Stationary distribution function for non-adiabatic particle motion in a one dimensional current sheet

The problem of pitch angle scattering in field configurations similar to those found in the geomagnetic tail has been studied previously by Tsyganenko (1982). Tsyganenko used a scattering matrix to map pitch angle distributions through the current sheet. By using numerical solutions of the resulting integral equations he showed for weakly non-adiabatic particles the Stationary Distribution Function (SDF) was isotropic. Using his procedure the SDF was found to develop anisotropies with increasing non-adiabaticity. The work presented here shows analytically that for any degree of scattering the SDF must be isotropic for a general planar field reversal. Computations of particle trajectories have been used to verify some aspects of the analytic work.     

A 20‐ka climate record from Central Himalayan loess deposits

The southwest monsoon that dominated Central Himalaya has preserved loessic silt deposits preserved in patches that are proximal to periglacial areas. The occurrence of such silts suggests contemporary prevalence of cold and dry northwesterly winds. Field stratigraphy, geochemistry, mineral magnetism, infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and radiocarbon dating has enabled reconstruction of an event chronology during the past 20 ka. Three events of loess accretion could be identified. The first two events of loess deposition occurred betweem 20 and 9 ka and were separated by a phase of moderate weathering. Pedogenesis at the end of this event gave rise to a well‐developed soil that was bracketed around 9 to > 4 ka. This was followed by the third phase of loess accretion that occurred around 4 to > 1 ka. Episodes of loess deposition and soil formation are interpreted in terms of changes in the strength of the Indian southwest monsoon. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the correlation between the very-high-energy gamma-ray and X-ray fluxes from the blazar 3C 66A

We consider the very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray observations of the blazar 3C 66A with the GT-48 Cherenkov telescope in the period 2002–2004 in comparison with the quasi-simultaneous ASM/RXTE observations in the energy range 2–10 keV. We show that there are positive correlations between the VHE gamma-ray and X-ray fluxes from this object recorded in the observing periods of 2002–2004.     

Lateglacial oceanographic conditions off Southwest Iceland inferred from shallow-marine deposits in Reykjavík and Seltjarnarnes Peninsula

New palaeoenvironmental data from the Lateglacial in Southwest Iceland add to the record of climatic events during deglaciation of the region. Recently exposed sediments on the north coast of Seltjarnarnes Peninsula in the Reykjavik area, Southwest Iceland, contain evidence of marine deposition during the Bølling Interstadial. The glaciomarine sediments contain both slightly reworked marine macrofossils and microfossils indicating normal marine salinity and subarctic climate conditions. Previous sedimentological studies and radiocarbon dating of the sporadic sediments covering the lava bedrock in Reykjavik have revealed lateglacial marine units from the Allerød, the Allerød—Younger Dryas transition, the Younger Dryas and from the Preboreal. Until now, the only Bølling evidence has consisted of scattered radiocarbon-dated redeposited shell fragments. From the Bollagardar deposits we report the first faunas dated to the Bølling chronozone preserved in marine sediments in the Reykjavik area. Recently published work in Hvalfjördur and Borgarfjördur, West Iceland, has shown that sea level was relatively high during the Bølling and that deglaciation was rapid. Bølling, Allerød and Younger Dryas deposits in the coastal areas of the Reykjavík region accumulated in a relatively open marine environment in oceanographic conditions similar to the present ones. Combined previous and present results indicate that several episodes of glaciomarine deposition occurred.     

The importance of oxygen isotope provenance in relation to solute content of bulk meltwaters at Imersuaq Glacier,West Greenland

Stable oxygen isotope analysis and measurement of several dissolved cations and anions of bulk meltwater samples have provided information about the hydrochemical environment of the glacial hydrological system at Imersuaq Glacier, an outlet tongue from the Greenland ice‐sheet, West Greenland. The samples were collected at frequent intervals during the period 20–28 July 2000 in a small (<20 L s^?1) englacial meltwater outlet at the glacier margin. The results document the following findings: (i) a marked diurnal variation of δ¹⁸O is related to the composition of oxygen isotope provenances, mainly near‐marginal local superimposed ice and basal up‐sheared ice further up‐glacier; (ii) a relationship is seen between all base cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺), SO₄^2? and δ¹⁸O, indicating that solute acquisition is provided by solid–solution contact with the up‐sheared ice—as the relationship with Cl^? is weak the influence of seasalt‐derived solutes is small in the area; (iii) when the melt rate is high, two diurnal maxima of δ¹⁸O values and solute concentrations are measured, and it is suggested that a snow meltwater component is responsible for the second maximum of δ¹⁸O—a short residence time leads to a delayed decrease in ion concentrations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geochronological evidence for late‐Grenvillian magmatic and metamorphic events in central Taimyr,northern Siberia*

U–Th–Pb analyses of zircons from six granites and one metasediment collected in the accretionary Central belt of Taimyr, Arctic Siberia, demonstrate that Neoproterozoic (c. 900 Ma) granites intrude late Mesoproterozoic/early Neoproterozoic amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks. This is the first time in the Mamont–Shrenk region that Neoproterozoic ages have been recognized for these lithologies, previously thought to be Archaean/Palaeoproterozoic in age. The Mamont–Shrenk Terrane (MST) represents a Grenvillian age (micro?) continent intercalated with younger Neoproterozoic ophiolites during thrusting and accreted to the northern margin of the Siberian craton sometime before the late Vendian. Basement to the MST may have been derived from the Grenvillian belt of east Greenland. Viable tectonic reconstructions must allow for an active margin along northern Siberia (modern day coordinates) in the middle Neoproterozoic.     

Kinematic wave modelling in water resources: a historical perspective

The history of the kinematic wave theory and its applications in water resources are traced. It is shown that the theory has found its niche in water resources and its applications are so widespread that they may well constitute what may be termed ‘kinematic wave hydrology’. Few theories have been applied in hydrology and water resources as extensively as the kinematic wave theory. This theory, however, is not without limitations and when it is applied they must be so recognized. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.