Rotation velocity and neutral hydrogen distribution dependency on magnetic field strength in spiral galaxies

The rotation velocity of a simulated plasma galaxy is compared to the rotation curves of Sc type spiral galaxies. Both show flat rotation curves with velocities of the order of several hundred kilometers per second, modified by E × B instabilities. Maps of the strength and distribution of galactic magnetic fields and neutral hydrogen regions, as-well-as as predictions by particle-in-cell simulations run in the late 1970s, are compared to Effelsberg observations.Agreement between simulation and observation is best when the simulation galaxy masses are identical to the observational masses of spiral galaxies. No dark matter is needed.     

Fumarolic activity of Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, Kamchatka, from 1993 to 1994

 Volcanic gas and condensate samples were collected in 1993–1994 from fumaroles of Koryaksky and Avachinsky, basaltic andesite volcanoes on the Kamchatka Peninsula near Petropavlovsk–Kamchatsky. The highest-temperature fumarolic discharges, 220  °C at Koryaksky and 473  °C at Avachinsky, are water-rich (940–985 mmol/mol of H₂O) and have chemical and isotopic characteristics typical of Kamchatka–Kurile, high- and medium-temperature volcanic gases. The temperature and chemical and water isotopic compositions of the Koryaksky gases have not changed during the past 11 years. They represent an approximate 2 : 1 mixture of magmatic and meteoric end members. Low-temperature, near-boiling-point discharges of Avachinsky Volcano are water poor (≈880 mmol/mol); Their compositions have not changed since the 1991 eruption, and are suggested to be derived from partially condensed magmatic gases at shallow depth. Based on a simple model involving mixing and single-step steam separation, low water and high CO₂ contents, as well as the observed Cl concentration and water isotopic composition in low-temperature discharges, are the result of near-surface boiling of a brine composed of the almost pure condensed magmatic gas. High methane content in low-temperature Avachinsky gases and the 220  °C Koryaksky fumarole, low C isotopic ratio in CO₂ at Koryaksky (–11.8‰), and water isotope data suggest that the "meteoric" end member contains considerable amounts of the regional methane-rich thermal water discovered in the vicinity of both volcanoes. Received: 2 May 1996 / Accepted: 5 November 1996     

Structural Mapping of the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone Using PALSAR Remote Sensing Data,Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for Sediment‐hosted/Orogenic Gold Mineral Systems Exploration

The Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the major structural zones in Sundaland, Southeast Asia. It forms the boundary between the Gondwana‐derived Sibumasu terrane in the west and Sukhothai Arc in the east. The BRSZ is genetically related to the sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits associated with the major lineaments in the Central Gold Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. In this investigation, the Phased Array type L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data were used to map major geological structures in Peninsular Malaysia and provide detailed characterization of lineaments and curvilinear structures in the BRSZ, as well as their implication for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold exploration in tropical environments. Major structural lineaments such as the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) and Lebir Fault Zone, ductile deformation related to crustal shortening, brittle disjunctive structures (faults and fractures) and collisional mountain range (Main Range granites) were detected and mapped at regional scale using PALSAR ScanSAR data. The major geological structure directions of the BRSZ were N–S, NNE–SSW, NE–SW and NW–SE, which derived from directional filtering analysis to PALSAR fine and polarimetric data. The pervasive array of N–S faults in the Central Gold Belt and surrounding terrain is mainly linked to the N–S trending of the Suture Zone. N–S striking lineaments are often cut by younger NE–SW and NW–SE‐trending lineaments. Gold mineralized trend lineaments are associated with the intersection of N–S, NE–SW, NNW–SSE and ESE–WNW faults and curvilinear features in shearing and alteration zones. Compressional tectonic structures such as the NW–SE trending thrust, ENE–WSW oriented faults in mylonite and phyllite, recumbent folds and asymmetric anticlines in argillite are high potential zones for gold prospecting in the Central Gold Belt. Three generations of folding events in Peninsular Malaysia have been recognized from remote sensing structural interpretation. Consequently, PALSAR satellite remote sensing data is a useful tool for mapping major geological structural features and detailed structural analysis of fault systems and deformation areas with high potential for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits and polymetallic vein‐type mineralization along margins of Precambrian blocks, especially for inaccessible regions in tropical environments.     

