Spatial transport and spectral transfer of solar wind turbulence composed of Alfvén waves and convective structures II: numerical results

This work follows the paper titled “Spatial transport and spectral transfer of solar wind turbulence composed of Alfvén waves and convective structures I: The theoretical model”, and deals with the detailed physics and numerical solution of a two-component solar wind model, consisting of small-scale Alfvén waves and convected structures. In particular, we present numerical results which qualitatively reflect many of the observed features of the radial and spectral evolution of the turbulent energies, the residual energy, the cross-helicity and Alfvén-ratio in high-speed solar wind streams. These features are the following: the formation of a characteristic “inclined eye”, which evolves between the energy spectra displayed over the frequency axis and tends to close in the radial development of the spectra, a steepening of all spectra towards Kolmogorov-like f^-5/3 spectra, the development of the normalized cross-helicity towards a constant not much less than one and the formation of a “trough” form of the Alfvén ratio with a z-shaped left boundary, By weighting special terms in the equations differently, we can also cast light on the physical role of parametric conversion model terms, wave-structure scattering model terms, nonlinear terms, spherical expansion terms and their effects on the radial evolution of turbulent energies in high-speed solar wind streams.     

Flow across reefs or between islands, and effects on shelf-sea motions

Oscillatory (e.g., tidal) flow over and around shallow reefs and islands is considered. Overall matching conditions (between sea levels and flows across the reef) are derived, to represent reef effects in models of larger regions.Analyses include various reef forms of uniform cross-section and water depth h(x), both narrow (uniform cross-reef transport) and broad (decoupled motions on either side). Simple island chains, or reefs broken by passages conducting all the flow, are also considered.In all cases, cross-reef transport is “down” the sea-surface slope, phase-shifted by 0 to 1/4 cycle. The transport is sufficient to render broken reefs effectively transparent to tides, unless the reefs are unusually far from the coast (> 100km, say), dense (> 90%) and broad (> 25km).The matching conditions are consistent with (expected) energy losses for unforced trapped waves propagating along a continental shelf with a long-shelf reef. There is a corresponding change of phase speed, if these effects are small, as is generally so for Kelvin waves. Continental shelf waves, particularly near their maximum frequency, may be strongly retarded and damped by a shelf-edge reef.     

Response of the ionosphere to natural and man-made acoustic sources

A review is presented of the effects influencing the ionosphere which are caused by acoustic emission from different sources (chemical and nuclear explosions, bolides, meteorites, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, launches of spacecrafts and flights of supersonic jets). A terse statement is given of the basic theoretical principles and simplified theoretical models underlying the physics of propagation of infrasonic pulses and gravity waves in the upper atmosphere. The observations of “quick” response by the ionosphere are pointed out. The problem of magnetic disturbances and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave generation in the ionosphere is investigated. In particular, the supersonic propagation of ionospheric disturbances, and the conversion of the acoustic energy into the so-called gyrotropic waves in the ionospheric E-layer are considered.     

Morphodynamics and sediment dynamics on intertidal mudflats in China (1961–1994)

This paper presents an overview of the significant research on morphodynamics and sediment dynamics on intertidal mudflats in China (1961–1994), particularly in the past 15 years (1980–1994). Development of intertidal mudflats has long been regarded as the response of the intertidal profile to tides, waves and storms. It has been found that there were long-term and short-term cyclic developments of intertidal mudflats in China. Three sedimentological zones have generally been identified from land to sea within the intertidal zone: high mudflat, middle mudflat and low mudflat. In addition, the sediments in the middle mudflat are relatively coarser than those in the high mudflat and low mudflat. Storms have great impacts on the intertidal morphology, sediment textures and sedimentary structures. Based on field investigations of intertidal sedimentary processes, many researchers have found that “settling and scour lags” were only applicable to intertidal cohesive sediment transport during periods of weak waves, but not during storms. In fact, flood fronts, waves, storm surges and longshore drift play important roles in suspended sediment transport on open intertidal mudflats in China. Despite of these extensive studies in the past several decades, there is still a need for an improved understanding of fundamental physical and biological processes governing erosion and deposition of cohesive fine sediment within the intertidal zone in China.     

