Spectral accuracy of Jgm3 from satellite crossover altimetry

A detailed accuracy assessment of the geopotential model Jgm3 is made based on independent single- and dual-satellite sea-height differences at crossovers from altimetry with Jgm3-based orbits. These differences, averaged over long time spans and in latitude bands, are converted to spectra (latitude-lumped coefficients) by least-squares estimation. The observed error spectra so obtained are then compared directly to error projections for them from the Jgm3 variance–covariance matrix. It is found from these comparisons that Jgm3 is generally well calibrated with respect to the crossover altimetry of and between Geosat, TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), and Ers 1. Some significant discrepancies at a few lower orders (namely m=1 and 3) indicate a need for further improvement of Jgm3. A companion calibration (by order) of the geopotential model Jgm2 shows its variance–covariance matrix also to be generally well calibrated for the same single- and dual-satellite altimeter data sets (but based on Jgm2 orbits), except that the error projections for Geosat are too pessimistic. The analysis of the dual-satellite crossovers reveals possible relative coordinate system offsets (particularly for Geosat with respect to T/P) which have been discussed previously. The long-term detailed seasonally averaged Geosat sea level with respect to T/P (covering 1985–1996) should be useful in gauging the relative change in sea level between different parts of the ocean over the single 4-year gap between these missions (1988–1992). Received: 16 February 1998 / Accepted: 25 November 1998     

The Western Bohemia/Vogtland Region in the Light of the Webnet Network

The local network of digital seismic stations WEBNET monitors the seismic activitv of practically the whole region of Western Bohemia/Vogtland swarms. The network consists of ten short-period stations and one very broadband station. The paper describes the configuration of the network, instrumental equipment and the basic parameters of the stations. The method of and formula for computing the local magnitudes from the WEBNET and KRASLICE seismograms are also given. Based on continuous WEBNET observations in the period 1995-1999, we were able to improve the model of temporal and spatial energy release in the region, the principal characteristics of which are summarised in the paper. Apart from direct P and S waves, the WEBNET seismograms also contain other significant P- and S-type waves, provisionally interpreted as reflected PxP, SxS and SxP waves. The fundamental characteristics of these waves are given in the paper, and tentative mechanisms of their origination are discussed. The large residua in the travel times of the P and S waves, and the discrepancies in the seismograms recorded at stations located east of the principal focal zone are pointed out.     

Ccd Photometry of Neglected Eclipsing Binaries – Kz Dra, Lr Cam and Im Vul

We present ephemerides and solutions of one Algol-type (KZ Dra) and two overcontact systems (LR Cam and IM Vul) based on V(RI)_C CCD observations obtained in the project Prosper (network of amateur observers).     

Precession-nutation torque in terms of the stokes constants

um nu-mau m nuuau u auumu m nm ma u. m mu u¶rt;uu¶rt;a m ma nuua u uu.     

Kinematics of refracted and reflected waves in inhomogeneous media with non-planar interfaces

Zusammenfassung Es werden die Grundbeziehungen für die Berechnung von Strahlen seismischer Wellen in inhomogenen Milieus abgeleitet, in denen die Geschwindigkeit allgemein von drei krummlinigen Koordinaten abhängt. Die angeführten Beziehungen stellen ein System von gewöhnlichen Differentialgleichungen erster Ordnung dar. Die numerische Lösung dieses Systems bietet eine Möglichkeit, die Strahlendiagramme, Laufzeitkurven und Isochronen für die gegebenen Geschwindigkeitsmodelle zu konstruieren. Aufmerksamkeit wird ebenfalls dem Einfall der Strahlen auf eine unebene Grenzschicht gewidmet. Die Beziehungen für die Berechnung reflektierter und refraktierter Strahlen werden abgeleitet. Anhand der abgeleiteten Beziehungen werden Strahlendiagramme und Laufzeitkurven für eine Geschwindigkeitsverteilung berechnet, die durch die vorläufige Interpretation der Ergebnisse von seismischen Tiefensondierungen am tschechoslowakischen Teil des Profils VI gewonnen wurden.     

The theory of motion of the horizontal pendulum with a Zöllner suspension and some indications for the instrumental design

Summary The aim of this paper is to examine the physical laws which govern the motion of a horizontal pendulum, mounted with the familiar Zöllner suspension geometry and to establish the equations of its motion. It is possible in this process to determine calibration parameters with greater precision and confidence and to demonstrate that procedures based upon period measurement can inherently claim a precision superior to some modern alternatives. Moreover in approaching the problem from a theoretical viewpoint it is possible to pinpoint those features of design which give rise to the troublesome aberrations. This facility makes it possible to comment upon design improvements so that a closer approach may be made to an ideal instrument.