Radio spectra of objects in the RATAN-600 RZF catalog and a population analysis of faint radio sources

Results of centimeter-wavelength RATAN-600 observations of several hundred NVSS objects with a wide range of flux densities are presented. Changes in spectral-index distributions from strong-to faint-object populations are estimated. In the transition from strong to faint radio sources, the number of steep-and ultrasteep-spectrum objects decreases and the minimum between steep-and flat-spectrum objects, which was first discovered in the 1970s, becomes less distinct. A less certain increase in the fraction of inverted-spectrum objects is also found. Comparison with theoretical models of radio-source evolution suggests that the decrease in the number of steep-and ultrasteep-spectrum objects can be naturally explained by a sharp decrease in the fraction of classical FRII radio galaxies. The decrease in the sharpness of the minimum may be due to the growing contribution from the population with spectral indices 0.7–0.5, which is usually identified with starbust galaxies. The small increase in the fraction of inverted-spectrum radio sources can be attributed to the growing number of objects with active nuclei. Our spectrum-based conclusions are confirmed by the morphology of the FIRST Catalog images. The number of radio sources associated with supermassive black holes in the Early Universe is estimated using data from the SDSS Catalog.     

Ongoing tectonic reactivation of the Outer Carpathians and its impact on the foreland: Results of borehole breakout measurements in Poland

The direction of present-day maximum horizontal compression (= S_Hmax = tectonic stress) was interpreted for 62 wells in Poland, using the method of borehole breakout analysis of 4-arm and 6-arm dipmeter logs. The study area covers complex tectonic junction of the Carpathian orogen and its foreland, which comprises the East European Craton (EEC) divided by the Teisseyre–Tornquist zone (TTZ) from the Palaeozoic platform of western Poland. For this area, frequent deviation of the S_Hmax direction from NW–SE characteristic for the Atlantic ridge push has been interpreted in terms of the ALCAPA tectonic push. In the Upper Silesian segment of the Polish Outer Carpathians (POC), NNE–SSW-oriented S_Hmax in the accretionary wedge differs significantly from NNW–SSE S_Hmax in the autochthonous basement. The above discrepancy points to uncoupled type of the suture in this segment of the POC. In this scenario the ALCAPA push involves the nappes and is compensated in the top of the basement, which is expressed by systematic S_Hmax rotations. In the accretionary wedge of the eastern Małopolska segment, S_Hmax follows the trend perpendicular to the strike of nappes. It is in general agreement with NNE–SSW-oriented S_Hmax in the autochthonous basement that also parallels the ALCAPA push direction. Similarity in stress orientation between these structural levels implies coupled suture zone in this segment of the POC. Further to the north, ALCAPA push is transmitted into the foreland plate where it causes N–S orientation of S_Hmax, as determined for sedimentary cover of the EEC. Within the Baltic portion of the EEC, further S_Hmax rotation towards the intermediate NNW–SSE position suggests balance between the ALCAPA push and the ridge push components. Within the TTZ, common S_Hmax rotations from N–S to NW–SE indicate structurally controlled accommodation of the ALCAPA push. In the Palaeozoic platform of western Poland, Mesozoic complex of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline reveals NNE–SSW-directed S_Hmax that differs from NW–SE-oriented S_Hmax in the Variscan accretionary wedge. Here, mechanical decoupling along Zechstein evaporates is likely.

Presented set of breakout data from Poland shows that recent compressive reactivation of the Carpathians exerts strong impact on the stress field of the foreland plate at a distance of 700 km from the suture. Due to this effect, the Fore-Carpathian stress domain within the North European stress province can be discriminated.     

The Devonian - Permian APWP for the West Sudetes,Poland

Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica - The paper presents the Apparent Polar Wander Path (APWP) for the West Sudetes for the period from Devonian to Carboniferous. The data used for construction of the...     

Three-dimensional seismic modelling of crustal structure in the TESZ region based on POLONAISE''97 data

This paper reports the results of 3-D tomographic modelling of crustal structure in the Trans European Suture Zone region (TESZ) of Poland, eastern Germany and Lithuania. The data are the product of a large-scale seismic experiment POLONAISE'97, which was carried out in 1997. This experiment was designed to provide some 3-D coverage. The TESZ forms the boundary between the Precambrian crustal terranes of the East European Craton (EEC) and the younger Phanerozoic terranes to the southwest. The 3-D results generally confirm the earth models derived by earlier 2-D analyses, but also add some important details as well as a 3-D perspective on the structure. The velocity model obtained shows substantial horizontal variations of crustal structure across the study area. Seismic modelling shows low (<6.1 km/s) velocities suggesting the presence of sedimentary rocks down to a depth of about 20 km in the Polish basin. The shape of the basin in the vicinity of the profile P4 shows significant asymmetry. Three-dimensional modelling also allowed tracing of horizontal irregularities of the basin shape as well as variations of the Moho depth not only along profiles, but also between them. The slice between P2 and P4 profiles shows about 10-km variations of the Moho over a 100-km interval. The crustal thickness varies from about 30 km in SW, beneath the Palaeozoic platform, to about 42 km beneath East European Craton in NE. High seismic velocities of about 6.6 km/s were found in the depth range 2–10 km, which coincides with K trzyn anorthosite massif. The results of this 3-D seismic modelling of the POLONAISE'97 data will ultimately be supplemented by inversion of seismic data from previous experiments.     

