A new method for reconstructing type III trajectories

A local density approximation (LDA) method is developed for reconstructing the trajectories of type III radio bursts through the interplanetary medium. The method uses the measured source directions and the measured frequency drift rates of the type III burst to determine the locations of the radio source in the interplanetary medium at consecutive frequency levels. The technique is used to reconstruct the trajectory of an actual type III burst and the results are compared to the trajectory obtained from the global density law method. The LDA method represents an improvement in that it utilizes more observed data on the type III burst and that it takes full account of the local density variations at the source locations.     

Parametric study of near-wake structure of spherical and cylindrical bodies in the laboratory

Some aspects of the interaction between metal bodies and streaming rarefied plasmas were studied in a newly constructed Plasma Wind Tunnel as part of an attempt to investigate (via simulation) phenomena relevant to the spacecraft/space plasma interaction. Detailed near-wake ion current profiles for both spherical and cylindrical bodies at different body potentials (φ_S) and at different plasma flow parameters are presented. Various features of the profiles can be correlated, at least qualitatively, with both plasma and body characteristics. For example, the width of the wake zone appears proportional to the Debye length (λ_D) and depends on the potential of the target body although it appears to be relatively insensitive to the ratio $\text{S = V}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>flow</mtext>}}\text{/(}\text{2kT}{}_{\mathrm{e}}\text{M}{}_{\mathrm{+}}\text{)}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}$. The amplitude of the ion current peak(s) also appears proportional to λ_D while, for fixed φ_S, the location of the peak is directly related to S and possibly dependent upon body geometry. The general importance of body geometry is qualitatively demonstrated. In addition, a discussion of the relevance of the above studies to previous in situ data obtained from the Ariel I and Gemini/Agena missions is given.     

Plate tectonics,paleomagnetism and the tectonic history of the N.E. Pacific

The geology of Alaska has long been recognized as very complex. Recent paleomagnetic data, combined with paleogeographic reconstructions based on the concepts of plate tectonics, indicate that at least the southern parts of Alaska may be made up of a number of slivers of continental material rafted up along the western edge of North America.If a model of this sort is real, the implications are far reaching. Thus, the first part of this survey explains in some detail the techniques and assumptions used, namely the paleomagnetic technique, the use of the geomagnetic field reversal pattern as seen in marine magnetic anomalies, the use of both local (Alaskan) and global seismicity patterns, and the concept of sea-mount chains generated by hot spots as indicators of past movement of the ocean floor.By combining information derived from these different methods, an internally consistent picture of the development of the Alaska Peninsula and Gulf of Alaska has been assembled. This model involves the region that is now the Alaska Peninsula area, having been located at approximately the latitude of Oregon/california in early Mesozoic times, and looking much like Baja California looks today. Baja Alaska was then rafted north on the ancient Pacific plate, and rotated into its present position as a result of changes in the relative Pacific-North American plate motion.     

Regularities of rare-earth element distribution in the sedimentary shell and in the crust of the earth

After summarizing the vast analytical material it was possible to establish the differences in rare-earth element (REE) distribution in geosynclines and on platforms. It is shown that the heavier REE composition in sediments of geosynclines and the lighter one in sediments of platforms was initially created by processes of endogenic differentiation and then inherited by sedimentary series of these zones. On the basis of the calculation of the REE content in rocks of various shells of the Earth crust the increase of the role of heavy lanthanides into the depths of the crust is shown. The obtained estimate of REE abundance in the lithosphere led to the conclusion that the crust of our planet, despite the repeated reworking of its matter by sedimentary processes, metamorphism and granitization, has inherited features peculiar to products of tholeiitic magmatism—the most widely spread type of mantle fusion.     

Photogrammetric recording of the Roman earthworks 'Cawthorn camps', north yorkshire

Cawthorn Camps is a Roman site of probable late 1st and early 2nd century date comprising two forts, one with a later annexe, and a camp. The site survives as earthworks and, within the main defences, there are many slight embanked structures. The current multidisciplinary programme of research has included geophysical prospection, excavation, ground and aerial survey; it is a joint initiative by the North York Moors National Park Authority and English Heritage. The project aims to increase academic understanding, improve information available to the public and assist the production of a revised management plan for this nationally important site.
Large-scale air photographs and digital photogrammetry have been used to produce a plan, at scale 1:500, of the earthworks to a precision of ±10 cm. This plan has been used as a base map with which to rectify other key photographs and plans allowing further detailed interpretation and mapping to be undertaken. The air photographic work has also investigated some of the products available through digital photogrammetric technology, such as digital elevation models (DEMs), orthophotographs and perspective views.     

Mechanisms associated with the erosion of sand dune cliffs,Magilligan, Northern Ireland

A fifteen year history of coastal dune recession at Magilligan, Northern Ireland has revealed both time and space contrasts in processes and morphology. Since 1968 ‘storm’ frequency has increased, while dune retreat reached a peak (5·4 m) in 1978–1979. Three types of dune eroding events are noted, resulting from particular wave/wind/tide combinations. The spatial variability in dune scarping is associated with vegetation and soil development, and slope failures range from granular avalanches to retrogressive rotational slumps.     

