Tidal evolution of close-in exoplanets in co-orbital configurations

In this paper, we study the behavior of a pair of co-orbital planets, both orbiting a central star on the same plane and undergoing tidal interactions. Our goal is to investigate final orbital configurations of the planets, initially involved in the 1/1 mean-motion resonance (MMR), after long-lasting tidal evolution. The study is done in the form of purely numerical simulations of the exact equations of motions accounting for gravitational and tidal forces. The results obtained show that, at least for equal mass planets, the combined effects of the resonant and tidal interactions provoke the orbital instability of the system, often resulting in collision between the planets. We first discuss the case of two hot-super-Earth planets, whose orbital dynamics can be easily understood in the frame of our semi-analytical model of the 1/1 MMR. Systems consisting of two hot-Saturn planets are also briefly discussed.     

Wave moment geodynamics

The work presents a review of natural-science representations on the rotary motion of matter and its piecewise structure. Development of dense GPS-networks allowed to experimentally confirm the concept of block structures of the geophysical environment and to prove rotary character of block movement. An analysis of both the migration of earthquake sources and the movement of sections of tectonic plates’ borders has allowed to reveal general properties of such movements and to prove their wave nature. It is shown that within the limits of rotational model, blocks and plates are interconnected among themselves by the elastic long-range fields forming a uniform planetary geodynamic field. It is offered to use the geodynamic solutions of rotational model in the one class of phenomena as a basis at the construction of a new geological paradigm — wave moment geodynamics.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as evidence of hydrocarbon migration in marine and lagoon sediments of a recent rift zone (Skjálfandi and Öxarfjörður), Iceland

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content and distribution was studied in the northern part of modern rift zone. All samples analysed represent slightly altered clastic deposits and hot water discharging in springs and from wells. To study PAH in present-day gas emission traps with diatomite absorbent were installed in the Skógalón geothermal field. All samples were analysed by the method of Shpol'sky spectroscopy. Hydrothermally altered deposits show the highest amount of PAH. Data obtained allow to believe that the distribution of PAH is closely associated with the dynamics of the hydrothermal environment. The fissure formation and temperature fluctuation in hydrothermal systems can govern both the processes of PAH synthesis and sorption. The evidences of PAH migration up through the Skjálfandi and Öxarfjörður sedimentary basins show that hydrocarbons associate mainly with hydrothermal minerals and deep ground waters. Studying PAH associations can be used as an indicator of hydrocarbons distribution, ways of migration and possible zones of accumulation in the land and marine sedimentary basins in active and ancient rift zones of Iceland.     

Secular dynamics of S-type planetary orbits in binary star systems: applicability domains of first- and second-order theories

We analyse the secular dynamics of planets on S-type coplanar orbits in tight binary systems, based on first- and second-order analytical models, and compare their predictions with full N-body simulations. The perturbation parameter adopted for the development of these models depends on the masses of the stars and on the semimajor axis ratio between the planet and the binary. We show that each model has both advantages and limitations. While the first-order analytical model is algebraically simple and easy to implement, it is only applicable in regions of the parameter space where the perturbations are sufficiently small. The second-order model, although more complex, has a larger range of validity and must be taken into account for dynamical studies of some real exoplanetary systems such as \(\gamma \) Cephei and HD 41004A. However, in some extreme cases, neither of these analytical models yields quantitatively correct results, requiring either higher-order theories or direct numerical simulations. Finally, we determine the limits of applicability of each analytical model in the parameter space of the system, giving an important visual aid to decode which secular theory should be adopted for any given planetary system in a close binary.     

Simulation of spatially-distributed copper pollution in a large river basin using the ECOMAG-HM model

The semi-distributed physically-based model ECOMAG-HM was developed to simulate cycling of heavy metals in large river basins: on the surface, and in soil, groundwater and river water. The model was applied to study the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of copper concentrations in watercourses of the Nizhnekamskoe Reservoir watershed in Russia. This watershed is characterized by high background concentrations of heavy metals due to wide occurrence of ore deposits and considerable concentrations of ore-parent elements in rocks. The model was found to adequately reproduce the spatial variation of the mean annual copper concentrations at different monitoring points of the river network. The mean annual specific copper washoff, with the surface and subsurface components of river runoff, and the total copper washoff from the watershed into the river network were calculated and mapped. The contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to river water pollution by copper were evaluated.     

The anisotropic distribution of the dark energy within the scope of LRS Bianchi type I model

We investigate the anisotropic locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type I cosmological model with dark matter and anisotropic dark energy. We assume that the shear scalar \((\sigma )\) is proportional to expansion scalar \((\theta )\). A special law is introduced for two skewness parameters that describe the deviation of pressure from isotropy. This law can lead to models: the hybrid expansion, the big rip and the little rip. The behavior of the Universe is discussed depending on the numerical parameters of the models.     

Interacting dark sector and the coincidence problem within the scope of LRS Bianchi type I model

It is shown that a suitable interaction between dark energy and dark matter in locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi-I space-time can solve the coincidence problem and not contradict the accelerated expansion of present Universe. The interaction parameters are estimated from observational data.     

Seasonal Variability of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a Coastal Marine Area in the Northwestern Region of the Sea of Japan/East Sea (Possiet Bay)

Ocean Science Journal - Contamination by persistent organic pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitutes a major concern in relation to aquatic ecosystems. To study the...