Geochronological evidence for late‐Grenvillian magmatic and metamorphic events in central Taimyr,northern Siberia*

U–Th–Pb analyses of zircons from six granites and one metasediment collected in the accretionary Central belt of Taimyr, Arctic Siberia, demonstrate that Neoproterozoic (c. 900 Ma) granites intrude late Mesoproterozoic/early Neoproterozoic amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks. This is the first time in the Mamont–Shrenk region that Neoproterozoic ages have been recognized for these lithologies, previously thought to be Archaean/Palaeoproterozoic in age. The Mamont–Shrenk Terrane (MST) represents a Grenvillian age (micro?) continent intercalated with younger Neoproterozoic ophiolites during thrusting and accreted to the northern margin of the Siberian craton sometime before the late Vendian. Basement to the MST may have been derived from the Grenvillian belt of east Greenland. Viable tectonic reconstructions must allow for an active margin along northern Siberia (modern day coordinates) in the middle Neoproterozoic.     

Realisation of a celestial system based on VLBI geodynamics programs

The relative orientations of various VLBI celestial reference frames are evaluated on the basis of coordinate differences of common sources. It is shown that an accuracy better than 0.001 can be achieved. Possible regional deformations in the different catalogues are investigated; they are found to reach a few 0.001 in some restricted zones. The application of these studies to the realisation of a combined celestial reference frame consistent with the BIH Terrestrial System is outlined.     

Lagrangian diffusion equation and its application to oceanic dispersion

The Lagrangian diffusion equation appropriate for the dispersion of current followers (e. g., floats, drogues, drifters) is proposed. The analytical solution to the equation is obtained for a uniform deformation field, characterized by Lagrangian deformations and anisotropic eddy diffusivities both varying with time. Expressions are derived for the patch area and its elongation and rotation. For small values of elapsed time after the initial release the patch area can be accounted for by the exponential of the cumulative value of the horizontal divergence; the relative rate of change of the patch area can be accounted for by the horizontal divergence.     

The wadic project: A comprehensive field evaluation of directional wave instrumentation

The results of a comprehensive field trial of nearly all commercially available directional wave measurement systems at the Edda field in the North Sea during winter 1985-86 are presented. The results summarize the accuracy of the principal engineering wave parameters from each system and the dependence on sea state. Limiting factors on system performance and operational problems are also included in the assessment. Overall experience has been good with systems utilizing widely different measurement principles returning consistent results.     

Geomorphic evolution of a part of Middle Ganga Plain,Bihar: A case study using remote sensing data

An insight into the geomorphic evolution of any area can be obtained by detailed landform mapping. In the present study, an area in the Middle Ganga Plain has been selected for the study using mainly remote sensing data. Various fluvial landforms have been mapped and the changes in planform of rivers over approximately 50 years have been evaluated. Both fluvial processes and tectonic activities are considered to have collectively influenced the migration of the rivers in this region. Digital enhancements of Landsat MSS and TM data are found to be quite useful in identification and mapping of subtle fluvial palaeofeatures. The present study demonstrates the utility of remote sensing in examining the geomorphic evolution of the area.     

Phase transitions in the ISM a source of dissipative behaviour

By considering a simple fluid model, we investigate the role of phase transitions in the ISM on the galaxy- scale gas dynamics. Cooling and heating timescales in the ISM are typically shorter than typical galactic rotation timescales, so the individual phases in the ISM can be assumed to be in temperature equilibrium with the radiation field. Using this approximation we can construct an equation of state which depends upon the average density and mass fractions in the individual phases. Previous studies suggest that there is an equilibrium phase fraction as a function of pressure. We incorporate evolution towards this equilibrium state as a relaxation term with a time to obtain equilibrium . We derive a condition in terms of a critical Mach number when one dimensional shocks should be continuous. For small values of the relaxation time we show that the relaxation term acts like a viscosity. We show with one dimensional simulations that increasing causes shocks to become smoother. This work suggests that phase changes can strongly effect the gas dynamics of the ISM across spiral arms and bars.     

The origin of polygonal troughs on the Northern Plains of Mars

Viking photographs have revealed extraordinary systems of crudely polygonal troughs in three different areas of the northern plains of Mars. Trough widths average 200–800 m and average trough spacing is 5–10 km. The widest troughs have flat floors and steep sides which suggest that they are either grabens or tension cracks which have been partially filled. The following three arguments support the garben interpretation: (1) Two clear examples of vertical offsets along trough walls indicate that the troughs formed by downdropping of the floors. (2) Troughs similar in scale and morphology to those of the Martian northern plains form concentric and radial patterns in the Caloris Basin on Mercury. Most likely, they are extensional fractures or grabens resulting from uplift of the basin floor (Strom et al., 1975). The Caloris analogy suggests that the troughs on Mars are similar tectonic features related either to uplift or expansion of the planet. Fourteen rose diagrams of trough azimuths in southeastern Acidalia Planita show that locally they exhibit preferred orientations roughly parallel to the topographic contours, but overall there is no strong regional pattern. (3) The scale of tension crack systems is limited by the depth of fracturing because the extent of stress relief perpendicular to a crack is proportional to the crack depth. Observations of terrestrial tension cracks suggest a lower limit on crack depths of about one-tenth of the average spacing. Thus, if the Martian troughs are tension cracks, they would be expected to have depths of at least 500–1000 m. Mechanical considerations indicate that it is difficult to generate such deep cracks by surficial tension due to thermal cooling and contraction in permafrost, desiccation, or cooling of lava flows. Deep-seated tension of tectonic origin generally results in normal faults and not tension cracks.