Ionospheric response to submarine earthquake of March 11, 2011, in Japan according to GPS observations

Using available Russian and international Global Positioning System (GPS) network data, we studied the ionospheric response to the M = 8.9 submarine earthquake of March 11, 2011, on the northeastern coast of Honshu Island, Japan, both near and far (about 2000 km away) from the epicenter. In the region over the epicenter, 8.7 min after the event, we detected a characteristic signal of the total electron content (TEC) variations consisting of compression and rarefaction phases and a linear transition zone in between, i.e., in the form of an N-type wave with a steep leading front indicating a rapid uplift of the water surface and, correspondingly, the bottom of the ocean. The shape of the signal can be used for early tsunami warning; i.e., it may indicate the tsunamigenic character of a submarine earthquake. We monitored the subsequent evolution of the ionospheric response as far as 2000 km from the epicenter. It was shown that, besides the wellknown ionospheric N-type wave response to the earthquake, there is also a response in the form of an inverted N-wave, both nearby and far from the epicenter. We detected two more types of ionospheric responses far from the epicenter: a solitary-like wave and an internal gravity wave (IGW). The detected signals have been interpreted.     

Seismic velocities and quantification of gas-hydrates from AVA modeling in the western continental margin of India

The most commonly used marker for the investigation of gas-hydrates is the bottom simulating reflector (BSR), which is caused by gas-hydrate laden sediment underlain by either brine or gas-saturated sediment. A BSR has been identified by seismic experiment in the Kerala-Konkan Basin of the western continental margin of India. Here we perform AVA modeling of seismic reflection data from a BSR to investigate the seismic velocities for quantitative assessment of gas-hydrates and to understand the origin of the BSR. The result reveals a P-wave velocity of 2.245 km/s and an S-wave velocity of 0.895 km/s for the sediments above the BSR. This corresponds to a Poisson ratio of 0.406 and hydrates saturation of ∼30% in the study area. The comparison of estimated P-wave velocity (1.77 km/s) above the hydrates-bearing sediment to that (1.78 km/s) below the BSR implies that the origin of the BSR is mainly due to gas-hydrates, as the presence (even in small quantities) of free-gas reduces the P-wave velocity considerably.     

Ship detection with high-resolution HF skywave radar

This paper presents an overview of ship detection by high-frequency (HF) skywave backscatter over-the-horizon radar (OTHR). Ships have been detected at ranges of 2000 km or more by OTHR that uses sufficient resolution in the radar spatial and Doppler frequency domains. The HF sea-echo Doppler spectrum limits the target signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR), as a function of the ocean wave-height distribution, wind direction, radio frequency, and ship target radial velocity. Maximum sea-clutter spectrum purity, and hence larger SCR, is achieved with the use of stable single-mode ionospheric propagation. Real-time measurement and interpretation of ionospheric propagation features therefore must guide the choice of OTHR operating frequency. Experimental data recorded at the ONR/SR1 Wide Aperture Research Facility (WARF) bistatic OTHR in central California demonstrate reliable ship detection in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. WARF transmits 1-MW average effective radiated power, using a linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) waveform, and receives with a 2.55-km broadside array of vertical monopole element pairs. Swept bandwidths as high as 200 kHz have been used. Sufficient spectral resolution is achieved with a coherent integration time (CIT) of 12.8 s. Longer CIT, and autoregressive (AR) spectral analysis techniques such as Marple's algorithm, have been used to improve Doppler resolution.     

