Preference of echo features for classification of seafloor sediments using neural networks

Selection of a set of dominant echo features to classify seafloor sediments using a multilayer perceptron neural network is investigated at two acoustic frequencies (33 and 210 kHz). Several sets of inputs with different combinations of two, three, four, five, and six echo features are exploited with three-layer neural networks. The performances of the networks are analyzed to assess the most discriminating set of echo features for classification of seafloor sediments. The results of the overall average performances reveal that backscatter strength and time spread are the two most important echo features at 33 kHz, whereas backscatter strength has higher discriminating characteristics at 210 kHz for seafloor sediment classification. In addition, a set of four echo features consisting of backscatter strength, time-spread, statistical skewness, and Hausdroff dimension gives the highest success at both the acoustic frequencies.     

Improving multimodel weather forecast of monsoon rain over China using FSU superensemble

In this paper we present the current capabilities for numerical weather prediction of precipitation over China using a suite of ten multimodels and our superensemble based forecasts. Our suite of models includes the operational suite selected by NCARs TIGGE archives for the THORPEX Program. These are: ECMWF, UKMO, JMA, NCEP, CMA, CMC, BOM, MF, KMA and the CPTEC models. The superensemble strategy includes a training and a forecasts phase, for these the periods chosen for this study include the months February through September for the years 2007 and 2008. This paper addresses precipitation forecasts for the medium range i.e. Days 1 to 3 and extending out to Day 10 of forecasts using this suite of global models. For training and forecasts validations we have made use of an advanced TRMM satellite based rainfall product. We make use of standard metrics for forecast validations that include the RMS errors, spatial correlations and the equitable threat scores. The results of skill forecasts of precipitation clearly demonstrate that it is possible to obtain higher skills for precipitation forecasts for Days 1 through 3 of forecasts from the use of the multimodel superensemble as compared to the best model of this suite. Between Days 4 to 10 it is possible to have very high skills from the multimodel superensemble for the RMS error of precipitation. Those skills are shown for a global belt and especially over China. Phenomenologically this product was also found very useful for precipitation forecasts for the Onset of the South China Sea monsoon, the life cycle of the mei-yu rains and post typhoon landfall heavy rains and flood events. The higher skills of the multimodel superensemble make it a very useful product for such real time events.     

Inflationary Solutions for Higher Dimensional Anisotropic Cosmological Model in Scalar-Tensor Theory II

This is the second paper of the series where we have considered Brans-Dicke (B-D) theory as well as general scalar tensor theory of gravitation in higher dimensional space-time model in the false vacuum state. We have examined whether inflationary solutions are possible both for constant or variable coupling parameter ω. Also the nature of the scalar field and the coupling parameter are discussed in the asymptotic limit. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Nonlinear shift of wave parameters of whistlers in the ionosphere

The expression for nonlinear shift of a wave number of a whistler wave propagating through the ionosphere has been derived and the results have been discussed. It is seen that nonlinear shift of a wave number of a whistler is significant in some physical situations. From numerical estimations it is observed that wave number shifts of a whistler for both the LCP and RCP waves become significant when the frequency of the waves are nearly equal to the ion-cyclotron frequency.     

Propagation of plane relativistic shock waves in a slowly moving medium

Similarity solutions for the propagation of plane relativistic shock waves in a slowly moving medium, where the nucleon number density obeys an exponential law ofx/t, is obtained in this paper. The shock surface moves with constant velocity and the total energy of the disturbance is dependent on time. The solutions are applicable only to an isothermal medium.     

Record of Leaf and Pollen cf. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sloanea</Emphasis> (Elaeocarpaceae) from the Middle Siwalik of Darjeeling sub-Himalaya,India and its Palaeobiogeographic Implications

Fossil leaf impressions and pollen grains comparable to modern Sloanea sp. of Elaeocarpaceae collected from the middle part of the Siwalik sediments (Geabdat Sandstone Formation; Pliocene) in Darjeeling foothills of eastern Himalaya are reported in the present communication. On the basis of macro morphological features, leaf remains are described as a new species Sloanea siwalika sp. nov. This is the first authentic record of the occurrence of leaf and pollen grains comparable to the genus Sloanea L. from the Cenozoic sediments of India and Asia as well. The recovery of this species and other earlier-described evergreen taxa from the same formation, suggests the existence of a tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions during the depositional period. The present study further suggests that after Pliocene the taxon might have shifted from Darjeeling Himalayan region to the adjoining southeast Asian land masses, due to possible climate change caused by post-Pliocene orogenic movement of the Himalaya.     

