Estimation of lightning and sprite parameters based on observation of sprite-producing lightning power spectra

Spectrograms and ELF power spectra of magnetic variations originated from sprite-producing lightning discharges have been analyzed to extract both parent lightning and sprite parameters. Some of the spectrograms and power spectra have been found to have approximately quasi-oscillatory shape in the frequency range 0–40 Hz with maximum repetition period about 15–20 Hz. A theory predicts that this interesting peculiarity of the power spectra can be due to interference between electromagnetic fields originated from the parent lightning discharge and from the sprite. A smooth envelope of the power spectrum was shown to have a form of damped oscillations with period close to reciprocal value of sprite lag time. A technique of extracting sprite parameters based on the sprite-producing lightning power spectrum is proposed. The lack of the first Schumann resonance and other features occasionally observed in spectral resonance structure were also discussed.     

Probing the lower ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes by means of subionospheric VLF/LF propagation

There have been reports for many years that the ionosphere is very sensitive to seismic effects, and the detection of ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes (EQs) attracts a lot of attention as a very promising candidate for short-term EQ prediction. In this review we present a possible use of VLF/LF (very low frequency (3–30 kHz)/low frequency (30–300 kHz)) radio sounding of seismo-ionospheric perturbations. In order to avoid the overlapping with my own previous reviews, we first show some pioneering results for the Kobe EQ and we try to present the latest results including the statistical evidence on the correlation between the VLF/LF propagation anomalies (ionospheric perturbations) and EQs (especially with large magnitude and with shallow depth), medium-distance (6-8 Mm) propagation anomalies, the fluctuation spectra of subionospheric VLF/LF data (the effect of atmospheric gravity waves, the effect of Earth's tides, etc.), and the mechanism of lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere coupling. Finally, we indicate the present situation of this kind of VLF/LF activities going on in different parts of the globe and we suggest the importance of international collaboration in this seismo-electromagnetic study.     

X-ray spectra of various bursts from the rapid burster

About 20 type-I bursts and 3000 type-II bursts were observed with Tenma and Hakucho in 1983. Spectral evolutions were analyzed for both types of bursts and results are presented.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.Purple Mountain Observatory, Academia Sinica, Nanjing, China.     

Gravity measurements with a portable absolute gravimeter A10 in Syowa Station and Langhovde,East Antarctica

Absolute gravity values were measured with a portable absolute gravimeter A10 in East Antarctica, for the first time by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. This study aims to investigate regional spatiotemporal variations of ice mass distributions and associated crustal deformations around Syowa Station by means of repeated absolute gravity measurements, and we obtained the first absolute gravity value in Southern Langhovde on the Antarctic Continent. The average absolute gravity value at the newly installed benchmark AGS01 in Langhovde (obtained on 3 February 2012) was 982535584.2 ± 0.7 μgal (1 [μgal] = 1 × 10^?8 [m/s²]), which was in agreement with the gravity values obtained by the past relative gravity measurements within 1 mgal. In addition, the average absolute gravity value obtained at AGSaux in Syowa Station was consistent with both previous absolute gravity values and those obtained by simultaneous measurements using an FG5 gravimeter, owing to adequate data corrections associated with tidal effects and time variations in atomic clock frequencies. In order to detect the gravity changes associated with the ice mass changes and other tectonic phenomena, we plan to conduct absolute gravity measurements at AGS01 again and at other campaign sites around Syowa Station as well in the near future, with careful attention paid to the impacts of severe environmental conditions in Antarctica on gravity data collection.     

Historical Auroras in the 990s: Evidence of Great Magnetic Storms

A significant carbon-14 enhancement has recently been found in tree rings for the year 994, suggesting an extremely strong and brief cosmic ray flux event. The origin of this particular cosmic ray event has not been confirmed, but one possibility is that it might be of solar origin. Contemporary historical records of low-latitude auroras can be used as supporting evidence of intense solar activity around that time. We investigate previously reported as well as new records that have been found in contemporary observations from the 990s to determine potential auroras. Records of potential red auroras in late 992 and early 993 were found around the world, i.e. in the Korean Peninsula, Saxonian cities in modern Germany, and the Island of Ireland, suggesting the occurrence of an intense geomagnetic storm driven by solar activity.     

Infrared emission from interstellar plasma

Small dust grains in hot interstellar plasmas are heated by electrons and emit near-infrared radiation. Its flux is estimated to be larger than that from small dust grains heated by stellar radiation and could explain the high infrared flux observed at wavelengths of about 5 m.Paper dedicated to Professor Hannes Alfvén on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 30 May 1988.     

Recession rates of waterfalls in Boso Peninsula,Japan, and a predictive equation

Rates of waterfall recession, and major factors that influence the rate, were studied using waterfalls in Boso Peninsula, Japan. The mean rate of waterfall recession was estimated by determining the age and original location. The principal factor in determining the rate of waterfall recession is the ratio of the erosive force of stream to the bedrock resistance. This is expressed in terms of measurable variables, which include the discharge (drainage area and precipitation), the width and height of the waterfall, and the unconfined compressive strength of the bedrock. An empirical equation connecting the force/resistance ratios and the rates of waterfall recession is derived. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Q-Bursts: Natural ELF Radio Transients

We overview resonance spectra and present analytical expressions for the waveforms of natural extremely low frequency transient events (Q-bursts). It is shown that model and observed waveforms are similar when a wideband receiver is used at a place with low level of industrial interference. We also describe how to detect a natural ELF transient signal embedded in the man-made noise by using the singular spectral analysis.