High-resolution observations and mass modelling of the CLASS gravitational lens B1152+199

We present a series of high-resolution radio and optical observations of the CLASS gravitational lens system B1152+199 obtained with the Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network, Very Long Baseline Array and Hubble Space Telescope . Based on the milliarcsecond-scale substructure of the lensed radio components and precise optical astrometry for the lensing galaxy, we construct models for the system and place constraints on the galaxy mass profile. For a single galaxy model with surface mass density  Σ(r)∝r^{− β}   , we find that  0.95 β 1.21  at 2 σ confidence. Including a second deflector to represent a possible satellite galaxy of the primary lens leads to slightly steeper mass profiles.     

Quantum theory and geography

The application of Newtonian physics to complex fluvial and atmospheric processes is suggested to be inadequate. In the 1970s a number of exciting cosmological theories were developed which formed the basis for models of the early expansion of the Universe. Since these models derive from Einstein's ten gravitational field equations (rather than Newton's single equation) they possess a deep subtlety and may well be of interest to geographers in the explanation of fundamental patterns.     

Earthquake losses due to ground failure

Ground shaking is widely considered to be the primary cause of damage to structures, loss of life and injuries due to earthquakes. Nonetheless, there are numerous examples of earthquakes where the losses due to earthquake-induced ground failure have been significant. Whereas ground shaking causes structural and non-structural damage, with associated loss of function and income, ground failure is less likely to cause spectacular structural collapses, but is frequently the cause of major disruptions, particularly to lifelines, which can lead to prolonged loss of function and income, even for undamaged areas.Those involved in earthquake loss modelling are currently presented with three choices with respect to the incorporation of ground failure: they can choose to ignore it, assuming that any estimation of losses caused by shaking would effectively subsume the impact of these secondary hazards; they can include ground failure in a simple manner, using published approaches based upon qualitative data and a large degree of judgement; or, they can opt for a detailed site- or region-specific assessment of damage due to ground failure, with the associated time and expense.This paper presents a summary of the principal features of earthquake losses incurred in damaging earthquakes over the last 15 years. Survey data are impartially analysed, considering both ground failure and ground shaking as sources of damage, and their relative contribution to overall damage in each section of the regional infrastructure is presented. There are many other variables influencing these contributions, including the size of the earthquake, the economic status of the affected region, local geology and terrain and the building stock, which have been considered.The findings of the study are discussed from the point of view of loss modelling and which components of a model should merit the most time and resource allocation. The general assumption that ground shaking is the principal cause of damage and loss is strongly supported by the study. However, there are a number of scenarios identified where the failure to appropriately include the effects of ground failure would lead to unrealistic loss projections. Such scenarios include the assessment of building losses in small zones rather than on a regional basis, and the incorporation of lifeline damage or disruption and indirect losses into a model.     

Remotely sensed sea-surface chlorophyll and POC flux at Deep Gulf of Mexico Benthos sampling stations

Biweekly composite averages of the standing stock of sea-surface chlorophyll (SSC) were derived from SeaWiFS satellite ocean-color data at 44 benthic sampling stations occupied along the continental slope and rise by the Deep Gulf of Mexico Benthos (DGoMB) program. At the 22 DGoMB sites north of 26°N and west of 91°W in the NW Gulf of Mexico, annual average SSC was 0.19 mg m⁻³, ranging at most locations from annual highs of about 0.3 mg m⁻³ in November–February to lows of about 0.1 mg m⁻³ in May–August. Comparison of three years of SeaWiFS data (January 1998–December 2000) showed little inter-annual variation at these NW Gulf stations. In contrast, at the 22 NE Gulf sites north of 26°N and east of 91°W, SSC averaged 2.8 times higher than in the NW Gulf, showing also strong inter-annual variation. Maxima in the NE region occurred in November–February and also during summers. The summer maxima were associated with Mississippi River water transported offshore to the east and southward by anticyclonic eddies in the NE Gulf. The apparent increases in SSC in June–August at NE Gulf stations reached average monthly concentrations >50% greater than in November–February. Based on a primary productivity model and a vertical flux model, the calculated export of particulate organic carbon (POC flux reaching the seafloor) was estimated as 18 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹ at the 22 NE Gulf stations, and 9 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹ at the 22 NW Gulf stations. These estimates are comparable to fluxes measured by benthic lander by others in the DGoMB program, which may drive the differences in west versus east bathymetric zonation and community structure of macrobenthos that were sampled with large box corers by others in the DGoMB program.     

Low-thrust propulsion in a coplanar circular restricted four body problem

This paper formulates a circular restricted four body problem (CRFBP), where the three primaries are set in the stable Lagrangian equilateral triangle configuration and the fourth body is massless. The analysis of this autonomous coplanar CRFBP is undertaken, which identifies eight natural equilibria; four of which are close to the smaller body, two stable and two unstable, when considering the primaries to be the Sun and two smaller bodies of the Solar System. Following this, the model incorporates ‘near term’ low-thrust propulsion capabilities to generate surfaces of artificial equilibrium points close to the smaller primary, both in and out of the plane containing the celestial bodies. A stability analysis of these points is carried out and a stable subset of them is identified. Throughout the analysis the Sun-Jupiter-asteroid-spacecraft system is used, for conceivable masses of a hypothetical asteroid set at the libration point L ₄. It is shown that eight bounded orbits exist, which can be maintained with a constant thrust less than 1.5 × 10⁻⁴ N for a 1000 kg spacecraft. This illustrates that, by exploiting low-thrust technologies, it would be possible to maintain an observation point more than 66% closer to the asteroid than that of a stable natural equilibrium point. The analysis then focusses on a major Jupiter Trojan: the (624) Hektor asteroid. The thrust required to enable close asteroid observation is determined in the simplified CRFBP model. Finally, a numerical simulation of the real Sun-Jupiter-(624) Hektor-spacecraft is undertaken, which tests the validity of the stability analysis of the simplified model.