Empirical test of the spectral invariants theory using imaging spectroscopy data from a coniferous forest

The spectral invariants theory presents an alternative approach for modeling canopy scattering in remote sensing applications. The theory is particularly appealing in the case of coniferous forests, which typically display grouped structures and require computationally intensive calculation to account for the geometric arrangement of their canopies. However, the validity of the spectral invariants theory should be tested with empirical data sets from different vegetation types. In this paper, we evaluate a method to retrieve two canopy spectral invariants, the recollision probability and the escape factor, for a coniferous forest using imaging spectroscopy data from multiangular CHRIS PROBA and NADIR-view AISA Eagle sensors. Our results indicated that in coniferous canopies the spectral invariants theory performs well in the near infrared spectral range. In the visible range, on the other hand, the spectral invariants theory may not be useful. Secondly, our study suggested that retrieval of the escape factor could be used as a new method to describe the BRDF of a canopy.     

Evaluation of meteorological controls of reconstructed rockfall activity in the Czech Flysch Carpathians

Rockfall is an important process in the final sculpturing of escarpments and scree slopes that originate in bedrock landslides in the Flysch Carpathians. The spatio‐temporal characteristics of rockfall activity were studied at four localities representative of old landslides in the highest part of the Czech Flysch Carpathians (Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mountains). Historical activity, chronology, and spatial context of rockfall activity were reconstructed using dendrogeomorphic techniques and rockfall rate index (RR). A total of 1132 increment cores from 283 trees growing in the rockfall transport and accumulation zones enabled the dating of 989 rockfall events. Reconstruction of a 78‐year‐long RR chronology suggests similar rockfall histories and trends at all study sites, indicating the existence of major common factors driving rockfall dynamics in the region. Temporal analysis and correlation of the RR series obtained with monthly mean temperatures, numbers of days with temperature transitions through 0 °C and monthly precipitation totals show that meteorological characteristics have evident but variable influence on rockfall activity. The most important factor is the effect of freeze–thaw cycles throughout the year, supplemented by low temperatures, especially during autumn. The influence of precipitation totals is of lesser importance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mineralogy and petrogenesis of a Ba–Ti–Zr-rich peralkaline dyke from Šebkovice (Czech Republic): Recognition of the most lamproitic Variscan intrusion

A peralkaline, ultrapotassic dyke found at ?ebkovice (T?ebí? district, western Moravia) is a mineralogically extreme member of a dyke swarm occurring along the south-eastern border of the Moldanubian Region of the Bohemian Massif. The dyke shows a simple zoning, with a very fine-grained marginal zone grading into a medium-grained central zone. It has a primary mineral assemblage of microcline and potassic amphiboles, with accessory apatite and altered phlogopite. The microcline exhibits an unusual red luminescence colour and pronounced substitution of Fe³⁺ for Al, with measured contents of Fe₂O₃ up to 8.5 wt.% (0.31 apfu Fe³⁺). Amphiboles have very high K (up to 0.99 apfu) and Si contents; their compositions follow an alkaline fractionation trend from potassic-richterite to potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite, characterized by an increase of Na/K and a decrease of Ca, Mg, Fe²⁺ and Ti via heterovalent substitutions ^[B]Ca + ^[C](Mg,Fe²⁺) → ^[B]Na + ^[C]Fe³⁺ and Ti + Mg → 2Fe³⁺. The most evolved apatite is significantly enriched in SrO (up to 9.7 wt.%; 0.49 apfu Sr). The core of the dyke and late veinlets contain unique late- to post-magmatic Ba–Ti–Zr-bearing mineral assemblages of baotite, henrymeyerite, titanite, rutile, benitoite and bazirite. Anhedral baotite fills interstices distributed inhomogeneously in the dyke centre; it is locally replaced by a Ba-bearing titanite + henrymeyerite + rutile + quartz assemblage. Henrymeyerite (the second record in a lamproite) shows variable Fe/Ti ratios and represents a solid solution of the hepta- and hexatitanate components. Euhedral crystals of benitoite and bazirite are enclosed in the late-stage quartz–titanite–apatite veinlets in the fine-grained margin of the intrusion. In terms of a mineralogical–genetic classification, the ?ebkovice dyke can be considered as a new high-silica (~ 57 wt.% SiO₂) variety of lamproite (variety ?ebkovice), and represents a unique expression of post-collisional potassic magmatism on the south-eastern border of the Bohemian Massif. The peralkaline dykes from this area show mineralogical and geochemical features similar to those of silica-rich orogenic lamproites emplaced at destructive plate margins. In terms of the modern classification of lamproites, the ?ebkovice dyke is the first lamproite recognised in the Variscan orogenic belt.     