Phase velocity of semi-diurnal internal waves at Ocean Weather Station T

Phase velocity of semi-diurnal internal waves is determined from differences between phases at three stations which were situated to form a triangle in the vicinity of sta. T (29N, 135E). The wave phases are estimated from temporal variations in depths of isotherms obtained from serial measurements of vertical temperature profiles at these stations. The measurements were carried out in cooperative operation of two vessels, the R. V.Tansei-maru and theNojima, during the period from 30 July to 1 August 1965. Wave propagation with the speed of about 2 m/s in the direction from east to west is obtained as an average over several isotherms of temperature from 19C to 23C. The area of measurement is to the west of Izu-Mariana ridge and the distance from the ridge to the station is about 500 km, which would be about 5 times as large as the wave length of the internal waves under consideration, and so it is possible to suppose that the internal waves observed generated at the ridge and propagated to the area without being subjected to serious refraction, scattering, reflection and decay.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-wave velocity structure and tectonic implications of the northwestern sub-basin and Macclesfield of the South China Sea

Based on the optimum P-wave model, the S-wave velocity structure of a wide angle seismic profile (OBS2006-1), across the northwestern sub-basin (NWSB) and the Macclesfield, is simulated by a 2-D ray-tracing method. The results indicate the S-wave velocities in the upper and lower crust of the NWSB are 3.2–3.6 km/s and 3.6–4.0 km/s, with Vp/Vs ratios of 1.82–1.88 and 1.74–1.82, respectively, which reflect typical oceanic crust characteristics. The S-wave velocity in the upper crust of the NWSB is a little higher in the NNW segment than that in the SSE segment, while the lateral variation of Vp/Vs ratio is in the opposite. We suggest that the NWSB might have experienced asymmetrical magma flows during sea floor spreading, which may have blurred the magnetic anomaly lineation. The comparison of S-wave velocities along the northern margin of the SCS shows that the west section is different from the east section, and the northwestern margin has a non-volcanic crust structure. The S-wave structures and P-wave velocity models along the northern margin, Macclesfield and Reed Bank show that the Macclesfield might have a conjugate relationship with the Reed Bank.     

Potential of the regional centre for reception and treatment of satellite data

In application to the Crimean regional centre for satellite data reception, treatment, and dissemination, we have identified the earth’s satellite-surveyed areas, with orbital heights (H) ranging from 650 to 750 km. This paper shows that for the Ukrainian territory and the Sea of Azov-Black Sea environment to be monitored, the regional centre’s receiving station must be capable of receiving radar signals from a range of about 1500 km. For typical high-speed radio lines, this may be achieved through the use of a satellite data-receiving station, with the antenna’s diameter being about 3 m. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Inertial oscillations as deep ocean response to hurricanes

We discuss the deep ocean response to passing hurricanes (aka typhoons), which are considered as generators of near-inertial, internal waves. The analysis of data collected in the northwestern parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the hurricane season permit us to assess the deep ocean response to such a strong atmospheric forcing. A large number of moorings (more than 100) in the northwestern Pacific have allowed us to characterize the spatial features of the oceanic response to typhoons and the variable downward velocity of near-inertial wave propagation. The velocity of their downward propagation varies in the range 1–10 m/hour. It is higher in the regions of low stratification and high anticyclonic vorticity. The inertial oscillations generated by a hurricane last for 10–12 days. The mean anticyclonic vorticity in the region increases the effective frequency of inertial oscillations by 0.001–0.004 cyc/hour.     

Numerical experiment on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kyucho</Emphasis> around the Tango Peninsula induced by Typhoon 0406

A numerical experiment using a three dimensional level model was performed to clarify the mechanism generating a strong coastal current, Kyucho, induced by the passage of Typhoon 0406 around the tip of the Tango Peninsula, Japan in June 2004. Wind stress accompanied by Typhoon 0406 was applied to the model ocean with realistic bottom topography and stratification condition. The model well reproduced the characteristics of Kyucho observed by Kumaki et al. (2005), i.e., the strong alongshore current with maximum velocity of 53 cm s⁻¹ and its propagation along the peninsula with propagation speed of about 0.6 m s⁻¹ one half-day after the typhoon’s passage. Coastal-trapped waves (CTW) accompanied by downwelling were induced along the northwest coast of the peninsula by the alongshore wind stress. The energy density flux due to the CTW flowed eastward along the coast, and indicated scattering of the CTW around the eastern coast of the peninsula. In addition, significant near-inertial internal gravity waves were also caused in the offshore region from the west of the Noto Peninsula to the north of the Tango Peninsula by the typhoon’s passage. The energy flux density of the near-inertial fluctuations flowed southward off the Fukui coast, and part of the energy flux was trapped on the tip of the Tango Peninsula, flowing with the coast on its right. It was found that the strong current, Kyucho, at the northeastern tip of the Tango Peninsula was generated by superposition of the near-inertial internal gravity waves and subinertial CTW.     