Role of Geological and Geophysical Data in Modeling a Southwestern Alluvial Basin

A parameter-estimation technique based on existing hydrological, geophysical, and geological data was developed to approximate transmissivity values for use in a ground-water flow model of the Animas Valley, southwest New Mexico. Complete Bouguer gravity anomaly maps together with seismic-refraction profiles, geologic maps, geologic, geophysical, and drillers' logs, water levels, and pumping-test data provide insight into the transmissivity of bolson deposits throughout the basin. The transmissivity distribution was primarily based on reported pumping and specific-capacity tests in conjunction with complete Bouguer gravity anomaly maps and well log data. Reported transmissivity values were characterized by gravity values and well log data. In grid blocks lacking pumping and specific-capacity tests, transmissivity values were assigned based on the relationship of gravity values and well log data within the grid block to gravity values and well log data within other grid blocks for which transmissivity values are available. A two-dimensional, finite-difference, ground-water flow computer code was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the parameter-estimation technique. Although the trial-and-error method of calibration was employed, the actual computer time necessary for model calibration was minimal. The conceptually straightforward approach for parameter estimation utilizing existing hydrological, geophysical, and geological data provides realistic parameter estimates.     

A 2200-yr record of hydrologic variability from Foy Lake, Montana, USA, inferred from diatom and geochemical data

A 2200-yr long, high-resolution (∼5 yr) record of drought variability in northwest Montana is inferred from diatoms and δ¹⁸O values of bio-induced carbonate preserved in a varved lacustrine core from Foy Lake. A previously developed model of the diatom response to lake-level fluctuations is used to constrain estimates of paleolake levels derived from the diatom data. High-frequency (decadal) fluctuations in the de-trended δ¹⁸O record mirror variations in wet/dry cycles inferred from Banff tree-rings, demonstrating the sensitivity of the oxygen-isotope values to changes in regional moisture balance. Low frequency (multi-centennial) isotopic changes may be associated with shifts in the seasonal distribution of precipitation. From 200 B.C. to A.D. 800, both diatom and isotope records indicate that climate was dry and lake level low, with poor diatom preservation and high organic carbon: nitrogen ratios. Subsequently, lake level rose slightly, although the climate was drier and more stable than modern conditions. At A.D. 1200, lake level increased to approximately 6 m below present elevation, after which the lake fluctuated between this elevation and full stage, with particularly cool and/or wetter conditions after 1700. The hydrologic balance of the lake shifted abruptly at 1894 because of the establishment of a lumber mill at the lake's outlet. Spectral analysis of the δ¹⁸O data indicates that severe droughts occurred with multi-decadal (50 to 70 yr) frequency.     

Three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure derived from local earthquakes at the Katmai group of volcanoes,Alaska

The three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure beneath the Katmai group of volcanoes is determined by inversion of more than 10,000 rays from over 1000 earthquakes recorded on a local 18 station short-period network between September 1996 and May 2001. The inversion is well constrained from sea level to about 6 km below sea level and encompasses all of the Katmai volcanoes; Martin, Mageik, Trident, Griggs, Novarupta, Snowy, and Katmai caldera. The inversion reduced the average RMS travel-time error from 0.22 s for locations from the standard one-dimensional model to 0.13 s for the best three-dimensional model. The final model, from the 6th inversion step, reveals a prominent low velocity zone (3.6–5.0 km/s) centered at Katmai Pass and extending from Mageik to Trident volcanoes. The anomaly has values about 20–25% slower than velocities outboard of the region (5.0–6.5 km/s). Moderately low velocities (4.5–6.0 km/s) are observed along the volcanic axis between Martin and Katmai Caldera. Griggs volcano, located about 10 km behind (northwest of) the volcanic axis, has unremarkable velocities (5.0–5.7 km/s) compared to non-volcanic regions. The highest velocities are observed between Snowy and Griggs volcanoes (5.5–6.5 km/s). Relocated hypocenters for the best 3-D model are shifted significantly relative to the standard model with clusters of seismicity at Martin volcano shifting systematically deeper by about 1 km to depths of 0 to 4 km below sea level. Hypocenters for the Katmai Caldera are more tightly clustered, relocating beneath the 1912 scarp walls. The relocated hypocenters allow us to compare spatial frequency-size distributions (b-values) using one-dimensional and three-dimensional models. We find that the distribution of b is significantly changed for Martin volcano, which was characterized by variable values (0.8 < b < 2.0) with standard locations and more uniform values (0.8 < b < 1.2) after relocation. Other seismic clusters at Mageik (1.2 < b < 2.2), Trident (0.5 < b < 1.5) and Katmai Caldera (0.8 < b < 1.8) had stable b-values indicating the robustness of the observations. The strong high b-value region at Mageik volcano is mainly associated with an earthquake swarm in October, 1996 that possibly indicates a shallow intrusion or influx of gas. The new velocity and spatial b-value results, in conjunction with prior gravity (Bouguer anomalies up to − 40 mgal) and interferometry (several cm uplift) data, provide strong evidence in favor of partially molten rock at shallow depths beneath the Mageik–Katmai–Novarupta region. Moderately low velocities beneath Martin and Katmai suggest that old, mostly solidified intrusions exist beneath these volcanoes. Higher relative velocities beneath the Griggs and Snowy vents suggest that no magma is resident in the shallow crust beneath these volcanoes.