Impact of the Quadrupole Moment of the Sun on the Dynamics of the Earth-Moon System

Range of values of the Sun's mass quadrupole moment of coefficient J₂ arising both from experimental and theoretical determinations enlarge across literature on two orders of magnitude, from around 10^-7 until to 10^-5. The accurate knowledge of the Moon's physical librations, for which the Lunar Laser Ranging data reach an outstanding precision level, prove to be appropriate to reduce the interval of J₂ values by giving an upper bound of J₂. A solar quadrupole moment as high as 1.1 10^-5 given either from the upper bounds of the error bars of the observations, or from the Roche's theory, is not compatible with the knowledge of the lunar librations accurately modeled and observed with the LLR experiment. The suitable values of J₂ have to be smaller than 3.0 10^-6. As a consequence, this upper bound of 3.0 10^-6 is accepted to study the impact of the Sun's quadrupole moment of mass on the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system. Such as effect (with J₂ = 5.5±1.3 × 10^-6) has been already tested in 1983 by Campbell & Moffat using analytical approximate equations, and thus for the orbits of Mercury, Venus, the Earth and Icarus. The approximate equations are no longer sufficient compared with present observational data and exact equations are required. As if to compute the effect on the lunar librations, we have used our BJV relativistic model of solar system integration including the spin-orbit coupled motion of the Moon. The model is solved by numerical integration. The BJV model stems from general relativity by using the DSX formalism for purposes of celestial mechanics when it is about to deal with a system of n extended, weakly self-gravitating, rotating and deformable bodies in mutual interactions. The resulting effects on the orbital elements of the Earth have been computed and plotted over 160 and 1600 years. The impact of the quadrupole moment of the Sun on the Earth's orbital motion is mainly characterized by variations of , , and . As a consequence, the Sun's quadrupole moment of mass could play a sensible role over long time periods of integration of solar system models. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The form of Tsunamis generated in coastal regions

The deep ocean waveform that results from a seismic event localized near a coastline is investigated using a simple model for the near-shore topography and the ground motion. It is found that the variable depth underlying the ground upthrust substantially enhances the distortion of the emerging Tsunami. An appropriate initial-value problem is solved numerically, from which an empirical formula is inferred that provides an approximate assessment of the deep ocean waveshape.     

PbSrNd isotopic data of Indian Ocean ridges: new evidence of large-scale mapping of mantle heterogeneities

A PbSrNd isotope study of South West and East Indian Ridges confirms that the Indian Ocean belongs to a specific regional isotopic domain, as previously suggested by the results from islands of this ocean. The isotopic domain defined by the Indian MORB is indeed different from that of the North Atlantic and East Pacific Oceans. This demonstrates that the convective circulation of the upper mantle does not allow a rapid homogenization from one region to the other.The isotopic data of the Indian ridges can be interpreted by a contamination model, in which the depleted upper mantle (identical to that under the North Atlantic) is contaminated by two different types of contaminant, one corresponding to the source of the “central Indian Ocean” islands (Amsterdam, St. Paul, Marion, Prince Edward, Réunion, Rodriguez, Mauritius), and the other to a source similar to that of Walvis or Ninety East aseismic ridges. These two contaminants would have contributed to the ridge volcanism in different proportions over time.     

An improved index of environmental quality for Swiss rivers based on benthic invertebrates

A total of 1424 samples of benthic invertebrates, collected in 56 rivers of western Switzerland (canton of Vaud), was used to improve the RIVAUD (Rivers of Vaud) index of environmental quality. This index, described for the first time in 1989, was based on total number of taxa and on number of taxa intolerant of pollution (Plecoptera, Heptageniidae, and Trichoptera with a case). The 1995 version of RIVAUD, called RIVAUD 95, presented a larger range of values (0–20) than the previous one (0–10), to describe more precisely the variations of environmental quality. According to RIVAUD 95, the environmental quality of Swiss rivers increased with the altitude of sampling sites because anthropogenic impacts decreased along the same gradient. This altitudinal pattern was used to define classes of environmental quality which can be adapted to the rivers of other regions.     

The importance of the petrophysical properties and external factors in the stone decay on monuments

In this paper it is proposed to quantify the importance of some physical parameters responsible for stone decay on monuments. The most common decay process is the crystallisation of salt near the surface of the rocks or inside their porous network. Therefore, the water balance in rocks submitted to these special saturation and position conditions has been studied specifically, using the general concepts of water transfer in unsaturated porous media, and using the capillary imbibition kinetics of different rocks. Different parameters have been taken into account for the calculation of the salt crystallisation position: on one hand, several external parameters such as relative humidity, air convection and the presence of solute in solution, and on the other hand, the intrinsic water transfer properties of the rocks. Their relative importance is discussed, considering the potential values that each parameter can reach in nature.     