Sub-regional snow cover distribution across the southern Appalachian Mountains

Abstract

Snowfall in the Southern Appalachian Mountain region of the eastern US is characterized by much spatiotemporal variability. Annual snowfall totals vary by up to 75 cm, and variations in snowfall intensity can lead to large differences in the local snowfall distribution. Research has shown that the synoptic pattern associated with the snowfall strongly influences the regional-scale distribution of snow cover. However, topographic variability results in locally complex snow cover patterns that are not well understood or documented. In this study, we characterize the snow covered area (SCA) and fractional snow cover associated with different synoptic patterns in 14 individual sub-regions. We analyze 63 snow events using Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer standard snow cover products to ascertain both qualitative and quantitative differences in snow cover across sub-regions. Among sub-regions, there is significant variation in the snow cover pattern from individual synoptic classes. Furthermore, the percent SCA follows the regional snowfall climatology, and sub-regions with the highest elevations and northerly latitudes exhibit the greatest variability. Results of the sub-regional analysis provide valuable guidance to forecasters by contributing a deeper understanding of local snow cover patterns and their relationship to synoptic-scale circulation features.     

A Martian yellow cloud—July 1971

A short-term yellow cloud was observed in the southern hemisphere of Mars from July 10 to 22, 1971. The initial cloud was first photographed on the morning limb at 7:45am local Martian sun time in the Serpentis-Hellespontus region (315°W; 27°S), 74 Earth days (72 Martian days) prior to the onset of the September major yellow storm. Historical observations from the Lowell Observatory archives indicate that prestorm yellow clouds of limited extent are not uncommon.Positional measurement and photographic differential photometry of the July yellow cloud were possible throughout its entire evolution because Mars was favorably situated and photographic coverage by the International Planetary Patrol was adequate. Maps showing the cloud's initial location, hourly and diurnal behavior, apparent motion, and areal coverage by haze are presented. The similarities between the July cloud and other southern hemisphere yellow clouds are summarized. Its relationships to classical albedo features and Mariner 9 topographic data are discussed. Photographic photometry indicates that the enhanced contrast between the yellow cloud and its surroundings is probably due more to the brightening of the cloud-covered areas than to any darkening of contiguous areas.     

Determining surface roughness and displacement height

Vertical flux densities of momentum and sensible heat, obtained from simultaneous wind speed and air temperature profiles in the surface layer, depend on the displacement height of the profile system and the surface roughness. A criterion for selecting the displacement height and the surface roughness is introduced, which requires a minimum value for the error squares between the observed and a calculated wind speed profile as determined by diabatic surface layer theory. Values of displacement height and surface roughness, which provide a minimum error squares fit within a desired tolerance, are selected by the rule of false position. The method is programmed for digital computer solution and applied to a total number of 628 profiles obtained during a 7-day period at a micrometeorological test site near Davis, California, using five measurement levels to 160 cm height.     

Comparative physical properties of weathered impregnated and unimpregnated marble

Chemical weathering of marbles has greatly increased during the past decades. The gaseous pollutants generated mainly by combustion of automobile, domestic, and industrial fuels have contributed significantly towards this increase. The weathering affects marble gradationally from outside inwards, producing three distinct zones. The success of a technique developed to provide cohesion to reduced and dislodged calcite crystals in the zone of weathering, by impregnation with resins which even permeate the inter-crystalline boundaries in the non-weathered region, is tested. As these weathered layers are quite thin and easily destructible, direct measurement of compressive strength is impossible. This property is, therefore, determined indirectly via Shore scleroscope hardness and specific gravity.

The impregnation increased the strength of the weathered zone up to 59% and of the unweathered region up to 24%. Corresponding values for permeability and capillarity, relative to untreated specimens, change inversely to strength changes as the pores receive relatively larger amounts of resin in the outer weathered region than in the unweathered region in depth. This phenomenon is substantiated by scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.).