Mode identification from time-resolved spectroscopy of the pulsating white dwarf G29‐38

We have used time-resolved spectroscopy to measure the colour dependence of pulsation amplitudes in the DAV white dwarf G29-38. Model atmospheres predict that mode amplitudes should change with wavelength in a manner that depends on the spherical harmonic degree ℓ of the mode. This dependence arises from the convolution of mode geometry with wavelength-dependent limb darkening. Our analysis of the six largest normal modes detected in Keck observations of G29-38 reveals one mode with a colour dependence different from the other five, permitting us to identify the ℓ-value of all six modes and to test the model predictions. The Keck observations also show pulsation amplitudes that are unexpectedly asymmetric within absorption lines. We show that these asymmetries arise from surface motions associated with the non-radial pulsations (which are discussed in detail in a companion paper). By incorporating surface velocity fields into line profile calculations, we are able to produce models that more closely resemble the observations.     

A review of the Si cycle in the modern ocean: recent progress and missing gaps in the application of biogenic opal as a paleoproductivity proxy

Due to the major role played by diatoms in the biological pump of CO₂, and to the presence of silica-rich sediments in areas that play a major role in air–sea CO₂ exchange (e.g. the Southern Ocean and the Equatorial Pacific), opal has a strong potential as a proxy for paleoproductivity reconstructions. However, because of spatial variations in the biogenic silica preservation, and in the degree of coupling between the marine Si and C biogeochemical cycles, paleoreconstructions are not straitghtforward. A better calibration of this proxy in the modern ocean is required, which needs a good understanding of the mechanisms that control the Si cycle, in close relation to the carbon cycle.This review of the Si cycle in the modern ocean starts with the mechanisms that control the uptake of silicic acid (Si(OH)₄) by diatoms and the subsequent silicification processes, the regulatory mechanisms of which are uncoupled. This has strong implications for the direct measurement in the field of the kinetics of Si(OH)₄ uptake and diatom growth. It also strongly influences the Si:C ratio within diatoms, clearly linked to environmental conditions. Diatoms tend to dominate new production at marine ergoclines. At depth, they also succeed to form mats, which sedimentation is at the origin of laminated sediments and marine sapropels. The concentration of Si(OH)₄ with respect to other macronutrients exerts a major influence on diatom dominance and on the rain ratio between siliceous and calcareous material, which severely impacts surface waters pCO₂. A compilation of biogenic fluxes collected at about 40 sites by means of sediment traps also shows a remarkable pattern of increasing BSi:C_org ratio along the path of the “conveyor belt”, accompanying the relative enrichment of waters in Si compared to N and P. This observation suggests an extension of the Si pump model described by Dugdale and Wilkerson (Dugdale, R.C., Wilkerson, F.P., 1998. Understanding the eastern equatorial Pacific as a continuous new production system regulating on silicate. Nature 391, 270–273.), giving to Si(OH)₄ a major role in the control of the rain ratio, which is of major importance in the global carbon cycle.The fate of the BSi produced in surface waters is then described, in relation to C_org, in terms of both dissolution and preservation mechanisms. Difficulties in quantifying the dissolution of biogenic silica in the water column as well as the sinking rates and forms of BSi to the deep, provide evidence for a major gap in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling the competition between retention in and export from surface waters. The relative influences of environmental conditions, seasonality, food web structure or aggregation are however explored. Quantitatively, assuming steady state, the measurements of the opal rain rate by means of sediment traps matches reasonably well those obtained by adding the recycling and burial fluxes in the underlying abyssal sediments, for most of the sites where such a comparison is possible. The major exception is the Southern Ocean where sediment focusing precludes the closing of mass balances. Focusing in fact is also an important aspect of the downward revision of the importance of Southern Ocean sediments in the global biogenic silica accumulation. Qualitatively, little is known about the duration of the transfer through the deep and the quality of the material that reaches the seabed, which is suggested to represent a major gap in our understanding of the processes governing the early diagenesis of BSi in sediments. The sediment composition (special emphasis on Al availability), the sedimentation rate or bioturbation are shown to exert an important control on the competition between dissolution and preservation of BSi in sediments. It is suggested that a primary control on the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of BSi dissolution, both in coastal and abyssal sediments, is exerted by water column processes, either occuring in surface waters during the formation of the frustules, or linked to the transfer of the particles through the water column, which duration may influence the quality of the biogenic rain. This highlights the importance of studying the factors controlling the degree of coupling between pelagic and benthic processes in various regions of the world ocean, and its consequences, not only in terms of benthic biology but also for the constitution of the sediment archive.The last section, first calls for the end of the “NPZD” models, and for the introduction of processes linked to the Si cycle, into models describing the phytoplankton cycles in surface waters and the early diagenesis of BSi in sediments. It also calls for the creation of an integrated 1-D diagnostic model of the Si:C coupling, for a better understanding of the interactions between surface waters, deep waters and the upper sedimentary column. The importance of Si(OH)₄ in the control of the rain ratio and the improved parametrization of the Si cycle in the 1-D diagnostic models should lead to a reasonable incorporation of the Si cycle into 3-D regional circulation models and OGCMs, with important implications for climate change studies and paleoreconstructions at regional and global scale.     

