SPIRE point source photometry: within the Herschel interactive processing environment (HIPE)

The different algorithms appropriate for point source photometry on data from the SPIRE instrument on-board the Herschel Space Observatory, within the Herschel Interactive Processing Environment (HIPE) are compared. Point source photometry of a large ensemble of standard calibration stars and dark sky observations is carried out using the 4 major methods within HIPE: SUSSEXtractor, DAOphot, the SPIRE Timeline Fitter and simple Aperture Photometry. Colour corrections and effective beam areas as a function of the assumed source spectral index are also included to produce a large number of photometric measurements per individual target, in each of the 3 SPIRE bands (250, 350, 500μm), to examine both the accuracy and repeatability of each of the 4 algorithms. It is concluded that for flux densities down to the level of 30mJy that the SPIRE Timeline Fitter is the method of choice. However, at least in the 250 and 350μm bands, all 4 methods provide photometric repeatability better than a few percent down to at approximately 100mJy. The DAOphot method appears in many cases to have a systematic offset of ～8 % in all SPIRE bands which may be indicative of a sub-optimal aperture correction. In general, aperture photometry is the least reliable method, i.e. largest scatter between observations, especially in the longest wavelength band. At the faintest fluxes, <30mJy, SUSSEXtractor or DAOphot provide a better alternative to the Timeline Fitter.     

Herschel SPIRE fourier transform spectrometer: calibration of its bright-source mode

The Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) of the Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver (SPIRE) on board the ESA Herschel Space Observatory has two detector setting modes: (a) a nominal mode, which is optimized for observing moderately bright to faint astronomical targets, and (b) a bright-source mode recommended for sources significantly brighter than 500 Jy, within the SPIRE FTS bandwidth of 446.7–1544 GHz (or 194–671 microns in wavelength), which employs a reduced detector responsivity and out-of-phase analog signal amplifier/demodulator. We address in detail the calibration issues unique to the bright-source mode, describe the integration of the bright-mode data processing into the existing pipeline for the nominal mode, and show that the flux calibration accuracy of the bright-source mode is generally within 2 % of that of the nominal mode, and that the bright-source mode is 3 to 4 times less sensitive than the nominal mode.     

Herschel SPIRE FTS spectral mapping calibration

The Herschel SPIRE Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) performs spectral imaging in the 447–1546 GHz band. It can observe in three spatial sampling modes: sparse mode, with a single pointing on sky, or intermediate or full modes with 1 and 1/2 beam spacing, respectively. In this paper, we investigate the uncertainty and repeatability for fully sampled FTS mapping observations. The repeatability is characterised using nine observations of the Orion Bar. Metrics are derived based on the ratio of the measured intensity in each observation compared to that in the combined spectral cube from all observations. The mean relative deviation is determined to be within 2 %, and the pixel-by-pixel scatter is ～ 7 %. The scatter increases towards the edges of the maps. The uncertainty in the frequency scale is also studied, and the spread in the line centre velocity across the maps is found to be ～ 15 km s ^{? 1}. Other causes of uncertainty are also discussed including the effect of pointing and the additive uncertainty in the continuum.     

Factors controlling landslide frequency–area distributions

A power-law relation for the frequency–area distribution (FAD) of medium and large landslides (e.g. tens to millions of square meters) has been observed by numerous authors. But the FAD of small landslides diverges from the power-law distribution, with a rollover point below which frequencies decrease for smaller landslides. Some studies conclude that this divergence is an artifact of unmapped small landslides due to lack of spatial or temporal resolution; others posit that it is caused by the change in the underlying failure process. An explanation for this dilemma is essential both to evaluate the factors controlling FADs of landslides and power-law scaling, which is a crucial factor regarding both landscape evolution and landslide hazard assessment. This study examines the FADs of 45 earthquake-induced landslide inventories from around the world in the context of the proposed explanations. We show that each inventory probably involves some combination of the proposed explanations, though not all explanations contribute to each case. We propose an alternative explanation to understand the reason for the divergence from a power-law. We suggest that the geometry of a landslide at the time of mapping reflects not just one single movement but many, including the propagation of numerous smaller landslides before and after the main failure. Because only the resulting combination of these landslides can be observed due to a lack of temporal resolution, many smaller landslides are not taken into account in the inventory. This reveals that the divergence from the power-law is not necessarily attributed to the incompleteness of an inventory. This conceptual model will need to be validated by ongoing observation and analysis. Also, we show that because of the subjectivity of mapping procedures, the total number of landslides and total landslide areas in inventories differ significantly, and therefore the shapes of FADs also differ considerably. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Olivine-hosted melt inclusions in Pliocene–Quaternary lavas from the Qorveh–Bijar volcanic belt,western Iran: implications for source lithology and cooling history

