The spectacular Supernova SN1987A: Grain evaporation and condensation

Non-similarity solutions of the equations governing the motion of a perfect gas behind a cylindrical shock wave of variable strength have been obtained. These solutions are applicable to both the weak and the strong shocks. The nature of flow and field variables are illustrated through graphs. The total energy of the wave is taken to be constant.     

Nature versus nurture: the curved spine of the galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity–temperature relation

The physical processes that define the spine of the galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity–temperature ( L – T ) relation are investigated using a large hydrodynamical simulation of the universe. This simulation models the same volume and phases as the millennium simulation and has a linear extent of  500  h ⁻¹ Mpc  . We demonstrate that mergers typically boost a cluster along but also slightly below the L – T relation. Due to this boost, we expect that all of the very brightest clusters will be near the peak of a merger. Objects from near the top of the L – T relation tend to have assembled much of their mass earlier than an average halo of similar final mass. Conversely, objects from the bottom of the relation are often experiencing an ongoing or recent merger.     

A contribution to the theory of variation diagrams

Harker diagrams and other ternary weight per-cent diagrams distort genetic trends by changing their slopes. They can not be readily used to discriminate between rival hypotheses. Two theorems have been proven which show the desirability of using certain types of ratios, instead of per-cent values, for comparisons. It is suggested that, when it is desired to discriminate between rival hypotheses, or to determine the exact variation between components, weight per-cent comparisons be discontinued (wherever possible) in favour of molar ratio comparisons in which one of the components (the divisor) is a constant. Variation diagrams of this type offer reliable discrimination between rival hypotheses, and yield the true relationship between variables in every case. An example involving crystal fractionation of olivine and pyroxene from a basic sill is developed in detail, and other potential uses are mentioned. This technique is completely general and is not restricted to chemical components, or to any scale of system, or to any field of study, providing certain essential conditions are fulfilled.     

NDCI法Ⅱ类水体叶绿素a浓度高光谱遥感数据估算

以太湖、巢湖为研究区,以Hyperion和HJ-1A卫星HSI高光谱数据以及实测水质浓度数据为实验数据,引入归一化叶绿素指数(NDCI),对Ⅱ类水体的高光谱叶绿素a浓度估算进行分析研究.首先对高光谱数据的光谱通道设置以及水体光谱特征进行分析,研究确定模型的最优波段.然后,将确定最优波段后的NDCI反射率因子作为变量与实测样本点数据进行回归分析,得到NDCI与叶绿素a浓度之间的回归关系,进行叶绿素a浓度的估算.与常用的比值法、一阶微分法和三波段法相比,NDCI的性能优于这3种方法,表明NDCI是一种计算简单、估算精度高、实用性强的Ⅱ类水体叶绿素a浓度估算方法.     

The TiO2–K2O–P2O5 diagram: A method of discriminating between oceanic and non-oceanic basalts

The TiO₂–K₂O–P₂O₅ ternary diagram is proposed as a method of discriminating between oceanic and non-oceanic (continental) basalts. This diagram is effective for non-alkaline “primitive” basalts: fractionated rocks cannot be adequately discriminated. Suitable analyses are those which have total alkalies ≤ 20% in an (Fe₂O₃ + FeO)–MgO–(Na₂O + K₂O) diagram. The proposed dividing line separates 93% of 222 ocean-floor and ocean-ridge basalts into the oceanic field and > 80% of continental basalt analyses into the non-oceanic field. Two exceptions are the Tertiary basalts of Greenland and the Deccan Traps which have oceanic affinities. “Continental” suites displaying an oceanic affinity in the TiO₂–K₂O–P₂O₅ diagram may be a result of abortive attempts to generate new sea floor. Preliminary results for dike swarms and Archean basalts suggest preponderant oceanic affinities. Alteration and metamorphism of oceanic basalts generally occasion enrichment of K₂O relative to TiO₂ and P₂O₅.     

3rd International Biodegradation Symposium

Dumping grounds in New York Bight receive very large quantities of sewage sludge. Lobsters and rock crabs collected in or near the dumping grounds sometimes show various pathological conditions of the shell and gills. In this study the histopathology of ‘shell disease’, the causative agents and its effects on respiration are discussed in connexion with a possible association with the disposal of solid wastes into the ocean.     

Origin of magnetization in lunar breccias: An example of thermal overprinting

Twenty six samples from seven hand specimens, collected from the station 6 boulder at the Apollo 17 landing site, were studied magnetically. The boulder is a breccia consisting of three lithologic units distinguished by their clast population. The direction of magnetization of samples from unit B which is almost devoid of large clasts cluster fairly well after alternating field demagnetization. Samples from unit C which is characterized by abundant large clasts up to 1 m in size do not contain a uniform direction of magnetization but the distribution is not random. Based on these data we propose that the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) in these breccias is the vector sum of two magnetizations, a pre-impact magnetization and a partial thermoremanence acquired during breccia formation. The relative contribution of the two components is controlled by the thermal history of the ejecta, which in turn is determined by its clast population. Depending on the clast population, the NRM can be a total thermoremanence, a partial thermoremanence plus a pre-impact magnetization, or a pre-impact magnetization. This model of thermal overprinting might be applicable to all lunar breccias of medium and higher metamorphic grade.