Observations of the Geminids and Quadrantids using a stratosphere–troposphere radar

Radar observations of the 1996 Geminid and 1997 Quadrantid showers are reported using the CLOVAR stratosphere–troposphere (ST) radar. A method for determining the limiting sensitivity of a radar system using observed number–amplitude data from a single shower is presented, and the result compared with more conventional measurements. This technique is capable of providing very precise measurement of the mass index for a shower in cases where large numbers of echoes are available. The mass index profiles for both showers are presented and found to be U-shaped with a minimum near the time of peak flux. Peak flux values are found to be 0.19±0.02 meteoroid km⁻² h⁻¹ at 261_.^¡82±0_.^¡2 for the Geminids and 0.14±0.01 meteoroid km⁻² h⁻¹ at 283_.^¡08±0_.^¡08 for the Quadrantids to a limiting radio magnitude of 7.7. The locations of maximum are found to coincide with the visually determined position. No significant difference in the location of maximum is detected for either stream over a range of 2 radio magnitudes or in comparison with the visual results. The Geminid radar flux curve is found to be very broad near maximum with a plateau in activity lasting nearly 2 d, while the visual curve shows a FWHM of 24±4 h and modest asymmetry with a slow build-up to maximum. The Quadrantids are found to have a sharp maximum following a Gaussian profile to first order with a full width to the 1/e flux positions of 12 h.     

Large-scale thermodynamics of the stratosphere and mesosphere during the major stratospheric warming in 2003/2004

The stratosphere–mesosphere response to the major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) in the winter of 2003/2004 has been studied. The UKMO (UK Meteorological Office) data set was used to examine the features of the large-scale thermodynamic anomalies present in the stratosphere of the Northern Hemisphere. The vertical and latitudinal structure of the genuine anomalies, emphasized by removing the UKMO climatology, has been investigated as well. The features of the stratospheric anomalies have been related to the mesospheric ones in measured neutral winds from radars and temperatures from meteor radars (90 km). It was found that the stratospheric warming spread to the lower mesosphere, while cooling occurred in the upper mesosphere, a feature that may be related to the large vertical scales of the stationary planetary waves (SPWs). It was shown also that the beginning of the eastward wind deceleration in the stratosphere–mesosphere system coincided with the maximum amplification of the SPW1 accompanied by short-lived bursts of waves 2 and 3.     

Simultaneous observations of the 2-day wave at London (43°N, 81°W) and Saskatoon (52°N, 107°W) near 91 km altitude during the two years of 1993 and 1994

Simultaneous observations are valuable in providing further insights into the character of the quasi 2-day wave. In this study we investigate the period and amplitude for the quasi 2-day wave near 91 km using MF radars at London and Saskatoon, Canada, and in addition look at possible values of the zonal wave number. The results of the present study bring out certain new aspects of the quasi 2-day wave at mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. In particular we show that the period of the quasi 2-day wave determined from our study (specially at large amplitudes) is smaller (46-47 h) than the 51-52 h period often suggested by other Northern Hemisphere results, and that the periods also showed variability as a function of time. We also draw attention to the annual variability, and especially highlight the occurrence of the wave in non-summer months. Our observations show significant wave correlation between the London and Saskatoon sites during time intervals of strong 2-day wave activity. These results suggest that the 2-day waves of 1993/4 are westward propagating waves of zonal wave number 3, although sometimes the zonal wave number 5 is also indicated (specially at large amplitudes). Our study also contributes additional mid-latitude geographical data which should aid in developing a better picture of the quasi 2-day wave.     

Interpretation,reliability and accuracies of parameters deduced by the spaced antenna method in middle atmosphere applications

The spaced antenna method has proved to be an important and relatively inexpensive radar technique for making measurements of atmospheric wind velocities and other parameters. This discussion examines the reliability and accuracies of various parameters which can be measured with the technique.After a brief introduction, a series of comparisons of winds measured by the spaced antenna method and simultaneously by other techniques are presented. It is concluded that when using weak partial reflections in the height range 0–100km, the spaced antenna technique provides reliable estimates of the neutral air motion. Following this the assumptions made in applying the method are considered in more detail. The possibility of systematic errors and the likelihood of erroneous measurements are examined, and the accuracy of any particular measurement of wind speed is discussed. Previous objections to the technique are discussed, and in general shown to be invalid.Other parameters apart from wind speeds can be measured with the spaced antenna technique, such as pattern scale, the rate of natural fading, and angles of arrival. The meanings of these parameters are discussed in terms of physical quantities such as turbulent energy dissipation rates, small-scale gravity wave velocity fluctuations, and aspect sensitivities of scatterers, and it is indicated when and how these derived parameters can be applied to deduce meaningful physical quantities. The need for great caution in making these interpretations is discussed; for example it is not always possible to use the rate of natural fading to estimate the intensity of turbulence, although in some cases this is possible. Finally, interferometric applications of spaced antenna systems are discussed.     

