Arecibo radar observations of Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and Enceladus

We have measured the bulk radar reflectance properties of the mid-size saturnian satellites Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and Enceladus with the Arecibo Observatory's 13 cm wavelength radar system during the 2004 through 2007 oppositions of the Saturn system. Comparing to the better studied icy Galilean satellites, we find that the total reflectivities of Rhea and Tethys are most similar to Ganymede while Dione is most similar to Callisto. Enceladus' reflectivity falls between those of Ganymede and Europa. The mean circular polarization ratios of the saturnian satellites range from ∼0.8 to 1.2, and are on average lower than those of the icy Galilean satellites at this wavelength although still larger than expected for single reflections off the surface. The ratio for the trailing hemisphere of Enceladus may be the exception with a value ?0.56. The 13 cm wavelength radar albedos and polarization ratios may be systematically lower than similar results from the Cassini orbiter's RADAR instrument at 2.2 cm wavelength [Ostro, S.J., and 19 colleagues, 2006. Icarus 183, 479-490]. Overall, these reflectivities and polarization properties, together with the shapes of the echo spectra, suggest subsurface multiple scattering to be the dominant reflection mechanism although operating less efficiently than on the large icy moons of Jupiter. All these saturnian moons and icy jovian moons are atmosphere-less, low temperature water ice surfaces, and any differences in radar properties may be indicative of differences in composition or the effects of various processes that modify the regolith structure. The degree of variation in radar properties with wavelength on each satellite may constrain the thickness and efficiency of the scattering layer.     

Teleconnections between Ethiopian summer rainfall and sea surface temperature: part II. Seasonal forecasting

A seasonal forecasting system that is capable of skilfully predicting rainfall totals on a regional scale would be of great value to Ethiopia. Here, we describe how a statistical model can exploit the teleconnections described in part 1 of this pair of papers to develop such a system. We show that, in most cases, the predictors selected objectively by the statistical model can be interpreted in the light of physical teleconnections with Ethiopian rainfall, and discuss why, in some cases, unexpected regions are chosen as predictors. We show that the forecast has skill in all parts of Ethiopia, and argue that this method could provide the basis of an operational seasonal forecasting system for Ethiopia.     

Rock lead isotopes in northeast Queensland

U‐Pb and Th‐Pb studies of rocks from an extensive Palaeozoic volcano‐plutonic province in northeast Queensland support conclusions derived from a previous Rb‐Sr study. The data oppose an earlier hypothesis, that two widespread and fundamentally different magma types are present. Interpretation of the lead data, however, must be treated with some caution since uranium movement apparently begins at a very early stage of weathering; X‐ray fluorescence data are displayed in a manner which suggests a simple rejection criterion.     

Rb‐Sr systematics of the Coolgarra Batholith,North Queensland

The Coolgarra Batholith in north‐east Queensland is composed of the Go Sam and Nettle granite suites which were emplaced approximately 314 Ma ago. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the Nettle Suite appear to be marginally above 0.710, a value characteristic of a wide range of Late Palaeozoic felsic igneous rocks in the region. This suite appears to have been derived from an extensive isotopically homogeneous crustal source distinct from rocks which crop out in the Palaeozoic Hodgkinson Basin or Precambrian Georgetown Inlier. Higher and more variable initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.727–0.744) of the Go Sam Suite are attributed to a combination of magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Isotopic data, thus, cannot be used to constrain the nature of the Go Sam source rocks. Tungsten (with or without tin) mineralization is associated with the Nettle Suite plutons, with which it shares a common age, whereas the Go Sam Suite is characterized by prominent tin mineralization. One tin occurrence is the same age as, or only slightly younger than, the Nettle Suite tungsten (with or without tin) mineralization. Another tin deposit yields an age of 301 Ma, suggesting the presence of a significantly younger granite at depth.     

