Spatial and temporal variation in daily temperature indices in summer and winter seasons over India (1969–2012)

Spatial and temporal variations in summer and winter extreme temperature indices are studied by using daily maximum and minimum temperatures data from 227 surface meteorological stations well distributed over India for the period 1969–2012. For this purpose, time series for six extreme temperature indices namely, hot days (HD), very hot days (VHD), extremely hot days (EHD), cold nights (CN), very cold nights (VCN), and extremely cold nights (ECN) are calculated for all the stations. In addition, time series for mean extreme temperature indices of summer and winter seasons are also analyzed. Study reveals high variability in spatial distribution of threshold temperatures of extreme temperature indices over the country. In general, increasing trends are observed in summer hot days indices and decreasing trends in winter cold night indices over most parts of the country. The results obtained in this study indicate warming in summer maximum and winter minimum temperatures over India. Averaged over India, trends in summer hot days indices HD, VHD, and EHD are significantly increasing (+1.0, +0.64, and +0.32 days/decade, respectively) and winter cold night indices CN, VCN, and ECN are significantly decreasing (−0.93, −0.47, and −0.15 days/decade, respectively). Also, it is observed that the impact of extreme temperature is higher along the west coast for summer and east coast for winter.

     

The response of cloudiness in the Atlantic-European section to the interannual variability of the North Atlantic Oscillations

The paper discusses the conditions corresponding to the largest and smallest North Atlantic Oscillations (NAOs). It is shown that in winter, when NAOs are at a minimum, the number of cyclones over the Black Sea increases. At the same time, cloudiness in the Atlantic-European section becomes heavier, compared with the largest NAO. Heavy cloudiness over the Balkan and Karpaty mountains, with NAO at a minimum, may imply the greater likelihood of Balkan cyclones’ penetration into the Black Sea region. The mechanism responsible for the generation of maximum (minimum) cloudiness in the Atlantic-European section is discussed. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Geochemical Features of Chondrules from Orlovka Meteorite (H5): Evidence of Melting Precursors

Doklady Earth Sciences - The results of studies of the trace-element contents in olivine and plagioclase of chondrules from equilibrated ordinary chondrite Orlovka (H5) are reported. Olivine is...     

On the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols — Part III: Trends of the total annual precipitation with respect to the chemical content of rainwater over the United States

Summary Following a recent hypothesis on the role of activated sodium chloride particles as potential nuclei of atmospheric precipitation, further analysis is made of average annual data due toC. Junge on the chemical composition of rainwater salts, and correlation of some parameters with the total amount of rainfall is attempted. It is found that the results obtained are in agreement with the proposed role of activated sodium chloride as a nucleus of a substantial part of the atmospheric precipitation.     

Carbon and hydrogen isotopic variations of natural gases in the southeast Columbus basin offshore southeastern Trinidad,West Indies – clues to origin and maturity

Natural gas can have two distinct origins, biogenic and thermogenic sources. This paper investigates the types and maturities of natural gas present in the SE Columbus basin, offshore Trinidad. The chemical composition and the isotope ratios of C and H were determined for approximately 100 samples of natural gas from eight areas within the SE Columbus basin. These compositions and isotopic data are interpreted to identify the origins of gas (biogenic, thermogenic) and maturity. The data showed that the gases in the SE Columbus basin are of both biogenic and thermogenic origin with a trend of mainly thermogenic to mixed to biogenic when moving from SW to NE across the basin. This trend suggests differential burial of the source rock. The presence of mixed gas indicates there was migration of gas in the basin resulting in deeper thermogenic gas mixing with shallow biogenic gas.     

Prediction of Flyrock Distance in Open Pit Blasting Using Surface Response Analysis

Flyrock is a rock thrown to greater distance than desired and is a dangerous and unwanted phenomenon in surface mines, particularly, when blasting is proceeding close to human occupation and dwellings. The prediction of flyrock distance is critical in defining the statutory danger zone of blasting and has evaded blasters for quite some time. Control of flyrock with its distance prediction involves identification of key variables and understanding their influence. Theoretical models though provide a good understanding of the phenomenon, the confidence that can be assigned to such models is still very less. This study presents novel method to identify, merge and consolidate independent variables into a simplified equation for flyrock distance prediction without compromising on the actual field applications. Field investigations were carried out in several mines and relevant data were generated relating to flyrock. The key parameters, namely, explosive, blast design and rock mass nature were characterized and analysed. An empirical model involving the key contributors for flyrock generation and distance prediction were assimilated and a new equation was developed based on actual data collected by employing surface response analysis. The developed model was found to be statistically significant and validated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to ascertain the role of independent factors on flyrock distance.