Large-scale activity in major solar eruptive events of November 2004 according to SOHO data

Data obtained with the EIT UV telescope and LASCO coronagraph of the SOHO satellite are used to analyze large-scale solar disturbances associated with a series of major flares and coronal mass ejections that occurred in the late decline phase of cycle 23, on November 3–10, 2004, and gave rise to strong geomagnetic storms. Derotated fixed-base difference heliograms taken in the 195 Å coronal channel at 12-min intervals and in the various-temperature 171, 195, 284, and 304 Å channels at 6-h intervals indicate that these disturbances were global and homologous; i.e., they had similar characteristics and affected the same structures. Almost all of the nine events of this series included two recurrent systems of large-scale dimmings (regions of reduced intensity with lifetimes of 10–15 h): (a) transequatorial dimmings connecting a northern near-equatorial eruption center with a southern active region and (b) northern dimmings covering a large sector between two coronal holes. In this northern sector, coronal waves (brightenings propagated from the eruption center at speeds of several hundred km/s) were observed ahead of the expanding dimmings. The brightest, central part of the halo-type coronal mass ejection in each event corresponded to the northern dimming system. The properties of the dimmings and coronal waves and the relationship between them are discussed on the basis of the results obtained. We find that the eruption of large coronal mass ejections involves structures of the global solar magnetosphere with spatial scales far exceeding the sizes of active regions and normal activity complexes.     

Large-scale dimmings produced by solar coronal mass ejections according to SOHO/EIT data in four EUV lines

SOHO/EIT data are used to analyze dimmings, or transient coronal holes (regions of reduced soft-X-ray and EUV emission), which are observed on the solar disk after halo-type coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Simultaneous observations in the 171 Å FeIX/X, 195 Å FeXII, and 284 Å FeIX coronal lines, which are sensitive to temperatures of T _e ≈1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 MK, respectively, are considered, together with the 304 Å HeII transition-region line (T _e ≈(0.02–0.08) MK). Difference images taken at intervals of six and twelve hours and compensated for solar rotation indicate that dimmings are normally strongly pronounced and have similar large-scale structures in the moderate-excitation-temperature 171 Å and 195 Å coronal lines, while the higher-temperature 284 Å line mainly display the deepest portions of the dimmings. In addition, clear dimmings with relatively small areas are visible in the 304 Å transition-region line during many CMEs, in particular, in regions adjacent to the source of the eruption. Moreover, dimmings in the transition region without coronal counterparts are observed during some events. These results suggest that the opening of magnetic-field lines and the resulting density reduction that occur during a CME can also involve cold plasma of the transition region. In addition, the effects of temperature variations cannot be ruled out for some dimming structures.     

Analyzing the brightness distributions of the components of eclipsing variables using precise photometric data

We present the results of numerical simulations aimed at studying ways to analyze the brightness distributions of eclipsing-binary components from the high-precision photometric data that will be provided by the planned specialized orbital COROT and Kepler missions. We consider a simple model of an eclipsing binary with spherical components in circular orbits, with a linear limb-darkening law. We fit the light curves using a non-linear model with limb-darkening coefficients, as well as without placing stringent constraints on the shapes of the distributions. Our estimates demonstrate that, if the uncertainties in the measured light curves become as low as 10^?4 (a factor of ten better than the precision of ground-based photometry), the limb-darkening coefficients can be found with a relative uncertainty of 0.01. The uncertainties of the restored brightness distributions across the stellar disks are approximately the same.     

Some methods for statistical analysis of multimodal distributions and their application to grain-size data

Some of the methods used in the resolution of mixed normal distributions are discussed under three headings: analytical, graphical, and numerical methods. Attention is given to their applicability in the analysis of grain-size data as derived from sieving. Comparisons are made by applying several methods to published data. It is concluded that the numerical methods offer most scope, especially the method of nonlinear least squares. Some analyses of beach sediments, using this method, are presented. The adoption of a convention for the number of individuals in the sample increases ease of interpretation.     