Internal waves and temperature fronts on slopes

Time series measurements from an array of temperature miniloggers in a line at constant depth along the sloping boundary of a lake are used to describe the ‘internal surf zone” where internal waves interact with the sloping boundary. More small positive temperature time derivatives are recorded than negative, but there are more large negative values than positive, giving the overall distribution of temperature time derivatives a small negative skewness. This is consistent with the internal wave dynamics; fronts form during the up-slope phase of the motion, bringing cold water up the slope, and the return flow may become unstable, leading to small advecting billows and weak warm fronts. The data are analysed to detect ‘events’, periods in which the temperature derivatives exceed a set threshold. The speed and distance travelled by ‘events’ are described. The motion along the slope may be a consequence of (a) instabilities advected by the flow (b) internal waves propagating along-slope or (c) internal waves approaching the slope from oblique directions. The propagation of several of the observed ‘events’ can only be explained by (c), evidence that the internal surf zone has some, but possibly not all, the characteristics of the conventional ‘surface wave’ surf zone, with waves steepening as they approach the slope at oblique angles.     

Contribution of the 3-D visualization of acoustic borehole signals (full waveforms) to a quick formation evaluation

Logging and continuous coring are carried out when drilling and looking for materials such as gravels, sand, and clay or in order to evaluate the fracture state of a deep site intended for waste storage. However, in some cases of non-consolidated formations, the results may be disappointing because of the borehole conditions. Full waveforms, as seismic signals, provide information about physical parameters of the grounds crossed by the sonic tool, and this information is almost independent of borehole conditions. Traditional displays in variable area or density show the wave arrival times and the frequencies with depth; for variable density, a color scale permits to see clustered instantaneous phases.In order to determine precisely and simultaneously the three signal parameters (arrival time, frequency, and amplitude) in the depth-propagation time domain, a 3-D visualization software has been developed. The “view” parameters, which give a nice display of the 3-D→2-D projection of the signals in a parallel perspectives relative to depth, are estimated on the monitor screen in an interactive way. A larger size version of the software is available for displaying in detail the acoustic signals for the whole borehole. However, this program needs a large computer, and the maximum size of the drawing depends on the computer memory available for use.The comparison between traditional and 3-D displays shows that without previous preprocessing, the 3-D visualization (1) shows the very small and continuous variations of amplitude (and, therefore, of attenuation) with depth better; and (2) can bring out interferences and “energetic peaks” by simply changing the “view” parameters. As the attenuation of the different waves is directly determined, fresh zones can be distinguished immediately from fracture zones and hard ground from soft ground. The geometry of major fracturing can be deduced directly from graphical representation; i.e. open or closed, and horizontal or oblique fractures. The calculation of their “vertical thickness” is straightfoward. Microfractures, induced by drilling or otherwise, are not detected, but microfractured rocks are detectable.     

Letter to the editor First direct observations of the reduced striations at pump frequencies close to the electron gyroharmonics

It is well known that the ionospheric plasma response to high-power HF radio waves changes drastically as the heater frequency approaches harmonics of the electron gyrofrequency. These include changes in the spectrum of the stimulated electromagnetic emission, reduction in the anomalous absorption of low-power diagnostic waves propagating through the heated volume, and reduction in the large scale F-region heating. Theoretical models as well as previous experimental evidence point towards the absence of small-scale field-aligned plasma density irregularities at pump frequencies close to electron gyroharmonics as the main cause of these changes. Results presented in this paper are the first direct observations of the reduced striations at the 3rd gyroharmonic made by the CUTLASS radar. In addition, simultaneous EISCAT observations have revealed that the “enhanced ion-line” usually present in the EISCAT ion-line spectrum during the first few seconds after heater switch on, persisted at varying strengths while the heater was transmitting at frequencies close to the 3rd electron gyroharmonics.     

Effects of the Sun on the Earth's environment

Solar disturbances are observed to have significant effects in near-Earth space. Over the past half-century of observation, a relatively clear picture has developed of how and why the typical solar wind — as well as the most extreme solar events — drive geospace responses. It is clear that magnetospheric substorms, geomagnetic storms (both recurrent and aperiodic events), and even certain atmospheric chemical changes have their origins in the solar–terrestrial coupling arena. High-speed solar wind streams and fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can often have strong interplanetary shock waves and southward magnetic fields which can initiate strong storm responses. We demonstrate in this review that available modern space-observing platforms and ground facilities allow us to trace drivers from the Sun to the Earth's atmosphere. This allows us to assess quantitatively the energy transport that occurs throughout the Sun–Earth system during both typical and extreme conditions. Hence, we are continuously improving our understanding of “space weather” and its effects on human society.     

