Upper mantle structure beneath the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of the Azores based on observations of compressional wave

Summary. Four seismic refraction profiles have been interpreted which serve to indicate the structure of the lithosphere near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge close to the Azores. An east–west profile which crosses the ridge axis yields a crustal structure. Although energy is propagated across the ridge axis within the crust the axial region marks a clear barrier to propagation within the mantle. A profile parallel to the axis (4 my isochron) shows, below a 7.6 km/s layer, a low-velocity zone underlain by an 8.3 km/s refractor 9 km below the sea bed. On profies normal to the ridge axis higher velocities, which are observed on lines shot towards the ridge, can be attributed to this refractor if it has a dip of several degrees away from the ridge. On another profile parallel to the axis (9 my isochron) a velocity of about 8.3 km/s is only found to exist much deeper at about 30 km depth. These observations are interpreted in the light of seismic refraction results recently obtained by Lewis & Snydsman and of quantitative petrological models, such as that of Bottinga & Allègre. A velocity model based on Bottinga & Allègre's model allows us to understand our results qualitatively. In particular the two 8.3 km/s refractors at 9 and 30 km depth correspond to two different residual peridotite layers. The upper layer contains 1.5–2 wt per cent water and as the lithosphere moves away from the ridge axis the temperature in this layer becomes low enough to start hydration reactions. These cause the low-velocity zone observed at 4 my and the total disappearance of the shallow level refractor before 9 my.     

Application of particle dynamics to derive a general circulation in low latitudes

Summary In Section 1 are set out the reasons for the use of particle dynamics in this investigation. In Section 2 are solved the equations of motion for particles constrained to move along a horizontal surface under the action of a constant meridional pressure gradient force to obtain (a) velocities in spherical polar co-ordinates with naturally varying Coriolis terms, and (b) velocities and trajectories in plane cartesian co-ordinates in which the Coriolis parameter is assumed constant. Results obtained in each system are compared, showing that the plane co-ordinates as used are not significantly inaccurate, and trajectories of air particles obtained by application significantly inaccurate, and trajectories of air particles obtained by application of this system in steps of 5° of latitude are plotted to show the production of belts of convergence at some distance from the equator under the action of meridional pressure gradient forces.The approximation of these idealised particle trajectories to actual streamlines of the air flow are discussed in Section 3, and the concept of the production of belts of convergence is used to formulate a theory of formation and maintenance of the sub-tropical anticyclones. In Section 4 this theory is applied to observed average temperature data and the calculated results compared with observed average pressure data. A possible synoptic application of the theory is then indicated in Section 5.

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Zusammenfassung Im ersten Abschnitt werden Gründe für die Anwendung der Dynamik von Massenteilchen in der vorliegenden Arbeit dargelegt. Abschnitt 2 enthält die Lösungen der Gleichungen für die Bewegung von Massenteilchen auf horizontalen Flächen unter der Einwirkung eines konstanten meridionalen Druckgradienten. Die Lösungen ergeben a) die Geschwindigkeiten in sphärischen Polarkoordinaten mit variablem Coriolis-Term (entsprechend natürlichen Verhältnissen) und b) Geschwindigkeiten und Trajektorien in ebenen kartesischen Koodinaten in denen der Coriolis-Parameter als konstant angenommen wird. Die Ergebnisse für beide Koordinatensysteme werden verglichen und es zeigt sich, daß bei Verwendung der ebenen Koordinaten keine wesentlichen Ungenauigkeiten auftreten. Zeichnet man schrittweise von 5 zu 5° (Fig. 1) die Trajektorien der Luftteilchen, so ergeben sich als Folge der meridionalen Druckgradienten Konvergenzzonen in einigem Abstand vom Äquator.Die Annäherung dieser idealisierten Trajektorien an tatsächliche Stromlinien der Luft wird in Abschnitt3 diskutiert. An Hand der Vorstellungen von der Entstehung der Konvergenzzonen wird eine Theorie der Entstehung und Erhaltung subtropischer Antizyklonen gegeben. Im vierten Abschnitt wird diese Theorie auf beobachtete Mitteltemperaturen angewendet und die Ergebnisse der Berechnung werden mit beobachteten mittleren Luftdruckwerten verglichen. Auf eine mögliche synoptische Anwendung der vorliegenden Ergebnisse wird in Abschnitt 5 hingewiesen.

