Hydrocarbons at the Geochemical Barrier the Northern Dvina–the White Sea

Water Resources - Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been studied in suspended matter and bottom sediments at the geochemical barrier the Northern Dvina–Dvina Bay during...     

On the Ekman instability at the core–mantle boundary

It is shown that the instability of turbulent flows with Ekman velocity profiles in the vicinity of the core–mantle boundary leads to the formation of horizontally oriented circulating roll structures. The geophysical implications of the presence of such structures in the liquid core are explored, namely, the formation of the hot zones with enhanced conductivity and their influence on geomagnetic reversals.     

Three-dimensional flow patterns at the river–aquifer interface — a case study at the Danube

The three-dimensional groundwater flow patterns in a gravel bar at the Danube east of Vienna were investigated and are discussed in this paper. The observed groundwater level gradients are highly dynamic and respond very quickly to changes in the river water levels. A variably saturated groundwater model was calibrated to the data to describe the complex dynamics of flow in the gravel bar. The model results suggest that short-term (6–48 h) fluctuations of river water levels cause variations in the exchange flow rates from − 35 l/s to 82 l/s. The highest rates occur during brief infiltration after rapidly rising river water levels. Simulations of different scenarios indicate that riverbank clogging will decrease the exchange fluxes by up to 80%, while clogging of both riverbank and riverbed essentially stops the flow exchange. The groundwater model is also used to simulate the transport of a conservative tracer. The variation of river water levels over time is shown to increase the extent of the active river–aquifer mixing zone in the gravel bar. These dynamic factors significantly enhance the dilution of conservative tracer concentrations in this zone.     

Daytime VLF emissions at the Sodankyla Observatory (L ∼ 5.3) at the front of high-speed solar wind streams

We discuss the results of an analysis of digital high-sensitivity ground-based observations of very low frequency (VLF) emissions, carried out in Northern Finland (L = 5.3) in May–June 2012. During this period of time, we found that three high-speed solar wind streams approached the Earth’s magnetosphere and at the front of these fluxes long-lasting intense daytime bursts of VLF emissions were generated in two frequency bands: above and below ～2.5 kHz. At frequencies above ～2.5–3.0 kHz, there were VLF hiss waves, the temporal structure of which consisted of a quasi-periodic sequence of separate stronger spots of noise signals. The low-frequency band was represented by chorus waves, superimposed on intense hiss emissions at frequencies below ～1.5 kHz. The high-frequency (f > 2.5 kHz) waves were elliptic and, predominately, left-hand polarized and the low-frequency waves were right-hand polarized. It was supposed that high-frequency VLF hiss waves were generated at L < 5 and VLF chorus waves were generated at L > 5. We discuss a possible scenario of the generation and propagation of the VLF emissions observed.     

Floods at the northern foothills of the Tatra Mountains — A Polish-Swiss research project

The present paper introduces the topical area of the Polish-Swiss research project FLORIST (Flood risk on the northern foothills of the Tatra Mountains), informs on its objectives, and reports on initial results. The Tatra Mountains are the area of the highest precipitation in Poland and largely contribute to flood generation. The project is focused around four competence clusters: observation-based climatology, model-based climate change projections and impact assessment, dendrogeomorphology, and impact of large wood debris on fluvial processes. The knowledge generated in the FLORIST project is likely to have impact on understanding and interpretation of flood risk on the northern foothills of the Tatra Mountains, in the past, present, and future. It can help solving important practical problems related to flood risk reduction strategies and flood preparedness.     

The Green''''s function of the harmonic horizontal force applied at the interior of the saturated half-space soil

IntroductionThe wave propagation problems in saturated soil are very important for the civil engineering, geophysics and seismology. Biot (1956,1962) established the theory of wave propagation in saturated soil firstly, and hereafter many researchers have used Biot theory to study wave propagation problems in saturated soil. By using integral transform and potential function method, Philippacopoulos (1988) studied the Lamb(s problem of a vertical point force applied to the surface of saturate…     

Characteristics and dynamics of the soil seed bank at the north edge of Taklimakan Desert

In order to understand the potential of revegetation of halophytic community at the north edge of Taklimakan Desert, the species structure, storage capacity, the vertical distribution pattern and seasonal dynamics of soil seed bank and their interrelationship with community structure of above-ground plants were investigated. The results show that (i) 9 species were identified from seed bank in different seasons indicating that plant composition in this area was simple. (ii) The seed density in soil was 222±10.79 grain/m2 on average, and showed a seasonal variation range from 132±8.16 grain/m2 in summer to 303±12.70 grain/m2 in autumn. (iii) The similarity coefficient between soil seed bank and above-ground vegetation was 0.778. (iv) Vertically, seed densities declined with soil depth. 82.4% of total seeds were found in the top 3 cm of soil profile. No active seeds were found in soil profile below 6 cm. It is concluded that the seed bank at the north edge of Taklimakan Desert contains active seeds of all plant species observed on above ground, and is able to supply potential contribution to reconstruction of vegetation.     

