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At least 163 records · Page 9

Dynamical implications of the observed thermal contrasts in Venus' upper atmosphere

Observational data on the Venusian upper atmosphere are analyzed to determine the dynamical implications of the large pressure change across the terminator, to study the change in diurnal contrast pattern at the 100 km level, and to investigate the viability of the most straightforward explanation of the cooling, radiative emission by CO2 in the 15 micron bands. Evidence is discussed that a major subsidence or downward vertical contraction of the upper atmosphere occurs across the terminator. The observation that supersonic velocities would be induced in horizontal, inviscid flow by the observed pressure distributions affected by the described flow subsidence is investigated by generalizing the equations for adiabatic inviscid flow along streamtubes to the case of nonhorizontal inviscid flow with heat addition. Nightside cooling is discussed, showing variations in cooling rates. Finally, zonal winds below 100 km are considered.

Seiff, A.↗

An interpretation of the near-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of SO2 - Implications for Venus, Io, and laboratory measurements

Line characteristics of remotely sensed SO2 spectra near the UV are discussed, noting the implications for the interpretation of data gathered by the IUE of Io and ground-based and Pioneer spectra of Venus. It is shown that the ratio of mean line spacing to linewidth is greater than unity, and that fully resolved lines have features consistent with concepts of temperature and pressure broadening. The application of Beer's approximation for the absorption spectra of Venus and Io atmospheres is found to be incorrect. Further, the spectroscopic limit on the SO2 line data from Io observations by the IUE are interpreted as establishing a lower bound on the SO2 in the Io atmosphere. A greater concentration of SO2 in vapor equilibrium may be present in the lower atmosphere. Laboratory measurements to resolve the uncertainties regarding the UV spectroscopic data from Io and Venus are suggested.

Belton, M. J. S.↗

Experimental investigation of the partitioning of phosphorus between metal and silicate phases - Implications for the earth, moon and eucrite parent body

An experimental study is reported of the partitioning of Phosphorus between solid metal and basaltic silicate liquid as a function of temperature and oxygen fugacity and of the implications for the earth, moon and eucrite parent body (EPB). The relationship established between the partition coefficient and the fugacity is given at 1190 C by log D(P) = -1.12 log fO2 - 15.95 and by log D(P) = -1.53 log fO2 17.73 at 1300 C. The partition coefficient D(P) was determined, and it is found to be consistent with a valence state of 5 for P in the molten silicate. Using the determined coefficient the low P/La ratios of the earth, moon, and eucrites relative to C1 chondrites can be explained. The lowering of the P/La ratio in the eucrites relative to Cl chondrite by a factor of 40 can be explained by partitioning P into 20-25 wt% sulfur-bearing metallic liquid corresponding to 5-25% of the total metal plus silicate system. The low P/La and W/La ratios in the moon may be explained by the partitioning of P and W into metal during formation of a small core by separation of liquid metal from silicate at low degrees of partial melting of the silicates. These observations are consistent with independent formation of the moon and the earth.

Newsom, H. E.↗

Prostacyclin-induced hyperthermia - Implication of a protein mediator

The mechanism of the prostacyclin-linked hyperthermia is studied in rabbits. Results show that intracerebroventricular administration of prostacyclin (PGI2) induces dose-related hyperthermia at room temperature (21 C), as well as at low (4 C) and high (30 C) ambient temperatures. It is found that this PGI2-induced hyperthermia is not mediated by its stable metabolite 6-keto prostaglandin F-1(alpha). Only one of the three anion transport systems, the liver transport system, appears to be important to the central inactivation of pyrogen, prostaglandin E2, and PGI2. Phenoxybenzamine and pimozide have no thermolytic effect on PGI2-induced hyperthermia, while PGI2 still induces hyperthermia after norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine levels are depleted by 6-hydroxydopamine. Indomethacin and SC-19220 (a PG antagonist) do not antagonize PGI2 induced hyperthermia, while theophylline does not accentuate the PGI2-induced hyperthermia. However, the hyperthermic response to PGI2 is attenuated by central administration of the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin. It is concluded that PGI2-induced hyperthermia is not induced by NE, dopamine, or cyclic AMP, but rather that a protein mediator is implicated in the induction of fever by PG12.

Kandasamy, S. B.↗

The interior of Venus and Tectonic implications

It is noted in the present consideration of the Venus lithosphere and its implications for plate tectonics that the major linear elevated regions of Venus, which are associated with Beta Regio and Aphrodite Terra, do not seem to have the shape required for sure interpretation as the divergent plate boundaries of seafloor spreading. Such tectonics instead appear to be confined to the median plains, and may not be resolvable in the Pioneer Venus altimetry data. The ratios of gravity anomalies to topographic heights indicate that surface load compensation occurs at depths greater than about 100 km under the western Aphrodite Terra and 400 km under Beta Regio, with at least some of this compensation probably being maintained by mantle convection. It is also found that the shape of Venus's hypsogram is very different from the ocean mode of the earth's hypsogram, and it is proposed that Venus tectonics resemble intraplate, basin-and-swell tectonics on earth.