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Résumé La première partie contient les motifs de l'emploi de la dynamique de points pesants dans la présente étude. La deuxième partie donne les solutions des équations du mouvement de points pesants sur des surfaces horizontales sous l'effet d'un gradient méridien constant. Ces solutions fournissent les vitesses en coordonnées polaires sphériques avec un terme Coriolis variable, ainsi que les vitesses et les trajectoires en coordonnées cartésiennes planes en admettant un paramètre de Coriolis constant. On compare les résultats pour les deux systèmes de coordonnées et l'on constate que l'emploi des coordonnées planes n'introduit pas d'erreurs appréciables. Si l'on dessine les trajectoires de 5 en 5 degrés on voit apparaître des zones de convergence à quelque distance de l'équateur par suite des gradients méridiens.Dans la troisième partie on discute la similitude plus ou moins grande de ces trajectoires idéalisées avec les lignes de courant réelles. Parant de l'origine possible des zones de convergence, on établit une théorie de l'origine et du maintien des anticyclones subtropicaux. Dans la quatrième partie on applique cette théorie aux températures moyennes observées et l'on compare les résultats avec les valeurs moyennes observées de la pression. Dans la cinquième partie enfin on montre l'application possible des résultats obtenus à la synoptique.

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This paper is published with the permission of the Director of the meteorological Office.     

Buruanga peninsula and Antique Range: Two contrasting terranes in Northwest Panay,Philippines featuring an arc–continent collision zone

Alternating chert–clastic sequences juxtaposed with limestone blocks, which are units typical of accretionary complexes, constitute the Buruanga peninsula. New lithostratigraphic units are proposed in this study: the Unidos Formation (Jurassic chert sequence), the Saboncogon Formation (Jurassic siliceous mudstone–terrigenous mudstone and quartz‐rich sandstone), the Gibon Formation (Jurassic(?) bedded pelagic limestone), the Libertad Metamorphics (Jurassic–Cretaceous slate, phyllite, and schist) and the Buruanga Formation (Pliocene–Pleistocene reefal limestone). The first three sedimentary sequences in the Buruanga peninsula show close affinity with the ocean plate stratigraphy of the North Palawan terrane in Busuanga Island: Lower–Middle Jurassic chert sequences overlain by Middle–Upper Jurassic clastics, juxtaposed with pelagic limestone. Moreover, the JR5–JR6 (Callovian to Oxfordian) siliceous mudstone of the Saboncogon Formation in the Buruanga peninsula correlates with the JR5–JR6 siliceous mudstone of the Guinlo Formation in the Middle Busuanga Belt. These findings suggest that the Buruanga peninsula may be part of the North Palawan terrane. The rocks of the Buruanga peninsula completely differ from the Middle Miocene basaltic to andesitic pyroclastic and lava flow deposits with reefal limestone and arkosic sandstone of the Antique Range. Thus, the previously suggested boundary between the Palawan microcontinental block and the Philippine Mobile Belt in the central Philippines, which is the suture zone between the Buruanga peninsula and the Antique Range, is confirmed. This boundary is similarly considered as the collision zone between them.     