Mutation Anomalies of the Wave Velocity Ratio at a Single Station Before the Lancang-Gengma Earthquake

In this paper,the process of dynamic variation of the wave velocity ratio that occurred at a single station,such as Lancang,Tengchong,and Eryuan stations,8 years before the Lancang-Gengma earthquakes(Ms=7.6 and 7.2),is studied by applying the synthetic method as a whole.It is found that the moderately strong and strong earthquakes 250 km away that occurred since 1983 may lead to mutation anomalies of the wave velocity ratio in the Lancang region.The mutation amplitude is increased with the approaching time and distance of a large event.The reliability of mutation data for the wave velocity ratio has been demonstrated in many ways.The application of mutation of the wave velocity ratio to earthquake prediction and its physical explanation are discussed.     

Penetration of the Earth’s free oscillations at 54 minute period into the atmosphere

It is known that the fundamental spheroidal mode ₀S₂ of the Earth free oscillation with a period of about 54 min forces atmospheric oscillations. We present a certain phase relationship for components of the ₀S₂ multiplet, which is based on synchronous collocated microbarograph and seismograph observations. This relationship is both the first observational manifestation of the Pekeris mode of global atmospheric oscillations with the 54 min period and a further proof of the Earths ₀S₂ mode penetrating into the atmosphere. We show that the linear non-dissipative model of steady forced oscillations in isothermal atmosphere at rest does not describe the penetration of the ₀S₂ mode into the atmosphere adequately.     

What indicators can capture runoff-relevant connectivity properties of the micro-topography at the plot scale?

Although connectivity is acknowledged as a key factor of a catchment hydrological behaviour, it still misses reference evaluation methodologies. Therefore the objective of the paper is to evaluate different quantitative indicators of hydrological connectivity, using the concepts of structural and functional connectivity commonly used in ecology. The indicators were tested on contrasted numerical fields of micro-topography that present distinct hydrological responses.     

Is the abnormal response of the tide at the frequency of S2 really due to radiational effects?

The equilibrium ratios of the major solar component of the tide S₂ and of the component K₂, which have very close frequencies, seldom follow a linear trend when one extrapolates from that of the lunar component M₂. This is due to the different damping of the resultant of S₂ and K₂ during their six-month interference cycle, compared to that of the other components: it gives to K₂ a value larger than expected, while the reverse hold for S₂. It is unlikely that radiational effects are the cause of such behaviour as is currently believed.     

Effects of lunar-solar tides in the variations of geophysical fields at the boundary between the Earth’s crust and the atmosphere

Extraterrestrial forcing of natural environmental processes by gravitational interaction between the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth is considered. Based on the instrumental data, the main periodical components and cycles are identified in the time variations of some geophysical fields at the boundary between the Earth’s crust and the atmosphere. Correlation analysis shows that the lunar-solar tides are the key factor responsible for diurnal and quasi-biweekly variations in the ground electric field, radon emanation, water level in wells, and microseismic vibrations. The tidal influence on the various-scale movements of the blocks of the Earth’s crust is analyzed. In the context of the vertical, lateral, and rotational motion of crustal blocks, which is very important for the platforms, a new, precession-like type of displacements is revealed. These movements develop as a result of the nonsynchronous tidal responses of the block and the adjacent interblock gaps or tectonic structures whose strength and strain properties are different in different directions.     

