Influence of a spatial structure of precipitates on polarization characteristics of the outgoing microwave radiation of the atmosphere

Issues of the formation and recording of the spatial and angular distributions of thermal radio radiation of rainfall in the microwave range are discussed. The thermal radio-frequency radiative transfer in a threedimensional rain cell is simulated numerically with a different rainfall rate, taking into account the nonspherical shape of falling raindrops and their size distribution. The role of the three-dimensional inhomogeneity of rainfall fields in the formation of a field of their inherent thermal radio radiation in the microwave range is revealed.     

Numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics with variational assimilation of observational data

Models and methods of the numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics dating back to the pioneering works of A.S. Sarkisyan are considered, with emphasis on the formulation of problems and algorithms of mathematical modeling and the four-dimensional variational assimilation of observational data. An algorithm is proposed for studying the sensitivity of the optimal solution to observational data errors in a seasurface temperature assimilation problem in order to retrieve heat fluxes on the surface. An example of a solution of the optimal problem of the World Ocean hydrodynamics with the assimilation of climatic temperature and salinity observations is offered.     

Operational system for diagnosis and forecast of hydrophysical characteristics of the Black Sea

The automatic system of operational forecasting of the Black Sea state which functions at the Marine Hydrophysical Institute is presented. Principles of the system construction are considered; the marine environment models used for forecasting, the data streams required for the system functioning, and tools for validating and visualizing the results of sea-state calculations are described. Some examples of investigating a number of processes and phenomena in the Black Sea are given.     

Retrieving sea-wave spectra using satellite-imagery spectra in a wide range of frequencies

A method to register sea-wave spectra using optical aerospace imagery has been developed. The method is based on the use of retrieval operators both in areas of high and low spatial frequencies, including the areas of spectral maximum. The approach to adjust and validate the method developed using sea truth data obtained by string wave recorders has been suggested. This paper presents the results of using the suggested method to study sea-wave spectra using high-resolution satellite imagery for various water areas under different conditions of wave generation.     

Pb isotope composition of granitoids from the Hercynides of the Central Asian orogenic Belt: Evidence for growth of the juvenile crust

Based on study of the Middle Paleozoic (Hercynian) structures of the Central Asian Fold Belt located in Southwest Mongolia, the problem of the sources of juvenile crust growth registered in the Pb isotope composition of postaccretional granitoids is considered. Our study shows that the Pb isotope system of Late Paleozoic granitoids from the Hercynides of the Central Asian Fold Belt provides evidence for the juvenile nature of the continental crust in this region. The evolution of the Pb isotope composition in the Hercynides of Mongolia corresponds to the model parameter μ = 9.25, according to the Stacey–Kramers twostage model. The juvenile source of the Hercynian crust should be characterized by a lower μ value. In addition, according to the Stacey–Kramers two-stage model, the Th/U value in this crust is 3.58.     

Geochemical features of the utilization of buried wastes of the Tyrnyauz Tungsten–Molybdenum Plant using acid leaching

The decontamination of buried wastes of the Tyrnyauz Tungsten–Molybdenum Plant is complicated by the geochemical features of the waste composition: low sulfide and high carbonate content, polyelemental composition, and considerable amounts of technogenic admixtures (kerosene, oils, soda, and soluble glasses). These circumstances result in sufficient complication of the suggested technology of waste treatment, including the sulfuric-acid leaching and separate sorption recovery of hazardous and useful elements from the working solution.     

Initiation of acoustic emission in fluid-saturated sandstone samples

A rock behavior experiment with uniaxial compression revealed the effect of acoustic activity in loaded fluid-saturated Berea sandstone samples in response to an electric current. It is established that it is substantially intensified in periods of the current impact and decreases after its cut-off. The current impact also results in a growth of radial deformation indicating an increase in the sample volume. The effect of acoustic activation increases in response to increased heat emitted by the electric current during its flow through the sample, which allows the discovered effect to be explained by initiation of its destruction due to thermal expansion of the fluid in rock interstices and fissures.     

Chemical composition,isotopic U–Pb age,and source of zircon from polymineralic ichet’yu occurrence,Mobile Timan

This study focuses on the morphological features, color cathodoluminescence, chemical composition, age, and source of zircons from the Ichet’yu occurrence. The isotopic U–Pb age of Paleo–Mezoproterozoic zircon grains varies within an interval of ~700 Ma from 2247 to 1478 Ma. The average roundness and well-preserved integrity of zircon grains allow us to suggest their proximal source. The available data show that the basement of the Middle Timan, composed of continental Paleo–Mezoproterozoic igneous rocks, is the most probable source of zircon in the Ichet’yu occurrence. These rocks are apparently a continuation of the Archean–Proterozoic Arkhangel’sk Mobile Belt.     

IR photometry and models for the dust envelopes of two carbon stars

The results of JHKLM photometry of two carbon stars are presented: the irregular variable NQ Cas and the Mira star BD Vul. Data on the mean fluxes supplemented with mid-IR observations with the IRAS, AKARI, andWISE satellites are used to compute spherically symmetrical model dust envelopes for the stars, consisting of particles of amorphous carbon and silicon carbide. The optical depth in the visible for the comparatively cool dust envelope of BD Vul, with a dust temperature at its inner boundary T₁ = 610 K, is fairly low: τ_V = 0.13. The dust envelope of NQ Cas is appreciably hotter (T₁ = 1550 K), and has τ_V = 0.32. The estimated mass-loss rates are 1.5 × 10^?7M_⊙/yr for NQ Cas and 5.9 × 10^?7M_⊙/yr for BD Vul.     

Testing the suitability of geologic frameworks for extrapolating hydraulic properties across regional scales

The suitability of geologic frameworks for extrapolating hydraulic conductivity (K) to length scales commensurate with hydraulic data is difficult to assess. A novel method is presented for evaluating assumed relations between K and geologic interpretations for regional-scale groundwater modeling. The approach relies on simultaneous interpretation of multiple aquifer tests using alternative geologic frameworks of variable complexity, where each framework is incorporated as prior information that assumes homogeneous K within each model unit. This approach is tested at Pahute Mesa within the Nevada National Security Site (USA), where observed drawdowns from eight aquifer tests in complex, highly faulted volcanic rocks provide the necessary hydraulic constraints. The investigated volume encompasses 40 mi³ (167 km³) where drawdowns traversed major fault structures and were detected more than 2 mi (3.2 km) from pumping wells. Complexity of the five frameworks assessed ranges from an undifferentiated mass of rock with a single unit to 14 distinct geologic units. Results show that only four geologic units can be justified as hydraulically unique for this location. The approach qualitatively evaluates the consistency of hydraulic property estimates within extents of investigation and effects of geologic frameworks on extrapolation. Distributions of transmissivity are similar within the investigated extents irrespective of the geologic framework. In contrast, the extrapolation of hydraulic properties beyond the volume investigated with interfering aquifer tests is strongly affected by the complexity of a given framework. Testing at Pahute Mesa illustrates how this method can be employed to determine the appropriate level of geologic complexity for large-scale groundwater modeling.