Seasonal dynamics of a large, shallow lake, laguna Chascomús: The role of light limitation and other physical variables

The most conspicuous waterbodies in the Pampa region of Argentina are the so-called “lagunas”. A typical Pampean laguna may be described as a relatively large (100+ha), permanent, shallow lake. Here, we report the dynamics of laguna Chascomús, sampled weekly, from April 2001 to June 2003. During the period, the lakes experienced three consecutive floods waves that affected the concentration of major ions and the optical signature of the dissolved organic matter. Despite these hydrological alterations, laguna Chascomús was permanently limited by light. Transparency was to a great extent controlled by the incident photosynthetic available radiation irradiance. We hypothesize that wind contributes to the permanent mixing of the lake, as well as to lessen the sedimentation losses of photoautotrophs.     

Coherent multiple Pc1 pulsation bands: possible evidence for the ionospheric Alfvén resonator

A fair fraction of Pc1 pulsation events observed on the ground includes more than one simultaneous pulsation band. In most such multiband events the bands display different characteristics and, therefore, come from different source regions via horizontal ducting in the ionosphere. However, in this report we identify a new “coherent” subclass of multiband Pc1 events where the pearls of the simultaneous bands have the same group velocities (repetition rates) as well as dispersion and other properties, thus implying that the bands are produced by the same source. Studying one example of such a coherent multiband event in more detail, we argue that these events defy an explanation in terms of band splitting by magnetospheric heavy ions because the observed frequency gap between the bands is smaller than would result in such a case. We interpret these events to be due to the frequency dependence of the ionospheric reflection coefficient of Alfvén waves. An oscillatory frequency dependence of the coefficient is a natural consequence of the idea that the ionosphere acts as a resonator for Alfvén waves. We also discuss other predictions of this interpretation.     

Magmatismes basiques dits “orogeniques” et “anorogeniques” et teneurs entro2: Les associations “Isotitanees” et “anisotitanfes”

The patterns of variation of TiO₂ conent during magmatic evolution are different in the so called “orogenic” and “anorogenie” basic associations; these last terms, which are the cause of much misunderstanding, can be replaced by the terms “isotitaniferous” and “anisotitaniferous”.     

Geological evolution of a pleistocene rhyolitic center — Sierra La Primavera, Jalisco, México

The Sierra La Primavera volcanic complex consists of late Pleistocene comenditic lava flows and domes. ash-flow tuff, air-fall pumice, and cold caldera-lake sediments. The earliest lavas were erupted about 120,000 years ago, and were followed approximately 95,000 years ago by the eruption of about 20 km³ of magma as ash flows that form the compositionally-zoned Tala Tuff. Collapse of the roof zone of the magma chamber led to the formation of a shallow 11-km-diameter caldera. It soon filled with water, forming a caldera lake in which sediment began to collect. At about the same time, two central domes erupted through the middle of the lake and a “giant pumice horizon”, an important stratigraphic marker, was deposited. Shortly thereafter ring domes erupted along two parallel arcs: one along the northeast portion of the ring fracture, and the other crossing the middle of the lake. All these events occurred during a period of approximately 5,000–10,000 years. Sedimentation continued and a period of volcanic quiescence was marked by the deposition of some 30 m of fine-grained ashy sediments virtually free from pumice lapilli. Approximately 75,000 years ago, a new group of ring domes erupted at the southern margin of the lake. These domes are lapped by only 10–20 m of sediments, as uplift resulting from renewed insurgence of magma brought an end to the lake. This uplift culminated in the eruption, beginning approximately 60,000 years ago, of aphyric lavas along a southern arc. The youngest of these lavas erupted approximately 20,000–30,000 years ago.The four major fault systems in the Sierra La Primavera are related to caldera collapse or to uplift caused by the insurgence of the southern are magma. Steam vents and larga-discharge 65°C hot springs are associated with the faulting. Calculated equilibrium temperatures of the geothermal fluids are 170°C, but temperatures in excess of 240°C have been encountered in an exploratory drill hole.A seismic survey showed attenuation of both S and P waves within the caldera, P waves attenuated more severely than S waves. The greatest attenuation is associated with an area of steam vents, and the rapid lateral variations in attenuation suggest that they are produced by a shallow geothermal system rather than by underlying magma.     

