Scattering of seismic waves by cracks in multi-layered geological regions: II. Numerical results

The mechanical model for plane strain, time-harmonic seismic wave propagation problems in cracked, multi-layered geological regions with surface topography and non-parallel interfaces was described in the first part of this work. Here, this model is used to investigate the response of such a region to the presence of traveling elastic waves generated by a seismic source. The computational methodology that was developed in the first part is based on a combination of both the regular (displacement-based) and the hypersingular (traction-based) Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM). First, the accuracy and convergence characteristics of this hybrid BIEM are studied. Then, a series of problems involving four different configurations of a reference geological deposit with both interface and internal cracks are solved, for a loading that is due to a seismically-induced pressure wave propagating upwards from the underlying rigid half-plane. The purpose of the numerical study is to investigate the influence of various key parameters of the problem, such as frequency and incidence angle of the incoming wave, size of the surface relief, location and size of the buried cracks, interaction effects between cracks and finally the presence of layers, on both the scattered displacement field and the stress concentration field.     

Modelling of space weather effects on pipelines

The interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field produces time varying currents in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. The currents cause variations of the geomagnetic field at the surface of the earth and induce an electric field which drives currents in oil and gas pipelines and other long conductors. Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) interfere with electrical surveys of pipelines and possibly contribute to pipeline corrosion.In this paper, we introduce a general method which can be used to determine voltage and current profiles for buried pipelines, when the external geoelectric field and the geometry and electromagnetic properties of the pipeline are known. The method is based on the analogy between pipelines and transmission lines, which makes it possible to use the distributed source transmission line (DSTL) theory. The general equations derived for the current and voltage profiles are applied in special cases. A particular attention is paid to the Finnish natural gas pipeline network.This paper, related to a project about GIC in the Finnish pipeline, thus provides a tool for understanding space weather effects on pipelines. Combined with methods of calculating the geoelectric field during magnetic storms, the results are applicable to forecasting of geomagnetically induced currents and voltages on pipelines in the future.     

Onset voltages of atmospheric corona discharges on coniferous trees

In this article, the phenomenon of generation of corona discharges on the tops of trees and plants is described. In the first part of the text, the conditions for generation of this electric field which leads to formation of corona discharge and transfer of electric charge between atmosphere and Earth, are discussed. Experimental results of the onset voltage and its dependence on the discharge parameters are presented. The coincidence between released species from corona burning point and surrounding atmosphere is also discussed. Equation for the calculation of critical intensity of the electric field and onset voltage in dependence on radius of the tip are also discussed and compared with experimental data and equations for current–voltage characteristics are described. The attempt to explain differences between theory and measured data is proposed.     

The use of GPS arrays in detecting shock-acoustic waves generated during rocket launchings

This paper is concerned with the parameters of shock-acoustic waves (SAW) generated during rocket launchings. We have developed the interferometric method for determining SAW parameters (including angular characteristics of the wave vector, and the SAW phase velocity, as well as the direction towards the source) using GPS-arrays. Contrary to the conventional radio-probing techniques, the proposed method provides an estimate of SAW parameters without a priori information about the site and time of a rocket launching. The application of the method is illustrated by a case study of ionospheric effects from launchings of rockets PROTON, SOYUZ and SPACE SHUTTLE from Baikonur and Kennedy Space Center cosmodromes in 1998–2000. In spite of a difference of rocket characteristics, the ionospheric response for all launchings had the character of an N-wave corresponding to the form of a shock wave. The SAW period T is 270–360 s, and the amplitude exceeds the standard deviation of total electron content background fluctuations in this range of periods under quiet and moderate geomagnetic conditions by factors of 2–5 as a minimum. The angle of elevation of the SAW wave vector varies from 30° to 60°, and the SAW phase velocity (900–1200 m/s) approaches the sound velocity at heights of the ionospheric F-region maximum. The position of the SAW source, inferred by neglecting refraction corrections, corresponds to the segment of the rockets path at a distance no less than 200–900 km from the launch pad, and to the rocket flying altitude no less than 100 km. Our data are consistent with the existing view that SAW are generated during a nearly horizontal flight of the rocket with its engine in operation in the acceleration segment of the path at 100–130 km altitudes in the lower atmosphere.     