ABSTRACT

Silicate melt inclusions (SMIs) are small droplets of magma that become trapped in minerals during crystal growth. SMIs in olivine crystals can provide critical information on the range of melt compositions and processes that occur during melt generation, evolution, transport, and eruption. The Pliocene–Quaternary volcanic rocks in the Qorveh–Bijar volcanic belt of western Iran show porphyritic and microlithic textures, with olivine and clinopyroxene being the dominant minerals. Magnesian olivines in these volcanic rocks contain primary SMIs. The composition and characteristic of olivine-hosted SMI of these rocks are investigated to constrain the source lithology for mafic volcanism. Bulk compositions of the SMIs overlap those of their host rocks and extend to higher CaO/Al₂O₃ values. The estimated entrapment pressures and temperatures of the studied SMIs are 9.1–10.3 kbar and 1220–1355°C. The calculated mafic parental melt contains 42.36 wt.% SiO₂, low total alkalis (3.22 wt.%), and high MgO (16.1 wt.%). Exploratory calculations using pMELTS show that this parental composition underwent variable degrees of fractional crystallization, as reflected by the variable compositions of the SMIs. Several lines of evidence including pyroxene xenocrysts and high FeO/MnO, FC3MS (FeO/CaO – 3*MgO/SiO2), and Zn/Fe ratios (14–21), suggest that a metasomatized pyroxenitic source contributed to the genesis of the parental melt. Amphibole in the SMIs indicates a high volatile content in the parental melt, which we conclude was generated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle source. The pyroxenite source also contained garnet. Our geochemical results lead us to propose a new petrogenetic model. Specifically, we infer that a dense and unstable portion of the lithosphere underwent localized laminar detachment and downward flow, i.e. lithospheric drip. This drip underwent volatile-enhanced partial melting during descent through the underlying hot asthenosphere and generated the studied volcanic rocks.     

Airflow patterns over and around a large three-dimensional hill

Summary Surface wind patterns and air flows within the planetary boundary layer over a large three-dimensional hill of moderate slope are grouped according to Froude number classes. An evolution of flow patterns is shown to occur as the Froude number increases.Separation of the surface flow begins at the base of the lee side of the mountain near the centerline, moving upward on the lee slope as the Froude number increases. Recirculating eddies follow the separation of the lee flow. Eventually the separation line moves forward to the windward side as the Froude number becomes very large. The recirculating eddy becomes unsteady, with indication of an intermittent counterrolating eddy near the lee surface in neutral flow. The lee-side turbulence is enhanced with respect to the windward side due to the large eddies in high Froude number regimes.The concept of a critical height for the approach flow is generally supported. The integral form of the Froude number does not appear to be superior to a bulk Froude calculation in representing a particular airflow pattern.With 6 FiguresDeceased.     

The location of deep salinity sources in the Israeli Coastal aquifer

The salinization process of the Israeli Coastal aquifer has led to an average concentration of about 200 mgCl/l with a significant number of discrete salinity plumes in the middle and southern regions. The salinity of these plumes is high (500–1000 mgCl/l) and is increasing rapidly. Geochemical evidence has suggested that the salinity source in the Be'er Tuvia plume (in the south part of the aquifer) is at the bottom of the aquifer. This paper describes a solution of the source inverse problem and its application in the Be'er Tuvia plume. A transient two-dimensional finite element model was solved and the source terms were computed at each node in a 14×14 km² area. An error analysis has shown that when no errors are introduced in the input data the reconstruction is perfect. The results of a sensitivity analysis are presented and the actual reconstruction errors are estimated. Applying the model in the Be'er Tuvia region indicates that a salinity source exists about 1 km to the west and 1.5 km to the north of the center of the salinity plume. This source is believed to be the plume source.     

Chemical constraints on the petrogenesis of mildly alkaline lavas from Vestmannaeyjar,Iceland: the Eldfell (1973) and Surtsey (1963–1967) eruptions

The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is composed of alkalic lavas erupted at the southern end of the active, southward propagating, Eastern Volcanic Zone. Recent eruptions include the most primitive (Surtsey) and most evolved (Eldfell) compositions found in this area. We studied time-stratigraphic sample suites from both eruptions to characterize the magmatic environment of Vestmannacyjar. All samples are nearly homogeneous in radiogenic isotopic ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr 0.70304 to 0.70327;¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd 0.51301 to 0.50307;²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 18.96 to 19.18;²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.50 to 15.53;²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 38.47 to 38.76; KH Park and A Zindler, in preparation). Compositional trends of lavas from the two eruptions are not consistent with fractionation in a near-surface environment, but indicate rather moderate pressure evolution of small magma batches. At Eldfell, mugearite lavas can be modeled by 30% closed-system fractional crystallization of olivine+plagioclase+clinopyroxene+Fe–Ti oxides from parental hawaiite. The phase proportions are consistent with an experimentally determined moderate pressure (8 kbar) cotectic in mildly alkaline systems (Mahood and Baker 1986). Compositional variations of Surtsey lavas can be modeled by crystallization of clinopyroxene+olivine+plagioclase+minor Fe–Ti oxides. The presence of sodic plagioclase megacrysts and clinopyroxene with 8 wt% Al₂O₃ in xenoliths from Surtsey lavas are consistent with a moderate pressure fractionation event. Based on major-element and REE data the most primitive Surtsey lavas formed by small degrees of melting of a lherzolite source. The alkaline nature of Vestmannaeyjar lavas is not the result of assimilation of lower crustal melts (cf. Oskarsson et al. 1985; Steinthorsson et al. 1985).     