Dating of Neoproterozoic and Cambrian orogenies in Tasmania*

A coherent set of timing constraints is produced for Tasmania's Proterozoic and Cambrian geology when only mineral ages are considered and whole‐rock ages excluded. The oldest recognised event is the formation of sedimentary deposits which contain detrital zircons that indirectly indicate a depositional age younger than 1180 Ma. Partial melts of these sedimentary rocks were incorporated in Neoproterozoic, Devonian and probably Cambrian felsic magmas. Neoproterozoic granite on King Island has an age of 760 ± 12 Ma and is part of a high‐level intrusive episode that accompanied the Wickham Orogeny, an event with regionally varied strain that is represented in northwestern Tasmania by a low‐angle unconformity, by altered granitoid with a magmatic age of 777 ± 7 Ma, and by the thick turbidite pile of the Burnie and Oonah Formations with its syndepositional intrusions of Cooee Dolerite. The late Neoproterozoic was relatively quiet tectonically but by early in the Middle Cambrian a crustal collision which marked the early phase of the Tyennan Orogeny brought about high‐level emplacement of ultramafic‐bearing allochthons and deep‐seated metamorphism of quartzose sedimentary and basaltic rocks. The ultramafic allochthons carried tonalite that had crystallised only shortly before at 510 ± 6 Ma, while the deep‐seated metamorphism produced eclogite at 502 ± 8 Ma. By middle Middle Cambrian times the metamorphic rocks had been uplifted and they experienced repeated uplift during the period of Mt Read volcanism and onward to the close of the Tyennan Orogeny in the Early Ordovician, an overall period of some 20 million years from the early Middle Cambrian. Regionally varied strain was again a feature during the Tyennan Orogeny, with the Smithton area in northwestern Tasmania and King Island occupying relatively undeformed cratonic positions.     

Second-Hand Spaces: Restructuring Retail Geographies in an Era of E-Commerce

Are online markets replacing or remaking second-hand markets in cities? The restructuring of secondary markets in light of virtual outlets like eBay is not well understood. In this article, we describe secondary markets and their important historic, economic, cultural, and social roles in cities. The literature on e-Commerce suggests that virtual retailers compete with bricks-and-mortar stores and potentially displace them. We question whether the internet can substitute for second-hand stores, which have traditionally relied on a loyal and local customer base, personalized shopping experiences, and surprise encounters. Given the historically embedded nature of exchange, we focus on one large Mid-western city, drawing upon survey and interview data from Chicago retailers. Our exploration of supply, demand, and geographic practices reveals subtle and complex alterations in second-hand exchange, rather than a displacement of second-hand markets by eBay. We also find substantive integration, fluidity, and hybridization within and across market sectors. Rather than supplant the production of new goods, secondary markets are intertwined with and deepen primary markets, calling into question some of the presumed benefits of and meanings associated with second-hand exchange as well as the usefulness of categorical distinctions. [Key words: secondary markets, second-hand, resale, thrift, e-commerce, eBay.]     

Secondary uranium mineralization in southern Finland and its relationship to recent glacial events

Uranium series dating has been carried out on secondary uranyl silicate minerals formed during sub-glacial and post-glacial weathering of Proterozoic uraninite ores in south west Finland. The samples were obtained from two sites adjacent to the Salpauselkä III ice marginal formation and cover a range of depths, from the surface to more than 60 m. Measured ages fall into three distinct groups, 70–100 ka, 28–36 ka and < 2500 yr. The youngest set is associated with surface exposures and the crystals display clear evidence of re-working. The most likely trigger for uranium release at depths below the surface weathering zone is intrusion of oxidising glacial melt water. The latter is often characterised by very high discharge rates along channels, which close once the overpressure generated at the ice margin is released. There is excellent correspondence between the two Finnish sites and published data for similar deposits over a large area of southern and central Sweden. None of the seventy samples analysed gave a U–Th age between 40 and 70 ka; a second hiatus is apparent at 20 ka, coinciding with the Last Glacial Maximum. Thus, the process responsible for uranyl silicate formation was halted for significant periods, owing to a change in geochemical conditions or the hydrogeological regime. These data support the presence of interstadial conditions during the Early and Middle Weichselian since in the absence of major climatic perturbations the uranium phases at depth are stable. When viewed in conjunction with proxy data from mammoth remains it would appear that the region was ice-free prior to the Last Glacial Maximum.     

