Heterodyne spectroscopy of the 158 micron C II line in M42

We have obtained velocity-resolved spectra of the 12C II 157.8 microns 2P3/2-2P1/2 fine structure line in the M42 region of Orion. Observations at 0.8 km s-1 resolution with a laser heterodyne spectrometer show multiple velocity components in some locations, with typical linewidths of 3-5 km s-1. Spectra of theta 1C and BN-KL also show weak emission from the F = 2-1 hyperfine component of the equivalent 13C II line. From the observed 12C II/13C II line intensity ratios, we deduce that the 12C II emission is optically thick with tau approximately 5 at both positions. Excitation temperatures of 128 K and 90 K, together with column densities of approximately 1 x 10(19) cm-2 and approximately 4 x 10(18) cm-2, are derived for theta 1C and BN-KL, respectively.     

Oxidative stress in two populations of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) with differing contaminant exposure histories

A population of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting a creosote-polluted inlet of the Elizabeth River demonstrates tolerance to the acute toxic effects exerted by contaminated sediments on reference site killifish. Previous data have suggested that upregulated antioxidant defenses contribute to short-term tolerance in killifish exposed to Elizabeth River sediments. This study investigated population differences in antioxidant defenses from wild caught Elizabeth River and reference population killifish in different seasons, and after being held in the laboratory. Parameters measured in the killifish were total glutathione concentrations (GSH(T)), activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), all in adult hepatic tissues. The Elizabeth River population exhibited greater GSH(T), higher GPx activities, and increased LPO as compared to the reference population. Sex specific population differences were also observed in GSH(T) and GPx. Both populations displayed decreased GSH(T) and increased GR from early to late summer, as well as after being held in the laboratory. This study indicates that there are many factors that may contribute to differences in levels of antioxidant defenses in addition to exposure to contaminants, including reproductive status and environmental conditions.     

A photochemical model of the martian atmosphere

The factors governing the amounts of CO, O2, and O3 in the martian atmosphere are investigated using a minimally constrained, one-dimensional photochemical model. We find that the incorporation of temperature-dependent CO2 absorption cross sections leads to an enhancement in the water photolysis rate, increasing the abundance of OH radicals to the point where the model CO abundance is smaller than observed. Good agreement between models and observations of CO, O2, O3, and the escape flux of atomic hydrogen can be achieved, using only gas-phase chemistry, by varying the recommended rate constants for the reactions CO + OH and OH + HO2 within their specified uncertainties. Similar revisions have been suggested to resolve discrepancies between models and observations of the terrestrial mesosphere. The oxygen escape flux plays a key role in the oxygen budget on Mars; as inferred from the observed atomic hydrogen escape, it is much larger than recent calculations of the exospheric escape rate for oxygen. Weathering of the surface may account for the imbalance. Quantification of the escape rates of oxygen and hydrogen from Mars is a worthwhile objective for an upcoming martian upper atmospheric mission. We also consider the possibility that HOx radicals may be catalytically destroyed on dust grains suspended in the atmosphere. Good agreement with the observed CO mixing ratio can be achieved via this mechanism, but the resulting ozone column is much higher than the observed quantity. We feel that there is no need at this time to invoke heterogeneous processes to reconcile models and observations.     

创立新的地球观──日本“超级地幔柱”(Super-plume)研究计划

日本科学技术厅打算调整基础研究，消减一般项目的研究经费，集中资助一些基础研究前沿的关键研究课题．因此，日本从1997年起在地球科学领域投以巨额研究经费，起动一个旨在创立新的地球观一“超级地幔柱（Super—plume）”这样一个跨学科的重大基础地学研究计划．这个计划旨在认识从地球内部的地核直到地球外部空间电磁圈之间的各圈层的相互作用，解译引起地球由内至外变化的根本原因．这个雄心勃勃的研究计划集中了一批日本当今最活跃、最优秀的中青年地质学家、地球物理学家和地球化学家，以东京工业大学丸山茂德教授为代表该计划不仅…     

鲁东南岚山头超高压变质岩流体包裹体特征与板片折返史

鲁东南岚山头含柯石英榴辉岩主要产于花岗质片麻岩内,是苏鲁超高压变质带主要榴辉岩体密集分布区之一。流体包裹体研究表明,榴辉岩矿物及细脉石英中捕获有四种类型包裹体:在超高压-高压榴辉岩相条件下捕获的 N_2±CO_2包裹体;在高压榴辉宕重结晶阶段被捕获的 CO_2-H_2O 包裹体和含子矿物高盐度 H_2O 溶液包裹体:在超高压岩石折返过程中的最晚(角闪岩相退变质甚至更晚)阶段捕获的低盐度 H_2O 溶液包裹体。利用榴辉岩矿物及脉体石英中捕获的流体包裹体相互期次关系,可以对本区超高压变质作用板片折返过程中的流体演化史进行重建。     

新元古代冰期及其年代

新元古代在全球范围内出现了几期冰期事件,称之为“雪球地球”事件。这种剧烈的环境变化带来此后地球上生命演化的一次飞跃。“雪球地球”事件的核心是全球冰期的同时性,需要同位素地质年代学的证据。新元古代末期两次主要的冰期事件是Marinoan冰期和Sturtian冰期,其中Marinoan冰期结束于635Ma;Sturtian冰期可能发生在710～720Ma,已发表的年龄数据限定它在670Ma之前结束。Marinoan冰期后的Gaskiers冰期发生在580～590Ma。对华南的古城、铁丝坳、长安组、江口组等进行进一步精确定年,将对限定Sturtian冰期持续时间和Cryogenian、南华系的下限年龄具有重要意义。     

分子内同位素效应和与这种化合物同位素交换的动力学模式

矿物和化合物内不等价结构位置上的同位素取代,造成了分子内同位素效应,即分子内同位素的分馏效应。例如云母类矿物,至少—OH和Si—O—Al中氧所处结构位置不同,会产生明显的氧同位素分馏。     

从岩石组合特征分析库-满坳拉谷的发育史

由于地幔柱的作用,新元古代晚期至古生代早期在塔里木板块东北部曾发育一个坳拉谷,称之为库—满坳拉谷。在库鲁克塔格和满加尔凹陷地区,从早震旦世到奥陶纪发育中酸性和基性双峰火山岩建造、深水碳酸盐岩和复理石沉积体系,具坳拉谷盆地沉积特征;志留系—石炭系具有坳陷盆地沉积特征;上石炭统—二叠系缺失;中生代发育陆相沉积体系,标志着强烈造山运动盆地隆起消亡。这些地层层序构成了典型的坳拉谷盆地沉积体系,完整地记录了库—满坳拉谷从产生至消亡的构造发育史。