Cometary outbursts – search of probable mechanisms – case of 29P/Schwassmann‐Wachmann 1

Cometary outbursts, sudden increases in luminosity have not been clearly explained so far and their source is still a mystery. Various possible mechanisms as a source of cometary outbursts at large distances from the Sun have been considered. It has been stated that plausible mechanisms are the polymerization of HCN and the amorphous water ice transformation combined with electrostatic destruction of cometary grains in the head of the comet. The calculations have been carried out for a large range of cometary parameters and it has been shown that the proposed scenario of the outburst gives a jump in the comet brightness which is consistent with the real jump observed during the 29P/Schwassmann‐Wachmann 1 outbursts.     

An analytical threshold voltage model for dual-strained channel PMOSFET

Based on the analysis of vertical electric potential distribution across the dual-channel strained p-type Si/strained Si_1-xGe_x/relaxd Si_1-yGe_y(s-Si/s-SiGe/Si_1-yGe_y) metal--oxide--semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET), analytical expressions of the threshold voltages for buried channel and surface channel are presented. And the maximum allowed thickness of s-Si is given, which can ensure that the strong inversion appears earlier in the buried channel (compressive strained SiGe) than in the surface channel (tensile strained Si), because the hole mobility in the buried channel is higher than that in the surface channel. Thus they offer a good accuracy as compared with the results of device simulator ISE. With this model, the variations of threshold voltage and maximum allowed thickness of s-Si with design parameters can be predicted, such as Ge fraction, layer thickness, and doping concentration. This model can serve as a useful tool for p-channel s-Si/s-SiGe/Si_1-yGe_y metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) designs.     

Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms – XXII. The B9–A3 stars λ Ursae Majoris, 59 Herculis, 14 Cygni and 29 Cygni

Elemental abundances of the moderately rotating B9–A3 stars λ UMa, 59 Her, 14 Cyg and 29 Cyg have been derived in a consistent manner with previous studies of this series from spectrograms obtained with Reticon and CCD detectors. The derived elemental abundances show that λ UMa is a mild Am star, while 59 Her is slightly metal-rich. Although 14 Cyg has values closer to solar than these stars, its subsolar Ca and Sc abundances indicate that it might be the hottest known hot-Am star. 29 Cyg is a metal-poor λ Boo star.     

Late Mesozoic magmatism in the East Qinling Orogen,China and its tectonic implications

The Qinling Orogen in Central China records the history of a complex geological evolution and tectonic transition from compression to extension during the Late Mesozoic,with concomitant voluminous granitoids formation.In this study,we present results from petrological,geochemical,zircon U-Pb-Lu-Hf isotopic studies on the Lengshui felsic dykes from Luanchuan region in the East Qinling Orogen.We also compile published geochronological,geochemical,and Hf isotopic data from Luanchuan region and present zircon Hf isotopic contour maps.The newly obtained age data yield two group of ages at～145 Ma and 140 Ma for two granite porphyries from the Lengshui felsic dykes,with the ～145 Ma interpreted as response to the peak of magmatism in the region,and the ～140 Ma as the timing of formation of the felsic dykes.The corresponding Hf isotopic data of the granite porphyries display negativeeHit)values of-16.67 to-4.61,and Hf crustal model ages(T_(DM~C_)of 2255-1490 Ma,indicating magma sourced from the melting of Paleo-to Mesoproterozoic crustal materials.The compiled age data display two major magmatic pulses at 160-130 Ma and 111-108 Ma with magmatic quiescence in between,and the zircon Hf isotopic data display/ε_(Hf)(t)values ranging from-41.9 to 2.1 and T_(DM)~c values of3387-1033 Ma,suggesting mixed crustal and mantle-derived components in the magma source,and correspond to multiple tectonic events during the Late Mesozoic.The Luanchuan granitoids are identified as 1-type granites and most of these are highly fractionated granites,involving magma mixing and mingling and crystal fractionation.The tectonic setting in the region transformed from the Late Jurassic syn-collision setting to Early Cretaceous within-plate setting,with E-W extension in the Early Cretaceous.This extension is correlated with the N-S trending post-collisional extension between the North China Craton and Yangtze Craton as well as the E-W trending back-arc extension triggered by the westward Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction,eventually leading to lithospheric thinning,asthenospheric upwelling,mafic magma underplating,and crustal melting in the East Qinling Orogen.     