Phosphate minerals as a recorder of P-T-fluid regimes of metamorphic belts: example from the Palaeoproterozoic Singhbhum Shear Zone of the East Indian shield

The Arcuate Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) forms an integral part and occurs at the southern fringe of the Palaeoproterozoic North Singhbhum Fold Belt (NSFB) of the East Indian Shield. Repeated folding, ductile shearing, and accompanying hydrothermal activities in the SSZ during the late Palaeoproterozoic (ca. 1.66–1.60 Ga) orogeny resulted in a highly tectonized ensemble of rocks including a suite of peraluminous kyanite-rich quartzite (KQR). Near Kanyaluka village, the KQR shows millimetre- to decimetre-thick alternation of kyanite- and quartz-rich bands. The banded rock is intensely sheared and is cross-cut by weakly deformed to undeformed kyanite-quartz veins. In many places, kyanite-rich bands show sea-green coloured pods rich in lazulite. Textural studies reveal that deformed kyanite and quartz grains are sequentially replaced by augelite and lazulite (X_Mg > 0.97) at the terminal phase of shearing in the SSZ. Modelling of observed textures and mineral compositions with the C-Space program shows the following augelite- and lazulite-forming reactions:

1. 1.829Kyanite + 0.998P + 1.5H₂O + 0.001Ca = 1Augelite + 1.666Al + 0.001 Mg + 1.822SiO₂ + 0.002Fe + 0.0002Na

2. 1.778Kyanite + 0.667Augelite + 1.294P + 1.011 Mg + 0.011Fe + 0.0001Na = 1Lazulite + 2.833Al + 1.78SiO₂ + 0.001 Ca

Stoichiometry of the balanced chemical reactions suggests that a significant amount of P, Mg, and H₂O were added to, and Al and SiO₂ were subtracted from, the host kyanite-rich rock to produce augelite and lazulite. Experimental studies in the system Al₂O₃-SiO₂-FeO-MgO-P₂O₅-H₂O and the results of quantitative geothermobarometry suggest that lazulite and augelite were formed in a narrow temperature (440 ± 40°C) and pressure (~6.3 ± 1 kbar) range. Ductile shearing along the SSZ channelized the P- and Mg-rich fluids that metasomatized the kyanite-rich bands and veins to produce lazulite. The inferred P-T conditions can be explained by burial of the studied rock under an ~25 km-thick thrust sheet of NSFB during the Palaeoproterozoic orogenesis.     

Petrogenesis of ultramafic-mafic to felsic plutonic rock associations from southern portion of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex in Central India: A multi-stage crust-mantle interaction process

A granite-granodiorite-gabbro-ultramafic rock association occurs in the southern sector of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex in Central India. Field relations show mingling and mixing of mafic and granodioritic magmas along the contacts of the intrusives. Petrographic studies, coupled with analyses of phase compositions and bulk rock major and trace element compositions favor origin of mafic magma from partial melting of sub-continental hybridized lithospheric mantle and subsequent two stage emplacement. Initial ponding of mafic magma at basal crust elevated the geothermal gradient so as to cause partial melting of lower crustal materials and generation of granodioritic melt. Simultaneous emplacement of granodioritic and mafic magmas tapped from basal crustal reservoir at mid-crustal depth resulted in restricted mingling-mixing along the contacts of the contrasting magma types locally producing rocks of dioritic composition. The mode of evolution of this cogenetic mafic-felsic association, when combined with available geochronological data, has important implications in demarcation of the extent of Grenvellian orogen that resulted in amalgamation of the Southern Crustal Province of India (SCP) with the Bundelkhand Craton or Northern Crustal Province (NCP).     

Cyclic Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of Wellbore in Underground Compressed Air Energy Storage Cavern

The compressed air energy storage (CAES) method is a viable method of storing surplus energy underground when there is a mismatch between energy generation and demand. Wellbores embedded in rock are an integral part of energy storage structures, and are used for injecting and extracting the compressed air. During injection and production cycles, the storage reservoir and wellbore are subjected to cyclic change in external pressure and temperature, which may cause failure of the wellbore. In this paper, cyclic thermo-mechanical analysis of a horizontal wellbore in an underground CAES cavern is performed using finite element analysis. The rock behavior is simulated using the Mohr-Coulomb constitutive law. The reduction in the yield strength of rock with increase in the number of loading cycles is taken into account in the analysis. Parametric sensitivity studies are carried out to study the effects of dilation and friction angles of rock, the ratio of in situ horizontal and vertical stresses, loading frequency, and the magnitude of the temperature cycles in the cavern on the wellbore performance for different types of rock. The thermo-mechanical cyclic behavior leads to plastic strains that are greater than those obtained by performing mechanical analysis only. Significantly large deformation is generated in rock for large dilation angle and high loading frequencies.     

Cosmological evolution across phantom crossing and the nature of the horizons

Recent observational evidences demand that the universe is going through an accelerating phase and hence in the frame work of Einstein gravity the matter should be exotic in nature. In the present work, we study the evolution of the apparent and event horizons across phantom barrier (a cosmological constant) and examine the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics (GSLT) for the universe bounded by the horizons.