Search for effects of comet S-L 9 fragment impacts on low radio frequency emission from Jupiter

Decametric radio observations of Jupiter were made before, during, and after the impacts of the fragments of the comet S-L 9 with the planet, from the University of Florida Radio Observatory, the Maipu Radio Astronomy Observatory of the University of Chile, and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory of the California Institute of Technology. The decametric radiation was monitored at frequencies from 16.7 to 32 MHz. The minimum detectable flux densities were on the order of 30 kJy, except for that of the large 26.3 MHz array in Florida, which was about 1 kJy. There was no significant enhancement or suppression of the decametric L-burst or S-burst emission with respect to normal activity patterns that might be attributed to the fragment entries. However, a burst of left-hand elliptically polarized radiation having a considerably longer duration than an L-burst was observed almost simultaneously with the impact of the large fragment Q2, and another with right-hand elliptical polarization was observed simultaneously with Q1. We consider the possibility that these two bursts were emitted just above the local electron cyclotron frequencies from the southern and northern ends, respectively, of magnetic flux tubes that had been excited in some way by the proximity of fragments Q2 and Q1.In addition to the monitoring of the decametric radiation, a search was conducted for possible comet-enhanced Jovian synchrotron radiation at 45 MHz using a large dipole antenna array at the observatory in Chile. This frequency is above the cutoff of the decametric radiation, but is considerably below the lowest frequency at which the synchrotron emission has previously been detected. The minimum detectable flux density with the 45 MHz antenna was about 5 Jy. No synchrotron emission at all was found before, during, or after the entry of the comet fragments.     

Heliographic longitude distribution of the flares associated with type III bursts observed at kilometric wavelengths

We have grouped observed type III solar bursts according to the discrete frequencies of observation in the kilometric wavelength range. For each group we have obtained the bursts' frequency of occurrence as a function of the heliographic longitude of the associated optical flares. We found that flares occurring east of a certain cutoff longitude do not produce bursts observable near the earth below a given frequency. The cutoff on the west is determined by observational limitation for flares beyond the limb. The mean longitude and the extreme eastern end of the longitude distribution both shift to the west as the radio frequency decreases. We interpret these findings in terms of radio wave propagation effects and curved trajectories of the bursts' exciter particles.     

Evaluation of nitrate levels in groundwater under agricultural fields in two pilot areas in central Chile: A hydrogeological and geochemical approach

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the application of industrial fertilizers and liquid swine manure in groundwater in two pilot agricultural areas, San Pedro and Pichidegua, which have been under long‐term historic use of fertilizers. A comprehensive hydrogeological investigation was carried out to define the geology and the groundwater flow system. Chemical and isotopic tools were used to evaluate the distribution and behavior of the nitrate in the groundwater. The isotopic tools included δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and ³H, which provide information about the origin and residence time of the groundwater; δ¹⁵N‐NO₃^? and δ¹⁸O‐NO₃^?, which provide information about nitrate sources and processes that can affect nitrate along the groundwater flow system. The application rate of liquid manure and other fertilizers all together with land uses was also evaluated. The hydrogeological investigation identified the presence of a confined aquifer underneath a thick low‐permeability aquitard, whose extension covers most of the two study areas. The nitrate concentration data, excepting a few points in zones located near recharge areas in the upper part of the basins and lower areas at the valley outlets (San Pedro), showed nitrate concentration below 10 mgN/L at the regional scale. The isotope data for nitrate showed no influence of the liquid swine manure in the groundwater at the regional scale, except for the high part of the basins and the outlet of the San Pedro valley, which are areas fertilized by manure. This data showed that the regional aquifer on both pilot study areas is protected by the thick low‐permeability aquitard, which is playing an important role on nitrate attenuation. Evidence of denitrification was also found on both shallow and deep groundwater in the Pichidegua site. This study showed that a comprehensive hydrogeological characterization complemented by chemical and isotope data is key for understanding nitrate distribution and concentration in aquifers from areas with intensive agriculture activities.     

A DUAL mission for nuclear astrophysics

DUAL will study the origin and evolution of the elements and explores new frontiers of physics: extreme energies that drive powerful stellar explosions and accelerate particles to macroscopic energies; extreme densities that modify the laws of physics around the most compact objects known; and extreme fields that influence matter in a way that is unknown on Earth. The variability of these extreme objects requires continuous all-sky coverage, while detailed study demands an improvement in sensitivity over previous technologies by at least an order of magnitude. The DUAL payload is composed of an All-Sky Compton Imager (ASCI), and two optical modules, the Laue-Lens Optic (LLO) and the Coded-Mask Optic (CMO). The ASCI serves dual roles simultaneously, both as an optimal focal-plane sensor for deep observations with the optical modules and as a sensitive true all-sky telescope in its own right for all-sky surveys and monitoring. While the optical modules are located on the main satellite, the All-Sky Compton Imager is situated on a deployable structure at a distance of 30?m from the satellite. This configuration not only permits to maintain the less massive payload at the focal distance, it also greatly reduces the spacecraft-induced detector background, and, above all it provides ASCI with a continuous all-sky exposure.     

Multi-method assessment of connectivity between surface water and shallow groundwater: the case of Limarí River basin,north-central Chile

A study that tests the applicability and consistency of independent but complementary approaches in the assessment of interactions between surface water and shallow groundwater within a water-stressed basin is described. The mostly agricultural Limarí basin in arid north-central Chile was chosen as a suitable case study. The analyses involved: (1) a connectivity index method, (2) hydrochemistry, and (3) water isotopic geochemistry. Chemical and isotopic data were obtained from two sampling campaigns conducted in April (fall) and December (summer) of 2011 in 22 sampling locations, which included surface water and groundwater. The results obtained by each of the methodologies were mutually consistent and indicate high connectivity conditions. Additionally, the relative contribution by different sources was assessed through end-member mixing analysis, and for reaches of the river that showed gaining conditions, the contribution of groundwater inflow to stream discharge was estimated. It is suggested that this multi-method approach is useful for the characterization of surface-water–groundwater interactions, since it at least represents a suitable starting point for obtaining basic information on these relationships. Thus, it may become the base for further studies in arid and semi-arid basins facing water management challenges.     

Determination of the composition and the origin of the ochre brown patina on the monumental Bab Agnaou gate (Marrakech,Morocco)

Like the majority of the Mediterranean monuments, the monumental Bab Agnaou gate is covered by a patina having an ochre brown hue. The petrological and mineralogical studies of this patina using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and electronic scan microscopy made it possible to determine its nature. It is about an artificial patina containing lime and clays, its colour is attributed to earth pigment. The experimental result and some rare historical documents made it possible to specify that the application of this patina goes back to the 1930s during the restoration work carried out at this time.     

Caution Against Interpreting Gasoline Release Dates Based on BTEX Ratios in Ground Water

"Traces of MTBE in ground water (>10 ppb) do not necessarily indicate recent gasoline contamination."