Diffraction of plane sh waves in a half-space

Scattering of antiplane shear waves (SH) in two dimensions by surface and near-surface defects in a homogeneous, isotropic elastic semi-infinite medium has been studied. Attention has been focused here in the range of medium to long wavelengths. A combined finite element and analytical technique has been used to study the problems of scattering by semi-circular and triangular canyons. The results for the former case are compared with the known exact solution and those for the latter case are compared with some available approximate solutions. Finally a problem of multiple scattering by a triangular canyon and a nearby circular tunnel is studied. Numerical results are presented showing the effects of multiple scattering and different angles of incidence. These results are of interest in earthquake engineering.     

Mean bulk densities of samples of dry atmospheric aerosol particles: A summary of measured data

Mean bulk densities of various samples of dry atmospheric aerosol particles sampled at different sites and during different seasons and weather situations range between 1.8 and more than 3 gm cm³.     

Kinetic shear resistance,fluid pressures and radiation efficiency during seismic faulting

Summary During earthquake faulting, radiation efficiency and the degree stress relief are critically dependent on the kinetic shear resistance. This is often assumed to stay constant during slip, but geological evidence suggests that for moderate or large shallow earthquakes it may decrease dramatically to near-zero values once slip is initiated, either by melt formation or by transient increases in fluid pressure on the fault plane. The latter, probably more common process may arise partly through an interaction between temperature and water pressure, and partly through dilatancy recovery as shear stress is relieved. If the fault remains undrained, stress relief should be absolute with seismic efficiency reaching high values, so that stress drops give a measure of the level of tectonic shear stress in fault zones. Supporting evidence comes from the observation that apparent stress is generally about half the stress drop.     

Trace elements in sediments from the lower Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel

Sediments are very important as trace element traps, particularly in estuaries and high levels of heavy metals have previously been reported in sediments in the Severn estuary and parts of the Bristol Channel. In this paper the concentration and distribution of thirteen elements are reported. The concentrations of tin, zinc and lead, in particular, may have ecological consequences and should be viewed with some concern.     

Melting of Mg2GeO4 under pressure

Melting point of germanate forsterite, Mg₂GeO₄, was raised by compression at the rate of 30°C/GPa. The triple point, at which three phases of olivine- and spinel-type solids and liquid coexisted, was fixed at 1950°C and 3.5GPa. Wen these results are combined with the thermodynamical data of forsterite, Mg₂SiO₄, it is estimated that the triple point of forsterite lies in a region ranging from 2700° to 3000°C in temperature and from 20 to 30GPa in pressure.     

Pollution studies in the Clyde Sea area

The Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland is a major seaway and vacation area, it supports important commercial fisheries and receives domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes from a catchment area with a population of well over 2 million. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland has a continuing investigation of the area to keep track of the increasing threat of pollution, particularly to the fishing industry.