Structure of gas flows in Z And in quiescence and during outbursts

A new mechanism is proposed to account for transitions between the quiescent and active states of symbiotic stars. A numerical study of the gas dynamics of the flows in the symbiotic star Z And shows that even small variations in the velocity of the wind from the cool giant can abruptly change the flow structure near the hot component. Such changes alter the accretion regime as the wind velocity increases: disk accretion makes a transition to accretion from the flow. Our calculations indicate that the accretion rate increases by a factor of several tens over a short time interval (～0.1 of the orbital period) during the rearrangement of the flow, when the accretion disk is destroyed.     

Color redshifts and the age of the stellar population of distant RC radio galaxies

BV RI data are presented for the majority of steep-spectrum objects in the RC catalog with m _R <23.5^m. Previously developed programs are applied to these data to estimate the redshifts and ages of the stellar systems of the host galaxies. Applying this program to the color data (BV RI JHK) for distant radio galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts indicates that this approach provides accurate estimates of the redshifts of such radio galaxies, close to those obtained using field galaxies (～20%). The age estimates are much less trustworthy, but a lower limit to the ages of objects that are not very distant (z<1.5) can be determined with certainty. We have identi fied several galaxies whose formal ages exceed the age of the Universe at the corresponding z in simple Cold Dark Matter models for the Universe. The possibility of using such objects to elucidate the role of “dark energy” is discussed. This paradox disappears in models with cosmological constants (Λ terms) equal to 0.6–0.8.     

Low-temperature thermodynamic properties of disordered zeolites of the natrolite group

 The heat capacity of paranatrolite and tetranatrolite with a disordered distribution of Al and Si atoms has been measured in the temperature range of 6–309 K using the adiabatic calorimetry technique. The composition of the samples is represented with the formula (Na_1.90K_0.22Ca_0.06)[Al_2.24Si_2.76O₁₀]·nH₂O, where n=3.10 for paranatrolite and n=2.31 for tetranatrolite. For both zeolites, thermodynamic functions (vibrational entropy, enthalpy, and free energy function) have been calculated. At T=298.15 K, the values of the heat capacity and entropy are 425.1 ± 0.8 and 419.1 ±0.8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for paranatrolite and 381.0 ± 0.7 and 383.2 ± 0.7 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for tetranatrolite. Thermodynamic functions for tetranatrolite and paranatrolite with compositions corrected for the amount of extraframework cations and water molecules have also been calculated. The calculation for tetranatrolite with two water molecules and two extraframework cations per formula yields: C _p (298.15)=359.1 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, S(298.15) −S(0)=362.8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. Comparing these values with the literature data for the (Al,Si)-ordered natrolite, we can conclude that the order in tetrahedral atoms does not affect the heat capacity. The analysis of derivatives dC/dT for natrolite, paranatrolite, and tetranatrolite has indicated that the water- cations subsystem within the highly hydrated zeolite may become unstable at temperatures above 200 K. Received: 30 July 2001 / Accepted: 15 November 2001     

Gold Occurrence and Ore Genesis,Yata Micro—Disseminated Gold Deposit,Guizhou,Southwest China

The mode of occurrence of gold in the Yata micro-disseminated gold deposit is ap-proached through chemical phase studies coupled with ore-dressing monitoring and micro-beam analysis.The results showed that gold occurred for the most part as ultra-microscopic particles adsorbed on the surfaces or fracture planes of pyrite and other sulphides.The proportions of gold of different occurrences were estimated solutions containing nanometer-sized gold particles were prepared following the hydrolysis-reduction procedure and the adsorption of nanometer-sized gold on ordinary sulphides and rocks was experimentally determined.It is evident that sulphides are good adsorbents of gold and this is consistent with geological observations.     

