The formation of asymmetric Stokes V profiles in the presence of a magnetopause

A magnetopause that separates two regimes of different flow, additional to the separation of a magnetic field from a field-free plasma, gives rise to the formation of asymmetric Stokes profiles. Using a simple two-layer model atmosphere, where one layer comprises a magnetic field, the other being field-free, it is shown by analytical derivation that a wide variety of Stokes V profiles can be produced, having amplitude asymmetries a in the range –a. These include two-humped V profiles, which have two lobes of equal sign. For the most simple models, the asymmetry depends on the ratio of continuum intensity to the Planck radiation intensity of the magnetic layer at the wavelength of the spectral line under consideration, and on the line depth. Two-humped profiles (|a|>1) require the temperature of the magnetic layer to surpass the temperature of the line-core forming region, implying a temperature inversion, so that the V profile is partially in emission. The confrontation of this formation scenario with properties of observed one-lobe profiles of quiet-Sun network regions is inconclusive due to insufficient spatial resolution and lack of a sufficient sample of simultaneously recorded Stokes spectral lines of varying line depths. It seems, however, to be in good agreement with the observed frequent occurrence of abnormal V profiles of the very strong Nai D ₂ and D ₂ spectral line. A possible observational verification for the present formation scenario of abnormal Stokes V profiles and a novel method of Stokes inversion are discussed.     

Inversion, error analysis, and validation of GPS/MET occultation data

The global positioning system meteorology (GPS/MET) experiment was the first practical demonstration of global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based active limb sounding employing the radio occultation technique. This method measures, as principal observable and with millimetric accuracy, the excess phase path (relative to propagation in vacuum) of GNSS-transmitted radio waves caused by refraction during passage through the Earth’s neutral atmosphere and ionosphere in limb geometry. It shows great potential utility for weather and climate system studies in providing an unique combination of global coverage, high vertical resolution and accuracy, long-term stability, and all-weather capability. We first describe our GPS/MET data processing scheme from excess phases via bending angles to the neutral atmospheric parameters refractivity, density, pressure and temperature. Special emphasis is given to ionospheric correction methodology and the inversion of bending angles to refractivities, where we introduce a matrix inversion technique (instead of the usual integral inversion). The matrix technique is shown to lead to identical results as integral inversion but is more directly extendable to inversion by optimal estimation. The quality of GPS/MET-derived profiles is analyzed with an error estimation analysis employing a Monte Carlo technique. We consider statistical errors together with systematic errors due to upper-boundary initialization of the retrieval by a priori bending angles. Perfect initialization and properly smoothed statistical errors allow for better than 1 K temperature retrieval accuracy up to the stratopause. No initialization and statistical errors yield better than 1 K accuracy up to 30 km but less than 3 K accuracy above 40 km. Given imperfect initialization, biases ≫ 2 K propagate down to below 30 km height in unfavorable realistic cases. Furthermore, results of a statistical validation of GPS/MET profiles through comparison with atmospheric analyses of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are presented. The comparisons indicate the high utility of the occultation data in that very good agreement of upper troposphere/lower stratosphere temperature (better than 1.5 K rms, ≪ 0.5 K bias) is found for a region (Europe+USA) where the ECMWF analyses are known to be good, but poorer agreement for a region (Southern Pacific) where the analyses are known to be degraded.     

On the volcanology of the Gibeon Kimberlite Field, Namibia

Kimberlite volcanism in the Upper Cretaceous Gibeon Kimberlite Field, southern Namibia, consisting of at least 42 diatremes and a number of associated dykes, is closely related to carbonatitic and ultrabasic volcanic and intrusive activity which occurred at the margin of the Field. The volcanology of the diatremes and dykes as well as their structural setting is reported here. Because of the paleohydrogeological setting, and since juvenile kimberlite occurring in dykes, intrusive plugs, and spherical lapilli is devoid of vesicles, a phreatomagmatic eruption mechanism is proposed for the genesis of the kimberlite diatremes. Karoo dolerite, basalt and sediment xenoliths in the diatremes provide evidence for the former extent of Karoo strata at the time of eruption.     