Water Harvesting Structure Positioning by Using Geo-Visualization Concept and Prioritization of Mini-Watersheds Through Morphometric Analysis in the Lower Tapi Basin

Geo-visualization concept has been used for positioning water harvesting structures in Varekhadi watershed consisting of 26 mini watersheds, falling in Lower Tapi Basin (LTB), Surat district, Gujarat state. For prioritization of the mini watersheds, morphometric analysis was utilized by using the linear parameters such as bifurcation ratio (R_b), drainage density (D_d), stream frequency (F_u), texture ratio (T), length of overland flow (L_o) and the shape parameter such as form factor (R_f), shape factor (B_s), elongation ratio (R_e), compactness constant (C_c) and circularity ratio (R_c). The different prioritization ranks were assigned after evaluation of the compound factor. 3 Dimensional (3D) Elevation Model (DEM) from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and DEM from topo contour were analyzed in ArcScene 9.1 and the fly tool was utilized for the Geo-visualization of Varekhadi mini watersheds as per the priority ranks. Combining this with soil map and slope map, the best feasibility of positioning check dams in mini-watershed no. 1, 5 and 24 has been proposed, after validation of the sites.     

Limb-darkening and solar cycle variation of sunspot intensities

New observations of the umbral limb-darkening are presented. We find a real and significant decrease in the umbra/photosphere intensity ratio towards the limb. This result contrasts the findings of previous authors and we believe this to be the first time such a decrease is reported. Our conclusion is based on broad band pinhole photometer intensity observations of 22 large sunspots covering the spectral region 0.387–2.35 m. The data are selected from measurements on approximately 600 days during the last 15.5 yr. The application of the limb-darkening data to the study of the temperature stratification in the umbra is briefly discussed. The observations confirm the suggestion that the umbra/photosphere intensity ratio seems to be a linear function of the phase in the solar cycle.     

Non-singular cosmology using tachyon and general non-minimal kinetic coupling

The bounce with non-minimal coupling is very interesting topic because in the early time, general relativity is likely to be modified, which can give some valuable effects to the evolution of our universe. In this paper we introduce a string-inspired model for bouncing universe, utilizing the tachyon field as well as contributions from general non-minimal kinetic couplings and curvature. It is shown numerically that the bouncing solution appears in the model whereas the equation of state (EoS) parameter crosses the phantom divider.     

Varre-Sai: The Recent Brazilian Fall

Varre-Sai, the most recent Brazilian meteorite fall, on June 19th, 2010 at Varre-Sai, in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (20°51??41??S; 41°44??.80??W). At least eight masses (total ~3.5?kg) were recovered. Most are totally covered by fusion crust. The exposed interior is of light-grey colour with a few dark shock veins. Five thin polished and etched sections were prepared from a slice weighing 35?g on deposit at the National Museum/UFRJ. It consists mostly of chondrules ranging in size from 0.35 to ~2.2?mm, and chondrule fragments enclosed in a crystalline matrix. The matrix consists of tiny isolated subhedral and anhedral crystals and opaque minerals that are intergrown with broken chondrules. The chondritic texture is poorly defined with chondrule textures that vary from non-porphyritic to porphyritic ones. The essential minerals are olivine (Fa_25±0.2) and low-Ca pyroxene (Fa_21.66±0.2Wo_1.4). Accessory minerals are plagioclase, apatite, Fe?CNi metal phases, troilite, chromite and magnetite. M?ssbauer spectroscopy analysis confirms that the mineral phases are olivine, pyroxene, troilite and kamacite/taenite. Chemical data indicate that Varre-Sai is a member of the low iron L chondrite group. The observed texture and mineral phases led us to classify Varre-Sai as an equilibrated petrologic type 5. The shock features of the minerals (undulatory extinction, planar structure and numerous cracks), as well as plagioclase partial or totally transformed to maskelynite, suggest a shock stage S4. Also, some post-impact metamorphic processes could be inferred from the meta-sulfide conjoint grains that show complex mixtures of kamacite?Ctaenite?Ctetrataenite and troilite. The occurrence of veins crosscutting the studied sections indicates that Varre-Sai was affected by a late fracturing event. Sealing of these fractures must have been a fast process, as shown by troilite globule textures pointing towards rapid solidification. The meteorite name was approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society (Meteoritic Bulletin, no 99).     