Authigenic replacement of cyanobacterially precipitated calcium carbonate by aluminium‐silicates in giant microbialites of Lake Van (Turkey)

Studies of modern cyanobacterial mats and biofilms show that they can precipitate minerals as a consequence of metabolic and degradational activities paired with ambient hydrochemical conditions. This study looked at modern microbial mats forming giant, tower‐like, groundwater‐fed, calcareous microbialites in the world's largest, highly alkaline lake; Van Gölü (Lake Van), East Turkey. Results show that microbial systems play a role not only in carbonate precipitation but also in the formation of siliceous mineral phases. Transmitted light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and spectral observations revealed that, within the extracellular polymeric substances excreted by the mats abundant minute aragonite grains precipitated first in vivo. These minute grains were quickly succeeded and/or supplemented in the dead biomass of the cyanobacterial mat by authigenic Al–Mg–Fe siliceous phases. Silicon dioxide is available in large concentrations in the highly alkaline water of Lake Van. Divalent cations (Ca and Mg) are delivered to the microbialites mostly by groundwater springs. The precipitation of the fine‐grained siliceous phases is probably mediated by bacteria degrading the cyanobacterial biomass and complexing the excessive cations with their extracellular polymeric envelopes. The bacteria serve as nucleation centres for the subsequent precipitation of siliceous mineral phases. Generally, the biphasic (calcareous and siliceous) mineralization – characterizing Lake Van microbialites – is controlled by their interior highly dynamic hydrogeochemical situation. There, the dramatically different alkaline lake water and the Ca–Mg‐charged groundwater mix at various rates. The early diagenetic replacement of the in vivo aragonite by authigenic siliceous phases significantly increases the fossilization potential of the mat‐forming cyanobacteria. Lake Van and its giant microbialite tufa towers act as a model explaining the transformation of early diagenetic mineral phases observed in many modern and ancient carbonate marine deposits, particularly those influenced by diffusion of silica‐enriched and metal‐enriched pore waters from below the water–sediment interface.     

1999年11月29日岫岩Ms5.4地震序列视应力的再研究

利用辽宁省地震局沈阳数字地震台网1999年6月至2000年5月的波形资料,采用两种不同的几何扩散模型,计算了岫岩地震序列的单台和多台平均视应力、差视应力值。分析了1999年岫岩M_s5.4地震序列单台和多台视应力的时间演化特征,比较了两种不同几何模型视应力和差视应力随时间的变化特征以及同一地震的视应力。结果表明:①对于同一地震而言,几何扩散模型得到的视应力值比分三段几何扩散模型的大,考虑能量补偿得到的视应力要比未考虑能量补偿的要大。②该序列视应力的变化特征主要表现为:主震前一段时间视应力水平较低,主震前几天地震视应力水平升高,主震与最大余震期间,视应力处于一个较高的水平,最大余震发生后,视应力逐渐降低,并恢复到震前水平。这表明视应力为预测震后趋势提供了一个有用的依据;③无论是采用球面几何扩散模型还是分三段几何扩散模型,无论是单台视应力结果还是多台平均视应力结果,无论考虑能量补偿与否,在震后趋势的判定上几乎没有差异;④无论是采用球面几何扩散模型还是采用分三段几何扩散模型,差视应力在M_s5.4主震和M_s5.1余震发生前短时间内都具有快速的升高变化过程。     

云南保山东缘早古生代高Si花岗岩的成因及构造意义

对保山地块东缘高Si花岗岩开展矿物化学、岩石地球化学及锆石U Pb Hf系统研究,结果表明该高Si花岗岩为具钙碱性、强过铝质特征的S型花岗岩。锆石U Pb同位素分析表明,高Si花岗岩侵位于454 Ma,并含有800~1 100 Ma的继承锆石。锆石Hf同位素分析表明其岩浆锆石具有与青藏高原及东南缘同时代长英质侵入体相似的Hf同位素组成,暗示其相似的岩浆起源。矿物化学、同位素组成及Melts模拟计算结果表明,保山东缘高Si花岗岩为一系列复杂作用的结果：高硅花岗岩母岩浆起源于该区沉积岩部分熔融;熔体形成后经高度分异演化,在侵位过程中同化混染围岩;岩浆冷凝至固相线下部分矿物再平衡。保山东缘高Si花岗岩体与平河花岗岩体具相似年龄和地球化学特征,暗示它们之间可能存在类似的成因机制。     

碳氧比能谱测井精细解释方法研究及应用

利用碳氧比规范化处理，将碳氧比值限制在广义动态范围之内解决零值漂移问题，使用通用解释模型处理碳氧比资料。利用试验数据分析了碳氧比能谱测井零值漂移与产额的关系。建立了高精度碳氧比能谱精细解释标准。在精细研究和动态分析的基础上，结合多种测井资料，综合评价储层，取得了很好的地质效果。该方法实际处理了大庆、辽河等油田的多口井，效果表明，该解释方法的综合解释符合率在80％以上。