Black hole masses from power density spectra: determinations and consequences

We analyse the scaling of the X-ray power density spectra with the mass of the black hole in the examples of Cyg X-1 and the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548. We show that the high-frequency tail of the power density spectrum can be successfully used for the determination of the black hole mass. We determine the masses of the black holes in six broad-line Seyfert 1 galaxies, five narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies and two quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) using the available power density spectra. The proposed scaling is clearly appropriate for other Seyfert galaxies and QSOs. In all but one of the normal Seyferts, the resulting luminosity to Eddington luminosity ratio is smaller than 0.15, with the source MCG -6-15-30 being an exception. The applicability of the same scaling to a narrow-line Seyfert 1 is less clear and there may be a systematic shift between the power spectra of NLS1 and S1 galaxies of the same mass, leading to underestimation of the black hole mass. However, both the method based on variability and the method based on spectral fitting show that those galaxies have relatively low masses and a high luminosity to Eddington luminosity ratio, supporting the view of those objects as analogues of galactic sources in their high, soft or very high state, based on the overall spectral shape. The bulge masses of their host galaxies are similar to that of normal Seyfert galaxies, so they do not follow the black hole mass–bulge mass relation for Seyfert galaxies, being evolutionarily less advanced, as suggested by Mathur. The bulge mass–black hole mass relation in our sample is consistent with being linear, with the black hole to bulge ratio ∼0.03 per cent, similar to Wandel and Laor for low-mass objects, but significantly shifted from the relation of Magorrian et al. and McLure & Dunlop.     

The Younger Dryas climatic conditions in the Za Mnichem Valley (Polish High Tatra Mountains) based on exposure‐age dating and glacier‐climate modelling

Cosmogenic ³⁶Cl was measured in bedrock and moraine boulders in the Za Mnichem Valley (High Tatra Mountains). The post‐LGM deglaciation of the study area occurred about 15.9 ka ago. The northernmost part of the valley slopes was ice‐free around 15 ka ago. The terminal moraine on the valley threshold was finally stabilized 12.5 ka ago during the Younger Dryas cold event (Greenland Stadial 1). At that time, the Za Mnichem glacier was 1.3 km long and had an area of 0.57 km². The AAR equilibrium line of the glacier was located at 1990 m a.s.l., which corresponds to an ELA depression of ～500 m compared to today. The mean summer temperature was colder by 4°–4.5°C than the present‐day temperature. The mean annual temperature was colder by 6°C than today. Such conditions suggest a decrease of the annual precipitation by ～15–25% compared with the present‐day annual average. These data indicate a probable uniform temperature change across central and western Europe, with the precipitation being the most significant factor affecting the mass balance of mountain glaciers. The spatial distribution of balance data suggests increasing continentality towards the east during the Younger Dryas.     

Hydrochemical processes in ground water-discharge playas,Central Australia

A large groundwater system in the Amadeus Basin, central Australia, discharges to a chain of playa lakes 500 km long. The playas contain highly concentrated brines; these are sodium-chloride rich waters with appreciable magnesium and sulphate and very low concentrations of calcium and bicarbonate. Gypsum, glauberite, and other evaporite minerals are precipitating in the playas. The groundwaters evolve to brine by concurrent processes of dissolution, evaporative concentration, mineral precipitation, and mineralogical change. Chemical evolution is considered with reference to a concentration factor based on chloride. Ion transfer calculations demonstrate losses of magnesium and bicarbonate throughout, as a result of precipitation. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and sulphate are gained initially as a result of dissolution but lost subsequently as a result of precipitation. Larger playas in the chain, exemplified by Lake Amadeus, have dual shallow and deep groundwater flow paths whereas the smaller playas, exemplified by Spring Lake, have only shallow flow paths. Brines in the larger playas are diluted by deep groundwaters and this is reflected in the degree of saturation attained with respect to particular minerals. Thus, saturation with respect to gypsum and glauberite is attained earlier in Spring Lake than in Lake Amadeus. Saturation with respect to halite is attained in Spring Lake but not in Lake Amadeus. Both playas are undersaturated with respect to hexahydrite and sylvite although these minerals occur in efflorescent crusts in Spring Lake.     

Saline groundwater seepage zones and their impact on soil and water resources in the Spicers Creek catchment,central west,New South Wales,Australia

Saline seepage zone development and hence dryland salinity is a major environmental problem which many arid to semiarid landscapes in Australia are experiencing. Due to the geological complexity of the regional aquifer system and the heterogeneous nature of the local groundwater system, each groundwater seepage zone in the Spicers Creek catchment, central west, New South Wales, Australia possesses different mechanisms which control its development. Saline seepage zones have formed adjacent to a fault zone, and two experimental sites were established through these groundwater discharge zones to understand geochemical processes which have led to the development of soil sodicity, gully erosion and the flushing of salts into the surface water systems. Seepage zone groundwaters contain a distinctive geochemical signature with elevated concentrations of Na, Cl, HCO₃, Ca, Sr, B, As and Li. The mixing of deep saline groundwaters together with ion exchange processes lead to a distinctive seepage zone groundwater chemistry being developed. Altering the landscape features within this rural groundwater system has developed water toxicity for crops, soil sodicity leading to land degradation, and waterlogging problems.     

Advances in discrete element modelling of underground excavations

The paper presents advances in the discrete element modelling of underground excavation processes extending modelling possibilities as well as increasing computational efficiency. Efficient numerical models have been obtained using techniques of parallel computing and coupling the discrete element method with finite element method. The discrete element algorithm has been applied to simulation of different excavation processes, using different tools, TBMs and roadheaders. Numerical examples of tunnelling process are included in the paper, showing results in the form of rock failure, damage in the material, cutting forces and tool wear. Efficiency of the code for solving large scale geomechanical problems is also shown.