Fabry–Perot imaging of NGC 6090 in H2 emission

We have obtained an H₂ v =1–0 S(1) image of a merging galaxy system, NGC 6090, by using a Fabry–Perot imager. The H₂ emission originates between the double nuclei of pre-merger galaxies, and exhibits an arc-like or ring-like structure almost connecting the double nuclei. This structure is similar to that suggested for Arp 220 from the velocity field measured by CO radio emission. The separation of the double nuclei in NGC 6090 is 5–6 arcsec, corresponding to a projected distance of 3–4 kpc. This is much larger than that of Arp 220 and suggests that the molecular gas distribution can form an organized shape between the nuclei, such as a ring, in a rather early phase of merging.     

A multiwavelength view at the heart of the superwind in NGC 253

We present a new method of studying quadruple lenses in elliptical power-law potentials parametrized by ψ ( x , y )∝( x ²+ y ² q ²) ^{β /2} β (0 β <2). For this potential, the moments of the four image positions weighted by signed magnifications (magnification times parity) have very simple properties. In particular, we find that the zeroth moment – the sum of four signed magnifications satisfies ≃2/(2− β ); the relation is exact for β =0 (point-lens) and β =1 (isothermal potential), independent of the axial ratio. Similar relations can be derived when a shear is present along the major or minor axes. These relations, however, do not hold well for the closely related elliptical density distributions. For a singular isothermal elliptical density distribution without shear, the sum of signed magnifications for quadruple lenses is ≈2.8, again nearly independent of the ellipticity. For the same distribution with shear, the total signed magnification is around 2–3 for most cases, but can be significantly different for some combinations of the axial ratio and shear where six or eight images can appear.     

PDS 456: an extreme accretion rate quasar?

We present quasi-simultaneous ASCA and RXTE observations of the most luminous known active galactic nucleus in the local ( z <0.3) Universe, the recently discovered quasar PDS 456. Multiwavelength observations have been conducted that show that PDS 456 has a bolometric luminosity of ∼10⁴⁷ erg s⁻¹ peaking in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. In the X-ray band the 2–10 keV (rest-frame) luminosity is 10⁴⁵ erg s⁻¹. The broad-band X-ray spectrum obtained with ASCA and RXTE contains considerable complexity. The most striking feature observed is a very deep, ionized iron K edge, observed at 8.7 keV in the quasar rest-frame. We find that these features are consistent with reprocessing from highly ionized matter, probably the inner accretion disc. PDS 456 appeared to show a strong (factor of ∼2.1) outburst in just ∼17 ks, although non-intrinsic sources cannot be completely ruled out. If confirmed, this would be an unusual event for such a high-luminosity source, with a light-crossing-time corresponding to ∼2 R _S . The implication would be that flaring occurs within the very central regions, or else that PDS 456 is a 'super-Eddington' or relativistically beamed system. Overall we conclude on the basis of the extreme blue/UV luminosity, the rapid X-ray variability and from the imprint of highly ionized material on the X-ray spectrum, that PDS 456 is a quasar with an unusually high accretion rate.     

Integrated assessment of lateral flow, density effects and dispersion in aquifer storage and recovery

Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) involves the injection of freshwater into an aquifer for later recovery and use. This paper investigates three major factors leading to reduction in performance of ASR systems in brackish or saline aquifers: lateral flow, density-driven flow and dispersive mixing. Previous analyses of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) have considered at most two of the above processes, but never all three together, and none have considered lateral flow and density effects together. In this analysis, four dimensionless parameters are defined to give an approximate characterisation of lateral flow, dispersive mixing, mixed convection (density effects during pumping) and free convection (density effects during storage). An extensive set of numerical models spanning a wide parameter range is then used to develop a predictive framework using the dimensionless numbers. If the sum of the four dimensionless numbers (denoted R_ASR) exceeds 10, the ASR operation is likely to fail with no recoverable freshwater, while if R_ASR < 0.1, the ASR operation is likely to provide at least some recovery of freshwater. The predictive framework is tested using limited data available from ASR field sites, broadly lending support to the framework. This study has several important implications. Firstly, the lack of completeness of field data sets in the literature must be rectified if we are to properly characterise mixed-convective flow processes in ASR operations. Once data are available, the dimensionless numbers can be used to identify suitable ASR sites and the desirable operational conditions that maximise recovery efficiencies.     

