Deep array electromagnetic sounding on the Baltic Shield: External excitation model and implications for upper mantle conductivity studies

The BEAR array of simultaneous electromagnetic (EM) observations probes the deep crustal and upper mantle conductivity structure of the Baltic Shield searching for the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary beneath. The adequate interpretation of the results of this unique high latitude natural field EM sounding requires proper understanding of the actual external excitation conditions because conventionally used plane wave model assumptions may be substantially violated in the vicinity of inhomogeneous polar sources. The paper presents an overview of the morphology and statistics of source distortions in the BEAR EM field transfer functions (TF) and the ways of their suppression. The stability of the final TF estimates obtained with the exclusion of intensive non-stationary auroral effects is further justified. The external excitation model effective for the whole BEAR observation period is inferred from the array distribution of the inter-station geomagnetic transfer functions. The model is supported by the results of polar ionosphere–magnetosphere current system studies, based on the simultaneous ground and satellite geomagnetic observations, and sets bounds for the “plane wave” approach in the BEAR data interpretation to avoid unfounded inferences on the upper mantle electrical properties. The signatures of the lithosphere–asthenospere boundary under Fennoscandia derived from the BEAR data are summarized and its resolution within the traditional plane wave interpretational paradigm is analysed assuming the presented external source pattern and estimated TF uncertainties caused by the source inhomogeneity.     

西藏南部晚始新世打拉埃达克质花岗岩及其构造动力学意义

打拉二云母花岗岩岩体位于雅拉香波穹隆的东南,侵入到中生代以前的变质岩系(眼球状花岗质片麻岩和石榴黑云母片麻岩)和特提斯沉积岩(页岩和砂岩)中,主要由石英、斜长石、钾长石、黑云母和白云母组成,形成于～44.3Ma。打拉二云母花岗岩地球化学特征表明:打拉花岗岩具有高Al_2O_3(16.0%～17.0%)、Na_2O/K_2O(1.2)以及A/CNK比值(1.05),表明打拉花岗岩为富钠过铝质花岗岩;轻稀土(LREE)富集,重稀土(HREE)相对亏损,HREE中的Ho到Lu元素有变平的特征((Ho/Lu)_N=1.11～1.46);具有微弱或无Eu异常,Eu/Eu~*=0.87～0.95;较高的初始Sr同位素比值(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr(i)=0.71754～0.71785)和较低的初始Nd比值(ε_(Nd)(i)=-9.15～-12.4)。打拉花岗岩具有高Sr含量(为355×10~(-6)～416×10~(-6))和Sr/Y的比值(59.1～71.5)、高La/Yb比值、低Y及HREE亏损的特征,与埃达克质花岗岩类似。上述特征表明打拉花岗岩是在较高压力条件下,以角闪岩为主的深部岩石部分熔融的结果。     

Comparison of the structures of meteor streams of cometary and possible asteroidal origin

The structures of the meteor streams of cometary origin—Draconids, Ursids, Perseids, and Lyrids—and the streams presumably connected with asteroids—Taurids and α-Capricornids—are compared. The comparative analysis was performed by the mass distribution of meteoroids in the stream and the activity profile for the meteors with the maximum recorded stellar magnitude +3 ^m and brighter. Visual observations of 1987–2008 from the database of the International Meteor Organization (IMO) and earlier sources were considered. It has been shown that the structures of the meteor streams of cometary and, presumably, asteroidal origin differ somewhat by the activity profile and the mass distribution of meteoroids in the cross-section of a stream along the Earth’s orbit.     

Assessment of hydrobiocenosis state over sections of the Kola North water bodies heavily polluted with copper and nickel compounds

The results of assessments of the water community state with allowance for a chronic character of pollution with heavy metal compounds are presented based on the analysis of the long-term hydrochemical and hydrobiological information of the State Service of Observations over water bodies of the Kola North. Characteristic signs of changes in quantitative and qualitative indicators of phyto-and zooplankton development relative to the concentration level of nickel and copper compounds and other pollutants are noted.     

Mantle-Crust Interaction in Petrogenesis of the Gabbro-Granite Association in the Preobrazhenka Intrusion,Eastern Kazakhstan

The paper reports results of petrological-geochemical, isotope, and geochronological studies of the Preobrazhenka gabbro–granitoid massif located in the Altai collisional system of Hercynides, Eastern Kazakhstan. The massif shows evidence for the interaction of compositionally contrasting magmas during its emplacement. Mineralogical–petrological and geochemical studies indicate that the gabbroid rocks of the massif were formed through differentiation of primary trachybasaltic magma and its interaction with crustal anatectic melts. Origin of the granitoid rocks is related to melting of crustal protoliths under the thermal effect of mafic melts. The mantle–crust interaction occurred in several stages and at different depths. A model proposed here to explain the intrusion formation suggests subsequent emplacement of basite magmas in lithosphere and their cooling, melting of crustal protolith, emplacement at the upper crustal levels and cooling of the granitoid and basite magmas. It was concluded that the formation of gabbro-granitoid intrusive massifs serves as an indicator of active mantle–crust interaction at the late evolutionary stages of accretionary–collisional belts, when strike-slip pull-apart deformations causes the high permeability of lithosphere.     

Disturbances of the ionosphere of blast and acoustic waves generated at ionospheric heights by rockets

In this paper we present a model, which describes the propagation of acoustic impulses produced by flight of rockets through a model terrestrial atmosphere, and effect of these impulses onto the ionosphere above a rocket. We show, that experimentally observed ionospheric disturbances with duration about 300 s cannot be explained by effect of acoustic impulses onto the ionosphere. We have calculated parameters of a blast wave produced by launch vehicle on the ionospheric heights. It was shown that the blast wave is intense and this wave can generate great disturbance of electron density. The disturbance of electron density can exceed the ambient electron density in 2.6 times. We supposed that the observed ionospheric disturbances might be produced by propagation of delayed magnetoacoustic wave, which, in turn, was produced by the blast wave.     

Crucial Boundaries in the Development of the Late Cretaceous Biota of Planktonic Foraminifera in the Southern Indian Ocean

Oceanology - The article analyzes the author’s own data on the species composition of planktonic foraminifera tests from Upper Cretaceous sediments in the Indian Ocean, as well as from...     

Space-Weather-Driven Geomagnetic- and Telluric-Field Variability in Northwestern Russia in Correlation with Geoelectrical Structure and Currents Induced in Electric-Power Grids

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - The study results of the temporal and spatial variability of geomagnetic and telluric fields driven by anomalous space weather are presented for the...     

Ring-Shaped Seismicity Structures Forming before Large Earthquakes and the Great Earthquakes in the Western and Eastern Pacific

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - We consider the characteristics of seismicity before large earthquakes and the great earthquakes in the periphery of the Pacific Ocean. It is found that...