Age and source material of the Kingash ultramafic-mafic massif,East Sayan

The REE distribution patterns and Nd whole-rock and mineral isotope ratios of the Kingash ultramafic-mafic massif enabled us to propose a multistage history for its evolution at 1410 and 875 Ma. These stages reflect the magmatic evolution of the Siberian paleocontinent margin during the Late Precambrian. The age of metamorphism of the massif during collision and accretion in the Early Paleozoic (∼500 Ma) was obtained based on a Sm-Nd mineral isochron from rheomorphic veined albitite. The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of rocks from the Kingash massif suggest mantle sources for picritic and basic magmas, which are thought to have originated by mixing of different proportions of depleted (PREMA or DM) and enriched (EM) melts. The initial isotope ratios of the parental melts transformed during interaction with Sr-rich material from the host metasedimentary complexes.     

Studies of temperature effects of dust storms

We studied the temperature variations of the lower air layer caused by dust content using a dust storm in Dushanbe in November 2007 as an example. Quantitative estimates of air cooling and a decrease in the diurnal temperature difference due to a diminishing horizontal visibility range are given. Observations of air temperature variations due to the dust content of the atmosphere in an arid zone are presented. The critical value of aerosol concentration for toggling between the greenhouse and antigreenhouse effects is determined. The long-term effect of dust aerosol on climate is analyzed.     

Bol’shakovskii gabbro massif as a fragment of the Southern Urals zone of Early Carboniferous rift

In this paper new data on the absolute age and geochemistry of rocks of the Bol’shakovskii massif, situated in the central part of the Aramil-Sukhteli zone of the Southern Urals, are given. The obtained values are evidence for its Visean age. By the geological-petrographic and petro- and geochemical features, the rocks of the Bol’shakovskii complex differ sharply from ophiolite-type gabbroids, although they reveal a substantial similarity with the gabbro-granite formation of the Magnitogorsk megazone. The Bol’shakovskii massif is situated in the northern branch of the South Urals zone of Early Carboniferous riftogenesis; and its formation is most probably associated with magmatism events during the rift regime in the died_out island arc.     

Botswana gravity reference net

Gravity reference stations for the National Gravity Survey of Botswana have been established at twenty-three sites throughout the country in a net linked to existing bases in South Africa, Kenya and Zambia with an internal accuracy of better than 0.5 gravity units (one gravity unit, gu, equals an acceleration of 10⁻⁶ m.s⁻²). The field procedure and reduction of data are explained and a list is given of the gravity values.     

Jinshanjiangite and bafertisite from the Gremyakha-Vyrmes Alkaline Complex,Kola Peninsula

Jinshanjiangite (acicular crystals up to 2 mm in length) and bafertisite (lamellar crystals up to 3 × 4 mm in size) have been found in alkali granite pegmatite of the Gremyakha-Vyrmes Complex, Kola Peninsula. Albite, microcline, quartz, arfvedsonite, zircon, and apatite are associated minerals. The dimensions of a monoclinic unit cell of jinshanjiangite and bafertisite are: a = 10.72(2), b=13.80(2), c = 20.94(6) Å, β = 97.0(5)° and a = 10.654(6), b = 13.724(6), c = 10.863(8) Å, β = 94.47(8)°, respectively. The typical compositions (electron microprobe data) of jinshanjiangite and bafertisite are: (Na_0.57Ca_0.44)_Σ1.01(Ba_0.57K_0.44)_Σ1.01 (Fe_3.53Mn_0.30Mg_0.04Zn_0.01)_Σ3.88(Ti_1.97Nb_0.06Zr_0.01)_Σ2.04(Si_3.97Al_0.03O₁₄)O_2.00(OH_2.25F_0.73O_0.02)_Σ3.00 and (Ba_1.98Na_0.04K_0.03)_Σ2.05(Fe_3.43Mn_0.37Mg_0.03)_Σ3.83(Ti_2.02Nb_0.03)_Σ2.05 (Si_3.92Al_0.08O₁₄)(O_1.84OH_0.16)_Σ2.00(OH_2.39F_1.61)_Σ3.00, respectively. The minerals studied are the Fe-richest members of the bafertisite structural family.     

Paths and sequence of intrusion of alkaline rocks on Turja Peninsula

The Turja Peninsula consists of porphyritic granite overlain by sandstone, cut by numerous dikes and veins of varying composition, form, and orientation. The relative ages of the dikes and veins has been established by their mutual intersections, and correlation of these with compositions of the rocks demonstrates the existence of three periods of igneous activity. The dikes and veins of the first period strike predominantly NNE and dip ESE. Most of those of the second period strike E-W and dip N, but those of a subordinate group strike NNE and dip ESE. Those of the third period strike predominantly N-S and dip E. The first and third periods are characterized by fine grained rocks resembling effusives, the second by coarse grained typically intrusive rocks and intense metasomatism that altered both dikes and veins and the wall rocks. The difference in texture of rocks formed at the same depth horizon is attributed to a difference in temperature of the wall rocks and the rate of rise of the magma through them.     

Ozone and airglow in the mesosphere region

The paper presents the results of a photometric study of the hydroxyl bands (7–2) and (8–3) in the night airglow spectrum at Mt. Abu in the winter and spring of 1966–1972. The observed nocturnal variation differs from the variation expected from the theoretical studies of Hesstvedt, Hunt, Shimazaki and others. Instead of a gradual fall in intensity after sunset to shortly before sunrise, a peak in intensity is found at a time which changes from month to month and roughly coincides with the transit times of the X-ray star TAU (XR-1)-Crab Nebula. Anexplanation of the observed phenomenon is offered in terms of the increased energy output into the D and E regions of the atmospheres, increased eddy diffusion, and production, of additional O(³P) and O₃ in the region 80–95 km. O₃ reacting with H gives rise to OH^*.