On some types of gravity anomalies

Summary The gravity anomaly is a matter of convention. So far, only mixed gravity anomalies have been used. However, if in the future we shall have a sufficiently accurate geoid map covering the entire Earth's surface, it might be convenient to apply another type of gravity anomaly, as suggested Pellinen[1]. The object of this paper is to analyse this question with respect to the solution of the problems of physical geodesy.     

The volatile component of some pumice-forming alkaline magmas from the Azores and Canary Islands

The abundances of pre-eruptive magmatic volatile species in the system H-O-S may be determined by application of thermodynamic methods to phenocryst assemblages commonly found in volcanic rocks, as demonstrated by Rutherford and Heming (1978). These methods are applied to alkaline pumice deposits, of airfall and ignimbrite type, from Tenerife (Canary Islands), Sao Miguel and Faial (Azores). It is argued that reliable temperature and fO₂ buffering mechanisms found in rhyolitic magmas appear not to operate in more alkaline liquids. fH₂O is estimated using biotite; the high values found are shown to be compatible with the violently explosive nature of the magmas concerned. fS₂ is estimated from pyrrhotite composition. fH₂, fH₂S, fSO₂, fSO₃ are calculated from gas equilibria. Water fugacity may be very roughly estimated for non-biotite bearing samples from data on the sulphur species. Abundances of these species are similar in alkaline and calc-alkaline salic magmas. Volcanological implications, relating to the release of volatiles during explosive eruptions, are considered.     

On the sensitivity of the sedimentary system in the East Frisian Wadden Sea to sea-level rise and wave-induced bed shear stress

The paper addresses the individual and collective contribution of different forcing factors (tides, wind waves, and sea-level rise) to the dynamics of sediment in coastal areas. The results are obtained from simulations with the General Estuarine Transport Model coupled with a sediment transport model. The wave-induced bed shear stress is formulated using a simple model based on the concept that the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) associated with wind waves is a function of orbital velocity, the latter depending on the wave height and water depth. A theory is presented explaining the controls of sediment dynamics by the TKE produced by tides and wind waves. Several scenarios were developed aiming at revealing possible trends resulting from realistic (observed or expected) changes in sea level and wave magnitude. The simulations demonstrate that these changes not only influence the concentration of sediment, which is very sensitive to the magnitude of the external forcing, but also the temporal variability patterns. The joint effect of tides and wave-induced bed shear stress revealed by the comparison between theoretical results and simulations is well pronounced. The intercomparison between different scenarios demonstrates that the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition are very sensitive to the magnitude of wind waves and sea-level rise. Under a changing climate, forcing the horizontal distribution of sediments adjusts mainly through a change in the balance of export and import of sediment from the intertidal basins. The strongest signal associated with this adjustment is simulated North of the barrier islands where the evolution of sedimentation gives an integrated picture of the processes in tidal basins.     

Density inhomogeneities in the upper mantle of Central Europe and their gravitational effects

Summary Problems of occurrence of density inhomogeneities in the upper mantle are discussed and their gravitational effects in the region of Central Europe are investigated. Attention is namely devoted to the density contrast between the asthenosphere and the lower lithosphere, and its possible dependence on depth.

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¶rt;am n nu nmm ¶rt;¶rt;m amuu u uaumau ¶rt;mu a mumuu ¶rt; n. uau ¶rt;m n¶rt; nmm mam ¶rt; am u um u auumu mu aau.

     

Derived geometrical constants of the geodetic reference system 1980

Summary A large number of the users of the geomtrical constants of the reference ellipsoid know only the IAG resolutions and not the related special publications; consequently, the numerical values of the derived geometrical constants may be interpreted differently. Some values of possible differences (max. 32 mm) are given, and it is proposed that the GRS-80 geometrical constants be defined by the values of a and f ^–1 with unlimited accuracy in the next IAG resolution.

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¶rt;a um nam zmuuu nmu n-unu¶rt;a am m uu ¶rt;a¶rt; auauu n z¶rt;uu, a nua nuauu; nm m num a mau u au nu¶rt; zmuu nm. mam nu¶rt;m m au am (a. 32 ) u n¶rt;azam n¶rt; uu n¶rt;m muu nm GRS-80 uuau a, f ^–1 zau mm.

     

The gravitational effect of bodies with variable density

Summary Determination of the gravitational effect of some bodies, the density of which is supposed to be variable in the vertical direction, possibly in the horizontal direction, too.

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n¶rt;uaumau ma m m, nmm m um mua uu muma anau.

     

Effects of an oil spill in outdoor model tidal flat ecosystems

For several reasons the fate and effects of oil pollution are not easily studied in natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the results of laboratory tests cannot easily be extrapolated to natural systems. A logical objective of ecotoxicological research is, therefore, to simulate natural systems in model ecosystem experiments. A one-year feasibility study was carried out with MOdel TIdal Flat ecosystems (MOTIFs), designed to represent tidal flat systems typical of the Wadden Sea and other temperate estuarine areas. During the first 6 months the 4 MOTIFs studied developed very similarly. After this period an oil spill was simulated by exposing two of the four MOTIFs to a floating oil mousse for one week. During this week part of the oil was buried in the sediment by bioturbation. This sediment-bound fraction caused a prolonged exposure of the MOTIFs to oil compounds. Short- and long-term effects resulted in large differences between oil-treated and control MOTIFs. These differences persisted to the end of the experiment, 7 months after the removal of most of the oil.