively drain the formation water, is helpful to producing CBM in the blocks A1 and A2. In the block B5, regions with relative deeper burial depth are conducive to produce CBM. The shallow buried regions are favorable to produce gas in the blocks B1 and B3, in which the reservoir permeability is higher.     

Multicolor CCD photometry of the dusty,giant, late-type spiral galaxy NGC 5351

The paper reports the results of BV RI surface photometry of the giant galaxy NGC 5351 based on CCD observations obtained on the 1-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Analysis of the structure and radial brightness distribution in the galaxy shows that NGC 5351 has a complex and, in some places, asymmetric structure. The galaxy possesses a large quantity of dust. The average internal extinction due to dust is A_V=1.2^m±0.4^m. After correcting for the effect of this dust, the parameters of the galaxy are typical of late-type spirals. The compositions of the stellar population in various parts of the galaxy are estimated using two-color diagrams. Star-forming regions in NGC 5351 are identified and studied. Most of the star-forming regions are located in the ring of the galaxy. Evolutionary modeling is used to estimate the ages of regions of violent star formation. An elliptical companion galaxy to NGC 5351 was found. The rotation curve of the galaxy is modeled and its mass estimated. The disk of NGC 5351 is self-gravitating within its optical radius.     

The space distribution of quasars

The space distribution of quasars from the 2dF and SDSS DR5 catalogs in the redshift interval 0.3 < z < 1.9 is analyzed. The distributions of quasars in both catalogs are found to have the following common features: (1) when the distance between the nearest objects exceeds 35h ^?1 Mpc (where h = H ₀/100 km/s Mpc is the dimensionless Hubble constant), the distribution of quasars virtually coincides with a uniform three-dimensional distribution; (2) on scale lengths of (5–35)h ^?1 Mpc, the fractal dimension of the quasar distribution is 2.3; (3) the amplitude of quasar clustering and the average distance between neighboring quasars increase slowly with z (at a significance level of about 1.5σ). Twenty large groups of quasars with sizes of (50–150)h ^?1 Mpc can be identified in the 2dF catalog at the 4σ significance level. These groups are incipient superclusters (two earlier known groups are confirmed). The space density of these groups is of the order of 7h ³ Gpc^?3.     

Archaean basic volcanism in the Eastern Goldfields Province,Yilgarn Block,Western Australia

Petrographic, petrological and geochemical studies have demonstrated the presence of three distinctive basic volcanic suites in the Eastern Goldfields Province, Yilgarn Block, Western Australia. These are termed the high magnesian series basalts (HMSB), the low magnesian series basalts (LMSB) and the siliceous high magnesian series basalts (SHMSB).The HMSB and SHMSB constitute differentiation series which contain both high MgO (9.5–14 wt.%) and low MgO (<9.5 wt.%) members. These suites are commonly characterized by igneous textures indicative of very rapid crystallization suggesting high eruption temperatures. This feature clearly distinguishes those low MgO members of HMSB which contain amphibole pseudomorphs after spherulitic-textured pyroxene from compositionally similar LMSB. The LMSB are generally characterized by an intergranular texture consisting of plagioclase laths and interstitial amphibole pseudomorphs after pyroxene grains. Variolitic-textured basalts are common and appear to be restricted to the SHMSB suite of basic volcanics.The HMSB and LMSB were derived from source mantle regions which were variably depleted in the incompatible elements. Archaean komatiites were derived from similarly depleted source regions and it is argued that the main petrogenetic difference between these three volcanic suites was the degree of partial melting from which they were derived. The depleted nature of the source regions may have been induced by earlier small degree (< 5%) partial melting events with subsequent extraction of a proportion of that melt. Variations in both the degree of such melting, and the proportions of melt removal, could induce considerable heterogeneity of incompatible elements in the Archaean upper mantle.Source mantle regions of the SHMSB were variably enriched in the incompatible elements and water and parental magmas of the SHMSB were derived from moderately hydrous conditions of partial melting.The relative proportions of each basalt suite varies considerably between the layered successions examined. For example, the basic volcanics overlying the komatiites at Kambalda are SHMSB, while the footwall volcanics consist predominantly of HMSB with subordinate LMSB. However, the Norseman succession, where no ultramafic volcanics are known to occur, is comprised mainly of LMSB with a smaller proportion of HMSB.     

河南省栾川县马圈一带银铅锌多金属找矿方向探讨

马圈一带出露的主要地层为上元古界栾川群和中元古界官道口群 ,是Pb、Zn、Ag的主要含矿地层。燕山期花岗岩在空间上与矿化关系密切。矿体主要受北西向断裂控制 ,常分布在北西、北东向断裂构造交汇部位。根据地球化学特征、矿产分布规律和找矿标志 ,划分出百炉沟西凹—东凹—磨沟、百炉沟—黄花北沟—杨树凹等两个一级和银窝沟—大石渣沟—小石渣沟、板岔沟等两个二级找矿预测区。     

内蒙古获青公路沿线地质环境特征与地质灾害防治

拟建的内蒙古获青公路是半干旱山区线路工程的典型代表。公路沿线最主要的地质环境特征是气候条件恶劣、地质条件复杂、岩体破碎、岩堆发育、高陡边坡密布。潜在的地质灾害主要有岩堆失稳、高边坡变形破坏和峡谷路基洪涝灾害。相应的防治措施建议为:绕避I类岩堆;采取优化线路布设与岩堆加固相结合方式处理III、II类岩堆;高边坡常规处理;按不同河段,以适当抬高路面标高,或设置较大过水断面桥涵,并辅以相应防洪措施防治峡谷路基洪涝灾害。