XMM–Newton observations of bright ROSAT selected active galactic nuclei with low intrinsic absorption

We present a sample of 21 ROSAT bright active galactic nuclei (AGNs), representing a range of spectral classes, and selected for follow-up snapshot observations with XMM–Newton . The typical exposure was between 5 and 10 ks. The objects were primarily selected on the bases of X-ray brightness and not on hardness ratio; thus the sample cannot be strictly defined as a 'soft'sample. One of the main outcomes from the XMM–Newton observations was that all of the AGN, including 11 type 1.8–2 objects, required low levels of intrinsic absorption  ( N _H≲ 10²¹ cm⁻²)  . The low absorption in type 2 systems is a challenge to account for in the standard orientation-based unification model, and we discuss possible physical and geometrical models which could elucidate the problem. Moreover, there does not appear to be any relation between the strength and shape of the soft excess, and the spectral classification of the AGN in this sample. We further identify a number of AGN which deserve deeper observations or further analysis: for example, the low-ionization nuclear emission regions (LINERs) NGC 5005 and NGC 7331, where optically thin thermal and extended emission is detected, and the narrow-line Seyfert 1 II Zw 177, which shows a broad emission feature at ∼ 5.8 keV.     

Micrometeorite craters and related features on lunar rock surfaces

Craters in the 0.4 mm and larger size class were observed on six Apollo 12 whole rock surfaces (12017, 12021, 12038, 12047, 12051 and 12073). Craters on crystalline surfaces are characterized by a central, glass-lined cavity, a concentric zone of shock fractured, high albedo material and a concentric spallation area. The crater geometries observed are similar to craters produced on glasses and crystalline materials in the laboratory with projectile velocities exceeding 10 km/sec. The high projectile velocities required and the presence of a distinct demarcation line between cratered and uncratered surfaces on individual rocks indicate that most of the microcraters are produced by primary cosmic particles. These discrete impact events account for most of the erosion and fragmentation of lunar surface rocks.     

An improved core catcher for the Kiel box corer (“Kastenlot”)

The optimum efficiency of the Kiel box corer (“Kastenlot”) is dependent upon certain mechanical properties of the sediments. To avoid this limitation, a new core catcher was constructed and has been tested for several years in both shallow and deep-water sediments. The essential part of this catcher is a reinforced canvas curtain which is pulled slantwise through the core before the corer is pulled out of the sediment.     

Properties of nano- and microparticles emitted into the environment from open-pit mining of iron deposits

The properties of nano- and microparticles (60 nm-200 μm) of the dust formed by mass blasting in the iron ore open pit of the Lebedinsky Mining and Concentrating Combine have been studied. Data on the morphology of particles, their magnetic properties, mineralogy, and dimensions have been obtained. Quartz, magnetite, and mica were identified among these particles. The dust mostly consisted of fragmented iron ore formation from the rock massif involved in the blasting.     

Die Petrologie der Diorite im Nördlichen Waldviertel,Niederösterreich

Zusammenfassung Die intermediären bis basischen Plutonite des Nördlichen Waldviertels aus dem Raum Gebharts-Pfaffenschlag werden petrologisch untersucht und ihre Genese sowie ihr möglicher Zusammenhang mit den großen granitischen Intrusionen dieses Bereiches diskutiert. Nach Mineralbestand und Chemismus können diese basischen Gesteine im Wesentlichen als Quarzmonzodiorite und Quarzmonzonite klassifiziert werden. Es wird gezeigt, daß diese Plutonite trotz variablem Chemismus einen weitgehend ähnlichen Entwicklungstrend aufweisen. Die Kristallisationsfolge beginnt je nach Ausgangschemismus mitOpx undKpx; mit steigendemP _H2O erfolgte eine vollständige Uralitisierung der Pyroxene unter Bildung von Anthophyllit oder Mg- und Ca-Amphibolen. Der Abbau von Cummingtonit zu Biotit sowie die Verdrängung von Korund durch Margarit und die Bildung von Diaspor aus Spinell in Resorptionsschlieren spricht für eine langsame Abkühlrate unter kontrolliertenP _H2O-Bedingungen. Die untersuchten dioritischen Gesteine werden aufgrund ihrer tieftemperierten Umwandlungsreaktionen als synorogene Intrusionen angesehen, wobei einP _H2O 3 kb P _total bei einer angenommenen H₂O-Sättigung der Schmelze einer Mindestintrusionstiefe von 12 km entspricht.Geochemisch sind die untersuchten Massengesteine anhand einiger Element-Quotienten von Krustenmaterial abzuleiten, wobei aber eine Beteiligung von Mantelmaterial nicht ganz ausgeschlossen werden kann. Die Haupt- und Spurenelementgehalte zeigen eine klare Entwicklungstendenz vom Gabbro von Kleinzwettl über Hornblende- und Biotitdiorite und Wolfsegger Granit bis zu den sauren Graniten vom Typus Schrems und Mauthausen und deren Ganggefolge. Daraus läßt sich ableiten, daß speziell die Diorite ein Produkt einer magmatischen Differentiation darstellen und gewissermaßen als basische Vorläufer der jüngeren Granite aufzufassen sind. Aufgrund von Tracht, Habitus und Wachstumstendenz der akzessorischen Zirkone ist allerdings eine direkte genetische Verwandtschaft zwischen den Dioriten (und dem Gabbro von Kleinzwettl) einerseits und den Graniten vom Typus Mauthausen, Schrems und Wolfsegg nicht anzunehmen. Tracht, Habitus und Einschlußtypen der Zirkone der basischen Gesteine schließen dagegen eine genetische Bindung zur Masse des Weinsberger Granites nicht aus. Trotz der sehr deutlichen geochemischen Entwicklungstendenz der untersuchten Massengesteine ist daher eine gewisse Eigenständigkeit der Magmenentwicklung der Diorite und deren gabbroider Vorläufer anzunehmen.

