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At least 253 records · Page 14

Impact into the earth's ocean floor - Preliminary experiments, a planetary model, and possibilities for detection

Impact processes and plate tectonics are invoked in an experimental study of craters larger than 100 km in diameter on the ocean floor. Although the results obtained from 22-caliber (383 m/sec) ammunition experiments using dense, saturated sand as a target medium cannot be directly scaled to large events, the phenomenology exhibited is that expected of actual craters on the ocean floor: steep, mixed ejecta plume, gravitational adjustment of the crater to form a shallow basin, and extensive reworking of the ejecta, rim, and floor materials by violent collapse of the transient water cavity. Excavation into the mantle is predicted, although asthenospheric influence on outer ring formation is not. The clearest geophysical signature of such a crater is not topography; detection should instead be based on gravity and geoid anomalies due to uplift of the Moho, magnetic anomalies, and seismic resolution of the Moho uplift and crater formation fault planes.

Mckinnon, W. B.↗

Drift shells and aurora computed using the O8 magnetic field model for Neptune

Charged particle drift shells are calculated using the O8 magnetic field model for Neptune. Inner drift shell morphologies differ significantly from dipolar drift shells for the parts of drift shells inward of r = 2 R(sub N). Outer drift shells (L approx. greater than 10), when traced down to Neptune's surface following magnetic field lines, are simple closed loops around magnetic poles. Inner drift shells (L approx. less than 4), on the other hand, when traced to the surface, are also single loops but stretched in a previously unknown way: sometimes with a cusp and sometimes into two joined loops. Inner drift shell footprints on R = 1 provide the basis for identifying precipitation L shells, interpreting observed aurora, and predicting additional emissions on that part of Neptune's surface unobserved by the Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS). Precipitation in a global magnetic anomaly, `ordinary' auroral precipitation near the south magnetic pole, and precipitation from field lines with no magnetic field minimum above Neptune's exobase collectively appear to account for all of the observed auroral emission regions at Neptune. To the extent that aurora can be understood in this model, it is suggested O8 may be reasonably accurate.

Paranicas, C.↗

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Kim, Jeong Woo↗

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Kim, Jeong Woo↗

The magnetization of the lunar crust as deduced from orbital surveys

A two-dimensional magnetic anomaly map of a region of intense crustal magnetization near Van de Graaff crater has been constructed from Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellite vector magnetometer observations. The mapping method used limits coverage to relatively low altitudes (65-80 km) over the Van de Graaff region along the Apollo 15 track and over the central far side highlands along the Apollo 16 track; a simple differencing technique was used to remove external noise contributions. An approximate inversion of this map using a surface plate model for source region geometry has revealed at least four different sources. No correlation between the lateral locations of these source regions and surface morphology was found; the directions of magnetization seem to be unrelated except for a strong north-south depletion. A rough antipodal correlation of the two most strongly magnetized regions yet mapped on the moon with the Imbrium and Orientale basins gives mild support to the ejecta deposit hypothesis suggested by Strangway et al. (1973) for formation of anomaly source regions.

Hood, L. L.↗

Effect of Varying Crustal Thickness on CHAMP Geopotential Data

Tn determine the effect of crustal thickness variation on satellite-altitude geopotential anomalies we compared two regions of Europe with vastly different values, South and Central Finland and the Pannonian Basin. In our study regions, crustal thickness exceeds 44 km in Finland and is less than 26 km in the Pannonian Basin. Heat-flow data indicate that the thinner and more active crust of the Pannonian Basin has a value nearly three times that of the Finnish Svecofennian Province. An ovoid positive CHAMP gravity anomaly (-4 mGal) is quasi-coincidental with the CHAMP magnetic anomaly traverses the Pannonian Basin while ground based gravity mapping in Hungary shows that the free-air gravity anomalies across the Pannonian Basin are near 0 to +20 mGal with shorter wavelength anomalies from +40 to less than +60 mGal and some 0 to greater than -20 mGal. Larger anomalies are detected in the mountainous areas. The minor value anomalies can indicate the isostatic equilibrium for Hungary (the central part of the Pannonian Basin). Gravity data over Finland bear overprint of de-glaciation. CHAMP gravity data indicates a west-east positive gradient of less than 4 mGal across South and Central Finland. CHAMP magnetic data (400 km) reveal elongated semi-circular negative anomalies for both regions with South-Central Finland having larger amplitude (less than -6 nT) than that over the Pannonian Basin, Hungary (less than -5 nT). In the latter subducted oceanic lithosphere has been proposed as the anomalous body.

