Potential refractivity as a similarity variable

The validity of a common radiometeorological application of Monin-Obukhov (M-O) similarity theory to potential refractivity (), which is a nonlinear combination of and q, is determined by whether the properly nondimensionalized gradient is a universal function of z/L. We develop expressions for the flux of (and its scaling parameter, *) in terms of temperature and moisture fluxes, and an M-O similarity expression for the vertical gradient. Results show that even if and q are accepted as exactly following M-O similarity expressions, when the surface layer is stable, does not obey such an expression. That is, when properly nondimensionalized, the vertical gradient of does not collapse to a single universal function of z/L. The assumption that behaves as a similarity variable is approximately correct for well-mixed surface layers under unstable and near-neutral conditions.The gradient of is an important factor in determining microwave propagation conditions. We demonstrate the error induced in a simple algorithm when is assumed to obey M-O similarity theory. An alternative methodology, consistent with the application of similarity theory to and q, is then developed without requiring that itself satisfy similarity theory.     

Photometry of Saturn's satellites: The opposition effect of Iapetus at maximum light and the variability of Titan

We present photometry, V and (B - V), of Iapetus at six western elongations (the phase of maximum brightness) that span a range in solar phase, α, from ≈6° to <0°.4, and we find that a substantial opposition effect, >0.12 mag (V), is present. We make a few cautious remarks about the possible relevance of the use of this result to interpret the phase curve of Saturn's ring. We also give a few measures of Rhea and Hyperion, at $\text{α ? 0.3°}$, and more of Titan, which indicate that the latter has been anomalously bright during much of 1973 and 1974, sometimes by nearly 0.1 mag (V).     

The mechanisms of the formation and growth of water bubbles and associated dislocation loops in synthetic quartz

The development of water bubbles in synthetic quartz has been monitored by measurements of (i) the intensity of the light scattered and (ii) the increase in volume of the crystal, both as a function of temperature and time. These macroscopic measurements have been complemented by observations of the resulting microstructures, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A mechanism is proposed on the assumption that hydrogen is incorporated in the quartz structure by means of (4 H)_Si defects. On heating, these defects diffuse and clusters develop. A cluster of n(4 H)_Si produces a water bubble of (n?1)H₂O, without any change of volume of the crystal. At any temperature T there is a critical bubble diameter above which the “steam” pressure P exceeds the pressure p for a spherical bubble in mechanical equilibrium. If P becomes greater than p, then the bubble increases in volume until P=p, the increase in volume being achieved by the pipe diffusion of Si and O away from the bubble site into a linked edge dislocation loop. This process produces the observed increase in volume of the crystal. The two diffusion processes take place virtually simultaneously and continue until all the (4 H)_Si defects have been trapped in the bubbles. Values of the diffusion constant and the activation energy for the diffusion of the (4 H)_Si defects are deduced. The relevance of these observations to the hydrolytic weakening of quartz is briefly discussed.