Image analysis applied to quantitative evaluation of chromatic impact generated by open-pit quarries and mines

One of the most important environmental impacts resulting from opencast mining, and especially quarries, is the visual impact. Evaluation of this impact considers two aspects: first, the area occupied by the quarry as seen by an observer from a specific place, and, second, the chromatic contrast existing between landscape and exploitation. In this study we develop a methodology to assess the chromatic impact in an objective and comparable form. To assess this impact we developed a method based on image analysis that allows us to obtain from a picture or image its equivalent as a function of chromatic impact, according to the sensibility of the human eye to different wavelengths. The methodology was applied to the Martinenca limestone quarry (Alcanar, Tarragona) and to Cerro Kori Kollo mine, La Joya district (Bolivia).     

Intercomparison of IRS-P4-MSMR derived geophysical products with DMSP-SSM/I and TRMM-TMI finished products

In this paper, MSMR geophysical products like Integrated Water Vapour (IWV), Ocean Surface Wind Speed (OWS) and Cloud Liquid Water (CLW) in different grids of 50, 75 and 150 kms are compared with similar products available from other satellites like DMSP-SSM/I and TRMMTMI. MSMR derived IWV, OWS and CLW compare well with SSM/I and TMI finished products. Comparison of MSMR derived CLW with that derived from TMI and SSM/I is relatively in less agreement. This is possibly due to the use of 37 GHz in SSM/I and TMI that is highly sensitive to CLW, while 37 GHz channels are not available on MSMR. Monthly comparison of MSMR geophysical products with those from TMI is all carried out for climatological purpose. The monthly comparisons were much better compared to instantaneous comparisons. In this paper, details of the data analysis and comparison results are presented. The usefulness of the MSMR vis-à-vis other sensors is also discussed.     

Petrology and geochemistry of orthoamphibolites from the Variscan metamorphic sequences of the South Tisia in Croatia – an overview with geodynamic implications

In the southern Pannonian Basin, the Variscan Barrovian- and overprinted Abukuma-type progressive metamorphic sequences of the South Tisia in Slavonian Mts. (SM) and Mt. Moslava)ka Gora (MG) are interlayered with orthoamphibolites. These sequences represent part of a disrupted Variscan belt that extends southeastwards of the Bohemian Massif through the Carpathians to the Caucasus. Orthoamphibolites contain hornblende (Mg-hornblende, tschermakite, pargasite, and edenite), plagioclase An_48-98 (MG) and An_26-35 (SM), biotite, grossular (MG) and almandine (SM) enriched garnet, diopside (MG), with accessory ilmenite, titanite, and clinozoisite. Based on major and trace element analyses and CIPW norms, these orthoamphibolites, which originally were olivine tholeiites to slightly alkalic basalts, can be correlated with tholeiites of consuming plate margins. '¹⁸O of orthoamphibolites varies from 5.8 to 7.1‰, the measured ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio from 0.70435 to 0.70665, which indicates slight continental crust contamination, and the calculated ratio from 0.70262 to 0.70535, indicating an upper mantle origin of the original basaltic melts. For associated penecontemporaneous I-type granitoids, the calculated initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio also have upper mantle values ranging between 0.70293 and 0.70368. Geochemical data for orthoamphibolites and the associated penecontemporaneous I-type granites, and the occurrence of alpine-type ultramafic bodies within the Barrovian sequence, indicate that they have many features in common with orogenic associations related to recent subduction-related settings. Some characteristic element ratios suggest back-arc basin environments and the Ce/K vs. Ce diagram suggests a pargasite-lherzolite source. Its partial melting gave primitive basaltic melts of olivine tholeiite to slight alkalic affinities that produced at first differentiated mafic rocks by olivine fractionation (future orthoamphibolites) and, afterwards, a strongly differentiated suite of I-type granitoids by amphibole fractionation. Magma emplacement and subsequent AFC processes took place in subduction environments preceding the main Variscan deformational metamorphic event during which orthoamphibolites were generated. This interpretation is compatible with geodynamic modeling of this part of the Paleotethys.     