Depth-Recursive Tomography of the Bohemian Massif at the CEL09 Transect—Part B: Interpretation

In the accompanying paper (Part A), depth-recursive tomography was applied to the CEL09 refraction data. A deblurred P-wave velocity image was obtained down to a depth of 20 km. This paper (Part B) is devoted to the interpretation of the upper- and middle-crustal structures of the Bohemian Massif imaged in the CEL09 section. Because of inherent ambiguity of the refraction method in imaging low-velocity zones, other well-known results based on other geophysical data sets are also used to independently verify the interpreted velocity features. Comparison with the density and velocity models previously obtained indicates that the presented P-wave velocity image has superior resolution revealing or verifying a number of geological features. The prominent lateral velocity changes encountered in the CEL09 pattern across the imaged crustal section were used to delineate the main terranes and deep regional fault zones such as the Kru?né hory Fault, the SW continuation of the Litomě?ice Fault Zone, the West and Central Bohemian Shear Zones, the Blanice-Rodl Fault, the P?ibyslav-Vitis Fault and the Boskovice-Diendorf Fault. The 450-km-long CEL09 transect reveals seven major deeply rooted high-velocity (HV) anomalies identified as Variscan massifs intruded near or within these deep fault zones. They form buried ridges mostly parallel to the SW-NE trending Variscan strike. Their discovery allows new insights into a number of phenomena such as the West Bohemian earthquake swarms, the Saxothuringian paradox, the character of the Saxothuringian-Barrandian contact zone, the detachment surface due to the slab of the Saxothuringian crust subducting beneath the Teplá-Barrandian zone in the Devonian, the depth extent of the Mariánské-Lázně Complex (MLC) as an equivalent unit of the Zone Erbendorf-Vohenstrauss (ZEV), the subsidence of the Barrandian syncline, the root zones of the Central and South Bohemian Plutons, the accretionary wedge formed along the Moravo-Moldanubian suture and its link with the Gföhl terrane, the Carpathian foreland relief and the subsidence observed in the Vienna Basin.     

Thermal Regime of the Earth’s Lithosphere and the Mantle: Geothermal Studies at IPE RAS

Izvestiya, Physics of the Solid Earth - This paper is devoted to the historical development of geothermal research in the former Soviet Union. The history of the Laboratory of geothermics at the...     

Geochemical changes at the Bagni di Triponzo thermal spring during the Umbria-Marche 1997–1998 seismic sequence

After the earthquakes of September 26, 1997, that hit the Umbria-Marcheboundary (Apennine, Central Italy), with a maximum 6.0 M_w, aprogram of geochemical surveying together with a collection ofhydrogeological changes episodes was extended throughout theepicentre-area, taking the yearly period of the seismic sequence as a whole.After a first areal screening, the Bagni di Triponzo thermal spring wasselected for a discrete temporal monitoring (weekly and monthly basis),being the unique thermal spring throughout the epicentre area. This sitedeserves peculiar interest in deepening the knowledge about deep fluidscirculation changing during seismicity.Laboratory and on-field analyses included major, minor and trace elementsas well as dissolved gases (He, Ar, CH₄, CO₂, H₂S,²²²Rn, NH₄, As, Li, Fe, B, etc...) and selected isotopic ratios(C, H, O, He, Sr, Cl), meaningful from tectonic point of view.The chemistry and isotopic chemistry of the spring were fully outlined anddiscussed, pointing out the main process involving the thermal aquifer: thewater-rock interaction inside the Evaporite Triassic Basement (ETB),possibly involving also the Paleozoic Crystalline Basement. On theother hand, sudden and apparent geochemical and hydrogeologicalvariations during the seismic sequence ruled out an evolution in thewater-rock interaction processes. They occurred both at depth, i.e.,induced by fluid remobilization within the crust explained by the Coseismic Strain Model and by the Fault Valve Activity Model, and in the shallow part of the reservoir (i.e., meteoric watercontamination). A statistical multivariable analysis (Factor Analysis) wasaccomplished to better constrain the correlation between the paroxysmalphases of the seismic sequence and the observed trends and spike-likeanomalies. The groundwater variations was inferred to occur mainly insidethe ETB, from depth (1–2 km) up to surface, particularly in associationof the Sellano earthquake (14/10/1997) and of the seismic re-activationof the sequence at the end of March 1998 (Gualdo Tadino-Rigali andVerchiano areas). The lack of deeper input from below the ETB (slightsignature of PCB), as the lack of He mantle signature, during the seismicperiod as a whole, accounted for seismogenic fault segments rooted onlyin the crust. The results also provide useful information about theearthquake-related response mechanisms occurring at this site, thatrepresent the basic task for planning and managing the impendinghydro-geochemical network aimed at defining the relationships betweenseismic cycle, fluids and reliable earthquake forerunners.     

