Ab initio study of MgSiO3 C2/c enstatite

We have used a newly developed ab initio constant-pressure molecular dynamics with variable cell shape technique to investigate the zero temperature behaviour of high pressure clinoenstatite (MgSiO₃-C2/c) from 0 up to 30 GPa. The optimum structure at 8 GPa, as well as structural trends under pressure, compare very well with experimental data. At this pressure, we find noticeable “fluctuations” in the chain configuration which suggests the structure is on the verge of a mechanical instability. Two distinct compressive behaviours then appear: one below and another above 8 GPa. This phenomenon may be related to the observed transition to a lower symmetry P2₁/c phase which involves a reconfiguration of the silicate chains, and suggests that the C2/c structure at low pressures found here, may be an artifact of the dynamical algorithm which preserves space group in the absence of symmetry breaking fluctuations. Comparison with calculations in other magnesium silicate phases, indicates that the size and shape of the silicate units (isolated and/or linked tetrahedra and octahedra) are generally well described by the local density approximation; however, the weaker linkages provided by the O-Mg-O bonds, are not as well described. This trend suggests that, as in the recently studied case of H₂O-ice, the structural properties of more inhomogeneous systems, like enstatite, may be improved by using gradientcorrected density functionals.     

Phase transitions in perturbed stiff-fluid Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological models

We consider one-soliton perturbations of a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) cosmological model, with an ideal fluid with pressure equal to the energy density (stiff fluid), in the case where the “pole trajectory” parameter is negative, introducing thereby singularities along certain null hypersurfaces. Starting with a metric that approaches asymptotically the FR W background, we show that it is possible to construct an extension through these hypersurfaces such that the energy momentum tensor T_ab is finite and satisfies the energy conditions. The extension is only C₁, providing a sort of “shock front” with continuity in T_ab, that has an associated phase transition from null dust to stiff fluid, the transition being of the form described by CHANDRASEKHAR and XANTHOPOULOS.     

Molecular weight distribution of humic and fulvic acids of sediments from a north Florida estuary

The molecular weight distribution of the humic and fulvic acid fractions of two sediments was determined using Amicon ultrafiltrat ion techniques. All fractions of humic substances had a molecular weight range of less than 500 to greater than 300,000. The largest component of humic acids was in the greater than 300,000 molecular weight range, whereas, the largest percentages of fulvic acids were in the less than 500 molecular weight range and the 100,000–300,000 molecular weight range. From this preliminary investigation there appears to be a qualitative relationship between the molecular weight composition of the humic substances in the sediment and the salinity of the overlying water within an estuarine environment.     

A new approach to the librational solution in the Ideal Resonance Problem

The librational motion of the Ideal Resonance Problem (Garfinkel, 1966, Jupp, 1969) is treated through an initialnon-canonical transformation which, however, leaves the equations of motion in a quasi-canonical form, with Hamiltonian expressed in standard trigonometric functions amenable to traditional averaging techniques. The perturbed solutions, similarly expressed intrigonometric near-identity transformations, and their frequencies can be found to arbitrary order, with the elliptic integrals expected of the system introduced only in a final explicit quadrature for a Kepler-type equation in the angular variable. The specific transformations and resulting equations of motion are introduced, and explicit solutions for the original variables are found to second order, with mean motion accurate to fifth. Limitation of the present solution to the librational region, the extension of that solution to higher order, and observations on the form of the associated Hamiltonian are also discussed.     

Intensity attenuation in the U.K.

Intensity attenuation is relatively little studied compared with the attenuation of peak ground acceleration, due to the fact that the PGA can be used for engineering design, while intensity cannot. However, intensity has other uses, including the estimation of effects (including damage) of future earthquakes, and hence, at least in a general way, the study of earthquake risk. Knowledge of intensity attenuation is also useful in calibrating hazard models against historical experience. In this study, the attenuation of intensity in the U.K. is thoroughly evaluated from a data set comprising 727 isoseismals from 326 British earthquakes, including both modern and historical events. Best results are obtained by restricting the data set to events contributing at least two isoseismals. The preferred equation is

Hydrogeochemistry and carbonate saturation model of groundwater, Khanyounis Governorate—Gaza Strip, Palestine

Groundwater is a critical resource in Khanyounis city as it is the main source of water. The aquifer has deteriorated to a high degree, during the last two to three decades, in quality and quantity. More than 90% of the population get their drinking water from brackish water desalination plants. Fifteen domestic wells were sampled in 2002 to probe the hydrogeochemical components that influence the water quality. Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO₄, NO₃, and HCO₃ were analyzed. The data were statistically treated and plotted on the Piper diagram. A hydrogeochemical numerical model for carbonate minerals was constructed using the PHREEQ package. The results show that the groundwater is polluted with Cl, from seawater, and NO₃, sourced from fertilizers and sewage. The regression analysis shows that there are three groups of elements that are significantly and positively correlated. Na–Cl signature and plot show that seawater intrusion is advancing into the aquifer. The main hydrochemical facies of the aquifer (Na+K–Cl+SO₄), represents 60% of the total wells. Whereas 32.3% of the wells are located in the no pair up and no pair down fields on the Piper diagram. Calcite, dolomite, and aragonite solubility were assessed in terms of the saturation index where they show positive values indicating supersaturation. The hydrogeochemical behavior is rather complicated and is affected by anthropogenic and natural parameters.     

Identification and delineation of saline soils using aerial photographs in Yamuna Alluvial plain,Haryana

Salinity is creating great problems in the Yamuna Alluvial Plain. State Government is taking steps for reclaiming these lands to increase agricultural production. Impeded drainage, excess canal irrigation, topography parent material, shallow depth and bad quality of ground water are the main factors which are responsible for the genesis of saline soils in the alluvial plains of Haryana. On the arial photographs tonal differences on account of salt concentration in the soil are clearly seen. These differences are aslo associated with physiography and soil conditions which can be easily delineated. The information thus; collected can be used for reclamation of saline soils.