Collapsing supra-massive magnetars: FRBs,the repeating FRB121102 and GRBs

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) last for \(\sim \) few milli-seconds and, hence, are likely to arise from the gravitational collapse of supra-massive, spinning neutron stars after they lose the centrifugal support (Falcke & Rezzolla 2014). In this paper, we provide arguments to show that the repeating burst, FRB 121102, can also be modeled in the collapse framework provided the supra-massive object implodes either into a Kerr black hole surrounded by highly magnetized plasma or into a strange quark star. Since the estimated rates of FRBs and SN Ib/c are comparable, we put forward a common progenitor scenario for FRBs and long GRBs in which only those compact remnants entail prompt \(\gamma \)-emission whose kick velocities are almost aligned or anti-aligned with the stellar spin axes. In such a scenario, emission of detectable gravitational radiation and, possibly, of neutrinos are expected to occur during the SN Ib/c explosion as well as, later, at the time of magnetar implosion.     

Early In-orbit Performance of Scanning Sky Monitor Onboard AstroSat

We report the in-orbit performance of Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM) onboard AstroSat. The SSM operates in the energy range 2.5 to 10 keV and scans the sky to detect and locate transient X-ray sources. This information of any interesting phenomenon in the X-ray sky as observed by SSM is provided to the astronomical community for follow-up observations. Following the launch of AstroSat on 28th September, 2015, SSM was commissioned on October 12th, 2015. The first power ON of the instrument was with the standard X-ray source, Crab in the field-of-view. The first orbit data revealed the basic expected performance of one of the detectors of SSM, SSM1. Following this in the subsequent orbits, the other detectors were also powered ON to find them perform in good health. Quick checks of the data from the first few orbits revealed that the instrument performed with the expected angular resolution of 12’ \(\times \) 2.5\(^\circ \) and effective area in the energy range of interest. This paper discusses the instrument aspects along with few on-board results immediately after power ON.     

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: PAST THEMES, CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE TRENDS

Our knowledge regarding the physical geography of Southeast Asia is incomplete to a surprising extent. This paper reviews the past research, describes the ongoing work, and attempts to identify the future trends. Coverage of such a large area, even for the last 25 years, requires study of publications in several languages and coping with literature which is not easily available. Therefore certain topics. which are prominent in current research and likely to remain so in the future were chosen and reviewed in detail. Such topics include studies related to active plate margin features; the Pleistocene in Southeast Asia; erosion and sedimentation rates; rainforest; river systems; karst in Southeast Asia; coastal geomorphology; and the urban environment. Environmental studies are rapidly gaining importance chiefly because of (a) the destruction of the natural vegetation and the associated loss of biodiversity and (b) the growing problems due to accelerated erosion and sedimentation This trend is likely to continue with accelerated destruction of forests, development of coastal areas, and urbanization of the landscape The direction of research in physical geography of Southeast Asia has been determined by a combination of individual research interest, governmental priorities, and international expectations     

FORTY YEARS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE JOURNAL

Up to June 1993, 207 articles on physical geography have been published in the Malayan Journal of Tropical Geography (MJTG) (1953–57), Journal of Tropical Geography (JTG) (1958–79) and the Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography (SJTG) (1980–93). These articles are examined initially in terms of their sub-fields (Biogeography, Climatology, Geomorphology, Hydrology, and Soils), area of focus (the tropics, Africa, America, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia excluding Malaysia and Singapore, Malaysia, Singapore, and Southwest Pacific) and the area of origin of the authors. The more significant papers in the sub-fields are indicated. Various factors influencing the contributions to the Journal and some insights on the contributions of local staff (Singapore and Malaysia) are also given. The significance of the Journal as an avenue for local and foreign authors and for papers on physical geography in the tropics is briefly evaluated.     

Marine regression along parts of the Indian Coast during the Quaternary — A study using satellite images

Features of marine regression along the Indian Coast during the Quaternary have been studied using the Landsat Imagery for the possible causes and mechanisms of their formation. The occurrence of these features, specially cheniers, is very prominent along the Krishna — Godavari coast. Variations in the inland distances of the cheniers at different locations along the coast indicate differential regressions of the coast at different places. Progradation of the coast and local uplift are identified as the main factors for the same. The topography of the shelf before the regression has played an important role in the development of the regression surfaces of varying widths and the spatial arrangement of the regression features. Morphostructural factors have hindered the formation of deltas along the western coast and also the formation of regression features. Some of the gently sloping coasts without the regression features are the active zones of sediment erosion. The study points to the possibility that some of the coasts/deltas are tectonically active zones. The Krishna Godavari delta is undergoing uplift and the coasts/deltas of the Sundarbans, Mahanadi, Kerala and Saurasthtra are undergoing down-warping. This fact needs to be confirmed using data form deep drillings, geophysical tests and other sources. The confirmation of these phenomena will have a significant effect on the depth of sediment deposition, their maturity and finally on the formation, occurrence and migration of hydrocarbons.     

Seismicity in the vicinity of the India-Burma border: Evidence for a sinking lithosphere

The vicinity of the India-Burma border region is among a few intracontinental regions in the world where intermediate-focus earthquakes occur. The recent installation of new seismic stations has improved the detection and location capabilities for earthquakes in this region. Three seismic stations belonging to this new array are located over the zone of intermediate-focus earthquakes. Analysis of recently acquired seismic data reveals a well-defined near-vertical zone of earthquake foci extending to 200 km beneath the Arakan-Yoma fold belt. On the basis of seismic, gravity and other geological data, it is suggested that this zone of earthquakes is associated with remnants of the already subducted, but not totally assimilated, Tethys oceanic lithosphere below the Burmese plate.