Transposition of structures in the Neoproterozoic Kaoko Belt (NW Namibia) and their absolute timing

Three structural profiles across the Coastal Terrane, the Boundary Igneous Complex and the Orogen Core have been studied in the Kaoko Belt of northwestern Namibia. The oldest known Si fabric is inherited from an older tectono-metamorphic event. It occurs in the Coastal Terrane only and the extent of its reworking increases from south to north. The S1 foliation reactivates or folds Si fabric in the Coastal Terrane and appears as an early planar fabric in granitoids of the Boundary Igneous Complex and migmatites of the Orogen Core domain. Superimposed subvertical S2 fabric corresponds to axial plane cleavage of upright close to isoclinal folds and the extent of its development also increases from south to north. Active migration of partial melt during S2 development in the Orogen Core dates the onset of this deformation at ~550?Ma. Distribution of F2 fold axes and L2 stretching lineations suggests pure shear?Cdominated deformation associated with development of N?CS trending S2 cleavage preserved in the central profile, followed by sinistral simple shear?Cdominated deformation on newly developed NW?CSE trending pervasive cleavage in the northern part of the area. Such spatial variation in the deformation record is attributed to the irregular shape of the Congo Craton indenter that is reflected by heterogeneous development of the S2 cleavage front in the Coastal Terrane and the Boundary Igneous Complex. Common orientation of L1 and L2 stretching lineations and solid-state reworking on both S1 and S2 planes suggest single event of sinistral transpression since 550?Ma with strain partitioning into domains of oblique thrusting (reactivated S1) and transcurrent sinistral shearing (S2 and S3). Such succession of deformation structures suggests that major subvertical shear zones in the Kaoko Belt do not correspond to early crustal discontinuities, but rather reflect late strain localization during cooling.     

Seasonal variations of Zn, Cu, As and Mo in arsenic-rich stream at the Mokrsko gold deposit, Czech Republic

Monthly sampling of slightly alkaline arsenic-rich stream in the Mokrsko gold deposit revealed seasonal variations in dissolved Zn, Cu, As and Mo. Concentrations of trace metal cations (Zn, Cu) increased as much as 330 and 178%, respectively, from minimum mean values at autumn to maximum mean values at spring. In contrast, concentrations of trace element oxyanions (As, Mo) revealed opposite seasonal pattern with increase to 189% (As) and 123% (Mo) during summer–autumn, indicating that in-stream biogeochemical process(es) played the main role in controlling the seasonal variations of these trace elements. The trace elements were mainly scavenged by low crystalline Mn oxyhydroxide and Fe oxyhydroxide (ferrihydrite). Results are consistent with sorption and coprecipitation processes controlling seasonal variations of dissolved Zn and Cu, while As and Mo dynamics appear linked to Mn redox reactions. The sorption processes and Mn redox processes are attributed to the changes of pH and oxic/anoxic conditions on the surface of oxyhydroxides, respectively, which are themselves controlled by the balance between photosynthesis and respiration. Under the geochemical conditions of the stream, inferred Mn redox reactions can only be explained by microbial activity.     

Structure and stationarity of quasi-perpendicular shocks: Numerical simulations

This paper presents an overview of numerical simulation studies of fast collisionless shocks and compares these simulation results with observations of the Earth's bow shock and theoretical works. Especially, we review the structure and stationarity of the supercritical quasi-perpendicular shocks. In situ observations indicate that these shocks are generally quasi-stationary whereas full particle simulations as well as hybrid simulations often present a strong nonstationary behavior, a shock self-reformation. The simulation results, along with theoretical and observational works, suggest that the classical models of the quasi-stationary structure generated by reflected protons or by dispersive whistlers are not generally applicable for the supercritical quasi-perpendicular shocks and other phenomena are to be included into the model to ensure the observed quasi-stationarity: The role of a small scale turbulence and shock ripples is investigated. The downstream turbulence and the electron dynamics in the quasi-perpendicular shocks are also discussed.     

Disentangling of the Spectra of Binary Stars – Principles, Results and Future Development

The method of spectra disentangling is reviewed in context with related techniques. New generalizations (disentangling with constraints) and applications (for spectroastrometry) are also described.     

Constraining genesis and geotectonic setting of metavolcanic complexes: a multidisciplinary study of the Devonian Vrbno Group (Hrubý Jeseník Mts., Czech Republic)

The low-grade metavolcanic/volcanosedimentary complex of the Devonian Vrbno Group (Silesicum, NE Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic) occurs in two ~NE–SW trending belts, separated by tectonic slices of Cadomian metagranitic paraautochton. (1) The basic–intermediate lavas of the calc-alkaline Western Volcanic Belt came from a moderately depleted mantle $ \left( {\varepsilon_{\text{Nd}}^{370} \sim + 3} \right) $ . Rare rhyolites (374.0 ± 1.7 Ma: 2σ, LA–ICP–MS U–Pb Zrn) were derived most likely from immature crust or by extensive fractionation of primary basaltic melts. The rock association is interpreted as a vestige of a deeply dissected continental arc. (2) The Eastern Volcanic Belt consists mainly of (nearly) contemporaneous (371.0 ± 1.4 Ma) felsic alkaline lavas with high HFSE contents, as well as high Ga/Al and Fe/Mg ratios, typical of within-plate igneous setting. The petrology and Nd–Sr isotopic data point to a high-T anatexis of a young metagranitic crust, resembling the Cadomian (Brunovistulian) basement, in a back-arc setting. The attenuated Brunovistulian lithosphere could have partially melted by the heat provided by the upwelling asthenosphere and/or underplating basic magma. (3) Finally, the region was penetrated by numerous subalkaline, MORB/EMORB-like dolerite sheets—a hallmark of the considerable crustal thinning.     

