In between β Lyrae and Algol: The Case Of V356 Sgr

The eclipsing binary system V356 Sgr is of considerable interest, since it is probably at the very end of its mass transfer phase, i.e. between β Lyrae and Algol. Hence, the binary provides an opportunity to directly examine the exposed core of a star for signatures of nuclear burning, and to test stellar evolution models. The system is composed of an early B star accreting matter from a Roche-lobe filling A2 II star. Recently, with progress in the UV spectral region, significant revision of previous values for absolute parameters has been made. Therefore, we find it justified and important to present a new photometric solution. Our model is compared to an early disk model, and is discussed in the framework of mass transfer processes in this binary system.     

The optical counterpart to SAX J1808.4−3658: observations in quiescence

We report the first extensive set of optical photometric observations of the counterpart to SAX J1808.4−3658 (V4580 Sagittarii) in quiescence. The source was detected at V ∼21 , 5 mag fainter than at the peak of its 1998 outburst. However, a comparable ∼6 per cent semi-amplitude 2-h modulation of its flux is revealed. This has the same phasing and approximately sinusoidal modulation as seen during outburst, and with photometric minimum when the pulsar is behind the companion. The lack of a double-humped morphology rules out an ellipsoidal origin, implying that the bulk of the optical flux does not arise from the companion. Moreover, applying crude modelling to the disc and X-ray irradiated face of the donor shows that the internal energy release of a remnant disc (with mass transfer driven by gravitational radiation) is sufficient to explain most of the optical emission, and with the modulation because of the varying contribution of the heated face of the star. We note that this model is also consistent with the much lower X-ray to optical flux ratio in quiescence versus outburst, and with the phasing of the optical modulation.     

Dwarf nova oscillations and quasi-periodic oscillations in cataclysmic variables – II. A low-inertia magnetic accretor model

The dwarf nova oscillations observed in cataclysmic variable (CV) stars are interpreted in the context of a low-inertia accretor model, in which accretion on to an equatorial belt of the white dwarf primary causes the belt to vary its angular velocity. The rapid deceleration phase is attributed to propellering. Evidence that temporary expulsion rather than accretion of gas occurs during this phase is obtained from the large drop in extreme ultraviolet flux.
We show that the quasi-periodic oscillations are most probably caused by a vertical thickening of the disc, moving as a travelling wave near the inner edge of the disc. This alternately obscures and 'reflects' radiation from the central source, and is visible even in quite low inclination systems. A possible excitation mechanism, caused by winding up and reconnection of magnetic field lines, is proposed.
We apply the model, deduced largely from VW Hyi observations, to re-interpret observations of SS Cyg, OY Car, UX UMa, V2051 Oph, V436 Cen and WZ Sge. In the last of these we demonstrate the existence of a 742-s period in the light curve, arising from obscuration by the travelling wave, and hence show that the two principal oscillations are a dwarf nova oscillation and its reprocessed companion.     

频谱激电法的发展与展望

从频谱激电法的发展概况﹑仪器系统、数学模型、反演方法及应用等方面,介绍了频谱激电法的研究现状。介绍了频谱激电法目前常用的仪器系统:SIP-FUCHSII和V8,数据模型主要有:Cole-Cole、常相位角模型CPA、普通化的Cole-Cole模型和理论模型SNP。反演方法简要介绍了几种常用算法,反演算法也由一维、二维发展到三维。列举了频谱激电法近年来在矿产资源、水资源调查等多个领域的应用概况,展望了频谱激电法的发展方向:(1)同时考虑激电效应和电磁效应的三维电磁场正演计算技术是研究的前沿和热点;(2)频谱激电法对有机污染的探查成为未来应用研究的新领域。     

基于遥感的上海地区雾霾监测研究

以中分辨率成像光谱仪(MODIS)遥感数据为数据源,综合利用6S传输模型与NASA V5.2算法对2013年12月4日至8日上海地区雾霾污染进行了连续性监测,并对其形成原因进行分析。结果表明,此次雾霾污染主要是由本地生产和外地迁移来源共同作用形成,上海地区气溶胶光学厚度在12月6日达到最大,雾霾污染区域逐渐从上海地区的西北向东南扩散,污染等级也逐渐降低。     

Evaluation of the relative roles of global versus local sedimentary controls on Middle to Late Pleistocene formation of continental margin strata,Canterbury Basin,New Zealand

Determining the relative influence of eustasy versus local sedimentary processes on strata formation is a fundamental challenge in the study of continental margin stratigraphy. In this paper, the relative contribution of these factors on continental margin evolution during the Middle to Late Pleistocene is evaluated using samples from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 317. Core‐logging, biostratigraphy and quantitative X‐ray diffraction mineralogy are used to delineate continental shelf sedimentary systems. Major lithological unconformities bound stratigraphic sequences that contain recurring compositional patterns and that resemble other examples of Middle to Upper Pleistocene sequences. However, a preliminary chronology suggests that sequence boundary formation cannot be linked ‘one to one’ with eustatic cycles and therefore these sequences can contain multiple ca 100 ka eustatic cycles. Smaller amplitude, higher frequency transitions in sediment composition are interpreted as stratigraphic sequences driven by more rapid perturbations in the interplay of accommodation and sediment supply; their stratigraphy is variable in time and across the shelf, suggesting a strong influence of local sedimentary forcing in their formation. Changes in sediment composition after the Middle Pleistocene Transition indicate that sediment transfer from onshore sources in the glaciated Southern Alps to the middle‐shelf occurred over a single 100 ka glacio‐eustatic cycle, with an additional 100 ka lag before the mineralogical signal was preserved on the outer‐shelf. This phenomenon is coincident with rapid shelf progradation in this basin, suggesting a causal relation between across‐shelf sediment transport and margin progradation. This is one of very few studies that provide insights at the core scale into the processes driving continental margin evolution during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. This work shows that compositional changes in mud‐dominated successions can lead to a sequence stratigraphic interpretation and the identification of high‐frequency sequences, which may not be possible using a conventional stratigraphic approach.