Basaltic volcanism in the northern sector of the main Ethiopian rift

The different basalt types related to rift structure development have been investigated, starting from the pre-rift stage in the northern Ethiopian rift and its eastern escarpment and plateau.The basic volcanic rocks are represented mainly by transitional basalts, both in the pre-rift (plateau) and rift (escarpment and rift floor) stages. A striking feature is that although the plateau basalts show clear tholeiitic affinity and the rift basalts reveal a somewhat pronounced “alkaline” character, the REE and LILE element abundances, however, progressively decrease from the “tholeiitic” basalts of the plateau to the “alkaline” basalts of the rift.All data support the view that such contrasting features may be attributed to a continuous depletion of hygromagmatophile (REE, LILE) elements in the mantle source material, related to the large volumes of magmas produced in the early phase of rift structure development. The transition from “tholeiitic” (plateau) to “alkaline” (rift) transitional basalts is related to decreasing intensity of extensional movements.     

Hydrogeomorphic types of glacially created kettle holes in North-East Germany

Kettle holes are glacially created, small, shallow, depressional wetlands collecting their water from internal or closed catchments in young moraine landscapes. Their water body is defined by having a maximum of 1 ha in extent. Mostly they undergo a wet-dry circle. In North-East Germany, kettle holes are widely spread, mostly on arable land. They are characterised by large differences in hydroperiod (HP), size, shape and edge steepness. They also have a high potential for both, geomorphic structural diversity and biological species diversity. However, kettle holes are subject to pollution, drainage and structural reduction that result from intensive land use practices.Although kettle holes in Germany are protected by law, protection strategies are not specific enough with respect to the variability of kettle holes, especially of HP. Therefore, the study objective was to characterise hydrogeomorphic (HGM) kettle hole types to create a basis for a decision support system with regard to the selection of the type dependent conservation and management measures.In three agricultural landscapes in North-East Germany, geomorphological and hydrological variables of 268 kettle holes (HP, shore overflow tendency, depth, area, form, shore width and slope) as well as those of their catchments (area, wetland to catchment area ratio, relief) were investigated from 1993 to 2003. By statistical analysis of datasets of 144 kettle holes, 10 HGM kettle hole types were defined. The basic types are “silted fen type” and “open-water type”. Basic subtypes of the latter type are “storage type”, “shore overflow type” and “puddle type”. Differences in spreading of kettle hole types in dependency on landscape relief were found.     

Cultural eutrophication of shallow coastal waters: Coupling changing anthropogenic nutrient inputs to regional management approaches

Coastal waters comprise only about 15% of the world's ocean area, yet account for nearly half of its primary and secondary production (Wollast 1991). This disparity can in part be traced to anthropogenic nutrient, specifically nitrogen (N), loading. Regionally, N-sensitive coastal waters are experiencing unprecedented nutrient-driven eutophication, deteriorating water quality (i.e. hypoxia, anoxia, toxicity), habitat loss and declines in desirable fish stocks and yields. In most coastal regions externally-supplied “new” nutrient inputs are growing, diversifying and changing as a result of urbanization, industrial and agricultural development. In some cases (e.g. Eastern Europe), declining economic condition shave led to a reversal of this scenario. A need exists to identify key nutrient sources (and changes therein) supporting eutrophication and its socio-economic consequences. While we are addressing and managing terrestrial (i.e. point and non-point source runoff) “new” nutrient inputs, key “out of sight out of mind” anthropogenic nutrient sources and their effects on eutrophication remain poorly understood and managed. These include atmospheric deposition and groundwater, which can account for as much as half the “new” N entering North American (U.S. Atlantic East Coast) and European (Baltic Sea) coastal waters. Here, I will examine these emerging nutrient sources and their roles in shallow coastal biogeochemical and trophodynamics alterations. Technological and conceptual tools and approaches aimed at improving our functional understanding of these and other “new” nutrient-eutrophication interactions are discussed.     

