The solution of Kepler's equation,I

Methods of iteration are discussed in relation to Kepler's equation, and various initial guesses are considered, with possible strategies for choosing them. Several of these are compared; the method of iteration used in the comparisons has local convergence of the fourth order.WANG Laboratories, Inc.     

Eine Deutung der D-Schicht-Winter-Anomalie und des “Berliner Phänomens”

Zusammenfassung Die bisher ungeklärte Winter-Anomalie der D-Schicht sowie die explosionsartigen Erwärmungen der Hochstratosphäre im Winter können durch Staubpartikel interplanetaren Ursprungs (Meteorströme) hervorgerufen werden. Eine Anlagerung von Elektronen an die Staubteilchen in der Exosphäre bewirkt das Einfangen der kleinsten Partikel durch das erdmagnetische Feld und verhindert so ihr Verglühen in der Ionosphäre. Durch Sedimentation und turbulente Diffusion gelangt der Meteorstaub bis in die Ozonosphäre, wo er oxydiert wird und so eine plötzliche Wärmeentwicklung zur Folge hat. Die angelagerten Elektronen exosphärischen Ursprungs können bei zeitgerechter Photoablösung elektromagnetische Wellen dämpfen und so die Winter-Anomalie der D-Schicht hervorrufen.

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Summary The winter-anomaly of the ionospheric D-region for which no sufficient explanation existed up to now, as well as the explosive warming of the high stratosphere in wintertime are possibly caused by dust particles of inter-planetary origin (meteoric showers). The attachment of electrons on the dust particles in the exosphere causes the magnetic field of the earth to catch the smallest particles and so they do not evaporate in the ionosphere. By sedimentation and turbulent diffusion the meteoric dust reaches the ozonosphere where it is oxidized, which is followed by a sudden development of heat. After photo-detachment in due time the formerly attached electrons of exospheric origin are able to damp electro-magnetic waves and by this they cause the winter-anomaly of the D-region.

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Résumé L'anomalie de la couche D — inexplicable jusqu'ici — ainsi que les hausses prodigieusement rapides de la température de la haute stratosphère, deux phénomènes particuliers de l'hiver, peuvent être provoquées par des particules de poussière d'origine interplanétaire (courants de météorites). Des électrons adhérant, dans l'exosphère, aux grains de poussière permettent l'entraînement des plus petites particules par le champ magnétique terrestre et empèchent ainsi leur désintégration dans l'ionosphère. Par sédimentation et diffusion turbulente, la poussière cosmique parvient ensuite jusque dans l'ozonosphère où elle est oxydée. Il en résulte alors un dégagement subit de chaleur. Les électrons d'origine exosphérique adhérant à la poussière cosmique peuvent atténuer, s'ils s'en détachent en temps opportun sous l'effet du rayonnement solaire, les ondes électromagnétiques et provoquer ainsi l'anomalie d'hiver de la couche D.

     

Models of the Southern Oscillation in the 300–100 mb layer and the basis of seasonal forecasting

Summary The geometry of the principal Upper High (near the Indian Occean) in the 300–100 mb layer appears to account for the Southern Oscillation (S.O.), and models of its behaviour are presented. Significant features of these models include the equatorial points of upper convergence (C) and divergence (D), a pressure discontinuity (CNDS) forming «arcs» and an «enclosure» around the high, and, lastly, encircling «crescents» both outside and inside the enclosure. The geography of the seasonal sucession can thus—in a qualitative manner—be interpreted in the light of known wind and contour patterns near the tropopause. With a few general principles, the established empirical rules of long-range forecasting then follow by deduction. The models and the terminology are useful likewise in the interpretation of solar-terrestrial relations and of climatic fluctuations.     

On non-causal impulse response functions related to propagating water waves

Particular attention is drawn to the non-causality of two impulse response functions, one of which relates the excitation force on an immersed body to the incident wave elevation at the body's reference position, while the other relates the incident wave elevations at two different positions along the line of wave propagation. An explanation is proposed for the non-causality of the impulse response functions, in spite of the fact wave propagation is a causal process. An indication is given of how far ‘upstream’ the incident wave elevation should be measured in order to be able to know, with reasonable accuracy, the current heave excitation force on a floating truncated cylinder with vertical axis, given current and past wave-elevation measurements. This provides a method for wave prediction, which is required for optimum control of the oscillation of the immersed body.     

A residual analysis method for quantitative comparison of spatial data from the Iceland-Faeroes Front

A spatial statistical method has been developed from the well-known Kriging technique in geostatistics, as a way of providing quantitative comparison between a pair of spatial data sets, and a measure for such a comparison. This residual analysis method is applied to oceanographic data in order to compare Iceland-Faeroes Front (IFF) model predictions against appropriate field observations, with an aim to assess the IFF model performance and its prediction accuracy. The method is also used to evaluate the model-generated dynamical variability within the model predictions, as well as the natural variability within the frontal observations. From the results, it has been found that the IFF model is highly robust, and gives better predictions at depth 150–350 m than elsewhere. Within such a depth (i.e. 250–350 m), there is also evidence to suggest that the main frontal region is most active above the IF Ridge. The natural variability obtained from the observations appears to be comparable to the model-generated dynamical variability after 20 days of integration, indicating a certain degree of accuracy in the model predictions. The method reported in this paper could also be extended for further use in model data assimilation. Thus, the work not only demonstrates how spatial statistics can be applied to oceanographic data, but also opens up new statistical tools for data handling in ocean modelling.     

Harpacticoida taxocen diversity in the silty-sandy littoral zone of Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea

The fauna composition, ecological groups, and life forms of Harpacticoids of soft littoral grounds from 15 sites off the Karelian coast in Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea were studied. Six types of harpacticoid taxocens with different sets of dominating species are described. On silty sands with clear signs of desalination, the Stenchelia palustris taxocen is common; medium-grained sands are characterized by the Heterolaophonte minuta, Paraleptastacus kliei — Huntemannia jadensis, and Amphiascoides nanus — Scottopsyllus minor taxocens; while on coarse sands, the Ameira parvula and Ameira scotti — Mesochra lilljeborgi taxocens have developed. The diversity of the taxocens is partly explained by the differences in the grain-size composition and salinity at different sites. In addition, groups of various taxocens dwelling on the same type of the sediments were found in different minor bights of the coastline.