A robust satellite technique for monitoring seismically active areas: The case of Bhuj–Gujarat earthquake

A robust satellite data analysis technique (RAT) has been recently proposed as a suitable tool for satellite TIR surveys in seismically active regions and already successfully tested in different cases of earthquakes (both high and medium–low magnitudes).In this paper, the efficiency and the potentialities of the RAT technique have been tested even when it is applied to a wide area with extremely variable topography, land coverage and climatic characteristics (the whole Indian subcontinent). Bhuj–Gujarat's earthquake (occurred on 26th January 2001, M_S  7.9) has been considered as a test case in the validation phase, while a relatively unperturbed period (no earthquakes with M_S ≥ 5, in the same region and in the same period) has been analyzed for confutation purposes. To this aim, 6 years of Meteosat-5 TIR observations have been processed for the characterization of the TIR signal behaviour at each specific observation time and location.The anomalous TIR values, detected by RAT, have been evaluated in terms of time–space persistence in order to establish the existence of actually significant anomalous transients. The results indicate that the studied area was affected by significant positive thermal anomalies which were identified, at different intensity levels, not far from the Gujarat coast (since 15th January, but with a clearer evidence on 22nd January) and near the epicentral area (mainly on 21st January). On 25th January (1 day before Gujarat's earthquake) significant TIR anomalies appear on the Northern Indian subcontinent, showing a remarkable coincidence with the principal tectonic lineaments of the region (thrust Himalayan boundary).On the other hand, the results of the confutation analysis indicate that no meaningful TIR anomalies appear in the absence of seismic events with M_S ≥ 5.     

辽宁金杖子地区水系沉积物地球化学特征

金杖子地区位于冀东-辽西金成矿带,区内矿产资源丰富,成矿地质条件优越。本文在1∶25000水系沉积物测量工作的基础上,结合该区地质特征和成矿地质条件,对该地区10种元素的地球化学特征、离散程度及综合异常特征进行研究,圈定综合异常3处,为进一步的地质勘查工作提供了依据。     

威德尔海的重磁场特征及其构造意义

威德尔海是南极洲最大的边缘海。通过搜集威德尔海的重磁资料、历史文献以及总结前人的相关研究成果,介绍了威德尔海的重磁场基本特征以及指示的构造意义。威德尔海最显著的重力特征是在威德尔海的中北部分布着以鲱骨式结构展布的一系列NW-SE向重力异常,其上可见一系列弧形、上凹的以E-W为主要方向的磁力异常。沿南极半岛陆架边缘的重力高一直可延伸到南侧海域,高值区与陆架平行,但是在磁异常上反映不明显。威德尔海原始海盆的形成约在150 Ma,并伴随南北向张裂,随后在140 Ma发生东西向扩张,到约120 Ma异常形成现代南极洲、非洲和南美洲板块的分布格局,鲱骨式结构异常脊也形成于该时期。     

2-D or 3-D interpretation of conductivity anomalies: example of the Rhine-Graben conductivity anomaly

Summary. Evidence of a conductivity anomaly in the Rhine-Graben was first given about 15 years ago and consequently led to the definition of various models of induction in the region for periods ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. These models reflect two antagonistic ways of explaining the observed anomalous variations of the magnetic field: direct induction in a two-dimensional (2-D) structure or static distortion of telluric currents by the resistive crystalline Vosges (France) and Schwarzwalde (Germany) massifs. We discuss the two approaches using a simple formalism. In particular, we show that the self-induction related to the anomalous currents flowing in the Rhine-Graben is negligible for periods larger than 1000 s, and that, even though the static distortion of telluric currents does account for the observed anomaly, 2-D models can explain some of its features. We also show how the channelled currents are induced in the large sedimentary basins surrounding the area under study.
An experimental verification of this result is given.     

