Density perturbations in the Brans-Dicke theory

We give here the calculation of density perturbations in a gravitation theory with a scalar field non-minimally coupled to gravity, i.e., the Brans-Dicke theory of gravitation. The purpose is to show the influence of this scalar field on the dynamic behaviour of density perturbations along the eras where the equation of state for the matter can be put under the formp=, where is a constant. We analyse the asymptotic behaviour of this perturbations for the cases =0, =–1, =1/3 and =0. In general, we obtain a decaying and growing modes. In the very important case of inflation, =–1, there is no density perturbation, as it is well known. In the vacuum phase the perturbations on the scalar field and the gravitational field present growing modes at the beginning of the expansion and decaying modes at the end of this phase. In the case =0 it is possible, for some negative values of , to have an amplification of the perturbations with a superluminal expansion of the scale factor. We can also obtain strong growing modes for the density contrast for the case where there is a contraction phase which can have physical interest in some primordial era.     

Elemental and isotopic geochemistry in the hydrothermal area of Chaves,Vila Pouca de Aguiar (northern Portugal)

Chaves thermal waters (76°C) are the most important external manifestations of low-temperature geothermal systems occurring in Portuguese mainland. They are related to crystalline granitic rocks. This paper describes the use of the environmental isotopic composition (oxygen-18, deuterium, and tritium) of hot and cold waters of the Chaves area as an important hydrogeological tool to solve specific problems arising in the appraisal of the geothermal resources of the area (e.g., origin and age of waters, recharge area, and underground flow paths).¹⁸O and D analyses seem to confirm the meteoric origin of Chaves thermal waters. The local altitude dependence of meteoric waters was determined by¹⁸O and D analyses of superficial and shallow groundwaters of the Chaves plain and its bordering mountains. Chaves thermal waters seem to be related to meteoric waters, infiltrated on the highest topography areas (Bolideira granitic outcrop NE Chaves), that percolate at great depth and emerge in a discharge area at lower altitude (Chaves plain). Chaves thermal waters showing little oxygen-18 shift and low tritium concentrations could be considered external manifestations of an old geothermal system in which the isotopic water-rock interaction is adjusted to equilibrium.     

The evolution of the lithospheric mantle along the N. African Plate: geochemical and isotopic evidence from the tholeiitic and alkaline volcanic rocks of the Hyblean plateau, Italy

The geochemical characteristics of primitive tholeiitic and alkaline volcanic rocks that erupted in the Plio-Pleistocene along fissures on the Hyblean plateau in Sicily (Italy) were used to constrain the mantle sources involved in the volcanic activity of this area of the Mediterranean. It is shown that some of the Hyblean plateau magmas with the most extreme isotopic compositions have combined radiogenic Nd, Sr and Pb, a feature that is distinct from the mixing end-members of the oceanic array. In addition, alkalinity in the basalts is found to be positively correlated with an increase in some HFSE ratios (e.g. Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf) and negatively correlated with ratios between HFSE and MREE (e.g. Ti/Eu), a characteristic that is attributed to a mantle source that has been modified by a carbonatitic metasomatic agent. This metasomatic enrichment had the effect of increasing the U/Pb of portions of the lower lithosphere, possibly by adding phases such as sodic pyroxene and apatite to the basalt-depleted lithosphere. It is suggested that rock types that formed by melting metasomatized portions of lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary affected by this recent enrichment in U/Pb fall along a trend with a shallow slope in a plot of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and have Nd isotopic compositions that are as radiogenic as present day MORB. The isotopic compositions and trace-element concentrations of the Hyblean plateau basalts are, therefore, mostly consistent with the interaction of a MORB-type mantle source with a young lithosphere that was probably formed in the Phanerozoic and metasomatized by CO₂-rich fluids, possibly during the Jurassic. The absence of a geochemical component indicative of involvement of older Proterozoic lithosphere and continental crust in the evolution of these magmas distinguishes them from those erupted along the margins of the Tyrrhenian sea, and supports the suggestion that at least portions of the lithosphere underneath Sicily have oceanic affinity and may be genetically related to the adjacent Ionian abyssal plain. Received 4 June 1997 / Accepted 25 November 1997     

Observations of aδ Scuti-like pulsator: HR 7222

Visual and blue band photometric observations of the Scuti-type variable have been carried out. It has been found that LT Vul pulsates in the radial fundamental mode. Higher overtones such as third andn > 3 overtones have also been detected.     

Native Trees as Biomonitors of Chemical Elements in the Biodiversity Conservation of the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest, a hotspot in the world with a great diversity of plants and animals, is located in the most industrialized area of Brazil, a potential source of chemical elements for the atmosphere. From its original area about 10% has been preserved mainly through the implementation of conservation units, among which the Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (PECB) is one of the most representative. Here, leaves of the predominant species in the PECB were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for the establishment of natural backgrounds of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cs, Fe, Hg, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Se, Sr and Zn. Biomonitoring of the Atlantic Forest was realized through the tree community study taking in account the interspecies and the intraspecies variability of chemical concentrations. Results pointed out the low status of pollution based on the concentrations of chemical elements of environmental concerning. However, Br concentrations were higher in the understory species, which could be related to the possible effects of atmospheric pollution or sea influence. In addition, some Hyeronima alchorneoides trees showed to be hyperaccumulators of Co.     