Large-scale activity in solar eruptive events of October–November 2003 observed from SOHO/EIT data

Large-scale solar disturbances associated with powerful flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during two passages of a grand system of three active regions in October–November 2003 are analyzed using data obtained with the SOHO/EIT EUV telescope. Dimmings (transient coronal holes) and, to a lesser extent, coronal waves (traveling emitting fronts) are studied using fixed-difference derotated images, in which a correction for the solar rotation is applied and a single heliogram preceding the event is subtracted from all subsequent heliograms. This method allows us to study difference heliograms in both the 195 Å line (with an interval of 12 min) and the various-temperature channels of 171, 195, 284, and 304 Å (with an interval of six hours). Our analysis shows, in particular, that the disturbances associated with CMEs demonstrated a global character and occupied almost the entire southern half of the disk in virtually all eruptive events during the two solar rotations. At the same time, the northern half of the disk, which had a large coronal hole, was only slightly disturbed. The dominant dimmings were observed on the disk as narrow, long features stretched mainly between three main, well-separated regions of the system and as long structures located along lines of solar latitude in the south polar sector. For repetitive events with intervals between them being not so long, the dominant dimmings demonstrated a clear homology in their forms and locations. During the very powerful event of October 28, one homologous global set of dimmings changed to another set. Many dimmings were observed to be identical or very similar in the three coronal channels and the transition-region line. It follows from the analysis that rapidly recovering global structures in the corona and transition region were involved in the eruption of running CMEs and the corresponding reconstruction of the large-scale magnetic fields.     

Rheological properties of the upper mantle of Northern Eurasia and nature of regional boundaries according to the data of long-range seismic profiles

Deep seismic investigation carried out in Russia in long-range profiles with peaceful nuclear explosions allowed clarifying in details the structure of the upper mantle and the transition zone down to the depth of 700 km within the huge territory of old and young platforms of Northern Eurasia. Variability of horizontal heterogeneity of the upper mantle depending on the depth serves to qualitative estimation of its rheological properties. The upper part of the mantle to the depth of 80–100 km is characterized by the block structure with significant velocity steps of seismic waves at the blocks often divided by deep faults. This is the most rigid part of lithosphere. Below 100 km horizontal heterogeneity is insignificant, i.e., at these depths the substance is more plastic and not capable to retain block structure. On the lithosphere bottom at the depth of 200–250 km plasticity increase is observed as well but the zone of the lower velocities that might have been bound with the area of partial melting (asthenosphere) has not been found. These three layers with different rheological properties are divided by seismic boundaries presented by thin layering zones with alternating higher and lower velocities. At the specified depths any phase boundaries have been distinguished. These thin layering zones are assumed to form due to higher concentration of deep fluids at some levels of depths where mechanical properties and permeability of substance change. Insignificant number of fluids may result in appearance of streaks with partial or film melting at relatively low temperature—to the rise of the weakened zones where subhorizontal shifts are possible. According to seismic data in many world regions seismic boundaries are also observed at the depth of about 100 and 200 km; they may be globally spread. There are signs that areas of xenoliths formation and earthquake concentration, i.e., zones of high deformations, are confined to these depths.     

Block structures and kinematics of Western Eurasia according to GPS data

The transitional Alpine-Iranian and North African-Apulian zones, which extend between the North Eurasian, Arabian, and African lithospheric plates, are composed largely of crustal blocks bounded by seismically active faults and, as follows from the data of satellite geodesy, are characterized by the variously directed present-day motions of these blocks. The measured horizontal displacements of the largest blocks in the ITRF system are compared with motions of the main lithospheric plates suggested by the NNR-NUVEL-1A model. The established discrepancies are related to the deformation of blocks in the transitional zones between interacting plates, a circumstance that is consistent with relative block displacements. The close coincidence of the measured and the model velocities of horizontal motions at observation points in western Europe beyond the alps allows us to extend the North Eurasian Plate to the west of the Rhine Grabens. The systems of intraplate active faults are considered, and the depth of that surface, along which tectonic blocks move in the horizontal direction, is estimated.     