Review study on near-natural conditions of Central European mountain streams, with particular reference to debris and beaver dams: Results of the “REG meeting” 2000

This paper summarises the results of the “Rhithron Ecology Group” meeting in Essen (March 2000), supplemented by a literature evaluation.An extended view of small mountain streams in Central Europe under “potentially natural conditions” is presented. We focus on the potential impact of natural transverse structures (debris dams and beaver dams) on stream morphology, hydrology, habitat composition and communities. Furthermore, impact of other stream morphological features, which are presently lacking in the Central European landscape, is described.We suggest that Central European mountain streams are characterised by a higher proportion of lentic zones under “potentially natural conditions”. Morphological degradation leads to a loss of lentic zones and to an increase of current velocities and corresponding changes in faunal composition, particularly higher abundance and proportion of rheophilic species and a decrease of species preferring lentic zones. This should be regarded in future stream assessment.     

Rare earth and other trace elements in historic azorean lavas

Rare earth element (REE) and other trace element compositions of 16 lavas from all historic and 2 prehistoric eruptions on 5 islands of the Azores Archipelago show notable intra-and inter-island differences. Fe enrichment and “compatible” element depletion due to fractional crystallization have been superimposed on variations established in the source area. Fractionation of La/Sm, U/Th, K/Na and “large ion lithophile” (LIL) element abundances are probably related to variable fusion of a source peridotite whose LIL element distribution cannot be exactly specified in view of its possible heterogeneity. Relative light-REE enrichment in basalt appears greatest on the “potassic” island São Miguel, the more sodic island Fayal and one lava from Pico, and least in basalts from the “sodic” islands Terceira, São Jorge and Pico. This variation is matched by most other LIL elements, although P shows unexpected enrichment in Terceira lavas, otherwise the least LIL element-enriched and most heavy-REE-enriched. Upper mantle phase chemistry is probably critical in establishing the patterns. In particular, P—REE covariance may reflect phase stabilities of apatite and (P-bearing) garnet in the upper mantle. Distribution patterns of REE in the historic lavas are similar to those of basalts from the Atlantic median rift at the crest of the Azores “platform”. Transition to light-REE-depleted rift-erupted basalts to the southwest is believed to be step-wise with increasing water depth, possibly indicating retention of a light-REE-rich phase in the residue from partial fusion as intersection of geotherm and peridotite solidus occur at lower pressures. The source mantle for the Azores basalts is probably light-REE- and LIL element-enriched but we find no evidence so far to suggest its emplacement by thermal “plume” activity.     

Volcanic earthquakes, and their relationship to eruptions at Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe volcanoes

Crustal earthquakes near Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe fall into two classes, each of which can be subdivided. On the one hand, there are high-frequency events ( 3 Hz) with sharp, well-defined phases, mainly concentrated beneath Ruapehu Crater Lake. Low-frequency events (< 2 Hz), on the other hand, are common at shallower depths under both volcanoes. These are usually emergent multiple events, and are often closely associated with eruptions.The low-frequency events resemble Minakami's B-type and explosion earthquakes, but sometimes occur where no vent exists and rather deeper than his formal definition (< 1 km) permits. More importantly, they lack reliable criteria (wave-form or magnitude differences) to distinguish between his two groups. Whether or not they accompany an eruption (Minakami's definition of explosion earthquake) appears to depend on whether the volcanoes are in a “closed-” or “open-vent” condition. The high-frequency earthquakes are similar in wave-form to Minakami's A-type. However, many at Ruapehu (here designated “roof-rock” earthquakes) originate at shallower depths than the B-type earthquakes, which is contrary to Minakami's definition.Difficulty in applying Minakami's classification rigorously, and the fact that low frequencies may be due to abnormal attenuation of higher frequencies along the path, rather than to their suppression or absence at the source, has led to reclassification of earthquakes near the volcanoes into two broad groups, tectonic and volcanic. The former includes all high-frequency earthquakes, and those discrete events in which dominant low frequencies are due to path effects. The latter includes multiple and emergent events which show evidence of prolonged or repetitive source mechanism. Dominant low frequencies are ascribed to occurrence in heat-weakened material, and high frequencies to instantaneous source mechanisms operating in competent rock. The term volcano-tectonic describes tectonic earthquakes within some arbitrary distance of a volcano.At Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, volcanic earthquakes accompany explosive, vent-clearing eruptions. Subsequent “open-vent” degassing and ash emission, however, although often powerful and prolonged, usually occurs without earthquakes. Such activity is, however, frequently accompanied by volcanic tremor. At Ruapehu, under “closed-vent” conditions, when lake temperature is low, low-frequency earthquakes up to magnitude M_L = 3.4 have occurred without any eruption.Five types of phreatic eruptions are identified at Ruapehu, each having a distinctive seismic pattern. The three most explosive types appear to be generated by a chain reaction process, and all involve flashing of water to steam; the first by failure of the roof, with little precursory seismicity, after a “closed-vent” period, during which lake temperature decreases; the second, after prolonged heating of the lake and much preliminary volcanic tremor, interpreted as due to rising magma; and the third, under “open-vent” conditions in the wake of one of the two preceding types. A fourth probably occurs in wet sediments near the base of the lake, as a result of upward migration of hot gas, and a fifth, aseismic, or accompanied by very weak volcanic tremor, is associated with convective overturn within Crater Lake.     

