A dynamo theory of solar flares

It is proposed that the solar flare phenomenon can be understood as a manifestation of the electrodynamic coupling process of the photosphere-chromosphere-corona system as a whole. The system is coupled by electric currents, flowing along (both upward and downward) and across the magnetic field lines, powered by the dynamo process driven by the neutral wind in the photosphere and the lower chromosphere. A self-consistent formulation of the proposed coupling system is given. It is shown in particular that the coupling system can generate and dissipate the power of 10²⁹ erg s^#X2212;1 and the total energy of 10³² erg during a typical life time (10³ s) of solar flares. The energy consumptions include Joule heat production, acceleration of current-carrying particles along field lines, magnetic energy storage and kinetic energy of plasma convection. The particle acceleration arises from the development of field-aligned potential drops of 10–150 kV due to the loss-cone constriction effect along the upward field-aligned currents, causing optical, X-ray and radio emissions. The total number of precipitating electrons during a flare is shown to be of order 10³⁷–10³⁸.     

The solution of Kepler's equation,I

Methods of iteration are discussed in relation to Kepler's equation, and various initial guesses are considered, with possible strategies for choosing them. Several of these are compared; the method of iteration used in the comparisons has local convergence of the fourth order.WANG Laboratories, Inc.     

Eine Deutung der D-Schicht-Winter-Anomalie und des “Berliner Phänomens”

Zusammenfassung Die bisher ungeklärte Winter-Anomalie der D-Schicht sowie die explosionsartigen Erwärmungen der Hochstratosphäre im Winter können durch Staubpartikel interplanetaren Ursprungs (Meteorströme) hervorgerufen werden. Eine Anlagerung von Elektronen an die Staubteilchen in der Exosphäre bewirkt das Einfangen der kleinsten Partikel durch das erdmagnetische Feld und verhindert so ihr Verglühen in der Ionosphäre. Durch Sedimentation und turbulente Diffusion gelangt der Meteorstaub bis in die Ozonosphäre, wo er oxydiert wird und so eine plötzliche Wärmeentwicklung zur Folge hat. Die angelagerten Elektronen exosphärischen Ursprungs können bei zeitgerechter Photoablösung elektromagnetische Wellen dämpfen und so die Winter-Anomalie der D-Schicht hervorrufen.

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Summary The winter-anomaly of the ionospheric D-region for which no sufficient explanation existed up to now, as well as the explosive warming of the high stratosphere in wintertime are possibly caused by dust particles of inter-planetary origin (meteoric showers). The attachment of electrons on the dust particles in the exosphere causes the magnetic field of the earth to catch the smallest particles and so they do not evaporate in the ionosphere. By sedimentation and turbulent diffusion the meteoric dust reaches the ozonosphere where it is oxidized, which is followed by a sudden development of heat. After photo-detachment in due time the formerly attached electrons of exospheric origin are able to damp electro-magnetic waves and by this they cause the winter-anomaly of the D-region.

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Résumé L'anomalie de la couche D — inexplicable jusqu'ici — ainsi que les hausses prodigieusement rapides de la température de la haute stratosphère, deux phénomènes particuliers de l'hiver, peuvent être provoquées par des particules de poussière d'origine interplanétaire (courants de météorites). Des électrons adhérant, dans l'exosphère, aux grains de poussière permettent l'entraînement des plus petites particules par le champ magnétique terrestre et empèchent ainsi leur désintégration dans l'ionosphère. Par sédimentation et diffusion turbulente, la poussière cosmique parvient ensuite jusque dans l'ozonosphère où elle est oxydée. Il en résulte alors un dégagement subit de chaleur. Les électrons d'origine exosphérique adhérant à la poussière cosmique peuvent atténuer, s'ils s'en détachent en temps opportun sous l'effet du rayonnement solaire, les ondes électromagnétiques et provoquer ainsi l'anomalie d'hiver de la couche D.

     

Models of the Southern Oscillation in the 300–100 mb layer and the basis of seasonal forecasting

Summary The geometry of the principal Upper High (near the Indian Occean) in the 300–100 mb layer appears to account for the Southern Oscillation (S.O.), and models of its behaviour are presented. Significant features of these models include the equatorial points of upper convergence (C) and divergence (D), a pressure discontinuity (CNDS) forming «arcs» and an «enclosure» around the high, and, lastly, encircling «crescents» both outside and inside the enclosure. The geography of the seasonal sucession can thus—in a qualitative manner—be interpreted in the light of known wind and contour patterns near the tropopause. With a few general principles, the established empirical rules of long-range forecasting then follow by deduction. The models and the terminology are useful likewise in the interpretation of solar-terrestrial relations and of climatic fluctuations.     

A residual analysis method for quantitative comparison of spatial data from the Iceland-Faeroes Front

A spatial statistical method has been developed from the well-known Kriging technique in geostatistics, as a way of providing quantitative comparison between a pair of spatial data sets, and a measure for such a comparison. This residual analysis method is applied to oceanographic data in order to compare Iceland-Faeroes Front (IFF) model predictions against appropriate field observations, with an aim to assess the IFF model performance and its prediction accuracy. The method is also used to evaluate the model-generated dynamical variability within the model predictions, as well as the natural variability within the frontal observations. From the results, it has been found that the IFF model is highly robust, and gives better predictions at depth 150–350 m than elsewhere. Within such a depth (i.e. 250–350 m), there is also evidence to suggest that the main frontal region is most active above the IF Ridge. The natural variability obtained from the observations appears to be comparable to the model-generated dynamical variability after 20 days of integration, indicating a certain degree of accuracy in the model predictions. The method reported in this paper could also be extended for further use in model data assimilation. Thus, the work not only demonstrates how spatial statistics can be applied to oceanographic data, but also opens up new statistical tools for data handling in ocean modelling.     

The wadic project: A comprehensive field evaluation of directional wave instrumentation

The results of a comprehensive field trial of nearly all commercially available directional wave measurement systems at the Edda field in the North Sea during winter 1985-86 are presented. The results summarize the accuracy of the principal engineering wave parameters from each system and the dependence on sea state. Limiting factors on system performance and operational problems are also included in the assessment. Overall experience has been good with systems utilizing widely different measurement principles returning consistent results.     

The effect of copper pollution on mitochondrial degeneration

The authors describe the effect of copper pollution on the mitochondria from various areas of the Torpedo marmorata central nervous system. A high percentage of swollen mitochondria has been observed in neurons from animals experimentally exposed to high level of copper (4 ppm). The correlation with age pigment granules is discussed.