Algorithms for Stellar Perturbation Computations on Oort Cloud Comets

We investigate different approximate methods of computing the perturbations on the orbits of Oort cloud comets caused by passing stars, by checking them against an accurate numerical integration using Everhart’s RA15 code. The scenario under study is the one relevant for long-term simulations of the cloud’s response to a predefined set of stellar passages. Our sample of stellar encounters simulates those experienced by the Solar System currently, but extrapolated over a time of 10¹⁰ years. We measure the errors of perihelion distance perturbations for high-eccentricity orbits introduced by several estimators – including the classical impulse approximation and Dybczyński’s (1994, Celest. Mech. Dynam. Astron. 58, 1330–1338) method – and we study how they depend on the encounter parameters (approach distance and relative velocity). We introduce a sequential variant of Dybczyński’s approach, cutting the encounter into several steps whereby the heliocentric motion of the comet is taken into account. For the scenario at hand this is found to offer an efficient means to obtain accurate results for practically any domain of the parameter space.     

A simple mapping for comets in resonance

The dynamical evolution of a low inclination, intermediate period comet in mean-motion resonance with a giant planet can be described by a simple mapping giving the comet's heliocentric energy and ecliptic longitude at successive aphelia. Provided that the energy oscillations produced by the resonance are not too large, this mapping is linear. When the amplitude of the oscillations is close to the maximum possible within the resonance, the mapping can be improved by adding non-linear terms.     

The Study of Kuiper Belt Objects With ESO and ISO

Amajor objective of the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) is the determination of the sized and albedoes of several objects in the "Kuiper disc".The method by which this will be achieved is described.It is shown that the unknown shapes and surface thermal properties proviede additional complications to the interpretation of ISO data.The requirement for ground-based measurements of the visual light curves of these objects is demonstrated and the implications of the results of the ISO observ Vations is discussed.     

陈家庄铀矿同位素地质年代学特征

陈家庄铀矿床铀单矿物U-Pb及黑云母K-Ar、全岩Rb-Sr同位素定年结果,成矿时期为423—382Ma,主成矿年龄406Ma,矿床形成至今仍保持半封闭系统,未遭受明显后期改造。本区早古生代时期发生的区域动力热流变质作用的年龄为457Ma,热液活动的上限为378Ma,冷却年龄为373—350Ma,伟晶状花岗岩原岩丰龄452Ma。并提出了本区主要地质事件时序及演化模式。     

利用遥感技术进行大熊猫栖息环境的调查研究

本文利用陆地卫星图像和航空像片判读,结合地面采样调查,对既能从遥感图像上提取又是影响大熊猫主食竹类生长的环境因子,建立多元回归的数学模型。根据多元回归求算各个地块的得分值,以评价主食竹类的立地质量等级。得出位于中高海拔东北向缓坡下部兼有针阔混交林覆盖的厚土层地段,是主食竹类的最适生长环境和大熊猫的最佳栖息环境。因此,利用遥感技术进行立地质量分类和编制大熊猫环境质量分布图,将对恢复和改善其栖息环境以及管理保护工作起到积极的作用。     

Periodicity in the crater formation rate and implications for astronomical modeling

Claim for periodicity in the crater formation rate is reinvestigated using a criterion proposed by Broadbent, and data sets of Rampino and Stothers and of Grieve are shown to satisfy the periodicity criterion (P 30 Myr).On the other hand, currently observed impactors are mainly asteroids, while long and short periodic comets whose fluxes may vary by external disturbances occupy only a small fraction. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, constraints are obtained for the dispersion Q(Myr) from an exact periodicity and for the periodic components (F _tp) in the signals for their periodicity to be detected. It is found that for = 5, 6 and 7 Myr, F _tp, would have to be 40% or greater, 60% or greater and 80% or greater, respectively. These constraints are used to discuss whether the giant molecular cloud perturbations can give rise to the periodicity in the impact events. The amplitude of the solar Z-motion need to be some 100pc for = 6 Myr, which requires the periodic component (SP and LP comets, if the former originate from the latter) to be 60%, while for = 7 Myr, the periodic component need to be 80%. The GMC perturbation model consistent with the periodicity appears to be the one where the amplitude is 100pc and the periodic component - 60% of the impactors. If SP comets mainly originate from a source such as the hypothetical Kuiper belt, the GMC perturbation would not be consistent with the periodicity.     

Geomorphology of a modern carbonate slope system and associated sedimentary processes: Example of the giant Great Abaco Canyon,Bahamas

The large acoustic data set acquired during the Carambar cruises is composed of high resolution bathymetry, backscatter data and very‐high resolution seismic lines which allow for an overview of the morphology and sediment transfer processes from the shallow upper slope to the abyssal plain of a modern carbonate system: the north‐eastern slope of the Little Bahama Bank. Surficial distribution of the acoustic facies and echofacies reflects a wide variety of sedimentary processes along and across the slope. The western sector of the Little Bahama Bank is dominated by depositional processes whereas its eastern sector, which is incised in the lower slope by giant canyons, is affected by erosion and bypass processes. Datasets suggest that currents play an important role both in along‐slope sedimentary processes and in the abyssal plain. The Antilles Current appears to affect a large part of the middle and lower slopes. The absence of sizeable present‐day channel/levée complexes or lobes at the mouth of the canyon – revealed by the bathymetric map – indicates that the southward flowing Deep Western Boundary Current influences modern abyssal sediment deposition. Based on depositional processes and indicators of canyon maturity observed in facies distribution, the current study proposes that differential subsidence affects the eastern versus western part of the bank. The morphology of the Great Abaco Canyon and Little Abaco Canyon, which extend parallel to the platform, and the Little Bahama Bank slope appears to be related to the Great Abaco Fracture Zone.     

P/2008 T1 (Boattini): Another comet under transition from Saturn to Jupiter

The newly discovered periodic comet P/2008 T1 (Boattini) is found to have experienced a recent capture into its present orbit, following a close approach to Saturn in 1995 to within 0.17 AU. This orbital change transferred the comet into an orbit tangent to that of Jupiter, which lead to an even closer passage within 0.02 AU with that planet in 2003 decoupling it from the influence of Saturn (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)