Modeling and experimental research of turbulent jet propagation in the stratified environment of coastal water areas

The results of model calculations and experimental research of turbulent jet propagation in a stratified environment with reference to the Sand Island wastewater outfall (Hawaii) are considered. The jet’s emergence and initial dilution were estimated on the basis of model calculations and experimental data of the stratified environment characteristics in 2003–2004. The reason for the appearance of the bidirectional quasi-isopycnic structure in the waste and ocean water mixing area was clarified, and an analysis of the TS index was carried out. The jet’s features as calculated from the model and obtained from measurements with hydrophysical and hydrooptical instrumentation were found to closely correspond. The effects of the tides and hydrophysical conditions on the waste water’s turbulent jet characteristics (the jet’s floating-up depth level) have been revealed. The outcomes of the study corroborate the efficiency of the model as a tool for research of deep outfall turbulent jet propagation in the stratified environment of coastal water areas.     

Persistent volcanic signature observed around Barren Island, Andaman Sea, India

This study delineates the formation of a warm pool (>34°C) of air to the west (downwind) of the active volcano of the Barren Island during October–November 2005. Barren Island is located in the Sumatra–Andaman region, about 135 km east of Port Blair, and lies within the Burma microplate, the southern tip of which experienced a submarine earthquake (M _w 9.3) causing a tsunami in December 2004. Barren Island is the only volcano, which has shown sustained eruptive activity since shortly after the Great Sumatran Earthquake of December 2004. Our observations require further corroboration to relate how submarine earthquakes activate volcanoes and how far these thermal emissions influence climate changes. Because it links global warming and climate changes to the frequent emissions from a volcano activated by submarine earthquakes, this case study is of special interest to the earth-ocean-atmosphere sciences community.     

平均海平面若干问题的研究

海面是不静止的,时刻在运动着.在解决实际问题时,一般采用平均海平面.平均海平面是以自记验潮仪(或水尺)进行长期观测而计算得到的,通常是取观测记录每整小时潮高的平均值,称为该观测时期的平均海平面.平均海平面是作为计算陆地高度的起算面,也就是山高的基准面.海图深度基准面也是依赖于平均海平面算出的.由于海面受天文、气象、海洋因素等影响,真实的平均海平面不易求出,但我们可应用多年的平均海平面逼近它.     

Peculiarities of the Black Sea rim current near the Crimean coast

This paper discusses the quasi-stationary Black Sea rim current velocity field observed at seven points of the shelf area and continental slope in the vicinity of South Crimea from 6 June to 15 July, 1991. Current velocity fluctuations conditioned by the difference in atmospheric pressures over the eastern part of the sea and the western one, with the wind speed being 5 cm s⁻¹, have been studied. Inertial and seiche flows are described numerically. The peculiarities of the kinematics of the Black Sea rim current’s regular component have been scrutinized. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