The Karoo igneous province — A problem area for inferring tectonic setting from basalt geochemistry

Tholeiitic basalts and associated intrusives are the major component of the Karoo igneous province. They are of Mesozoic age and constitute one of the world's classic continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces. It has been argued that most Karoo basalts have not undergone significant contamination with continental crust and that their lithospheric mantle source areas were enriched in incompatible minor and trace elements during the Proterozoic. The only exceptions to this are late-stage MORB-like dolerites near the present-day continental margins which are considered to be of asthenospheric origin.When data for the “southern” Karoo basalts are plotted on many of the geochemical discriminant diagrams which have been used to infer tectonic setting, essentially all of them would be classified as calc-alkali basalts (CAB's) or low-K tholeiites. Virtually none of them plot in the compositional fields designated as characteristic of “within-plate” basalts. There is little likelihood that the compositions of the Karoo basalts can be controlled by active subduction at the time of their eruption and no convincing evidence that a “subduction component” has been added to the subcontinental lithospheric mantle under the entire area in which the basalts crop out. It must be concluded that the mantle source areas for CAB's and the southern Karoo basalts have marked similarities.In contrast, the data for “northern” Karoo basalts largely plot in the “within-plate” field on geochemical discriminant diagrams. Available data suggest that the source composition and/or the restite mineralogy and degree of partial melting are different for southern and northern Karoo basalts. There is no evidence for any difference in tectonic setting between the southern and northern Karoo basalts at the time they were erupted. This appears to be clear evidence that specific mantle source characteristics and/or magmatic processes can vary within a single CFB province to an extent that renders at least some geochemical discriminant diagrams most unreliable for classifying tectonic environment with respect to continental volcanic rocks.     

Effects of sampling microhabitats with low coverage within the STAR/AQEM macroinvertebrate sampling protocol on stream assessment

In the STAR/AQEM protocol microhabitats covering less than 5% of the sampling area were neglected. Driven by an ongoing discussion on the importance of these underrepresented microhabitats we tested the influence of sampling them. We investigated 48 streams representing 14 different stream types from all over Germany. Macroinvertebrates of underrepresented microhabitats were sampled in addition to the STAR/AQEM protocol. To ensure the method remains feasible in routine monitoring programmes the total sampling and sorting effort of additional sampling was limited to 20 min. Particularly those taxa were picked, which were not recognised during the routine STAR/AQEM sorting.To identify the effect of additional sampling on stream assessment results, we calculated the stream type-specific Multimetric Index (MMI) with the “main” and the “main+additional” data for each sample. The mean and median difference in MMI values between “main” and “main+additional” samples was 0.02 and 0.01, respectively. In seven of 48 samples (14.6%) a different ecological quality class was calculated with the “main+additional” dataset. Regarding common metrics within the MMI as well as intercalibration metrics differences between “main” and “main+additional” samples were analysed. The values differed most in richness metrics (e.g., number of EPTCBO Taxa, number of Trichoptera Taxa). The results of the present study show that additional sampling of underrepresented microhabitats could alter multimetric assessment results.