Polychaete Assemblages in the San José Gulf (Chubut, Argentina), in Relation to Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Abstract. The composition and distribution of the polychaete assemblages of the San José Gulf (Chubut, Argentina) are described in relation to environmental variables using indicator species (TWINSPAN) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The polychaetes were collected during a benthic cruise in October 1984. Sediments were collected at 110 sampling sites using a 0.25 m² van Veen bottom grab or by divers in near-shore areas and sieved with 1 mm mesh. A total of 73 polychaete taxa were collected and identified. Both analyses revealed the presence of four main assemblages distributed according to depth as well as bivalve and seaweed abundance gradients: ' Syllis-Eunice ' and ' Harmothoe-Eunice ' assemblages occurred at the same depths (0 –­ 185 m) and substrata (poorly sorted rock and coarse sand), but were separated by bivalve and seaweed abundance, wherby the highest abundances of bivalves and the minimum abundances of seaweeds corresponded to the ' Syllis-Eunice ' association. The ' Ninoe-Glycera ' and ' Aglaophamus- Fabriciinae indet. 6' assemblages also occurred at similar depths (0 – 60 m) and substrata (very well-sorted medium-fine sand), but differed in their composition of bivalves and seaweed abundances; the ' Aglaophamus- Fabriciinae indet. 6' association corresponded with minimum bivalve and maximum seaweed abundances.     

Perceptions and realities of land degradation in arid Otjimbingwe, Namibia

We examined the perceptions and realities of land degradation in a communal ranching area, Otjimbingwe, in arid Namibia (in south-western Africa). It is commonly perceived that large-scale degradation of Otjimbingwe has occurred due to a mixture of improper pastoral practices and pressures induced by a high human population growth rate. We sought to determine whether the inhabitants perceived land degradation to have taken place and whether their perceptions were consistent with empirical data on environmental quality. Furthermore, we wished to determine whether these pastoralists had management strategies to help them withstand the harsh environmental conditions in which they live. All respondents in our surveys perceived that the environment had become degraded. The claimed source of this degradation, a decline in annual rainfall, is inconsistent with long-term rainfall records (there was neither change nor cyclicity in rainfall over time). There is also little evidence of a decline in plant cover and soil quality in spite of the very high stocking densities. No overall pastoral strategy exists in Otjimbingwe. Options for management are extremely limited due to a variety of external and internal pressures such as a high human population growth rate, high immigration into Otjimbingwe, restricted water availability due to dams constructed upstream, and limited movement opportunities for livestock in drought periods.     

Twenty years of Belgian North Sea aerial surveillance: a quantitative analysis of results confirms effectiveness of international oil pollution legislation

Over the years many policy measures have been taken to prevent illegal oil discharges from ships, like the MARPOL 73/78 Convention (1983) and the Bonn Agreement (1969/1983). However, the number of discharges remained high, leading to chronic oiling of seabirds and sensitive coastlines, therefore further measures were taken. The aim of this study is to quantify the effectiveness of two key legislative regulations: the IMO-designation of the North Sea as MARPOL Special Area which took effect in 1999, and the adoption of the EU Directive on Port Reception Facilities in 2000. Under study is the heavily navigated Belgian Surveillance Area, monitored since 1991, characterised by shallow waters with ecologically important sandbanks. The aerial surveillance data from 1991 to 2010 show a stepwise decrease in ship-source oil pollution. Three time periods can be distinguished with two turning points coinciding with the actual implementation of these key legislative measures, confirming their effectiveness.     

An infrared study of the double nucleus in NGC 3256

We present new resolved near- and mid-infrared (mid-IR) imaging and N -band spectroscopy of the two nuclei in the merger system NGC 3256, the most IR luminous galaxy in the nearby Universe. The results from the spectral energy distribution fit to the data are consistent with previous estimates of the amount of obscuration towards the nuclei and the nuclear star formation rates. However, we also find substantial differences in the infrared emission from the two nuclei which cannot be explained by obscuration alone. We conclude that the northern nucleus requires an additional component of warm dust in order to explain its properties. This suggests that local star-forming conditions can vary significantly within the environment of a single system.     

Crew variability in topographic surveys for monitoring wadeable streams: a case study from the Columbia River Basin

Digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from ground‐based topographic surveys have become ubiquitous in the field of fluvial geomorphology. Their wide application in spatially explicit analysis includes hydraulic modeling, habitat modeling, and morphological sediment budgeting. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the repeatability and precision of DEMs derived from ground‐based surveys conducted by different, and inherently subjective, observers. This is of particular concern when we consider the proportion of studies and monitoring programs that are implemented across multiple sites and over time by different observers. We used a case study from the Columbia Habitat Monitoring Program (CHaMP), where seven field crews sampled the same six sites, to quantify the magnitude and effect of observer variability on DEMs interpolated from total station surveys. We quantified the degree to which DEM‐derived metrics and measured geomorphic change were repeatable. Across all six sites, we found an average elevation standard deviation of 0.05 m among surveys, and a mean total range of 0.16 m. A variance partition between site, crew, and unexplained errors for several topographically derived metrics showed that crew variability never accounted for > 1.5% of the total variability. We calculated minor geomorphic changes at one site following a relatively dry flow year between 2012 and 2011. Calculated changes were minimal (unthresholded net changes ±1–3 cm) with six crews detecting an indeterminate sediment budget and one crew detecting a minor net erosional sediment budget. While crew variability does influence the quality of topographic surveys, this study highlights that when consistent surveying methods are employed, the data sets are still sufficient to support derivation of topographic metrics and conduct basic geomorphic change detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.