Using psychophysiological indices to estimate the effect of cosmophysical factors (Review)

This review first summarizes estimates of the functional response of the central nervous system (CNS) to variations in cosmophysical factors using different psychophysiological indices (electrical activity of the brain, sensorimotor and motor reactions, and higher mental functions such as attention and memory). We analyze the applicability of information technologies to record different physiological parameters.     

Spatial analysis of anthropogenic impact on karst geomorphology (Slovenia)

The objective of this contribution is analyzing, visualizing, interpreting and discussing the impacts of anthropogenic influences on karst geomorphology through various geomorphologically based environmental indicators. The primary data sources are digital terrain models (DTMs) as continuous surface data, supported by aerial photographs, satellite images, topographic maps and databases of natural and anthropogenic features. The sources are supplemented by written information about surface changes and in situ inspections. Spatial analyses as quantitative methods in combination with enhanced visualizations as qualitative methods performed in a geographical information system (GIS) on different data sets are introduced as an important methodology. This enables explaining many anthropogenic influences on the terrain surface (landform), which were not perceived before by classical surveying techniques and verifications.     

Wide-field optical monitoring with Mini-MegaTORTORA (MMT-9) multichannel high temporal resolution telescope

We describe the properties of Mini-MegaTORTORA (MMT-9) nine-channel wide-field optical sky monitoring system with subsecond temporal resolution. This instrument can observe sky areas as large as 900 deg², perform photometry in three filters close to Johnson BV R system and polarimetry of selected objects or areas with 100–300 deg2 sizes. The limiting magnitude of the system is up to V = 11m for 0.1 s temporal resolution, and reaches V = 15^m in minute-long exposures. The system is equipped with a powerful computing facility and dedicated software pipeline allowing it to perform automatic detection, real-time classification, and investigation of transient events of different nature located both in the near- Earth space and at extragalactic distances. The objects routinely detected by MMT-9 include faint meteors and artificial Earth satellites.We discuss astronomical tasks that can be solved using MMT-9, and present the results of the first two years of its operation. In particular, we report the parameters of the optical flare detected on June 25, 2016, which accompanied the gamma-ray burst GRB160625B.     

Hyperspectral mapping of alteration assemblages within a hydrothermal vug at the Haughton impact structure,Canada

Meteorite impacts on Earth and Mars can generate hydrothermal systems that alter the primary mineralogies of rocks and provide suitable environments for microbial colonization. We investigate a calcite–marcasite‐bearing vug at the ~23 km diameter Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada, using imaging spectroscopy of the outcrop in the field (0.65–1.1 μm) and samples in the laboratory (0.4–2.5 μm), point spectroscopy (0.35–2.5 μm), major element chemistry, and X‐ray diffraction analyses. The mineral assemblages mapped at the outcrop include marcasite; marcasite with minor gypsum and jarosite; fibroferrite and copiapite with minor gypsum and melanterite; gypsum, Fe³⁺ oxides, and jarosite; and calcite, gypsum, clay, microcline, and quartz. Hyperspectral mapping of alteration phases shows spatial patterns that illuminate changes in alteration conditions and formation of specific mineral phases. Marcasite formed from the postimpact hydrothermal system under reducing conditions, while subsequent weathering oxidized the marcasite at low temperatures and water/rock ratios. The acidic fluids resulting from the oxidation collected on flat‐lying portions of the outcrop, precipitating fibroferrite + copiapite. That assemblage then likely dissolved, and the changing chemistry and pH resulting from interaction with the calcite‐rich host rock formed gypsum‐bearing red coatings. These results have implications for understanding water–rock interactions and habitabilities at this site and on Mars.     

New definitions, regionalization, and typification of river mouth areas and estuaries as their parts

The problems of studying river mouth areas and their parts, namely, estuaries and deltas are discussed. The step is taken to combine the concept of river mouth area and mouth processes developed in our country with the concept for estuary and estuarine processes widely spread among foreign scientists. In this connection, the article offers new definitions of a river mouth area and estuary as well as new schemes of regionalization of river mouth areas and typification of estuaries. The types of river mouth areas and estuaries are illustrated by case studies.     

Effective Precipitation of Arsenic from Aqueous Solution by Iron(III) Sulfate

A study of the removal of As(V) from aqueous solution by Fe₂(SO₄)₃ has been carried out to establish optimum parameters for the process. Optimum arsenic removal is obtained at pH = 5, and mole ratio Fe(III)/As(V) = 7. Minimum arsenate solubility is obtained from sediments precipitated at pH = 5 and Fe/As = 7…8.     

Aqueous alteration of the Bali CV3 chondrite: evidence from mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and oxygen isotopic compositions

A petrographic, geochemical, and oxygen isotopic study of the Bali CV3 carbonaceous chondrite revealed that the meteorite has undergone extensive deformation and aqueous alteration on its parent body. Deformation textures are common and include flattened chondrules, a well-developed foliation, and the presence of distinctive (100) planar defects in olivine. The occurrence of alteration products associated with the planar defects indicates that the deformation features formed prior to the episode of aqueous alteration. The secondary minerals produced during the alteration event include well-crystallized Mg-rich saponite, framboidal magnetite, and Ca-phosphates. The alteration products are not homogeneously distributed throughout the meteorite, but occur in regions adjacent to relatively unaltered material, such as veins of altered material following the foliation. The alteration assemblage formed under oxidizing conditions at relatively low temperatures (<100 degrees C). Altered regions in Bali have higher Na, Ca, and P contents than unaltered regions which suggests that the fluid phase carried significant dissolved solids. Oxygen isotopic compositions for unaltered regions in Bali fall within the field for other CV3 whole-rocks, however, the oxygen isotopic compositions of the heavily altered material lie in the region for the CM and CR chondrites. The heavy-isotope enrichment of the altered regions in Bali suggest alteration conditions similar to those for the petrographic type-2 carbonaceous chondrites.     

Un outil cartographique pour une représentation géosystémique et évolutive des milieux naturels : modélisation d'un réchauffement global

Résumé

Une méthode de cartographie des géosystèmes naturels est exposée. Elle intègre des données fixes dans le temps et l'espace aussi bien que des variables évolutives. Elles permet alors, en accordant ces variables avec des forçages climatiques calculés dans des modèles de réchauffement global, de simuler la répartition nouvelle des géosystèmes, selon l'hypothèse climatique retenue. Un exemple est présenté en Amérique du Nord.     

Lawsonite-albite schists from northernmost New Caledonia

In the Boat Pass-Tiebaghi area of New Caledonia regional metamorphism of Cretaceous-Eocene sediments and volcanics is related to intrusion of large peridotite bodies along a well-defined west coast tectonic line. Three metamorphic zones have been mapped, passing eastwards from the ultramafic line: aragonite-lawsonite, calcite-lawsonite, and calcite-lawsonite-glaucophane. The relationship between structure, stratigraphy and metamorphic zones is simple; assemblages indicative of the highest ratio of pressure to temperature (aragonite-lawsonite zone) lie immediately adjacent to the intrusive peridotites and also occupy stratigraphically the highest position of all three metamorphic zones. Albite-bearing assemblages persist in all zones and spessartine and omphacite appear in the deepest zone (calcite-lawsonite-glaucophane). The high pressure mineralogy was developed by fluid overpressure generated from a normal to steep geothermal gradient within a sealed environment beneath the tectonically-emplaced peridotite plate.