Radon reduction in homes constructed on saprolite in the Central Appalachians

 A 3-year study of indoor radon in more than 1000 homes in northern Virginia and southern Maryland was conducted using 3-month exposure alpha-track monitors. In a study set of 200 homes, first-floor indoor radon concentrations, which most closely approximates home exposure levels, averaged slightly more than 3 pCi/l. In a study set of 100 homes, sub-slab ventilation was used to reduce indoor radon concentrations. Interest in remediation was related to public perception of the hazardous nature of radon; people living in homes with indoor radon measurements of more than 4 pCi/l were more likely to participate in the remediation phase of the project. Sub-slab ventilation was successful in more than 90% of the homes in reducing indoor radon from concentrations as high as 30 pCi/ to less than 4 pCi/l, at least for the entire year of post-remediation radon measurements. Received: 29 February 1996 · Accepted: 29 May 1996     

Hydro simulations of the ICM: the effect of energy feedback

Current models and observations of variability in HgMn stars disagree.We present here the models that argue for pulsating HgMn stars with properties similar to those of SlowlyPulsating B Stars. The lack of observed variable HgMn stars suggeststhat some physical process is missing from the models. Somepossibilities are discussed.     

新疆精河莱历斯高尔铜钼矿床原生地球化学异常

矿区处于博罗霍洛山主脊,属斑岩型铜钼矿床。斑岩体本身为矿体,钼矿在岩体内,铜矿在外接触带。通过矿区北部勘查地球化学工作表明,Mo、Cu、Pb、Ag、As原生地球化学异常规模大、连续性好,形态规则,梯度大。As、Sb、Ag具前缘特征。除Mo、Cu外,Pb、Ag具主成矿元素特征。原生异常纵向分带具轴向分带特征,分带序列有一定的典型意义。从地质、地球化学异常特征、小岩体地球化学特征以及金属预测资源初步计算认为该矿床很有远景。     

Radon-rich waters in Russia

In radon mineral curative waters, according to Russian mineral water classification, the radon concentration should be greater than 185 Bq/l. There are about 30 mineral waters with high levels of radon in Russia. Radon-rich waters have high therapeutic effects. It is proven that natural background radiation stimulates the human immune system. Radon is a natural radioactive gas that has no taste, smell or color. Radon-222 is one of the heaviest elements in the zero groups of inert gases. It is a gaseous radioactive element. All radon isotopes are -emitters while the transformation of its decay products is accompanied by the emitting of -or -particles. The main products of radon decay are short-lived isotopes Po, Pb, Bi, and TL. Belonging to the uranium and thorium decay chain, radon isotopes form directly during the decay of radium isotopes. Therefore the radon concentration depends upon the concentration of its parent's isotope in water and rocks washed by it as well as upon the amount of radon emanation. Loose rocks or rocks with a great number of cracks are characterized by higher radon concentration (zones of tectonic disturbance, weathering crusts, etc.).Crystalline rocks usually have higher uranium concentrations than the average bedrock. Examples of rock types, which often have enhanced uranium concentration >5% ppm U includes the following: granites, syenites, pegmatite, acid volcanic rocks and acid gneisses. In the earth's crust radon migrates either in a gaseous or dissolved state. It can go to the surface without any chemical reaction. Formation of the radon-rich therapeutics waters of Russia has been analyzed, and most of them are genetically connected to crystalline acid rocks that have exceeded uranium-radium mineralization. The radon content in Russia reaches more than 8,000 Bq/l. Radon-rich waters of this type occur in the Altai, Karelia, St Petersburg and Trans-Baikal regions. Another type is connected to geodynamic activity of regions and secondary radioactivity. A well-known example of radon-rich waters of the second type is Pyatigorsk in the North Caucasus. Mixing confined carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide water and unconfined groundwater forms radon waters. The radon concentration is 1,170–2,430 Bq/l. The occurrence of radon-rich water deposits in other regions of Russia is described. Further investigation of the radon content in other geological environments will contribute to the environmental safety as well as to the solution to many genetic, hydrogeochronological, paleoreconstructive and prediction problems in hydrogeology.