Geophysics

Contains reports on three research projects

Geophysics

Contains research objectives and reports on three research projects

A strap-on monitoring system for rail car applications

A joint Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico, and New Mexico Engineering Research Institute project to investigate an architecture implementing real-time monitoring and tracking technologies in the railroad industry is presented. The work examines a strap-on sensor package, designed as a value-added component, integrated into existing industry systems and standards. As applied to freight trains, the sensors` primary purpose is to minimize operating costs by decreasing losses due to theft, and by reducing the number, severity, and a consequence of hazardous materials incidents. Product requirements are based on a cost-benefit analysis of operating losses. Results of a concept validation experiment conducted on a revenue generating train are reported

Irreducible characters of GSp(4, q) and dimensions of spaces of fixed vectors

In this paper, we compute the conjugacy classes and the list of irreducible characters of GSp(4,q), where q is odd. We also determine precisely which irreducible characters are non-cuspidal and which are generic. These characters are then used to compute dimensions of certain subspaces of fixed vectors of smooth admissible non-supercuspidal representations of GSp(4,F), where F is a non-archimedean local field of characteristic zero with residue field of order q.Comment: 48 pages, 21 tables. Corrected an error in Table 16 for type V* representations (theta_11 and theta_12 were switched

Extreme magnesium isotope fractionation at outcrop scale records the mechanism and rate at which reaction fronts advance

Isotopic fractionation of cationic species during diffusive transport provides novel means of constraining the style and timing of metamorphic transformations. Here we document a major (~1‰) decrease in the Mg isotopic composition of the reaction front of an exhumed contact between rocks of subducted crust and serpentinite, in the Syros mélange zone. This isotopic perturbation extends over a notable length-scale (~1 m), implicating diffusion of Mg through an intergranular fluid network over a period of ~100 kyr. These novel observations confirm models of diffusion-controlled growth of reaction zones formed between rocks of contrasting compositions, such as found at the slab-mantle interface in subduction zones. The results also demonstrate that diffusive processes can result in exotic stable isotope compositions of major elements with implications for mantle xenoliths and complex intrusions

Airglow observations of dynamical (wind shear-induced) instabilities over Adelaide, Australia, associated with atmospheric gravity waves

While several observations have been made in recent years of instability features in airglow images of atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs), such measurements are still rare. To date, these features are characterized by appearing to be aligned perpendicular to the AGW wave fronts. Multi-instrument observations confirm the theoretical prediction that such features are caused by convective instabilities where the AGW-induced temperature variation causes the total lapse rate to exceed the adiabatic lapse rate. In February 2000, airglow observations were obtained at Buckland Park, Australia, which showed instability features with a different characteristic. These images showed small-scale (less than 10 km horizontal wavelength) features aligned parallel to the larger scale AGW wave fronts. These features were only seen in OH images, not in O2A images, indicating that they originate below 90 km altitude. Simultaneous MF radar wind data reveal the presence of a mean wind shear which, during the period of the small-scale features, was aligned nearly in the direction of AGW propagation. In addition, the larger scale AGW approached a critical level near 90 km altitude. While the wind shear itself is not large enough to cause an instability, an analysis of the data suggests that the small-scale features are the result of a dynamic (wind shear-induced) instability in the 87–90 km altitude region. The instability was due to a combination of the background wind shear and the large shear induced by the passage of the larger scale AGW as it approached the critical level.J. H. Hecht, R. L. Walterscheid and R. A. Vincen

Mapping cumulative noise from shipping to inform marine spatial planning

Including ocean noise in marine spatial planning requires predictions of noise levels on large spatiotemporal scales. Based on a simple sound transmission model and ship track data (Automatic Identification System, AIS), cumulative underwater acoustic energy from shipping was mapped throughout 2008 in the west Canadian Exclusive Economic Zone, showing high noise levels in critical habitats for endangered resident killer whales, exceeding limits of “good conservation status” under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Error analysis proved that rough calculations of noise occurrence and propagation can form a basis for management processes, because spending resources on unnecessary detail is wasteful and delays remedial action

Evaluation of severe accident risks, Peach Bottom, Unit 2: Main report

In support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) assessment of the risk from severe accidents at commercial nuclear power plants in the US reported NUREG-1150, the Severe Accident Risk Reduction Program (SARRP) has completed a revised calculation of the risk to the general public from severe accidents at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Unit 2. This power plant, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is operated by the Philadelphia Electric Company. The emphasis in this risk analysis was not on determining a so-called'' point estimate of risk. Rather, it was to determine the distribution of risk, and to discover the uncertainties that account for the breadth of this distribution. Off-site risk initiated by events both internal and external to the power station were assessed. 39 refs., 174 figs., 133 tabs

16th Annual Environmental Law Institute

Materials from the 16th Annual Environmental Law Institute held by UK/CLE in May 2000

Current Issues in Environmental Law

Materials from the Current Issues in Environmental Law seminar held by UK/CLE in April 1995