A combined statistical approach for evaluation of the effects of land use,agricultural and urban activities on stream water chemistry in small tile-drained catchments of south Bohemia,Czech Republic

This work evaluates the changes of nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄-N), total phosphorus (P) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations in stream waters as related to the land use/land cover (LULC) alterations within eight small (5–39 km²) tile-drained catchments in the southern part of The Czech Republic in the period 1993–2010, when massive grassing of arable land took place. The robust tools of seasonal Mann–Kendall trend test and LOcally WEighted Scatterplot Smoothing methods were employed to reveal trends of the monitored parameters with adjustment to hydrology. Using principal component analysis and multiple regressions, statistically significant factors with highest impacts on the assessed water quality parameters were identified. Besides indicators of LULC changes in the catchments and their various zones, information of built tile drainage systems were used along with factors reflecting point pollution sources such as the population number, sewerage type and proximity to a watercourse, effectiveness of wastewater treatment, and number of livestock units. The change in LULC was essential only for NO₃-N concentrations, when grassing of arable land, presence of water ponds, areas of permanent cultures and also areas of drained land explained up to 90.6 % NO₃-N variability and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations showed a significantly decreasing trend in all monitored catchments during the evaluated period. LULC changes within infiltration vulnerable zones were discovered as less important for the assessed water quality parameters compared to LULC changes in the whole catchment area. However, for NH₄-N, P and COD, the results did not enable a definite quantification of the effects of LULC changes. The influence of non-point pollution sources on these parameters was revealed as uncertain and was heavily overshadowed by point sources, in particular by wastewater management, and livestock numbers, although the proportion of arable land in tile drainage subcatchments was discovered fundamental in case of the COD. The increasing numbers of livestock, population, and changes in sewage treatment led in some catchments to significant worsening of water quality. Achieved findings may be critical for supporting water quality policy and management decisions.     

Radar and optical observations and physical modeling of triple near-Earth Asteroid (136617) 1994 CC

We report radar, photometric, and spectroscopic observations of near-Earth Asteroid (136617) 1994 CC. The radar measurements were obtained at Goldstone (8560 MHz, 3.5 cm) and Arecibo (2380 MHz, 12.6 cm) on 9 days following the asteroid’s approach within 0.0168 AU on June 10, 2009. 1994 CC was also observed with the Panchromatic Robotic Optical Monitoring and Polarimetry Telescopes (PROMPT) on May 21 and June 1-3. Visible-wavelength spectroscopy was obtained with the 5-m Hale telescope at Palomar on August 25. Delay-Doppler radar images reveal that 1994 CC is a triple system; along with (153591) 2001 SN263, this is only the second confirmed triple in the near-Earth population. Photometry obtained with PROMPT yields a rotation period for the primary P = 2.38860 ± 0.00009 h and a lightcurve amplitude of ∼0.1 mag suggesting a shape with low elongation. Hale telescope spectroscopy indicates that 1994 CC is an Sq-class object. Delay-Doppler radar images and shape modeling reveal that the primary has an effective diameter of 0.62 ± 0.06 km, low pole-on elongation, few obvious surface features, and a prominent equatorial ridge and sloped hemispheres that closely resemble those seen on the primary of binary near-Earth Asteroid (66391) 1999 KW4. Detailed orbit fitting reported separately by Fang et al. (Fang, J., Margot, J.-L., Brozovic, M., Nolan, M.C., Benner, L.A.M., Taylor, P.A. [2011]. Astron. J. 141, 154-168) gives a mass of the primary of 2.6 × 10¹¹ kg that, coupled with the effective diameter, yields a bulk density of 2.1 ± 0.6 g cm⁻³. The images constrain the diameters of the inner and outer satellites to be 113 ± 30 m and 80 ± 30 m, respectively. The inner satellite has a semimajor axis of ∼1.7 km (∼5.5 primary radii), an orbital period of ∼30 h, and its Doppler dispersion suggests relatively slow rotation, 26 ± 12 h, consistent with spin-orbit lock. The outer satellite has an orbital period of ∼9 days and a rotation period of 14 ± 7 h, establishing that the rotation is not spin-orbit locked. Among all binary and triple systems observed by radar, at least 25% (7/28) have a satellite that rotates more rapidly than its orbital period. This suggests that asynchronous configurations with P_rotation < P_orbital are relatively common among multiple systems in the near-Earth population. 1994 CC’s outer satellite has an observed maximum separation from the primary of ∼5.7 km (∼18.4 primary radii) that is the largest separation relative to primary radius seen to date among all 36 known binary and triple NEA systems. 1994 CC, (153591) 2001 SN263, and 1998 ST27 are the only triple and binary systems known with satellite separations >10 primary radii, suggesting either a detection bias, or that such widely-separated satellites are relatively uncommon in NEA multiple systems.