The structure of the Tuapse shear zone according to the field tectonophysical data

The results of field structural studies of the Tuapse shear zone in the Northwest Caucasus are presented. This zone is characterized by shear displacements of various scales with a dominant horizontal shear, viz., a geodynamic type of the stress state, which leads to the formation of faults with mostly lateral displacement of wings, i.e., along the strike of the fault surface. The quantitative characteristics of the local stress conditions in the shear zone (the positions of principal axes and the Lode–Nadai coefficient) are determined on the basis of cataclastic analysis and geological indicators of the paleostresses. The differences between these characteristics are considered for the large tectonic zones. Significant spatial (areal) variations in orientations of the axes of major normal stresses in the shear zone and their local weak gentle variations are evidence of a consistent general stress direction during the formation of faults during the Late Eocene–Miocene deformation epoch.     

Solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays in the three-dimensional heliosphere according to meteorite data

Cosmogenic radionuclides with distinctive half-lives from chondritic falls were used as natural detectors of galactic cosmic rays (GCR). A unique series of uniform data was obtained for variations in the integral gradients of GCR with a rigidity of R > 0.5 GV in 1955–2000 on heliocentric distances of 1.5–3.3 AU and heliographic latitudes between 23° S and 16° N. Correlation analysis was performed for the variations in GCR gradients and variations in solar activity (number of sunspots, SS, and intensity of the green coronal line, GCL), the intensity of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and the inclination of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Distribution and variations of GCR were analyzed in 11-year solar cycles and during a change in 22-year magnetic cycles. The detected dependencies of GCR gradients on the intensity of IMF and HCS inclination provided insight into the differences in the processes of structural transformation of IMF during changes between various phases of solar and magnetic cycles. The investigated relationships lead to the conclusion that a change of secular solar cycles occurred during solar cycle 20; moreover, there is probably still an increase in the 600-year solar cycle, which can be among the major reasons for the observed global warming.     

Holocene history of Ob River discharge according to lithological and geochemical data

Riverine water and sediment discharge to the Arctic Ocean is among the most important parameters influencing Arctic climate. It is clear that the evaluation of Arctic paleoclimate requires information on the paleodischarge of major rivers entering the sedimentation basin. Presently, the water discharge of the Ob River accounts for about 12% of the total input of river water into the Arctic Ocean. During the investigation of the Kara Sea in the framework of the Russian-German SIRRO Project, the history of Yenisei discharge received much attention in a number of publications. This paper presents the results of lithological and geochemical investigations with application to the Holocene discharge of the Ob River. Qualitative (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, K₂O, and some modules) and quantitative (sedimentation rates and absolute masses of sedimentary material) parameters were used to characterize the history of the Ob sediment discharge. It was shown that the investigated paleochannels of the Ob were initiated at the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary, and during the first half of the Holocene, the river discharge decreased irregularly with decreasing age of sediments. The observed maxima are in fairly good agreement with the data for the Yenisei. We proposed a hypothesis on the influence of glacioisostatic movements in the marginal region of the former Kara ice sheet of late Valdai age on the cessation of marine-fluvial glaciation in the paleochannels of Ob and Yenisei in the periphery of the Ob-Yenisei shoal.     

Diagnostics of the preseismogenic state of heterogeneous media according to deformation monitoring data

A new approach to diagnostics of the preseismogenic state of the lithosphere within the focal area was considered by the example of spectral analysis of the monitoring data on ice cover deformations in Lake Baikal.     

Some properties of the companions of KIC 8462852 (based on KEPLER data)

The properties of the object KIC 8462852 or its exoplanets, discovered in the KEPLERmission, remain unexplained. The hypotheses that the object is a swarm of cometary bodies, wreckage from a catastrophic collision of asteroids, or an exoplanet KIC 8462852b encounter serious difficulties, and even contradictions with Kepler’s laws, if the eclipsing object is taken to be a physical body revolving around the central star. The hypothetical orbit of KIC 8462852b does not correspond to the expectations for a Dyson sphere in terms of energetic and other requirements. The mass characteristics of the eclipsing object remain unknown. Material from Boyajian et al. (2015) and subsequent publications on this topic are used.     