Oxygen isotope studies of the geothermal system at Wairakei,New Zealand

Volcanic rocks in the Wairakei geothermal field have undergone extensive oxygen isotope exchange with the thermal waters, resulting in an O¹⁸-depletion averaging about 4%. A lower limit on the ratio of the mass of water to rock in the exchange system is 4·3, at least ten times greater than the corresponding figure for the Salton Sea geothermal system. Carbonates, present as alteration products in most samples, are found to be in equilibrium with waters at present-day temperatures in some wells, and to record higher ‘fossil’ temperatures in others. Quartz phenocrysts and xenocrysts remain unexchanged, and only new hydrothermal quartz is in isotopic equilibrium with geothermal solutions.     

Stenols and stanols in the oxic and anoxic waters of the Black Sea

Water samples collected from a slope station and two deep stations in the western basin of the Black Sea were analyzed for stenols and stanols by glass capillary gas chromatography. These results were used in conjuction with hydrographic, particulate organic carbon, and chlorophyll a data to better understand sterol sources and their transport and transformation mechanisms in anoxic basins.The total free sterol concentrations found in the surface waters were 450–500 ng/l dropping rapidly to values well below 100 ng/l at depths below the $\text{O}{}_2\text{H}{}_2\text{S}$ interface. In the upper 200 m of the water column a strong association of sterols with particulate matter is suggested. Structural elucidation by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer-computer system revealed the presence of at least sixteen different stenols and stanols in the surface waters of the Black Sea. Cholesterol, 24-methylenecholesterol and 24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol were the major sterols in the surface waters. Cholesterol and 24-ethylcholesterol both exhibited a subsurface maximum at the $\text{O}{}_2\text{H}{}_2\text{S}$ interface. In the anoxic deep waters (200–2000 m) only cholesterol and 24-ethylcholesterol were found. Two stenols were found that have not been reported in seawater: a C₂₆ stenol with a saturated C₇H₁₅ side chain (presumably 24-norcholesterol) and 24-ketocholesterol. At least six 5α-stanols could be identified in the surface samples, each of them comprising about 10–20% of the concentration of the corresponding Δ5-stenol. From these comparatively high surface values the stanol concentrations drop rapidly to values near zero at the $\text{O}{}_2\text{H}{}_2\text{S}$ interface. Except for very low concentrations of 5α-cholestanol (< 4ng/l) no other stanols could be detected in the anoxic zone.From this data it appears that no detectable stenol → stanol conversion is occurring at the $\text{O}{}_2\text{H}{}_2\text{S}$ interface or in the deep anoxic waters of the Black Sea.     

Die Anomalien der Schwere am Südwest-Rand des Bayerischen Waldes und ihre Interpretation

Zusammenfassung Zur Untersuchung der Störungssysteme, die im Raum Regensburg—Passau das Kristallin-Gebiet des Vorderen Bayerischen Waldes gegen die Sedimente des Vorlands begrenzen, wurden entlang von neun Profilen senkrecht zum Streichen der tektonischen Linien (Donau-Randbruch, Pockinger Abbruch, Keilberg-Störung) gravimetrische Messungen durchgeführt. Die Gesamtlänge der Profile beträgt 173 km, bei einer Gesamtzahl von 1985 Gravimeter-Meßpunkten, also einem mittleren Punktabstand von 87 m. Für alle Punkte wurden Freiluft- und Bouguer-Anomalie berechnet. Zur Interpretation der Schwere-Anomalien wurden Modelle von zweidimensionalen Störkörpern entworfen, deren berechnete Schwerestörung mit der gemessenen gut übereinstimmt. Dabei wurden Bohrergebnisse mit berücksichtigt und als Randwerte einbezogen.Der Zunahme des Schwere-Unterschieds zwischen Kristallin und Vorland von Nordwesten nach Südosten entspricht dabei eine Zunahme der Sedimentmächtigkeit von etwa 500 m bei Regensburg auf etwa 1600 m südlich von Passau. Die Modellrechnungen ergaben außerdem oberflächennahes Kristallin im südöstlichen Drittel des Untersuchungsgebietes, das sich noch mehrere Kilometer südlich des Anstehenden unter nur geringer Sedimentbedeckung (unter 150 m) befindet. Eindeutig konnte entschieden werden, daß die Südgrenze des Vorderen Bayerischen Waldes als tektonische Abschiebung, meist in Form eines Staffelbruchs, ausgebildet ist und keineswegs Kristallin auf die Sedimente aufgeschoben ist. Südlich von Passau konnte aus den Schwereanomalien eine höhere Dichte des Kristallins abgeleitet werden, die durch dort vorkommenden dichteren Gneis erklärt wird. Magnetische Anomalien in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit den tektonischen Störungen konnten nicht beobachtet werden. Obwohl seismische Ereignisse nicht registriert wurden, gibt es einige Hinweise, daß die Bewegungen am Donau-Randbruch noch andauern.

