The effect of microwave backscatter uncertainty of satellite radar altimeter accuracy

The effect of variations in ocean surface roughness characteristics with upwind/downwind direction, reported by other investigators, is used to compute radar cross section (sigmadeg) and to assess the errors which may arise in present and planned altimeter sensors. Based on an analysis of the rough surface impulse response, the uncertainty between attitude angle andsigmadegasymmetry is found to cause height errors as large as 12 cm, depending on off-nadir angles and sea state. Additionally, the previously reported data in conjunction with computed facet backscatter are found to producesigmadegcharacteristics at large off-nadir angles which are in better agreement with experimental results than those predicted by physical optics Gaussian theory.     

The relaxation time of a one-dimensional self-gravitating system

A computer experiment on a one-dimensional self-gravitating system is described. We attempt to observe the dynamic time required for this system to thermalize by comparing the position and velocity densities with those predicted by the microcanonical ensemble. Hohl and Broaddus (1967) have previously reported an estimate of the thermalization time which is inferred from studies of the kinetic energy covariance. We ran the system for the time which they report and find that the system has not thermalized. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the system is even proceeding towards equilibrium in the time-scale considered here. Significant changes in the distribution do occur in a short time, after which the system remains in a stationary state which is not characteristic of equilibrium.     

Ecosystem contrasts in interaction with the planetary boundary layer 1)1)1)

In many climatic regions the interface between the earth and the atmosphere consists of a mosaic of ecosystems, each possessing specific properties of absorbing and storing energy and matter. Large contrasts in these properties create differences in interface temperature and moisture, which, in combination with contrasts in roughness, produce differences in sensible and latent heat fluxes injected into the atmosphere, so that the boundary layer experiences rapid alterations to its structure and transport of energy and matter. In consequence, good data on fluxes from individual ecosystems and their contrasts are essential both to understanding the functioning of the boundary layer and energy/mass accounting at source and sink ecosystems.     

CILIMUS: A NEW CHONDRITE FALL

Cilimus is a new Indonesian chondrite. Its mineralogy and chemistry categorize it as a veined, intermediate-to-white hypersthene or L-5 chondrite. Black veins and impact-produced glasses including maskelynite show evidence that Cilimus has been severely shocked.     

Breccias resembling melt bombs from the Roter Kamm Crater

Abstract Irregular, dark green to black, glassy-looking boulders are locally common in the northwest portion of the rim of the Roter Kamm impact crater in southern Namibia. Their smooth surfaces, flow-like textures, presence of folds, and their similarity to melt bombs have led to the interpretation that these are molten impact ejecta. However, the samples we have examined are all fine-grained breccias composed of angular fragments that show no evidence of melting. Meltlike surface textures of these rim breccias are largely a consequence of surface wind polishing of fine-grained rocks in a desert environment. These mono-mict breccias were produced by impact-related brecciation of Gariep sediments (carbonaceous, siliceous shales) previously modified by low-grade Damaran metamorphism. Secondary quartz within the breccias is attributed to fluid activity that postdates the impact.     

Subsurface flow responses of a small forested catchment in the Ouachita mountains

Despite considerable research performed on forested catchments in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas, little information on hydrological processes in operation is available. Based on catchment physical characteristics, subsurface flow was thought to be an important hydrological process in the region. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, rates, timing and volumes of subsurface flow, and to estimate the importance of subsurface flow as a streamflow generating process. Subsurface flow was collected from three hillslope sites on a 7.7 ha forested catchment. Hillslope sites drained through natural seepage faces located near stream channels. Subsurface flow was collected from three depths at each hillslope site, below the litter layer, below the a horizon, and within the B horizon (Bt21). Subsurface flow occurred and was measured during 11 of 31 rainfall events. Subsurface flow responded rapidly to the initiation of and to changes in intensity of rainfall at all depths. the rapid response was indicative of flow through soil macropores. B horizon subsurface flow commenced within 10 to 180 min of the initiation of rainfall. Multiple linear regression showed that the volume of subsurface flow generated during a given storm was directly related to rainfall depth and a 7-day antecedent precipitation index used to represent antecedent water content. About 67 per cent of the total subsurface flow collected during the study was produced in one large storm under wet antecedent conditions. the storm was equal to the 2-year, 24-hour storm for the region. Measured subsurface flow volumes were extended to the watershed scale to provide estimates of catchment-wide contributions to streamflow. It was estimated that subsurface flow contributed from 1 to 48 per cent of total quickflow measured at the catchment outlet. Based on the timing of subsurface flow, it was estimated that subsurface flow May, contribute up to 70 per cent of quickflow before and soon after peak flow.