The structure of the natural fossil resins of North Eurasia according to IR-spectroscopy and microscopic data

Molecular and supermolecular structures of fossilized resins from the North Eurasia have been studied in detail by IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron (HRTEM) microscopy. The analysis of the IR-spectroscopy data allowed to identify the types of the fossil resins (succinite, rumanite, retinite, etc.). In the succinites and rumanite, the supermolecular structure was observed by AFM. Sizes of the supermolecular particles are 50–120 nm. Some chain-like and cluster-like aggregates can be observed when globules contact with each other. Using SEM and HRTEM techniques, it has been shown that mineral impurities are mainly located as scattered inclusions (from one nanometers up to several tens micrometers in size) in an amorphous organic matrix of the resin.     

On the stress state of the Sakhalin crust according to the data of drilling deep boreholes

The stress state of the sedimentary rocks in the oil-and-gas fields of Sakhalin is estimated and analyzed; data from exploratory boreholes in the eastern Pacific (San-Andreas fault zone) are considered. The vertical and limiting horizontal stresses are calculated for different depths. The maximum sublateral compression can exceed the vertical stress by a factor of 1.2–4 on average in northern and southern Sakhalin. It is shown that the limiting horizontal stress and the maximum shear stress grow as the depth increases.     

Reconstruction of the strip brightness distribution in a quasar accretion disk from gravitational microlensing data

A technique is proposed for the successive reconstruction of the branches of the strip brightness distribution for a quasar accretion disk via the analysis of observations of high magnification flux events in the multiple quasar images produced by a gravitational lens. The distribution branches are searched for on compact sets of nonnegative, monotonically nonincreasing, convex downward functions. The results of numerical simulations and application of the technique to real observations show that the solution obtained is stable against random noise. Analysis of the light curve of a high magnification event in image C of the gravitational lens QSO 2237+0305 observed by the OGLE group in summer 1999 has yielded the form of the strip brightness distribution in the accretion disk of the lensed quasar. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the quasar disk was scanned by a fold caustic. The form of the strip distribution is consistent with the expected appearance of an accretion disk rotating around a supermassive black hole.     

Sources of the RCR catalog with normal and flat spectra according to data from the Planck microwave survey

Fields of the Planck cosmic-microwave background maps in the regions of radio sources of the RCR catalog have been studied. Using measurements from the Planck catalog, calibration curves have been plotted in order to determine the objects’ luminosities. The flux densities at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths of 83 objects with normal radio spectra have been estimated for the first time; their spectra have also been constructed, they have been optically identified, and information available in various databases has been collected. A statistical comparison with a sample of sources with steep radio spectra has been carried out. Faint, difficult to characterize microwave sources make an additional contribution to the secondary anisotropy on angular scales < 7′. An algorithm for selecting candidate objects with the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect has been proposed, based on the use of data on the radio spectral indices and the signal in cosmic-microwave background maps.     

Plio-Pleistocene correlations between the northwestern Mediterranean region and northwestern Europe according to recent biostratigraphic and palaeoclimatic data

During the Last Glacial, a very open vegetation existed over western Europe, the tundra-like vegetation in The Netherlands evolving into a stcppic-like vegetation towards the Mediterranean. This model was used to analyse the correlation of the Praetiglian (dated from 2.3 to 2.1 million years ago) in northern Europe with the earliest steppic phase in the Mediterranean region. On this basis, stratigraphic relationships between these two areas are postulated for the whole Pliocene and the Early Pleistocene in terms of the vcgctational changes related to the climatic fluctuations. For the first time, correlation has been shown between the palynostratigraphy of northern Europe and the Late Neogcnc marine stratigraphy of the Mediterranean region; moreover, chronological confirmation is supplied by the mammal zonation. the evolution of stratiotes, palaeomagnetic measurements, and K/Ar dates. The conventional Plio-Pleistocenc boundary occurs during the first interglacial (Tiglian) of northern Europe.     

Dynamic characteristics of waves in media having vertical seismic gradients,according to modelling data

Study and comparison of long-lived faults of the central parts of the Aldan and Ukrainian shields have shown that these faults are similar in structure, geologic position, and history of development. The faults were initiated during the epoch of emplacement of the crystalline basement, underwent identical phases of development during the stage of plastic deformation, and later were affected by repeated regeneration of tectonic movements, associated with the successive formation of diaphthorites and alkaline metasomatites and the injection of dikes. —Authors.