On acoustic N-wave reflections from atmospheric layered inhomogeneities

The nonlinear propagation of acoustic pulses from a point source of an explosive character (surface explosion or volcano) throughout the atmosphere with stratified wind-velocity and temperature inhomogeneities is studied. The nonlinear distortions of acoustic pulse and its transformation into an N-wave during its propagation to the upper atmosphere are analyzed in the context of a modified Burgers’ equation which takes into account a geometric ray-tube divergence simultaneously with an increase in both nonlinear and dissipative effects with height due to a decrease in atmospheric density. The problem of reflection of a spherical N-wave from an atmospheric inhomogeneous layer with model vertical wind-velocity and temperature fluctuations having a vertical spectrum that is close to that observed within the middle atmosphere is considered. The relation between the parameters (form, length, frequency spectrum, and intensity) of signals reflected from an atmospheric inhomogeneous layer and the parameters of the atmospheric fine layered structure at reflection heights is analyzed. The theoretically predicted forms of signals reflected from stratified inhomogeneities within the stratosphere and the lower thermosphere are compared to the observed typical forms of both stratospheric and thermospheric arrivals from surface explosions and volcanoes in the zones of an acoustic shadow.     

Interannual variability of the zooplankton on the shelf of the northeastern Black Sea in the autumn period

The variability of the mesozooplankton stock in the shelf pelagic communities was studied in the late summer and autumn of 2006–2008. The plankton community’s structure and distribution were described for the shoreward transect (Gelendzhik city vicinity). The indirect and direct effect of the ctenophores Mnemiopsis leidyi and Beroe ovata on the mesozooplankton community was studied. The long-term changes in the meso- and macroplankton communities of the Black Sea were analyzed for the period of 2001–2008. The effects of the climatic factors, the water mass circulation, and the factors’ interplay on the mesozooplankton dynamics were assessed. Despite the wide range of the environmental conditions, the stock biomass of Mnemiopsis leidyi appeared to be quite stable within the studied period.     

Low Salinity, Cool-Core Cyclonic Eddy Detected Northwest of Luzon during the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment (SCSMEX) in July 1998

To detect eddies, intensive surveys of the northeast South China Sea (SCS) (114°30′–121°30′ E, 17°–22°N) were conducted in July 1998 during the international SCS Monsoon Experiment (SCSMEX), the U.S. Navy using Airborne Expendable Bathythermograph and Conductivity-Temperature-Depth sensors (AXBT/AXCTD), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP). The hydrographic survey included 307 AXBT and 9 AXCTD stations, distributed uniformly throughout the survey area. The ADCP survey had two sections. The velocity field inverted from the AXBT/AXCTD data and analyzed from the ADCP data confirm the existence of a low salinity, cool-core cyclonic eddy located northwest of Luzon Island (i.e., the Northwest Luzon Eddy). The radius of this eddy is approximately 150 km. The horizontal temperature gradient of the eddy increases with depth from the surface to 100 m and then decreases with depth below 100 m. The cool core was evident from the surface to 300 m depth, being 1°–2°C cooler inside the eddy than outside. The tangential velocity of the eddy is around 30–40 cm/s above 50 m and decreases with depth. At 300 m depth, it becomes less than 5 cm/s. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Reflection and diffraction of internal solitary waves by a circular island

We have investigated the reflection and diffraction of first-mode and second-mode solitary waves by an island, using a three-dimensional nonhydrostatic numerical model. The model domain consists of a circular island 15 km in diameter in an ocean 300 m deep. We use prescribed density anomalies in an initially motionless ocean to produce highly energetic internal solitary waves; their subsequent propagation is subject to island perturbations with and without the effect of earth’s rotation. In addition to reflected waves, two wave branches pass around the island and reconnect behind it. Island perturbations to the first-mode and second-mode waves are qualitatively similar, but the latter is more profound because of the longer contact time and, in the presence of earth’s rotation, the scale compatibility between Rossby radius of the second baroclinic mode and the island diameter. Without earth’s rotation, reflected and diffracted waves are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis passing through the island center. With earth’s rotation, the current following the wave front veers to the right due to Coriolis deflection. For a westward propagating incoming wave, the deflection favors northward wave propagation in the region between the crossover point and the island, shifting the wave reconnection point behind the island northward. It also displaces the most visible part of the reflected waves to the southeast. In the presence of earth’s rotation, a second-mode incoming wave produces island-trapped internal Kelvin waves, which are visible after the passage of the wave front.     