The effect of the Earth’s oblateness on the Moon’s physical libration in latitude

The Moon’s physical libration in latitude generated by gravitational forces caused by the Earth’s oblateness has been examined by a vector analytical method. Libration oscillations are described by a close set of five linear inhomogeneous differential equations, the dispersion equation has five roots, one of which is zero. A complete solution is obtained. It is revealed that the Earth’s oblateness: a) has little effect on the instantaneous axis of Moon’s rotation, but causes an oscillatory rotation of the body of the Moon with an amplitude of 0.072″ and pulsation period of 16.88 Julian years; b) causes small nutations of poles of the orbit and of the ecliptic along tight spirals, which occupy a disk with a cut in a center and with radius of 0.072″. Perturbations caused by the spherical Earth generate: a) physical librations in latitude with an amplitude of 34.275″; b) nutational motion for centers of small spiral nutations of orbit (ecliptic) pole over ellipses with semi-major axes of 113.850″ (85.158″) and the first pole rotates round the second one along a circle with radius of 28.691″; c) nutation of the Moon’s celestial pole over an ellipse with a semi-major axis of 45.04″ and with an axes ratio of about 0.004 with a period of T = 27.212 days. The principal ellipse’s axis is directed tangentially with respect to the precession circumference, along which the celestial pole moves nonuniformly nearly in one dimension. In contrast to the accepted concept, the latitude does not change while the Moon’s poles of rotation move. The dynamical reason for the inclination of the Moon’s mean equator with respect to the ecliptic is oblateness of the body of the Moon.     

Nouveaux essais comparatifs de la mesure de l'évaporation

Résumé Reprenant une précédente étude, l'auteur recherche ici s'il existe, sous certaines conditions, un parallélisme étroit entre les données de différents évaporomètres. Il considère ainsi la balance de Wild d'une part et des bacs de grandes dimensions d'autre part. Il en conclut que l'on peut utiliser indifféremment l'une ou les autres aux conditions suivantes: Les grands bassins doivent être régulièrement et consciencieusement nettoyés et l'eau doit en être changée souvent; il est indispensable de mesurer la température moyenne de l'eau de ces bassins et de corriger les lectures en conséquence. Cette dernière et très importante constatation est basée sur un développement théorique étayé par de nombreuses mesures. Enfin, l'auteur fait part de constatations d'ordre biologique qui permettent d'affirmer que leblanc est la couleur la plus pratique pour de grands bassins.

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Summary Referring to a previous investigation, the author examines whether, under certain conditions, there is a strict parallelism between data from different types of evaporimeters. The balance of Wild, on one hand, and large evaporation pans, on the other, are considered. The author concludes that both types may indifferently be used under certain conditions: the large pans must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly, and the water has to be changed frequently; it is indispensable to measure the mean temperature of the water of these pans and to correct the readings accordingly. This last and very important statement is based on a theoretical development supported by numerous measurements. Finally, facts of biological nature enable the author to assert thatwhite is the most favourable colour for large evaporation pans.

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Zusammenfassung Von einer früheren Arbeit ausgehend untersucht der Autor, ob und unter welchen Bedingungen verschiedene Verdunstungsmesser zu vergleichbaren Ergebnissen führen. Verglichen werden die Wildsche Verdunstungswaage und große Verdunstungsbecken. Es zeigt sich, daß diese beiden Apparatetypen unter folgenden Bedingungen gleichwertig sind: Die großen Verdunstungsbecken müssen regelmäßig und sorgfältig gereinigt werden; ihr Wasser ist öfters zu erneuern; auch muß bei jeder Messung die mittlere Temperatur des Wassers im Verdunstungsbecken bestimmt und ihr Einfluß bei der Berechnung der Verdunstung in Rechnung gestellt werden. Für diese letztere, sehr wichtige Bedingung werden sowohl theoretische Gründe wie auch praktische Beispiele angeführt. Schließlich werden auch biologische Beobachtungen mitgeteilt, aus denen hervorgeht, daßweiß die günstigste Farbe für Verdunstungsbecken ist.

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Avec 5 Figures