SIMULATION OF REALISTIC SYNTHETIC REFLECTION SEQUENCES1

It is useful to be able to calculate synthetic primary reflection sequences from which to generate synthetic seismic sections which can be used for testing new processing algorithms. However, these synthetic reflection sequences should closely match real properties found in recent studies. Using the ARMA(1,1) model resulting from such studies to describe the correlation (or spectral) structure of the sequences, and by matching moments up to fourth order (since the sequences are non-Gaussian in practice), realistic sequences can be generated. A simple scheme is provided which also eliminates the necessity of throwing away large numbers of simulated values at start-up. The procedure is illustrated on three real sequences and is seen to reproduce all the important features.     

The petrology of chondrules in the sharps meteorite

Correlated petrographic and microprobe studies of 96 chondrules in the Sharps (H-3) chondrite indicate that chondritic material had a highly varied pre-accumulation history. Some chondrules, chiefly excentroradial and barred types, appear to be quenched droplets. Others, including most of the metal poor microporphyritic type, appear to have crystallized more slowly and are thought to be fragments of pre-existing rock. Although chondrules of all types show various effects similar to those produced by shock, such effects are most conspicuous in metal-rich chondrules and least conspicuous in spherical chondrules. It is concluded that shock was involved in the origin of chondrules and not simply a secondary effect.It is proposed that chondrules were formed by shock processes during the accumulation of nebular dust into asteroid-sized bodies. Olivine-rich microporphyritic chondrules are thought to be due to complete melting of large masses of target material; metal-rich chondrules represent shock melting and partial vaporization; and spherical, pyroxene-rich chondrules are interpreted as condensates from shock-generated vapor.     

A terrestrial shear pattern?

The concept of the strain ellipsoid is applied to indicate a possible regular shear pattern of earthquake distribution over the Earth's surface. A simple model of the Earth is assumed in the form of a rotating sphere with a plastic interior and a thin, fragile, crust. On this basis rotation of the Earth generates an internal radial pressure at the equator equivalent to 1/300g causing a proportionate distortion of the spherical shell. The system is in dynamic equilibrium with an increase in gravity at the equator. The ellipsoid representing the distortion, has orthogonal principal axes corresponding to the principal strains while radial directions at 54°44 from the poles are unchanged in length and are thus possible axes of shear generating the same distortion. The Alpide region of earthquakes extending from Lisbon to Tokyo and restriction of earthquakes mainly to the broad band between latitudes 55°N or S are in support of the proposed view.Four unique sets of orthogonal shear systems have been identified which form a regular pattern with a definite symmetry with respect to the plane of the ecliptic. This suggests that the hoop stress at the Equator associated with Earth rotation may be triggered off by tidal forces and that earthquake prediction may well be possible. Other implications of this new approach are also discussed.     

Soil water dye tracing,with special reference to the use of rhodamine WT,lissamine FF and amino G acid

Three fluorescent dyes (Rhodamine WT, Lissamine FF and Amino G Acid) are compared for use in soil water tracing. Severe limitations are evident, but practical applications are possible. Background fluorescence, adsorption, desorption, pH and other non-adsorptive effects are reviewed in the contexts of soil column work and field tracing of soil water. Lissamine FF and Amino G Acid are to be preferred for soil column work because of their lower adsorption; Rhodamine WT exhibits higher adsorption but is useful in field situations where organic fluorescence backgrounds are high. Semi-quantitative work may be undertaken in soil columns once a priming and flushing procedure has been adopted.     

The formation of commensurabilities in satellite systems due to the action of tidal forces

The five types of resonance possible between a pair of satellites at a 21 commensurability are described. By a modification of the method usually used in the restricted three-body problem, phase-plane diagrams are constructed for these resonances for the more general case where both satellite masses are non-zero. These phase-plane diagrams are used to discuss the different types of motion possible at the five resonances.It is shown that tidal forces can drive a pair of satellites towards a commensurability, and at the 21 commensurability it is possible for the satellites to be captured into a libration at any of the five resonances, the probability of capture depending on the eccentricities, inclinations, and masses of the satellites. The tidal hypothesis provides a reasonable explanation of the origin of the commensurabilities between Mimas and Tethys, and between Enceladus and Dione, in the satellite system of Saturn.Presented at the Conference on Celestial Mechanics, Oberwolfach, Germany, August 27–September 2, 1972.