Effects of tropical cyclones in the ionosphere from data of sounding by GPS signals

The problems of recording the ionospheric response to tropical cyclones (TCs) and the possibilities for detecting such a response using GPS (Global Positioning System) signals are discussed. Investigations of ionospheric effects of tropical cyclones with the use of different geophysical methods and technologies of GPS application for remote diagnostics of the ionosphere are reviewed. The results of investigating the action of tropical cyclones on the Earth’s ionosphere on the basis of measurements of variations in the total electron content at the global network of ground-based double-frequency GPS receivers are presented. It is shown that (a) the recording of tropospheric effects in the ionosphere is associated with the difficulties of detecting weak disturbances and their identification against the general background of variations and with the problems of identification of sources of such disturbances; (b) geomagnetic storms mask the effects of tropospheric disturbances in the upper ionosphere; and (c) when identifying the ionospheric effects of tropical cyclones, one must pay the bulk of attention to the search for the enhancement of the intensity of disturbances in ionospheric parameter variations.     

An investigation of mesoscale wave processes in the surface layer using synchronous measurements of atmospheric parameters and admixtures

We present the results of experimental investigations of mesoscale wave processes in the surface layer based on the data of multiyear synchronous minute-by-minute measurements of atmospheric parameters and admixtures on a network consisting of five stations spaced 1–6 km apart. The concentrations of sulfur dioxide, carbon oxide, nitrogen oxide and dioxide; the mass concentration of aerosol; and the temperature and pressure, wind velocity and direction, and relative humidity were measured synchronously. Polarization relations for all the measured parameters have been obtained for different periods and wavelengths. The azimuth of mesoscale wave propagation is detected to depend on the mean wind velocity. It is shown that the densities of elastic and horizontal energies of mesoscale waves are essentially different on different scales.     

High <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-wave attenuation anomalies and ringlike seismogenic structures in the lithosphere beneath Altai: Possible precursors of large earthquakes

This paper addresses inhomogeneities in the short-period S-wave attenuation field in the lithosphere beneath Altai. A technique based on the analysis of the amplitude ratios of Sn and Pn waves is used. High S-wave attenuation areas are identified in the West Altai, which are related to the source zones of recent large earthquakes, viz., the 1990 Zaisan earthquake and the 2003 Chuya earthquake. Associated with the Chuya earthquake, a large ringlike seismogenic structure had been formed since 1976. It is also found that ringlike seismogenic structures are confined to high S-wave attenuation areas unrelated to large historical earthquakes. It is supposed that processes paving the way for strong earthquakes are taking place in these areas. The magnitudes of probable earthquakes are estimated using the earlier derived correlation dependences of the sizes of ringlike seismogenic structures and the threshold values of magnitudes on the energy of principal earthquakes with prevailing focal mechanisms taken into consideration. The sources of some earthquakes are likely to occur near to the planned gas pipeline route from Western Siberia to China, which should be taken into account. The relationship of anomalies in the S-wave attenuation field and the ringlike seismogenic structures to a high content of deep-seated fluids in the lithosphere is discussed.     

On the problem of local tsunamis and possibilities of their warning

At present, the problem of predicting tsunamis with source earthquakes near the shoreline remains practically unresolved. It is shown that, in the Pacific region, 87% of tsunamigenous earthquake epicenters are located closer than 100 km to the shoreline and 67% are closer than 50 km. For a more detailed analysis, the area of the Pacific Ocean was divided into ten subregions: Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Oceania, South and Central America, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands. Each subregion was analyzed individually. All the earthquakes from 1950 to 2003 with Ms >= 6.0 causing tsunamis with intensities I > 0 were processed. The ITDB/PAC 2004 database was used as the data source. For each subregion, mean and minimal travel times were calculated. The minimal travel times for all the regions except for a single one are less than 10 min. It is shown that, in the near earthquake zone, no tsunami alert based sea-level gauge data is possible. One probable solution could be based on detecting hydroacoustic signals that precede strong earthquakes in the near-shore zone.