Keene Basalt,northwest Officer Basin,Western Australia: tectonostratigraphic setting and implications for possible submarine mineralisation

GSWA Lancer 1, drilled in the northwest Officer Basin, intersected 49 m of tholeiitic basalt lava flows between depths of 527 and 576 m. These lavas have been named the Keene Basalt and were erupted during deposition of the shallow-marine Kanpa Formation, a mixed carbonate – siliciclastic succession in the Neoproterozoic Buldya Group. No direct dating of the Keene Basalt has been undertaken. Maximum depositional age constraints for the enclosing Kanpa Formation are provided by youngest concordant detrital zircon ages of 779±6 Ma for sandstone 19 m below the basalt, and 725±11 Ma for sandstone at the top of the Kanpa Formation in another drillhole. Correlation of the Kanpa Formation with the Burra Group of the Adelaide Rift Complex on palaeontological and chemostratigraphic grounds suggests an age older than 700 Ma. Limited geochemical data indicate that the Keene Basalt is of continental origin and shows a close similarity to mafic dykes near Mingary in South Australia. Petrographic and XRD analyses show that the Keene Basalt has been hydrothermally altered by interaction with seawater, and locally contains disseminated sulfides. Massive and disseminated sulfide mineralisation, similar to that of submarine systems, may exist in this tectonostratigraphic setting in the northwest Officer Basin.     

Coal inclusions of the Athabasca tar sands: characterization and direct determination of vanadyl porphyrin content by electron spin resonance

Electron spin resonance provides a sensitive and specific technique for the detection and approximate quantification of low concentrations of vanadyl porphyrins in Athabasca tar sands without recourse to extraction. The technique was successfully extended to coal inclusions of the tar sands and to extracts of these, which also clearly demonstrated the presence of lower concentrations of vanadyl porphyrins. These results were confirmed quantitatively and the fraction of complexed vanadyl was related to total vanadium present in all three sample types using neutron activation analysis. The fossiliferous inclusions are morphologically very similar to present day western hemlock, using scanning electron microscopy.     

Methylmercury Bioaccumulation in an Urban Estuary: Delaware River,USA

Spatial variation in mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in urban coastal watersheds reflects complex interactions between Hg sources, land use, and environmental gradients. We examined MeHg concentrations in fauna from the Delaware River estuary, and related these measurements to environmental parameters and human impacts on the waterway. The sampling sites followed a north to south gradient of increasing salinity, decreasing urban influence, and increasing marsh cover. Although mean total Hg in surface sediments (top 4 cm) peaked in the urban estuarine turbidity maximum and generally decreased downstream, surface sediment MeHg concentrations showed no spatial patterns consistent with the examined environmental gradients, indicating urban influence on Hg loading to the sediment but not subsequent methylation. Surface water particulate MeHg concentration showed a positive correlation with marsh cover whereas dissolved MeHg concentrations were slightly elevated in the estuarine turbidity maximum region. Spatial patterns of MeHg bioaccumulation in resident fauna varied across taxa. Small fish showed increased MeHg concentrations in the more urban/industrial sites upstream, with concentrations generally decreasing farther downstream. Invertebrates either showed no clear spatial patterns in MeHg concentrations (blue crabs, fiddler crabs) or increasing concentrations further downstream (grass shrimp). Best-supported linear mixed models relating tissue concentration to environmental variables reflected these complex patterns, with species specific model results dominated by random site effects with a combination of particulate MeHg and landscape variables influencing bioaccumulation in some species. The data strengthen accumulating evidence that bioaccumulation in estuaries can be decoupled from sediment MeHg concentration, and that drivers of MeHg production and fate may vary within a small region.