---

The marginal faults separating the crystalline region of the Bavarian Forest (Bohemian Massif) in the area between Regensburg and Passau (Southern Germany) from the sediments of the Molasse basin to the south were investigated with gravity measurements along nine profiles perpendicular to the strike of the faults. The total length of the profiles is 173 km with a total number of 1985 gravity points (mean distance 87 m). Free-air (Faye-) and Bouguer anomalies of all stations were calculated. Models of two-dimensional bodies using data from drillings were developed. The increase of the intensity of the gravity anomalies from NW to SE corresponds to an increase of the thickness of the sediments from about 500 m near Regensburg to about 1600 m to the south of Passau. The model calculations moreover showed that the crystalline basement in the south-eastern part of the area extends several kilometers to the south of the outcrops beneath a thin sedimentary layer of less than 150 m. It was possible to show that normal type faults dominate, usually in the form of antithetical steps. An upthrust of the Bavarian Forest onto the Molasse basin could be excluded. South of Passau the gravity anomalies support a higher density of the crystalline rocks which is explained by the denser gneiss outcroping locally there. It was impossible to observe magnetic anomalies directly associated with the faults. Although seismic events could not be registered, there are indications of tectonical movements still continuing at present.

---

Résumé Les failles marginales qui séparent dans la région de Regensburg—Passau (Allemagne du Sud) la zone cristalline de la ForÊt Bavaroise (Massif Bohémien) des sédiments du bassin molassique au Sud on été étudiées à l'aide de mesures gravimétriques suivant neuf profils perpendiculaires à la direction des failles. La longueur totale des profils est de 173 km avec 1985 points gravimétriques au total (distance moyenne 87 m). Des anomalies à l'air libre (de Faye) et de Bouguer on été calculées pour toutes les stations. Pour interpréter les anomalies de la gravité, on a développé des modèles de corps à deux dimensions dont les anomalies calculées s'accordent bien avec les anomalies mesurées. Dans ces modèles on a utilisé et intégré des résultats des forages comme valeurs marginales. L'augmentation de l'intensité des anomalies de la gravité du Nord-Ouest vers le Sud-Est correspond à une augmentation d'épaisseur des sédiments d'environ 500 m près de la ville de Regensburg, à environ 1600 m au Sud de la ville de Passau. De plus, les calculs sur modèle on fait apparaÎtre que dans la partie Sud-Est de la région étudiée, le soubassement cristallin couvert d'une mince couche sédimentaire de moins de 150 m se continue de plusieurs kilomètres au Sud des affleurements. On a pu démontrer que des failles antithétiques sont prédominantes, le plus souvent sous forme d'une faille en escalier. Un chevauchement de la ForÊt Bavaroise sur le bassin molassique peut Être exclu. Au Sud de Passau, il a été possible de déduire des anomalies de la gravité une densité plus élevée du cristallin, ce qui s'explique par la densité plus forte des gneiss de cette région. On n'a pas observé d'anomalies magnétiques en rapport direct avec des failles. Bien que des événements sismiques n'aient pas été enregistrés, il y a quelques indicies que les mouvements tectoniques perdurent le long de faille du Danube.

