Computer modelling of hydrogen defects in the clinopyroxenes diopside and jadeite

Atomistic computer simulation techniques have been employed to model mechanisms of hydrogen incorporation in the clinopyroxenes diopside and jadeite. Calculation of solution reaction energies for the pure phases indicates that hydrogen is most easily incorporated via the formation of [V_Si(OH)₄] ^x hydrogarnet type defects. When components of the two phases are mixed, then solution energies can become exothermic. The substitution of Al for Si in diopside and of Mg or Ca for Al in jadeite, provides favourable routes for hydrogen incorporation, with exothermic values of solution energy. Thus the amount of water present in these minerals in the Earth’s upper mantle will vary with composition. Simulation of IR frequencies associated with O–H stretching at specific defect clusters has also been carried out. An analysis of hydrogen–oxygen bond lengths gives good agreement, although comparison of experimental and calculated IR frequencies are problematic. This is partly due to the complexity of experimental spectra, but may also be due in part to deficiencies in the ability of the model to accurately describe the O–H stretching frequency.     

Plasma drift estimates from the Dynasonde: comparison with EISCAT measurements

Modern ionosondes make almost simultaneous measurements of the time rate of change of phase path in different directions and at different heights. By combining these Doppler measurements and angles of arrival of many such radar echoes it is possible to derive reliable estimates of plasma drift velocity for a defined scattering volume. Results from both multifrequency and kinesonde-mode soundings at 3-min resolution show that the Dynasonde-derived F-region drift velocity is in good agreement with EISCAT, despite data loss during intervals of blanketing by intense E-region ionisation. It is clear that the Tromsø Dynasonde, employing standard operating modes, gives a reliable indication of overall convection patterns during quiet to moderately active conditions.     

High Resolution Stepped-Combustion Mass Spectrometry: Application to the Detection and Analysis of Fine-Grained Diamond in Meteorites and Rocks

An analytical system and operating protocol are described for high resolution, stepped-combustion mass spectrometry, designed for the extraction, purification, quantification and isotopic analysis of light elements (e.g. C and N) in fine-grained reduced components (e.g. diamond) which have been chemically extracted from natural samples (e.g. meteorites). Specifically, a simple model has been developed for the extraction of diamond from meteorite and its analysis by high resolution stepped heating under an atmosphere of oxygen. Changes in the pressure of oxygen within the range 1.3 to 12kPa (10 to 90 torr) were not found to have any detectable effect on the combustion. Results obtained by this procedure were compared with those predicted by a model and excellent agreement was found, taking into account the limitations of this approach. Results of a preliminary attempt to find fine-grained diamond in a lamproite are outlined.     

Density intrusions with large relative thickness

Previous analyses of density intrusions indicate that only relatively thin intrusions are allowed, to satisfy a momentum balance at the current head. These constraints can be relaxed somewhat by various modifications to the basic theory, but are inconsistent with experimental observations indicating that intrusions occupying nearly the entire flow depth can be produced. An alternative theory of density current propagation does not possess these restrictions on intrusion layer thickness and provides a more satisfactory explanation of experimental observations. New experimental results are presented to corrborate this interpretation.     

A note on the computation of the offset distance XY in the generalized reciprocal method of seismic refraction interpretation1

A simple numerical procedure is described for measuring the distance XY in the generalized reciprocal method when there are significant measurement errors in the refracted arrival times. It is applicable when the XY value is of similar magnitude to or less than the receiver spacing. Such conditions frequently occur in using the reciprocal or generalized reciprocal methods to estimate static corrections from first-break times measured in multifold seismic reflection profiling. The use of the method is illustrated with data from both deep and high-resolution seismic reflection profiles.     

Artificial Recharge Of Urban Wastewater,The Key Component In The Development Of An Industrial Town On The Arid West Coast Of South Africa