Formation and ascent of granitic magmas

New results obtained by the investigation of liquidus and solidus phase relationships in the haplogranite system Qz-Ab-Or are used to discuss the evolution of magmas during their ascent in the crust. It is assumed that the magmas are formed at 720°C, 820°C, 920°C and at a depth corresponding to a pressure of 8 kbar. The starting composition of the magma is taken as 50% melt plus 50% quartz and feldspars. In case of a closed system (no heat exchange and no transfer of elements) the melt fraction of magmas, the water activity and the viscosity increase with decreasing pressure. The temperature slightly decreases. At 700°C the viscosity is approximatively 2 orders of magnitude lower than at 900°C. This is related to the higher amount of water in the (H₂O-undersaturated) melt at low T. It is also shown that dehydration melting is only realistic at high T (900°C). At lower temperatures water has to be added from outside to obtain an intrusive magma with approximatively 50% melt.

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Zusammenfassung Neue Ergebnisse, erzielt durch Untersuchungen von Liquidus und Solidus Phasenbeziehungen des Granitsystems Qz-Ab-Or, werden benutzt, um die Entwicklung eines granitoiden Magmas während seines Aufstiegs zu diskutieren. Es wird vorausgesetzt, daß die Magmen bei Temperaturen von 720°C, 820°C und 920°C gebildet werden, sowie in einer Tiefe die einem Druck von 8 kbar entspricht. Die anfängliche Zusammensetzung des Magmas wird mit einem Verhältnis von 50% Schmelze sowie 50% Quarz und Feldspäten angenommen. Im Falle eines geschlossenen Systems (kein Austausch von Wärme und Elementen) steigt die Teilschmelzbildung von Magmen, die Aktivität des Wassers und die Viskosität bei abnehmenden Druck; hierbei sinkt die Temperatur leicht. Bei 700°C ist die Viskosität um ca. 2 Größenordnungen geringer als bei 900°C. Dies wird bedingt durch den höheren Gehalt an Wasser in der (H₂O-untersättigten) Schmelze bei tieferen Temperaturen. Es wird außerdem gezeigt, daß Magmenbildung durch Dehydratation nur bei hohen Temperaturen realistisch ist (900°C). Bei tieferen Temperaturen muß Wasser von außen zugeführt werden um ein intrusives Magma zu erhalten, das ungefähr 50% Schmelze besitzt.

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Résumé L'évolution des magmas granitiques au cours de leur ascension dans la croûte est discutée à la lumière de données nouvelles relatives aux relations entre phases liquides et solides dans le système Q-Ab-Or. On suppose que les magmas se forment à des températures de 720°C, 820°C, 920°C et à une profondeur correspondant à une pression de 8 Kb. On admet pour leur composition initiale un mélange de 50% de liquide et 50% de quartz + feldspaths. Dans le cas d'un système fermé (pas d'échange de chaleur ni de matière), la fraction liquide du magma, l'activité de l'eau et la viscosité augmentent quand la pression diminue; en même temps, la température décroît légèrement. A 700°C, la viscosité est d'environ 2 ordres de grandeur plus basse qu'à 900°C. Cette propriété est en relation avec la teneur en eau plus élevée dans le liquide (sous-saturé en eau) à basse température. On peut également montrer qu'une fusion déshydratante n'est vraisemblable qu'à haute température (900°C). Aux températures plus basses, de l'eau doit être apportée de l'extérieur pour l'obtention d'un magma à 50% de liquide.

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. , 720°, 820°, 920°, 8 . , 50% 50% . , , , , . . 700° 2 , 900°. ( ) . , 900°. , 50% , - .

     

A model-atmosphere analysis of Ap star HD 26385

An abundance analysis using photographic region spectrograms and fully line-blanketed model atmospheres has been performed for the chemically peculiar (CP) star HD 26385. Model parameters were determined from H-profile and photometric data. Its pattern of abundance shows that HD 26385 is typically Ap Si-star.     

Chemical composition of falling snow at Dumont d'Urville,Antarctica

Fourteen samples of fresh falling snow were collected at Antarctic coastal base Dumont d'Urville in 1984. The samples have been analysed for major ions (including MSA) by ion chromatography and acid titration. The results are relevant to the chemical composition of background precipitation in polar marine conditions. The seasalt aerosol contribution is dominant. All samples are found to be acidic in the range 3–16 eq/l. The calculated non-seasalt sulfate (nssSO₄ ^2-) concentration is significantly negative for 3 of the 14 samples. NssSO₄ ^2- is found to be relatively high in summer and fall. MSA also exhibits the same pattern probably linked to local marine biogenic activity and/or atmospheric photochemical processes. The MSA to nssSO₄ ^2- ratio is in good agreement with values reported for coastal Antarctic ice cores and subantarctic acrosol. The background mean value for nitrate concentration is 1.1 eq/l but two very strong spikes (up to 16 eq/l) are observed. The first seems to be linked with long range transport of continental air masses while the second (in winter) is clearly due to a sudden input of nitric acid, possibly from the stratosphere.This paper represents a preliminary approach to a larger air and snow monitoring to be developped at this site.