Phillips, R. J.↗

Implications of the Three GRB Optical Flashes

The implications of three optical transients associated with gamma ray bursts are discussed. Data on the duration, fluence, E sub gamma/E sub opt, optical recurrence time scale, presence of optical precursors or afterflows, and the identification of quiescent gamma ray burst candidates are addressed.

Schaefer, B. E.↗

Crystal gazing. Part 2: Implications of advanced in digital data storage technology

During the next 5-10 years it is likely that the bit density available in digital mass storage systems (magnetic tapes, optical and magnetic disks) will be increased to such an extent that it will greatly exceed that of the conventional photographic emulsions like IIIaJ which are used in astronomy. These developments imply that it will soon be advantageous for astronomers to use microdensitometers to completely digitize all photographic plates soon after they are developed. Distribution of digital copies of sky surveys and the contents of plate vaults will probably become feasible within ten years. Copies of other astronomical archieves (e.g., Space Telescope) could also be distributed with the same techniques. The implications for designers of future microdensitometers are: (1) there will be a continuing need for precision digitization of large-format photographic imagery, and (2) that the need for real-time analysis of the output of microdensitometers will decrease.

Wells, D. C.↗

Implications of high-energy neutron observations from solar flares

The time-dependent flux of high-energy neutrons discovered from the solar flare of 1980 June 21 provides a new technique for determining the total number and energy spectrum of accelerated protons and nuclei at the sun. The implications of these observations on gamma-ray emission, relativistic electron spectrum and number, proton and electron energy contents, and the location of the interaction region are also examined.

Ramaty, R.↗

Frost grain size metamorphism - Implications for remote sensing of planetary surfaces

The effective grain size of a material on a planetary surface affects the strength of absorption features observed in the reflectance of a particulate surface. In the case of a planetary surface containing volatile ices, the absorption characteristics can change in connection with processes leading to a change in the grain size of the material. The present investigation is concerned with an evaluation regarding the occurrence of such processes and the implications for remote sensing applications. It is found that quantitative modeling of the kinetics of grain growth and destruction by thermal and nonthermal processes can provide a means to reconcile apparent optical paths in the volatile portions of planetary surfaces with the physical history of those surfaces. Attention is also given to conditions in the case of the Pluto/Triton system, Uranus and Saturnian satellites, and the Galilean system.

Clark, R. N.↗

Oxygen isotopic heterogeneities, their petrological correlations, and implications for melt origins of chondrules in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites

Clayton et al. (1976, 1982) established that equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOC's) can be divided into the H- and L-groups on the basis of their oxygen isotopic composition. The present investigation is concerned with new oxygen isotopic analyses of petrologically well-characterized individual chondrules from the unequilibrated chondrites Dhajala (H3,4), Hallingeberg (L3), and Semarkona (LL3). A study is conducted regarding the implications of isotopic/petrologial correlations for the origin of chondrules in ordinary chondrites. It is found that the oxygen isotopic heterogeneities among chondrules are reminiscent of the bulk elemental and phase compositional heterogeneities among the same and other chondrules as reported by Gooding et al. (1979, 1980). It is concluded that chondrules formed possibly as a result of the melting of preexisting materials which were both chemically and isotopically heterogeneous.

Gooding, J. L.↗

A new type of overshoot phenomenon in wind wave development and its implication in remote sensing of the ocean

Laboratory measurements using both wave probes (contact and optical) and radar confirm the existence of a new type of overshoot phenomenon in the wind-wave development processes. This type of overshoot, which occurs at gravity-capillary wavelengths, is practically a function of local wind stress only. It is named the overshoot phenomenon of the third kind. With the existence of this overshoot it becomes obvious that the assumed simple power-law relationship between the rms value of surface slope at a fixed wavelength and the wind stress is untenable. Since such a relationship is one of the key assumptions invoked in the development of algorithms used in scatterometry, the published scatterometer data are reexamined, pointing out the implications of this overshoot phenomenon. Recommendations for improvement of the performance of the scatterometer are also made in light of this new understanding of the wind-wave development processes.