Natural attenuation of TCE, As, Hg linked to the heterogeneous oxidation of Fe(II): an AFM study

Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) colloids formed, in strictly anoxic conditions upon oxidation of Fe²⁺ ions adsorbed on mineral surface, were investigated under in situ conditions by contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). Freshly cleaved and acid-etched large single crystals of near endmember phlogopite were pre-equilibrated with dissolved Fe(II) and then reacted with Hg(II), As(V) and trichlorethene (TCE)-bearing solutions at 25 °C and 1 atm. HFO structures are found to be of nanometer scale. The As(V)–Fe(II) and Hg(II)–Fe(II) reaction products are round (25 nm) microcrystallites located predominantly on the layer edges and are indicative of an accelerated Fe(II) oxidation rate upon formation of Fe(II) inner sphere surface complexes with the phyllosilicate edge surface sites. On the other hand, TCE–Fe(II)–phlogopite reaction products are needle-shaped (45 nm long) particles located on the basal plane along the Periodic Bond Chains (PCBs) directions. Experiments with additions of sodium chloride confirm the importance of the Fe(II) adsorption step in the control of the overall heterogeneous Fe(II)–TCE electron transfer reaction.

Kinetic measurements at the nanomolar level of Hg° formed upon reduction of Hg(II) by Fe(II) in presence of phlogopite particles provide further convincing evidence for reduction of Hg(II)_aq coupled to the oxidation of Fe(II) adsorbed at the phlogopite–fluid interface, and indicate that sorption of Fe(II) to mineral surfaces enhances the reduction rate of Hg(II) species. The Hg(II) reduction reaction follows a first-order kinetic law. Under our experimental conditions, which were representative of many natural systems, 80% of the mercury is transferred to the atmosphere as Hg° in less than 2 h.

The reduction of a heavy metal (Hg), a toxic oxyanion (arsenate ion) and a chlorinated solvent (TCE) thus appear to be driven by the high reactivity of adsorbed Fe(II). This is of environmental relevance since these three priority pollutants are that way reductively transformed to a volatile, an immobilizable and a biodegradable species, respectively. Such kinetic data and reaction pathways are important in the evaluation of natural evaluation scenarios, in the optimization of Fe(II)/mineral mixtures as reductants in technical systems, and in general, in predicting the fate and transport of pollutants in natural systems.     

Application of the SPARROW model in watersheds with limited information: a Bayesian assessment of the model uncertainty and the value of additional monitoring

How can spatially explicit nonlinear regression modelling be used for obtaining nonpoint source loading estimates in watersheds with limited information? What is the value of additional monitoring and where should future data‐collection efforts focus on? In this study, we address two frequently asked questions in watershed modelling by implementing Bayesian inference techniques to parameterize SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW), a model that empirically estimates the relation between in‐stream measurements of nutrient fluxes and the sources/sinks of nutrients within the watershed. Our case study is the Hamilton Harbour watershed, a mixed agricultural and urban residential area located at the western end of Lake Ontario, Canada. The proposed Bayesian approach explicitly accounts for the uncertainty associated with the existing knowledge from the system and the different types of spatial correlation typically underlying the parameter estimation of watershed models. Informative prior parameter distributions were formulated to overcome the problem of inadequate data quantity and quality, whereas the potential bias introduced from the pertinent assumptions is subsequently examined by quantifying the relative change of the posterior parameter patterns. Our modelling exercise offers the first estimates of export coefficients and delivery rates from the different subcatchments and thus generates testable hypotheses regarding the nutrient export ‘hot spots’ in the studied watershed. Despite substantial uncertainties characterizing our calibration dataset, ranging from 17% to nearly 400%, we arrived at an uncertainty level for the whole‐basin nutrient export estimates of only 36%. Finally, we conduct modelling experiments that evaluate the potential improvement of the model parameter estimates and the decrease of the predictive uncertainty if the uncertainty associated with the current nutrient loading estimates is reduced. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.