Water quality in rivers of western Switzerland: Application of an adaptable index based on benthic invertebrates

Water quality was estimated from 205 samples of benthic invertebrates collected between 1982 and 1986 in 51 rivers of western Switzerland (canton of Vaud). Each sample consisted of the combined list of taxa resulting from one spring sample pooled with one summer sample. Water quality was indicated by total number of taxa and number of taxa intolerant of pollution: i. e. Heptageniidae, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera with a case. Six classes of values were delimited for each of these two variables by cluster analysis. Values from zero to five were attributed to each class. The index of water quality was computed by adding these two values in each sample. According to this index, good water quality was indicated by 42% of samples. This index can be adapted to other rivers because its components are easily modified.     

Zenisu Ridge: a deep intraoceanic thrust related to subduction, off southwest Japan

During the French-Japanese Kaiko project, Seabeam, seismic and submersible observations were made in the eastern part of the Nankai subduction zone, close to the area of collision between the Izu-Bonin island arc and the Japan margin. The most prominent feature is the Zenisu Ridge, an elongated relief of the Philippine Sea plate running parallel to the Trench. Magnetic anomalies indicate that the crust of the Zenisu Ridge is a part of the Shikoku oceanic basin formed in the Early Miocene, 23 Ma ago and presumably uplifted at a later stage. Structural analysis of seismic data and diving observations lead us to interpret the superficial structure as being due to compressive tectonics. Mapping the acoustic basement reveals that the southeastern flank of the ridge is bounded by a double thrust, both segments being of equal magnitude (vertical offset about 1 to 1.5 km). Geophysical data support the hypothesis of a main thrust cutting through most of the lithosphere and flattening at depth. The overall structure of the surrounding area reveals a compressive deformation zone widening toward the east, the magnitude of the compressive deformation decreasing westward as well as southward of the Zenisu Ridge.     

Typologie et mode de mise en place des roches magmatiques dans les Pyrénées hercyniennes

Résumé L'évolution géodynamique hercynienne des Pyrénées se caractérise par une importante activité magmatique à l'origine de corps plutomques de taille, de composition et de niveaux de mise en place différents. A partir de ces caractéristiques nous avons pu établir une typologie qui nous a permis de distinguer deux types principaux de massifs: 1) les massifs de composition homogène, acides (massifs de type HA) ou basiques (massifs de type HB), localisés dans les grands ensembles métamorphiques régionaux et 2) les massifs de composition hétérogène, formés par l'association de roches basiques et de roches acides dont la répartition spatiale a permis de distinguer les massifs de type CA (roches acides au coeur du massif), les massifs de type CB (roches basiques au coer du massif) et les massifs de type CR (récurrences de lentilles de roches basiques dans un massif zoné de type CA ou CB), mis en place dans le Paléozoïque supérieur généralement loin des grands ensembles métamorphiques. Tous ces massifs se sont mis en place diapiriquement au cours du métamorphisme régional et de la déformation hercynienne majeure.

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One of the main characteristics of the Hercynian geodynamic evolution of the Pyrenees is an intense magmatic activity producing large plutonic bodies. They have different sizes, various compositions and distinct emplacement levels. From these characteristics, a typology for these massifs is defined. Two main types of massifs have been recognized: 1) massifs with an homogenous composition founded in large regional metamorphic areas, and 2) massifs with an heterogenous composition of acid and basic rocks, whose spatial disposition permits the recognition of three sub-types: a) the CA type where acid rocks are at the core of the massif; b) the CB type where basic rocks are at the core of the massif, and c) the CR type where numerous basic xenoliths are scattered within either a CA or a CB type massif. These heterogenous massifs generally occur within Upper Paleozoic rocks and usually far away from regional metamorphic areas. All of these massifs were emplaced diapirically during the regional metamorphism and the main Hercynian deformation.

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Zusammenfassung Ein wichtiges charakteristisches Merkmal der geodynamischen Entwicklung der Pyrenäen während der herzynischen Phase ist eine hohe magmatische Aktivität, auf die Plutone größerer Ausdehnung zurückgeführt werden. Größe, Mineralogie und Erstarrungstiefe der Plutone variieren. Anhand dieser Charakteristika können die Intrusivkörper in zwei Hauptgruppen differenziert werden. Die erste Gruppe (1) sind Plutone homogener Zusammensetzung in regionalmetamorph überprägten Gebieten. Die zweite sind heterogen zusammengesetzte Plutone (2) saurer und basischer Magmatite, deren räumliche Anordnung eine Untergliederung in drei Untergruppen ermöglicht:a) Bei dem CA-Typ befinden sich saure Gesteine im Kern; bei b), dem CB-Typ, liegen basische Gesteine im Kern vor und bei c), einem CR genannten Typ, sind zahlreiche basische Xenolithe entweder in dem CA-oder dem CB-Typ verstreut vorhanden. Diese heterogenen Plutone findet man allein in spätpaläozoischen Gesteinen und in der Regel weit entfernt von Gebieten, die metamorph beeinflußt wurden. Sämtliche Plutone haben eine Diapir-ähnliche Form und intrudierten zeitgleich mit der Regionalmetamorphose und der Hauptphase der herzynischen Deformation.

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