Taylor, Patrick T.↗

Use of MAGSAT anomaly data for crustal structure and mineral resources in the US midcontinent

Magnetic field data acquired by NASA's MAGSAT satellite is used to construct a long-wavelength magnetic anomaly map for the U.S. midcontinent. This aids in interpretation of gross crustal geology (structure, lithologic composition, resource potential) of the region. Magnetic properties of minerals and rocks are investigated and assessed, to help in evaluation and modelling of crustal magnetization sources and depth to the Curie-temperature isotherm.

Carmichael, R. S.↗

The enigma of lunar magnetism

Current understandings of the nature and probable origin of lunar magnetism are surveyed. Results of examinations of returned lunar samples are discussed which reveal the main carrier of the observed natural remanent magnetization to be iron, occasionally alloyed with nickel and cobalt, but do not distinguish between thermoremanent and shock remanent origins, and surface magnetometer data is presented, which indicates small-scale magnetic fields with a wide range of field intensities implying localized, near-surface sources. A detailed examination is presented of orbital magnetometer and charged particle data concerning the geologic nature and origin of magnetic anomaly sources and the directional properties of the magnetization, which exhibit a random distribution except for a depletion in the north-south direction. A lunar magnetization survey with global coverage provided by a polar orbiting satellite is suggested as a means of placing stronger constraints on the origin of lunar crustal magnetization.

Hood, L. L.↗

Thermal Ion Transport on the Moon and the Formation of the Lunar Swirls

The bright "swirl" features observed on the lunar surface are generally associated with crustal magnetic anomalies. Prominent explanations that invoke these fields include: magnetic shielding in the form of a mini-magnetosphere, which impedes space weathering by the solar wind; magnetically controlled dust transport; and cometary or asteroidal impacts, that could result in shock magnetization with concomitant formation of the swirls. Here we consider another possibility in which the ambient magnetic and electric fields can transport and channel secondary ions produced by micrometeorite or solar wind ion impacts. We use a simplified model of the fields, which incorporates a two-dipole magnetic field model for Reiner Gamma, and typical solar wind conditions. We will present preliminarily results suggesting that ions created over significant regions of the lunar surface can be transported under the influence of local and interplanetary electromagnetic fields to narrow areas ncar arcas of high crustal magnetic field strength. The flux of these focused ions may be of sufficient intensity to chemically process (or otherwise bleach) the surface leading to the formation of the high albedo component of the lunar swirls. The theory is appealing since through a lensing effect, it is possible that this flux is sufficient to overcome other space weathering processes which would otherwise tend to erase the features. Also, with relatively low energy ions, and consistent with the observed focusing, the ion gyro radii in the local magnetic fields is small enough to resolve the swirls.

Keller, John W.↗

Satellite Elevation Magnetic and Gravity Models of Major South American Plate Tectonic Features

Some MAGSAT scalar and vector magnetic anomaly data together with regional gravity anomaly data are being used to investigate the regional tectonic features of the South American Plate. An initial step in this analysis is three dimensional modeling of magnetic and gravity anomalies of major structures such as the Andean subduction zone and the Amazon River Aulacogen at satellite elevations over an appropriate range of physical properties using Gaus-Legendre quadrature integration method. In addition, one degree average free-air gravity anomalies of South America and adjacent marine areas are projected to satellite elevations assuming a spherical Earth and available MAGSAT data are processed to obtain compatible data sets for correlation. Correlation of these data sets is enhanced by reduction of the MAGSAT data to radial polarization because of the profound effect of the variation of the magnetic inclination over South America.

Vonfrese, R. R. B.↗

MAGSAT anomaly field data of the crustal properties of Australia

Progress is reported in producing maps of Australia showing; crustal magnetic anomalies at constant elevation; bulk surface magnetization; and the geomagnetic field intensity, inclination and declination for the Australian region from global models of the geomagnetic field derived from MAGSAT data. The development of a data base management system is also considered.

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Magsat to CHAMP: Magnetic Satellite Explorations of Lithospheric Anomalies over Kursk, Bangui and the Antarctic

We compare crustal magnetic anomaly maps over the Kursk (Russia) and Bangui (Central African Republic) isolated anomalies and the Antarctic derived from the Magsat, \Orsted and CHAMP satellite fields. We wish to demonstrate how progress in satellite magnetic missions has improved the recovery of the crustal magnetic field. The 6-month long Magsat mission of 25 years ago generated two major methods of processing satellite magnetic anomaly data for lithospheric studies. The first was a global perspective using spherical harmonics that emphasize the more regional and global lithospheric fields. However, these fields commonly do not resolve local anomaly features in any detail. Therefore a second procedure involved the use of the individual satellite orbit or track data to recover small-scale anomalies on a regional scale. We present results over prominent magnetic anomalies such as Kursk, Bangui and the large Antarctic continent that demonstrate how the various analysis methods affect the recovery of crustal anomalies. The more recent \Orsted and CHAMP missions are successfully recording data with an improved accuracy and with full spatial and temporal coverage. We show and interpret the total magnetic intensity anomaly maps over these areas from all three satellite magnetometer data sets.