Atlantis, an industrial town on the somewhat bleak and undeveloped west coast of South Africa, is entirely dependent on groundwater resources for its water supply. With a population of more than 67,000 people and about 140 factories, Atlantis requires a reliable supply of potable water of about 1.5᎒⁶m³/a. The demand is met through artificial recharge of a local, shallow, sandy aquifer that supplies the town's water. A well designed stormwater drainage system and scientifically based water-quality management strategy allow for the recharge of all urban stormwater runoff and treated domestic sewage effluent. Extensive research and sound planning have meant that no water is wasted, for even the water that is unacceptable for recharge in the main aquifer is recharged in strategic localities to counter saline intrusion. The Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme serves as a good example of what can be achieved when hydrogeologists, engineers, and urban managers integrate their skills. RÉSUMÉ: Atlantis, ville industrielle sur la côte occidentale presque désertique et sous-développée de l'Afrique du Sud dépend totalment des ressources en eau souterraine pour son alimentation en eau. Avec une population de plus de 67.000 habitants et environ 140 usines, Atlantis a besoin d'une alimentation sûre en eau potable d'environ 1,5 million de m³ par an. La demande est satisfaite grâce à la recharge artificielle d'un aquifère sableux local et superficiel qui alimente la ville en eau. Un système de collecte des eaux pluviales bien conçu et une stratégie rigoureuse de gestion de la qualité de l'eau prend en compte tous les ruissellements urbains d'eau pluviale et les effluents d'eaux usées domestiques. Une recherche d'envergure et une planification permettent de ne pas perdre d'eau, dans la mesure où celle qui n'est pas bonne pour la recharge de l'aquifère principal est utilisée pour contrer l'intrusion saline en des sites stratégiques. Le schéma d'aménagement et de gestion des eaux d'Atlantis est un bon exemple de ce qui peut être fait lorsque des hydrogéologues, des ingénieurs et des urbanistes mettent en commun leur savoir-faire. RESUMEN: Atlantis, una ciudad industrial en la algo desolada y poco desarrollada costa oeste de Sudáfrica, depende enteramente de los recursos de agua subterránea para su abastecimiento. Con una población de más de 67000 habitantes y cerca de 140 industriales, Atlantis requiere un suministro garantizado de agua potable de alrededor de 1.5᎒⁶m³ por año. Esta cifra se consigue mediante recarga artificial de un acuífero local, arenoso y poco profundo, que suministra el agua a la ciudad. Un sistema de renaje de las aguas de tormenta bien diseñado y una estrategia científica de gestión de la calidad del agua permiten la recarga de la totalidad de la escorrentía urbana durante las tormentas y del efluente de aguas residuales domésticas tratado. La investigación y planificación intensivas han permitido que no se malgaste nada de agua, ya que incluso aquella que no es aceptable para recarga en el acuífero principal, sí se recarga en localidades estratégicas, para contrarrestar la intrusión marina. El Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme (Esquema de Gestión de los Recursos de Agua de Atlantis) sirve como un buen ejemplo de lo que se puede conseguir cuando hidrogeólogos, ingenieros y urbanistas integran sus cualidades.     

Global climatic changes since the last glacial maximum: evidence from paleolimnology and paleoclimate modeling

Recognition that Earth/Sun orbital changes are the basic cause for Quaternary climatic variations provides a context for explaining global environmental changes, many of which are preserved in the stratigraphic and geomorphic record of lakes. Paleoclimatic numerical models suggest the mechanisms. In subtropical latitudes such as North Africa the enhanced summer insolation culminating about 10 000 years ago resulted in the increased monsoonal rains that explain the widespread expansion of lakes in now-desert basins. But in the American Southwest lake expansion dates to 18 000–15 000 years ago, when storm tracks were displaced to the south by the ice sheets—themselves a product of earlier orbital changes. The dynamics in the resopnse of different components of the natural system to climatic change are recorded in the stratigraphy of lake sediments, not only by their pollen content as a manifestation of the regional vegetation but also by their microfossils and chemical composition as reflections of lake development.This is the 10th in a series of papers published in this special AMQUA issue. These papers were presented at the 1994 meeting of the American Quaternary Association held 19–22 June, 1994, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Dr Linda C. K. Shane served as guest for these papers.     

High-latitude HF Doppler observations of ULF waves. 1. Waves with large spatial scale sizes

A quantitative study of observations of the ionospheric signatures of magnetospheric ultra low frequency (ULF) waves by a high-latitude (geographic: 69.6°N 19.2°E) high-frequency Doppler sounder has been undertaken. The signatures, which are clearly correlated with pulsations in ground magnetometer data, exhibit periods in the range 100–400 s and have azimuthal wave numbers in the range 3–8. They are interpreted here as local field line resonances. Phase information provided by O- and X-mode Doppler data support the view that these are associated with field line resonances having large azimuthal scale sizes. The relative phases and amplitudes of the signatures in the Doppler and ground magnetometer data are compared with a model for the generation of Doppler signatures from incident ULF waves. The outcome suggests that the dominant mechanism involved in producing the Doppler signature is the vertical component of an E × B bulk motion of the local plasma caused by the electric field perturbation of the ULF wave.