High energy radiation from the center of the local supercluster

Evidence in X-rays, gamma rays and ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHCR) suggests the existence of active centers in extragalactic space which eject high energy particles and quanta. A concentration of these highest energy sources in the direction of the Local Supercluster indicates that the brightest apparent magnitude AGN's such as 3C274 (M87), 3C273, 3C279 and Markarian 421 are the only candidate sources for this radiation. A theoretical model of mass creation in the Local Supercluster based on a Machian theory of gravitation is described as a possible mechanism for production of the high energy while at the same time allowing the AGN's to be at the relatively close distance of the Supercluster. The fact that infrared photons fill intergalactic space limits the distance to the UHCR sources at a little over twice the distance to the center of the Local Supercluster strongly localizing the highest energy radiation to this relatively close distance.     

The earliest occurrence of peltasperms in the basal Permian strata of the North China Block and the radiation of this group

The peltasperm foliage Autunia naumannii (Gutbier) Kerp and possible peltasperm fructifications are for the first time described from the uppermost Taiyuan Formation of earliest Permian age near Wuda, Inner Mongolia. This is the oldest record of this group on the North China Block (Sino‐Korean Platform), indicating an early migration into this area. Data of other occurrences in China demonstrate independent radiations of the group in Cathaysia. All known records indicate that peltasperms probably originated in the tropical extrabasinal areas of Euramerica, and subsequently migrated within the tropical belt and experienced independent regional radiations in Europe, the southwestern United States and on the North China Block. The present discovery of Autunia naumannii (Gutbier) Kerp in China adds a common floral component between the Euramerican and Cathaysian floras, providing more evidence indicating mutual migration of floral elements between Cathaysia and Euramerica. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于蒸散干旱指数的华北地区干旱研究

本文利用卫星遥感资料以及常规气象资料驱动基于地表净辐射、植被指数、平均气温和日温差的蒸散模型来估测日实际蒸散量,并与栾城站涡动相关法测量的实际蒸散作对比验证。定性分析了实际蒸散与各相关影响因子的时空变化规律;通过蒸散干旱指数（EDI）分析华北地区的干旱分布特点,并分别与PDSI指数和降水距平百分率作对比。结果表明：ET模型估测的蒸散值与实测值的相关性很好,其模拟精度对于大面积干旱监测的空间尺度上是可用的;EDI距平指数表征干旱分布的空间分辨率较高,且对旱情的指示和干旱程度的判定比较可靠。     

Impacts of the diurnal cycle of solar radiation on spiral rainbands

Based on idealized numerical simulations, the impacts of the diurnal cycle of solar radiation on the diurnal variation of outer rainbands in a tropical cyclone are examined. It is found that cold pools associated with precipitation-driven downdrafts are essential for the growth and propagation of spiral rainbands. The downdrafts result in surface outflows, which act as a lifting mechanism to trigger the convection cell along the leading edge of the cold pools. The diurnal cycle of solar radiation may modulate the diurnal behavior of the spiral rainbands. In the daytime, shortwave radiation will suppress the outer convection and thus weaken the cold pools. Meanwhile, the limited cold pool activity leads to a strong modification of the moisture field, which in turn inhibits further convection development.     

Radiative cooling within illuminated layers of dust on (pre)-planetary surfaces and its effect on dust ejection

Temperature gradients in dust beds embedded in a low pressure gaseous environment induce a lift of particles under certain conditions. This effect can erode planetesimals and enables entrainment of dust into the martian atmosphere. Here, we consider a numerical model to calculate the temperature profile in a dust bed which is subject to illumination. We consider the situation when the illumination is switched on and heats the dust bed’s surface and when it is switched off again after a certain time. The calculations focus on the heat transfer by infrared radiation within the dust layer. We find that radiative transfer within the dust bed modifies the absolute temperatures and temperature gradients significantly. This is important for effects which are sensitive to absolute temperatures, i.e. ice sublimation or melting of solids. For low thermal conductivity dust beds of 0.001 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ it determines the temperature structure of the dust. For higher thermal conductivities the modifications are moderate with respect to dust eruptions as the order of magnitude of temperature gradients stays the same.