Kim, H.↗

Japanese Magsat Team. A: Crustal structure near Japan and its Antarctic Station. B: Electric currents and hydromagnetic waves in the ionosphere and the magnetosphere

Efforts continue in compiling tapes which contain vector and scalar data decimated at an interval of 0.5 sec, together with time and position data. A map of the total force field anomaly around Japan was developed which shows a negative magnetic anomaly in the Okhotsk Sea. Examination of vector residuals from the MGST model shows that the total force perturbation is almost ascribable to the perturbation parallel to the main geomagnetic field and that the contribution from the perturbation transverse to the main field to the total force perturbation is negligibly small. The influences of ionospheric current with equatorial electroject and of the magnetospheric field aligned current on the dawn-dusk asymmetry of daily geomagnetic variations are being considered. The total amount of electric current flowing through the plane of the Magsat orbit loop was calculated by direct application of Maxwell's equation. Results show that the total electric current is 1 to 5 ampheres, and the current direction is either sunward or antisunward.

Fukushima, N.↗

Analysis of MAGSAT data of the Indian region

Progress in the development of software for reading MAGSAT data tapes and for the reduction of anomaly data, and in the preparation of data for magnetic anomaly maps is reported.

Khosla, K. L.↗

An estimation of continental crust magnetization and susceptibility from Magsat data for the conterminous United States

The Magsat-derived magnetic anomaly field over the United States was inverted to magnetization in a seismically determined variable-thickness lower crust. The results are quite similar to those obtained from a previous inversion of POGO data. The average magnetization is 3.45 + or - 1.0 A/m, which gives a bulk magnetic susceptibility of 8.7 + or - 2.4 x 10 to the -2nd (SI units) for the lower crustal layer consistent with a mafic composition. These values are also consistent with previous estimates of lower crustal magnetization from aeromagnetic data and with laboratory measurements of mafic rock susceptibilities.

Schnetzler, C. C.↗

Positive holes in magnesium oxide - Correlation between magnetic, electric, and dielectric anomalies

The present magnetic susceptibility investigation of high purity MgO single crystals notes an anomally at 800 K which is associated with increasing electrical conductivity, a rise in static dielectric constant from 9 to 150, and the appearance of a pronounced positive surface charge. These phenomena can be accounted for in terms of peroxy defects which represent self-trapped, spin-paired positive holes at Mg(2+) vacancy sites. The holes begin to decouple their spins above 600 K.

Batllo, F.↗

Nonmonotonic crossover in electronic phase separated manganite superlattices driven by the superlattice period

Studying manganite superlattices [(LCMO) 2n / (PCMO) n ] t made of La 0.625 Ca 0.375 MnO 3 (LCMO) and Pr 0.625 Ca 0.375 MnO 3 (PCMO), we found an unexpected behavior varying the period n. At small n, the ensemble is a three-dimensional ferromagnetic metal due to interfacial charge transfer. At large n , the LCMO layers dominate transport. However, rather than a smooth interpolation between these limits a sharp transport and magnetic anomaly is found at an intermediate critical PCMO thickness n*. Magnetic force microscopy reveals that the phase-separation length scale also maximizes at n* where, unexpectedly, it becomes comparable to that of the (La 1-y Pr y ) 0.625 Ca 0.375 MnO 3 (LPCMO) alloy. Finally, we conjecture the phenomenon originates in a disorder-related length scale: Large charge-ordered clusters as in LPCMO can only nucleate when Pr-rich regions reach a critical size related to n*.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Cooperative research in terrestrial planetary geology and geophysics

This final report for the period of July 1991 to August 1994 covered a variety of topics concerning the study of Earth and Mars. The Earth studies stressed the interpretation of the MAGSAT crustal magnetic anomalies in order to determine the geological structure, mineralogical composition, magnetic nature, and the historical background of submarine features, and also featured work in the area of terrestrial remote sensing. Mars research included the early evolution of the Martian atmosphere and hydrosphere and the investigations of the large Martian impact basins. Detailed summaries of the research is included, along with lists of the publications resulting from this research.

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