Huang, N. E.↗

The S201 far-ultraviolet imaging survey - A summary of results and implications for future surveys

The results from all-sky surveys with the S201 FUV camera/spectrograph from the moon during the Apollo 16 mission are summarized with respect to implications for future UV all-sky surveys. The scans provided imagery of 10 fields, each 20 deg in diameter, in the wavelength ranges 1050-1600 A and 1250-1600 A. Best detection thresholds were obtained with 10 and 30 min exposures at 1400 A. Only 7 percent sky coverage was recorded, and then only down to 11th mag. A Mark II camera may be flown on the Shuttle on the Spartan 3 mission, as may be an all-reflector Schmidt telescope. An additional 20 percent of the sky will be mapped and microchannel intensification will increase the diffuse source sensitivity by two orders of magnitude. Several objects sighted with the S201 will be reviewed with the Mark II.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

Foreign civil aviation competition: 1976 summary and implications

A summary assessment is made of foreign civil aviation as it relates to the posture of the United States civil aviation industry. Major findings include: (1) Main competitors - European Economic Community (EEC) and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). (2) Largest commercial market - Transport aircraft. (3) Current market status and projections - U.S. currently dominates the civil aviation market but foreign markets show greater growth trends. (4) Competitive comparisons - Status comparisons are made in technology (aerodynamics, structures and materials, propulsion, avionics, systems, design coordination, and manufacturing); production runs; marketing; and postsales support. The U.S. generally leads except in aerodynamics and propulsion. (5) Multinational ventures - Joint U.S. industry/foreign government development of advanced technology engines is well developed; airframe industry discussions are now underway. (6) Implications - Although the U.S., is currently preeminent in most areas, this may be only a temporary condition. Past U.S. success in aviation has provided many benefits to the nation. These benefits may be lost.

Alford, W. J., Jr.↗

Implications of Convection in the Moon and the Terrestrial Planets

The early evolution of the Moon and its implications for the early evolution of the Earth was studied. The study is divided into two parts: (1) studies of core formation. Cosmochemical studies strongly favor a near-homogeneous accretion of the Earth. It is shown that core segregation probably occurred within the first 10,000 years of Earth history. It is found that dissipative heating may be a viable mechanism for core segregation if sufficiently large bodies of liquid iron can form; (2) early thermal evolution of the Earth and Moon. The energy associated with the accretion of the Earth and the segregation of the core is more than sufficient to melt the entire Earth. The increase in the mantle liquidus with depth (pressure) is the dominant effect influencing heat transfer through the magma ocean. It is found that a magma ocean with a depth of 100 km would have existed as the Earth accreted. It is concluded that this magma ocean zone refined the earth resulting in the simultaneous formation of the core and the atmosphere during accretion. The resulting mantle was a well-mixed solid with a near pyrolite composition.

Turcotte, D. L.↗

Implication of EAS data for the study of primary cosmic rays above 10 to the 5th power GeV

Due to the strong decrease of the energetic cosmic ray flux its direct detection at the top of atmosphere with aircraft is limited at the present time to about 100,000 GeV. The intensity of all primary particles can be approximated in the range 100 to 100,000 GeV by power function with power index 2.65. There are predominantly protons and the rest is represented by several groups of nuclei. In the range of 100,000 to 10 to the 8th power GeV considerable disagreement is most probably connected with the uncertainity of the indirect derivation of the parameters of extensive air showers. Results for the primary spectrum in the range to the 8th power GeV, obtained by implication of extensive air showers (EAS) data from mountain altitudes are discussed.

Popova, L.↗

Nightward ion flow in the Venus ionosphere - Implications of momentum balance

Using global empirical models of Venus ionospheric conditions, the plasma flow field consistent with the horizontal momentum equation in both viscid and inviscid forms is solved for. It is found that plasma viscosity is negligible except at low altitudes and that the observed plasma flows are consistent with the inviscid solution above 300 km but are larger than the calculated flows at lower altitudes. This is probably due to downward momentum advection. The strong vertical shear in the calculated and observed flows just beyond the terminator may produce turbulence there, manifested as the observed transterminator waves in plasma density and magnetic field. The implications of ionospheric superrotation are discussed.

Elphic, R. C.↗

Radial migration of preplanetary material - Implications for the accretion time scale problem

Radial drift of planetesimals due to density wave interaction with the solar nebula is considered. The mechanism is most effective for large masses and provides mobility over a size range where aerodynamic drag is unimportant. The process could shorten accretion time scales to O(100,000-1,000,000 years) throughout the solar system. Accumulation stalls down when growing objects are massive enough to open gaps in the gas disk. Implications of this process for current cosmogonic models are discussed.

Hourigan, K.↗

Implications of complete watershed soil moisture measurements to hydrologic modeling

A series of six microwave data collection flights for measuring soil moisture were made over a small 7.8 square kilometer watershed in southwestern Minnesota. These flights were made to provide 100 percent coverage of the basin at a 400 m resolution. In addition, three flight lines were flown at preselected areas to provide a sample of data at a higher resolution of 60 m. The low level flights provide considerably more information on soil moisture variability. The results are discussed in terms of reproducibility, spatial variability and temporal variability, and their implications for hydrologic modeling.

Engman, E. T.↗