Mississippi prodelta crusts: A clay fabric and geotechnical analysis

Abstract

"Crust”; zones, as defined by shear strength profiles, have been delineated in Mississippi prodelta sediments since the advent of the remote wire‐line probe. Attempts to map the distribution of the “crust”; on the prodelta have been hampered by sparsity of in situ measurements and its apparent lateral discontinuity. Evidence based on clay fabric, geotechnical properties, and the location of selected cores within certain geomorphic zones, suggests the “crusts”; are associated with zones of shearing during an episode of submarine sediment movement on the prodelta.

The clay fabric within the “crust”; zone differs from that found above and below in the high‐porosity sediments. A noticeable degree of clay platelet preferential alignment is characteristic of sediments within the “crust.”; This preferred orientation occurs as localizations rather than as an overall alignment of all the particles. The clay fabric of the higher‐porosity sediments above and below the “crust”; is typified by randomly arranged clay particles and domains, sharing edge‐to‐face contacts which create an open framework. Apparent increases in the coarse silt fraction in the “crust”; zone were observed initially in scanning electron and transmission electron micrographs and later confirmed by grain size analysis. The presence of this silt apparently contributes to the increase in shear strength within the “crust.”; Clay particle arrangement in close proximity to these larger grains is modified in such a manner as to reduce water contents. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations of the “crust”; reveal that the void ratio decreases, resulting in a concomitant reduction in the water content as reflected in the geotechnical properties profiles. The type of fabric exhibited by the “crust”; suggests a remolding and dewatering of initially porous silty clay sediments in response to shear stresses operating on the prodelta.

Core samples were recovered from sediments exhibiting a “crust”; in areas identified by other researchers as unstable, based on seismic and acoustic profiles and sidescan sonar records. The prodelta has been modified by a peripheral mudflow at the location where the cores were collected for this study.     

A conceptual framework for multi-regional climate change assessments for international market systems with long-term investments

A conceptual framework for climate change assessments of international market systems that involve long-term investments is proposed. The framework is a hybrid of dynamic and static modeling. Dynamic modeling is used for those system components for which temporally continuous modeling is possible, while fixed time slices are used for other system components where it can be assumed that underlying assumptions are held constant within the time slices but allowed to vary between slices. An important component of the framework is the assessment of the “metauncertainty” arising from the structural uncertainties of a linked sequence of climate, production, trade and decision-making models. The impetus for proposing the framework is the paucity of industry-wide assessments for market systems with multiple production regions and long-term capital investments that are vulnerable to climate variations and change, especially climate extremes. The proposed framework is pragmatic, eschewing the ideal for the tractable. Even so, numerous implementation challenges are expected, which are illustrated using an example industry. The conceptual framework is offered as a starting point for further discussions of strategies and approaches for climate change impact, vulnerability and adaptation assessments for international market systems.     

Sediment facies and pathways of sand transport about a large deep water headland,Cape Rodney,New Zealand

Cape Rodney is a large headland that protrudes 3–4 km into deep water in the Hauraki Gulf and separates the Mangawhai‐Pakiri and Omaha littoral cells. Detailed swath mapping of seabed sediments around Cape Rodney was carried out using by side‐scan sonar and ground‐truthed by SCUBA, grab sampling, and video. Despite the barrier imposed by the headland two pathways of sand transport around the headland, separated by the topographic high of Leigh Reef, have been identified. One lies close to the headland, where sand from the beach and nearshore of the Mangawhai‐Pakiri embayment is driven by waves and currents along a 500‐m‐wide pathway in c. 20–25 m depth around the headland to the vicinity of Leigh Harbour. The other lies in 50 m water‐depth seawards of Leigh Reef. Here fine sand, sourced from the nearshore of the Mangawhai‐Pakiri embayment and driven offshore from the tip of the headland, is transported back and forth by tidal currents in 50 m water depth on the floor of the Jellicoe Channel. The sand bodies along both these pathways are thin and so sand leakage from the Mangawhai‐Pakiri embayment is thought to be small. Transport at these depths is dependent on both tide and wave generated currents and episodic occurring during storm events. The sediment facies associated with little sand transport about a headland in deep water is one of thin and discontinuous and patchy sand cover between rocky areas and over coarser megarippled substrate. Ocean swell, tidally driven phase eddies that spin up on both sides of the headland, and bathymetry all play a role in shaping those facies.