Geochemical Studies of Sodium Enriched Metavolcanite Series in the Area of Longbohe Copper Deposit,Yunnan Province,SW China：Nd,Sr and Pb Isotopic Characteristics and Chronology

The chronological data obtained by a variety of dating methods have confirmed that the sodium enriched metavolcanite series in the area of the Longbohe copper deposit at Jinping, Yunnan Province, was formed during the Proterozoic (its Pb−Pb isochron age=1595±75 Ma), corresponding to the Dahongshan Group sodium enriched metavolcanites. The Sm−Nd isochron age of 1336±46Ma should represent the time at which this series of volcanic rocks experienced spilitization in response to sodium metasomatism, equivalent to the time of sedimentation of the Ailaoshan Group and Yashan Group rocks. The Rb−Sr ages of the volcanic rocks and the Pb−Pb ages of copper ores have recorded the events of strong dynamic metamorphism and of strong reworking-metallogenesis of copper during the Jinningian period. Similarities in forming age, rock assemblage and isotopic characteristics between the sodium enriched metavolcanite series and the Dahongshan Group sodium enriched metavolcanite series have provided new clues to the exploration of the Dahongshan-type copper deposits in this area. Granted jointly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 49702022, 40073001) and the State 973 Program (No. G1999043215).     

Anhydrite-bearing rocks from the Rožná district (Moldanubian zone,Czech Republic): high-grade metamorphosed exhalites?

Several types of anhydrite-bearing rocks have been found in the amphibolite-facies metamorphosed rocks at the north-eastern margin of the Moldanubian Zone. Anhydrite either forms monomineralic bands up to 40 cm thick, or occurs in the form of disseminated grains in surrounding calc-silicate gneiss together with feldspar, scapolite, amphibole, pyroxene, epidote and pyrite. The isotopic composition of sulphur ('³⁴S=30.6 to 32.3‰) and strontium (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70797 to 0.70781) in anhydrite may indicate a marine source of sulphate. The isotopic ratio of strontium is in the same range as that of metamorphosed strata-bound barite-sulphide ores, which have been previously described in the same area. The '³⁴S values of coexisting pyrite range from 21.4 to 22.5‰, the (³⁴S_{anhydrite-pyrite} corresponding to the metamorphic temperature of 600 to 660 °C. In contrast to many submarine-exhalative deposits, the oxygen isotopic compositions of anhydrite ('¹⁸O=9.3 to 10.2‰) are lighter than that of barite ('¹⁸O=10.4 to 13.8‰). This indicates that the both minerals are not in isotopic equilibrium. Therefore, it is probable that anhydrite and barite from the Ro—ná district were deposited from fluids that contained different proportions of seawater and hydrothermal fluids or from hydrothermal fluids that underwent variable extent of oxygen isotope exchange with seafloor rocks. The '¹³C values in calcite ('¹³C=-17.2 to -18.7‰) from anhydrite-bearing rock are lower than those in distant marbles. As graphite is absent in anhydrite- and calcite-bearing rocks, impoverishment in the ¹³C isotope cannot be attributed to the graphite-carbonate isotopic exchange during metamorphism. It is proposed that low '¹³C values in carbonates are caused by pre-metamorphic oxidation of organic matter in course of hydrothermal processes. Anhydrite and anhydrite-bearing calc-silicate gneiss from the north-eastern part of the Moldanubian Zone are interpreted to be the high-grade metamorphosed analogue of anhydrite-rich exhalites commonly found in submarine-exhalative hydrothermal deposits.     

A Model for the polar motion of the deformable Earth adequate for astrometric data

Refined analytical expressions for the frequencies corresponding to the Chandler motion of the pole and the diurnal rotation of the deformable Earth are derived. Numerical estimates of the period and amplitude of the polar oscillations are presented. The trajectory of the Chandler polar motion derived via numerical modeling is in qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental data from the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS). An evolutionary model describing slow variations in the Earth’s rotation parameters under the action of the dissipative moments of the tidal gravitational forces on time scales considerably longer than the precession period of the Earth’s axis is constructed. The axis of the Earth’s figure tends to approach the angular momentum vector of the proper rotation.