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The petrology of diorites in the northern Waldviertel, lower Austria

Summary The petrology of the intermediate and basic igneous rocks of the northern Waldviertel in the area Gebharts-Pfaffenschlag has been investigated. The genesis of these rocks and their genetic correlation with the big granite intrusions of this area is discussed. These basic igneous rocks can be classified as quartzmonzodiorites and quartzmonzonites.Despite distinct variations in chemical composition the plutonites exhibit a similar crystallization trend. The crystallization sequence starts with the formation ofopx andcpx and depends on the primary chemical composition of the magma. With increasingP _H2O the pyroxenes become completely uralitized favouring the formation of anthophyllite or Mg- and Ca-amphiboles. Both, the degradation of cummingtonite to biotite and the replacement of corundum by margarite as well as the formation of diaspore from spinel in resorption spots point to a slow cooling rate under controlledP _H2O-pressure. Because of their low temperature conversion reactions the investigated dioritic rocks may be interpreted as synorogenic intrusions. AP _H2O 3 kb P _total corresponds to an intrusion depth of 12 km if saturation of H₂O of the magma is supposed.Geochemically the investigated igneous rocks may be compared to crustal material, although participation of mantle material cannot be excluded. The main and trace elements develop a clear crystallization trend from the gabbro of Kleinzwettl, hornblende and biotite diorites and Wolfsegger granite to the acid granites of the Schrems and Mauthausen type and their gangue rocks. From this it may be inferred that especially the diorites are products of magmatic differentiation and may be interpreted as basic precursors of the younger granites. Nevertheless, no direct genetic relationship seems to exist between the diorites (and the gabbro of Kleinzwettl) on the one hand and the granites of Mauthausen, Schrems and Wolfsegg on the other hand. This is proved by crystal habit, shape and growth trends of the accessory zircons of these rocks. However, habit, shape and types of inclusions of the accessory zircons of the basic rocks do not preclude a genetic relationship to the intrusion of the Weinsberger granite. Despite the clear geochemical trend of the igneous rocks investigated a certain uniqueness in the development of the diorites and their gabbroic precursor has to be assumed.

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Mit 11 Abbildungen     

Why is the Eastern Baltic cod recovering?

The Eastern Baltic cod stock was until recently below safe biological limits and suffered from high fishing pressure. In most recent years, fishing mortality substantially declined and spawner biomass more than tripled. Similar developments have not been observed for any other depleted cod stock in the North Atlantic during the last few decades. This paper investigates relative impacts of changes in different ecological and management-related drivers, which could have contributed to the rapid recovery of the Eastern Baltic cod. The results show that the success to reduce fishing mortality below management target in 2008 was due to a combination of increased recruitment and improved compliance with TAC. The reversal of the negative trend in biomass and rebuilding of the stock to the present level were largely driven by increased recruitment. Harvest control rules of the multi-annual management plan for setting TACs currently maintain the fishing mortality at a low level, which allows the stock to accumulate biomass and further accelerate its recovery. Relatively strong incoming year-classes and recently better control over removals distinguish the Eastern Baltic cod from other depleted European cod stocks, which have not shown similar positive trends in recent years. Sound management measures and compliance to those as well as favourable biological conditions are required for a successful stock recovery.     

Timing of Variscan HP-HT metamorphism in the Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif: U-Pb SHRIMP dating on multiply zoned zircons from a granulite from the Dunkelsteiner Wald Massif, Lower Austria

In an attempt to better constrain the timing of Variscan HP-HT metamorphism in the SE Bohemian Massif we have dated zoned zircons from a garnet-kyanite granulite of granitic composition from the Dunkelsteiner Wald Massif, Lower Austria, by means of sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) technique. In order to combine isotopic information with crystal growth textures, CL and BSE images were systematically taken from the dated zircons. A characteristic threefold concentric zoning was found in many zircons. This involves pre-Variscan protolithic cores followed by two distinct metamorphic/anatectic overgrowth shells of Variscan age. The inner overgrowth shell is characterized by a weak CL but bright BSE signal, and yields high contents of uranium (0.1 to 0.2 wt.%). A pooled U-Pb Concordia age for this zone is 342.0?±?3.0?Ma (n?=?11, MSWD?=?0.12). The second, outer, overgrowth shell is always bright in the CL image, dark in the BSE image, and has generally low uranium contents (mostly <500?ppm). A pooled U-Pb Concordia age for this zone is 337.1?±?2.7?Ma (n?=?11, MSWD?=?0.22). These results imply that the Variscan HT crystallisation history of the Moldanubian granulites took place over a period of a few million years and was not an extremely rapid subduction-exhumation process. SHRIMP measurements in the protolithic cores yield a cluster of (sub)concordant ages between ??390 and 460?Ma and a few outliers at higher ages mostly represented by cores in cores. Core domains, which are large, homogeneous and with undisturbed igneous oscillatory zoning, yielded preferentially ages between 430 and 460?Ma. We therefore consider that granitic protolith formation took place at that time. The still older inner cores are interpreted as inherited into the granitic melt.