---

, , 9 ( , Pockingcr Keilberg). 175 1985 . 87 . . , . . 500 1600 . , — 150 . , , , , . , , , . . , . .

     

Magnetization of Jurassic red deep-sea sediments in the Atlantic (DSDP site 105)

Measurement of the remanent magnetization of samples of Jurassic oceanic red sediments recovered in the western Atlantic on Leg 11, site 105 of the Deep Sea Drilling Project yields quite different results, depending on the demagnetization processes used. Both the Jurassic section and the Berriasian-Valanginian part of the Lower Cretaceous were measured, but with less satisfactory results for the Lower Cretaceous. The natural remanent magnetization of the Jurassic section is almost entirely normal, with 44.6° inclinations (standard deviation = 13.9°) and is not changed by 1000 Oe alternating field (AF) demagnetization. Thermal demagnetization to temperatures of 630°C brings the inclination and polarity sequence in line with that expected for Oxfordian through Tithonian time at this site. The average inclination after thermal demagnetization is 22.1°, standard deviation = 12.1°, and the polarity pattern is one of frequently alternating polarity, much more similar to published reversal patterns for this time than the all normal results of AF demagnetization. The polarity pattern is not identical to the published ones as a result of insufficiently detailed sampling. Thermomagnetic and X-ray analyses were ambiguous, but suggest the presence of titanomagnetite, hematite, and possibly titanomaghemite and pyrrhotite. The primary remanence is carried by hematite.     

Synthesis and thermal stability of 2 \frac{1}{2}-octahedral sodium mica,NaMg2.5 (OH)2∫i4O10]

A new 2 \(\frac{1}{2}\) -octahedral sheet silicate, NaMg_2.5 Si₄O₁₀ (OH)₂, has been synthesized from oxide mixtures in the temperature range 500–600°C at pressures between 1 and 5 kb. The lattice parameters are a ₀ = 5.298 Å, b ₀ = 9.047 Å, c ₀ = 9.479 Å and ß=99.55°. X-ray data are given in the text. At temperatures above 605° C/1 kb and 630° C/5 kb, it decomposes to magnesiorichterite plus quartz.     

Stokes Diagnostics of Magneto-Acoustic Wave Propagation in the Magnetic Network on the Sun

The solar atmosphere is magnetically structured and highly dynamic. Owing to the dynamic nature of the regions in which the magnetic structures exist, waves can be excited in them. Numerical investigations of wave propagation in small-scale magnetic flux concentrations in the magnetic network on the Sun have shown that the nature of the excited modes depends on the value of plasma β (the ratio of gas to magnetic pressure) where the driving motion occurs. Considering that these waves should give rise to observable characteristic signatures, we have attempted a study of synthesised emergent spectra from numerical simulations of magneto-acoustic wave propagation. We find that the signatures of wave propagation in a magnetic element can be detected when the spatial resolution is sufficiently high to clearly resolve it, enabling observations in different regions within the flux concentration. The possibility to probe various lines of sight around the flux concentration bears the potential to reveal different modes of the magnetohydrodynamic waves and mode conversion. We highlight the feasibility of using the Stokes-V asymmetries as a diagnostic tool to study the wave propagation within magnetic flux concentrations. These quantities can possibly be compared with existing and new observations in order to place constraints on different wave excitation mechanisms.     

Center to limb variation of penumbral Stokes V profiles

We investigated the horizontal and the vertical component of the Evershed flow (EF). To this end, we computed average Stokes V profiles for various velocity classes in penumbrae at different heliocentric angles. Our results show that for blueshifted profiles an additional lobe with the same polarity as the spot is present in the blue side of the average Stokes V profile. The amplitude of the additional lobe grows with increasing blueshift and with increasing heliocentric angle. For small redshifts, the profiles show an additional lobe with the opposite polarity as the spot on the red side of the average Stokes V profile. Even at disk center, the original polarity of the average Stokes V profile is reversed for strong redshifts. The transition between the different types of Stokes V profiles is continuous and indicates that not only the vertical, but also the horizontal EF is a magnetized stream of plasma in a magnetic background field (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)