Evolution of 3D tectonic stress field and fault movement in North China

IntroductionThe research on stress field interior the Earth is an either relative old or young branch of geoscience. Early in the 20th century, in order to learn the state of inner stress field, a few scholars had used simple ideal model to analyze big scale tectonic conformations and activities according to tide, gravity, rotation and inner thermal materials. So far, lots of problems on the state of the Earth stress field have not been solved completely yet. The origin of stress field, the d…     

Assessment of Geomagnetic Hazard to Power Systems in Canada

This paper presents an assessment ofgeomagnetic hazard on the five largest power systemsin Canada. From east to west these are: Nova ScotiaPower, Hydro-Quebec, Ontario Hydro West System, Manitoba Hydro, and the northern B.C. Hydro system. The aim of this study was to determine howfrequently, and where in a system, largegeomagnetically induced currents (GIC) could beexpected. To do this, an analysis was made of thespectral characteristics of the magnetic fieldvariations that cause GIC, and a review was made ofpublished magnetotelluric soundings in order todetermine conductivity models for different parts ofthe country. The magnetic field spectra and theconductivity information were then used to determinethe electric fields produced during geomagneticdisturbances. A relation was determined betweenelectric field magnitudes and the magnetic activityindex, Kp so that statistics for Kp could be used todetermine the occurrence rates of large electricfields. Power system models were used to determinethe GIC produced by the `1-year' and `10-year'electric fields experienced by each power system.     

Zinc-rich Pyrite from the TAG Active Mound, the TAG Hydrotherma Field, Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract: Pyrite rich in Zn, up to 3.1 wt%, was found in the TAG active mound of the TAG hydrothermal field, the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 26°08'N and 44°49'W. The Zn-rich pyrite is characterized by an optical homogeneity, a homogeneous distribution of Zn in the back-scattered electron images, both at a magnification of about 500, a negative correlation between Fe and Zn contents of the pyrite and a rather small unit cell edge (a₀ = 5.4117 ± 0.0008Å), strongly indicating that the detected Zn is present in the pyrite in solid solution. Such Zn concentrations are observed exclusively in dendritic pyrite, suggesting that the Znrich pyrite grew from hydrothermal fluids of a high degree of supersaturation due to quenching on the seafloor.     

PREDICTION OF LOCATION OF HIDDEN ORE DEPOSITS IN THE AGED ORE FIELDS:AN EXAMPLE FROM FENGHUANGSHAN ORE FIELD,TONGLING,CHINA

This paper discusses the strategy for successfully predicting the location of potential hidden ore bodies in aged ore field,and presents the result of location prediction of hidden ore bodies in Fenghuangshan ore field,Tongling.Innovative conceptual targeting procedures based on a genetic understanding of mineralization systems,carefully geological investigation and correct deduction,together with new geochemical and geophysical technology and integrating of comprehensive information are all very important for the successful prediction.In the aged Fenghuangshan ore field,through researching by application of the metallogenic theory of polygenetic compound ore deposits and triple-frequency induced polarization method and exploration tectono-geochemical method,we predicted location and quality of hidden ore bodies.According to the prediction,hidden high quality Cu-Au ore bodies of skarn type and porphyry type have been discovered.     

Tectonic Dynamic Metallization of Silver-GoldHydrothermal Fluids in Proterozoic GneissTerrene Shear Zones, Suichang, Zhejiang, China

-,The well-known Suichang silvengold field is located inZhejiang Province of SOutheast China. It is the largest silver-gold deposit associated with copper and zinc in the Cathaysianmetallogenic province.There are a series of silver-gold dePOsits in the shear zonesof Proterozoic gneiss terrene, Suichang region. The volcanicapparatus at Mesozoic has complicated rpineralization. Respectively, there are two pieces of understanding on the origin ofore-formigg nuid: (l ) metamorphic fluid (Lia…     

一种基于马尔可夫随机场的影像纹理分类方法

针对纹理影像先估计出其马尔可夫随机场参数，后运用多元统计分析中模糊聚类分析的数学方法进行定量分类，从而为解决划分上的不确定性现象找出描述方法，获得客观的分类结果