Observational limits to source confusion in the millimetre/submillimetre waveband

The first observations to detect a population of distant galaxies directly in the submillimetre waveband have recently been made using the new Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). The results indicate that a large number of distant galaxies are radiating strongly in this waveband. Here we discuss their significance for source confusion in future millimetre/submillimetre-wave observations of both distant galaxies and cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) anisotropies. Earlier estimates of such confusion involved significant extrapolation of the results of observations of galaxies at low redshifts; our new estimates do not, as they are derived from direct observations of distant galaxies in the submillimetre waveband. The results have important consequences for the design and operation of existing and proposed millimetre/submillimetre-wave telescopes: the Planck Surveyor survey will be confusion-limited at frequencies greater than 350 GHz, even in the absence of Galactic dust emission; a 1σ confusion noise limit of about 0.44 mJy beam⁻¹ is expected for the JCMT/SCUBA at a wavelength of 850 μm; and the subarcsecond resolution of large millimetre/submillimetre-wave interferometer arrays will be required in order to execute very deep galaxy surveys.     

Magnetospheric accretion and pre-main-sequence stellar masses

We present a method of determining lower limits on the masses of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars and so constraining the PMS evolutionary tracks. This method uses the redshifted absorption feature observed in some emission-line profiles of T Tauri stars, indicative of infall. The maximum velocity of the accreting material measures the potential energy at the stellar surface, which, combined with an observational determination of the stellar radius, yields the stellar mass. This estimate is a lower limit owing to uncertainties in the geometry and projection effects. Using available data, we show that the computed lower limits can be larger than the masses derived from PMS evolutionary tracks for M   0.5 M. Our analysis also supports the notion that accretion streams do not impact near the stellar poles but probably hit the stellar surface at moderate latitudes.     

Geochemical dispersion in wallrocks associated with the Norbec deposit, Noranda, Quebec

Increasing emphasis is being given to the search for blind mineral deposits and the presence of geochemical dispersion halos in wallrocks may significantly enhance the chances of exploration success. Accordingly, the nature of wallrock dispersion associated with the Lake Dufault Cu-Zn-Au-Ag massive sulphide deposit, Noranda, Quebec, was examined to see if any such patterns existed. On the basis of relatively well defined geology, the area offered an opportunity to establish the relation between geochemical alteration and metallogeny, texture, structure and mineralogy.Anomalous element contents spatially related to mineralization are confined to the stratigraphic footwall (Waite Rhyolite) where Na₂O, SiO₂ and possibly CaO depletions and total Fe₁ Mn and MgO enrichments can be related to the hydrothermal vent. Dispersion halos 150–500 m in diameter are at least twice as wide as the obvious mineralogical alteration halo. Cu, Zn, Ag and S distributions show roughly similar patterns which are not obviously related to the main alteration pipe but do reveal broad enrichment zones in the general area of mineralization.The dispersion appears to be partly controlled by texture. Because of greater primary permeability, the halos produced in rhyolite breccia are wider and better defined than those in more massive rhyolites. On a wider scale (10 km²) dispersion patterns are related to the fault and fracture systems of the area.As many as five stages of metamorphism have affected the area, altering all rocks to some extent. Samples can be classified petrographically into alteration groups, both related and unrelated to mineralization. Comparison of these groups reveals the inadequacy of certain elements for outlining alteration related to mineralization. For example, the range of K₂O in relatively unaltered rhyolite overlaps the composition of all other groups, including those related to mineralization. Similarly apparent is that the distribution of certain elements, e.g., Na₂O, may adequately define one part of an alteration zone such as the sericite-rich zone, but not another.It is concluded that careful use of lithogeochemistry in conjunction with detailed geological mapping and core logging can provide information otherwise obtainable only by time-consuming petrographic analysis. Thus it can be a potent weapon in the search for blind ore deposits.     

A final summary of measurements of cosmogenic AI26 in stone meteorites

A summary is given of the final results of measurements of cosmogenic Al²⁶ activity in a total of 50 stone meteorites, mainly chondrites, carried out using coincidence gamma-spectrometry.     

Employment in retailing: A case study of employment in suburban shopping centres

There have been many studies of the retail industry in recent years, and of the impact that retailing has had on the spatial arrangement of urban areas and on consumer behaviour. Little attention has been paid, however, to employment in retailing, which is disturbing in view of its growing importance and its rapidly changing nature and composition. This paper examines the nature of the broad structural changes within the industry, and investigates their spatial consequences through a case study of employment generation within a system of suburban retail centres in Canberra, Australia. It is shown that the evolution of suburban centres, particularly those of a regional variety, has had an important and enriching impact on the suburban labour market. The regional centres are also seen to be the focus of the major structural employment changes currently affecting the retail industry. This has some important implications for urban planning.     

Diagenesis of Cretaceous sandstones of the Kootenay Formation at Elk Valley (southeastern British Columbia) and Mt Allan (southwestern Alberta)

Vitrinite reflectance data for two sections of the Kootenay Formation are different, but increase with depth. Illite crystallinities (XRD) are irregular with depth but detailed S.E.M. examination shows that crystal size and morphology increase with depth.At Elk Valley (low reflectance) S.E.M. examination shows kaolinite + dolomite as the authigenic assemblage. At Mt Allan (45 km north, higher reflectance) kaolinite disappears at 265 m and chlorite + calcite appears implying the equilibrium 5 CaMg(CO₃)₂ + Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ + SiO₂ + H₂OagMg₅Al₂Si₃O₁₀(OH)₈ + 5CaCO₃ + 5CO₂. (1)Equilibrium (1) involves CO₂ and H₂O which form an immiscible fluid at diagenetic conditions. Thermochemical data, activity coefficients for the fluid mixture (Margules solution model), and fugacity coefficients allow the position of intersection of the miscibility surface and equilibria similar to (1) to be calculated. Maximum temperatures (180–250°C) in water-rich fluids are in accord with geothermal gradients of 33°C/km and temperatures from vitrinite reflectance (220°C). It is suggested that produced CO₂ may be responsible for the development of secondary porosity during deep burial.     

Soil water residence times and solute uptake on a dolomite bedrock—preliminary results

Calcium and magnesium levels have been monitored in slope foot drainage waters on a dolomite bedrock. Both calcium and magnesium rich pulses occur. Short term dissolution experiments demonstrate high calcium levels in solution while other authors have suggested that long residence time groundwater has relatively high levels of magnesium due to calcite precipitation. Patterns of field fluctuations in Ca: Mg ratios can thus be tentatively interpreted in terms of short residence time water of high calcium content mixing with long residence time water of high magnesium content. Fluorometric dye tracing has been used to indicate the orders of magnitude of soil water residence times, suggesting that quickflow components are resident in the system for a few hours to a few days. Further work is in progress.