80 research outputs found

    A modeling case for high atmospheric oxygen concentrations during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic

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    Changes in atmospheric oxygen concentration over Earth history are commonly related to the evolution of animals and plants. But there is no direct geochemical proxy for O2 levels, meaning that estimations rely heavily on modeling approaches. The results of such studies differ greatly, to the extent that today's atmospheric mixing ratio of 21% might be either the highest or lowest level during the past 200 m.y. Long-term oxygen sources, such as the burial in sediments of reduced carbon and sulfur species, are calculated in models by representation of nutrient cycling and estimation of productivity, or by isotope mass balance (IMB)—a technique in which burial rates are inferred in order to match known isotope records. Studies utilizing these different techniques produce conflicting estimates for paleoatmospheric O2, with nutrient-weathering models estimating concentrations close to, or above, that of the present day, and IMB models estimating low O2, especially during the Mesozoic. Here we re-assess the IMB technique using the COPSE biogeochemical model. IMB modelling is confirmed to be highly sensitive to assumed carbonate δ13C, and when this input is defined following recent compilations, predicted O2 is significantly higher and in reasonable agreement with that of non-IMB techniques. We conclude that there is no model-based support for low atmospheric oxygen concentrations during the past 200 m.y. High Mesozoic O2 is consistent with wildfire records and the development of plant fire adaptions, but links between O2 and mammal evolution appear more tenuous

    75th Anniversary of ‘Existence of Electromagnetic-Hydrodynamic Waves’

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    We have recently passed the 75th anniversary of one of the most important results in solar and space physics: Hannes Alfv\'en's discovery of Alfv\'en waves and the Alfv\'en speed. To celebrate the anniversary, this article recounts some major episodes in the history of MHD waves. Following an initially cool reception, Alfv\'en's ideas were propelled into the spotlight by Fermi's work on cosmic rays, the new mystery of coronal heating and, as scientific perception of interplanetary space shifted dramatically and the space race started, detection of Alfv\'en waves in the solar wind. From then on, interest in MHD waves boomed, laying the foundations for modern remote observations of MHD waves in the Sun, coronal seismology and some of today's leading theories of coronal heating and solar wind acceleration. In 1970, Alfv\'en received the Nobel Prize for his work in MHD, including these discoveries. The article concludes with some reflection about what the history implies about the way we do science, especially the advantages and pitfalls of idealised mathematical models.Comment: 10 pages, accepted by Solar Physic

    Kinetic Turbulence

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    The weak collisionality typical of turbulence in many diffuse astrophysical plasmas invalidates an MHD description of the turbulent dynamics, motivating the development of a more comprehensive theory of kinetic turbulence. In particular, a kinetic approach is essential for the investigation of the physical mechanisms responsible for the dissipation of astrophysical turbulence and the resulting heating of the plasma. This chapter reviews the limitations of MHD turbulence theory and explains how kinetic considerations may be incorporated to obtain a kinetic theory for astrophysical plasma turbulence. Key questions about the nature of kinetic turbulence that drive current research efforts are identified. A comprehensive model of the kinetic turbulent cascade is presented, with a detailed discussion of each component of the model and a review of supporting and conflicting theoretical, numerical, and observational evidence.Comment: 31 pages, 3 figures, 99 references, Chapter 6 in A. Lazarian et al. (eds.), Magnetic Fields in Diffuse Media, Astrophysics and Space Science Library 407, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg (2015

    Large-Eddy Simulations of Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in Heliophysics and Astrophysics

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    We live in an age in which high-performance computing is transforming the way we do science. Previously intractable problems are now becoming accessible by means of increasingly realistic numerical simulations. One of the most enduring and most challenging of these problems is turbulence. Yet, despite these advances, the extreme parameter regimes encountered in space physics and astrophysics (as in atmospheric and oceanic physics) still preclude direct numerical simulation. Numerical models must take a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach, explicitly computing only a fraction of the active dynamical scales. The success of such an approach hinges on how well the model can represent the subgrid-scales (SGS) that are not explicitly resolved. In addition to the parameter regime, heliophysical and astrophysical applications must also face an equally daunting challenge: magnetism. The presence of magnetic fields in a turbulent, electrically conducting fluid flow can dramatically alter the coupling between large and small scales, with potentially profound implications for LES/SGS modeling. In this review article, we summarize the state of the art in LES modeling of turbulent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) ows. After discussing the nature of MHD turbulence and the small-scale processes that give rise to energy dissipation, plasma heating, and magnetic reconnection, we consider how these processes may best be captured within an LES/SGS framework. We then consider several special applications in heliophysics and astrophysics, assessing triumphs, challenges,and future directions

    Observations of the Sun at Vacuum-Ultraviolet Wavelengths from Space. Part II: Results and Interpretations

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    Pyridinium CH center dot center dot center dot anion and pi-stacking interactions in modular tripodal anion binding hosts: ATP binding and solid-state chiral induction

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    The preparation of two new tripodal ‘pinwheel’ type anion hosts based on a triethylbenzene core and bipyridinium or ethylnicotinium arms is reported. The new materials bind anions via CH⋯anion interactions. Complexes with Br− and PF6− have been characterised by X-ray crystallography as both solvates in a pure form. In the bipyridinium host CH⋯F interactions to PF6− induce a chiral C3 symmetric conformation that is disrupted in the hydrate. The compound is also selective for ATP2− in aqueous acetonitrile

    Slow anion exchange, conformational equilibria, and fluorescent sensing in venus flytrap aminopyridinium-based anion hosts

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    The synthesis, anion binding, and conformational properties of a series of 3-aminopyridinium-based, tripodal, tricationic hosts for anions are described. Slow anion and conformational exchange on the 1H NMR time scale at low temperature, coupled with NMR titration, results in a high level of understanding of the anion-binding properties of the compounds, particularly with respect to significant conformational change resulting from induced fit complexation. Peak selectivity for halides, particularly Cl-, is observed. The approach has been extended to dipodal and tripodal podands based on 3-aminopyridinium "arms" containing photoactive anthracenyl moieties. The 1,3,5-tripodal host shows a remarkable selectivity for acetate over other anions, in contrast to the analogous unsubstituted tris(3-aminopyridinium) analogue, despite the fact that low-temperature 1H NMR experiments reveal a total of four acetate-binding conformations. Photodimerization of anthracene units results in the formation of potential fluorescent anion sensors

    SANDAKAN (Malasia). Cartas náuticas. 1883 (1844-1882). 1:300000

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    Escala hallada a partir de un grado de la latitud [= 37,2 cm]. Coordenadas referidas a un meridiano que no se especifica. Red geográfica de 1° en 1°. Orientado con estrella y media lis en gráfico de declinación magnéticaRelieve representado por normalesIndica veriles, bajos y sondas batimétricas en brazas. Clave hidrográfica para determinar la calidad del fondoNota relativa a la variación magnética y a las lineas que indican las zonas peligrosas para los barcosProcede de la 'Colección Coello'Sello de la Hydrographical Offic
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