The Water-Ammonia Phase Diagram up to 300 MPa: Application to Icy Satellites

We performed high-pressure experiments on the crystallization of water ice I and III in the ammonia-water (NH₃)_x(H₂O)_(1−x) system, and apply the results to the interiors of icy bodies in the Solar System. Phase equilibrium lines between an entirely liquid solution and a liquid solution in which water ice forms (liquidus lines) were determined for ammonia concentration by mass X equal to 0.034, 0.0472, 0.111, 0.176, and 0.229. Growth-melting of ice I as well as ice III crystals were observed. Application of the results to icy satellites that are potential bearers of ammonia shows that ammonia admixture decreases the depth of the liquidus surface. A shift of the liquidus temperature within a satellite depends on three parameters: the ammonia concentration, X; the temperature gradient, α; and the product of density and gravity, ρg.     

“Laser Discoverers” – Web‐based User‐generated Content in Heritage Detection in Poland

This article presents the results and potential of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) in heritage detection. Research was completed under the project entitled “Laser Discoverers – non‐invasive examination and documentation of archeological and historical objects in the ?wi?tokrzyskie Voivodeship”, carried out as a part of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education program entitled “The Paths of Copernicus”. Within the project, strong emphasis was placed on promotional and awareness‐raising activities, to involve as many voluntary users as possible. Project participants had at their disposal a web application, which provided access to a digital terrain model (DTM) where they identified possible heritage objects. All samples of data were additionally available in eight variants of sunshine, based on the simulation of sunlight from eight directions and at a constant angle. In total, 5,989 elementary areas with dimensions of 100 × 100 m were used for the project. After conducting a field inventory, Internet users together with specialists were able to recognize several thousands of potential archaeological and historic objects. During the project, approximately 10% of those features were verified through non‐invasive (field survey) work, with 75% success.     

The inter-annual variations and the long-term trends of monthly air temperatures in Iraq over the period 1941–2013

Theoretical and Applied Climatology - Mean annual and monthly averages of mean (Tmean), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) air temperature from seven stations in Iraq were analysed to detect the...     

Socioeconomic segregation in European capital cities. Increasing separation between poor and rich

Socioeconomic inequality is on the rise in major European cities, as are concerns over it, since it is seen as a threat to social cohesion and stability. Surprisingly, relatively little is known about the spatial dimensions of rising socioeconomic inequality. This paper builds on a study of socioeconomic segregation in 12 European cities: Amsterdam, Athens, Budapest, London, Madrid, Oslo, Prague, Riga, Stockholm, Tallinn, Vienna, and Vilnius. Data used derive from national censuses and registers for 2001 and 2011. The main conclusion is that socioeconomic segregation has increased. This paper develops a rigorous multifactor approach to understand segregation and links it to four underlying, partially overlapping, structural factors: social inequalities, globalization and economic restructuring, welfare regimes, and housing systems. Taking into account contextual factors resulted in a better understanding of actual segregation levels, while introducing time lags between structural factors and segregation outcomes will likely further improve the theoretical model.     

Environmental problems in the Sudetes, Poland

Due to the abundance of mineral deposits associated with the metamorphic rocks of the Sudetes, the area was intensively settled and developed by the end of the Middle Ages. Several centuries later, the first attempts were made to rehabilitate the devastated natural environment. The advent of capitalism brought further damage to the environment, which has remained almost unchanged to this day. Improvements in the context of transfrontier cooperation have arisen out of the economic crisis and the disintegration of the Soviet bloc. However, the Sudetes are still a problem area, and various industries are competing for local resources. The main problem facing the region is the need to rehabilitate its natural environment and create a more balanced local economy. Tourism, forestry, agriculture and ‘clean’ industrial technologies have the greatest potential. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The dynamics of rupture in porous media

This paper presents a laboratory investigation of electric resistivity parameter for samples subject to loading in automatic press of INOVA type. The procedure of automatic quasi-continuous measurements of resistivity is briefly outlined. The distribution of mini-electrodes within the sample is described. Also shown is the manner in which reliability can be improved by increasing the repetition of resistivity measurements (every 7–16 s).