Study on the Relationship of Seismic Design Ground Motion at Different Fortification Levels in the Xinjiang Region

The seismic risk analysis results of 79 cities in Xinjiang are presented, and the bedrock peak ground accelerations under three seismic levels and their ratios are discussed. Then, the relationship between earthquake environments and the seismic risk analysis results of different exceeding probabilities are researched. The results show that minor and major earthquake motion parameters calculated from moderate earthquakes do not have a consistent probability and the ratio of bedrock peak accelerations under different exceedance probabilities are closely correlated with earthquake environments.     

A Preliminary Study of the Types of Volcanic Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity at the Changbaishan Tianchi Volcano

INTRODUCTIONThe Changbaishan volcano is located in Jilin Province , along the border of China and NorthKorea .It isthelargest nature reservein China .Changbaishan belongstothe northeastern Asian activebelt in the eastern margin of the Euro-Asia plate . The Changbaishan volcano is a gigantic ,polygenetic ,central volcano,and has been active since Holocene .The early eruption started in thePliocene andformedthe basaltic shield. Duringthe middle and late Pleistocene ,the volcanic cone …     

Long-term solar activity and terrestrial connections. Part II: at the beckon of the sun?

The research task described herein aims at the structuring of an analytical tool that traces the time course of geophysical phenomena, regional or global, and compares it to the course of long-term solar conditions, long-term meaning decades or a few centuries. The model is based on the premise that since in a last analysis the preponderance of atmospheric, hydrospheric, and, possibly, some aspects of geospheric phenomena are, or have been, powered by energy issuing from the sun – either now or in the past – the long-term behavior of such phenomena is ultimately connected to long-term changes occurring in the sun itself. Accordingly, the proposed research firstly derives and models a stable surrogate pattern for the long-term solar activity, secondly introduces a transfer-function algorithm for modeling the connection between the surrogate and terrestrial phenomena viewed as partners in the connection, and thirdly probes the connection outcome for episodic or unanticipated effects that may arise due to the fact that in the present context, the connection, should it exist, is very likely nonlinear. Part I of the study presents the theory of the concept, while Part II demonstrates the concepts pertinence to a number of terrestrial phenomena.     

Parameter Variations in the Subsoil Radon Field at the Paratunka Station of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Geodynamic Test Site in 2011–2016

A network of stations for subsoil radon monitoring is in operation at the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky geodynamic testing area and is aimed at detection of strong earthquake precursors. At all stations, measurements are carried out using gas-discharge counters located at different depths within aeration zones of soft sediments. The volume activity of radon (VA Rn) is monitored at the most equipped station Paratunka (PRT) at three measurement sites located across the regional fault. The radon flux density (RFD) is measured from the surface. The article reviews responses in the dynamics of VA Rn and RFD from the surface at the PRT station prior to the Kamchatka earthquakes with magnitudes М _W > 5 that occurred over the period of 2011–2016. The revealed RFD seasonal cycle is likely related to the seasonal variations in air temperature. The postseismic effect caused by the strongest deep Okhotsk earthquake (May 24, 2013, М _W = 8.3) is detected in the RFD data. The behavior of VA Rn dynamics during time periods of the strong earthquakes is different. The results confirm the existing opinion on the formation of narrowly localized zones of Rn runoff to the atmosphere owing to both vertical and horizontal irregularities in the top layer of soil, which can react differently to changes in the geoenvironment stress–strain. On the basis of the real-time radon monitoring data, the authors have issued partially successful short-term prediction for several earthquakes. The results of this work confirm the opinion of many researchers that radon monitoring can be used in the short-term prediction of strong earthquakes.     

Co-varying temperatures at 200 hPa over the Earth’s three poles

The Earth’s three poles,the North Pole,South Pole,and Third Pole(i.e.,the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings),hold the largest amount of fresh water on Earth as glaciers,sea ice,and snow.They are sensitive to climate change.However,the linkages between climate variations of the three poles,particularly between the South Pole and Third Pole,remain largely unknown.The temperatures at 200 hPa over the three poles are the highest in the summer and are less affected by surface conditions,which could reflect large-scale dynamic linkages.Temperatures at 200 hPa peak the three poles during their respective hemispheric summer and exhibit in-phase variations on interdecadal timescales(10–100 years).The 200 hPa temperatures over the North Pole and South Pole were significantly correlated with the Brewer-Dobson circulation(BDC),which transports stratospheric ozone poleward,heating the air at 200 hPa.Tropopause warming over the Third Pole was found to enhance the poleward BDC,particularly to the South Pole,linking the Third Pole’s climate to the other two poles.Additionally,the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation(IPO)also exhibits links with the 200 hPa temperatures of the three poles.