Preservation of biological information in thermal spring deposits: developing a strategy for the search for fossil life on Mars   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

Walter MR  Des Marais DJ 《Icarus》1993,101(1):129-143

Current interpretations of the early history of Mars suggest many similarities with the early Earth and therefore raise the possibility that the Archean and Proterozoic history of life on Earth could have a counterpart on Mars. Terrestrial experience suggests that, with techniques that can be employed remotely, ancient springs, including thermal springs, could well yield important information. By delivering water and various dissolved species to the sunlit surface of Mars, springs very likely created an environment suitable for life, which could have been difficult, if not impossible, to attain elsewhere. The chemical and temperature gradients associated with thermal springs sort organisms into sharply delineated, distinctive and different communities, and so diverse organisms are concentrated into relatively small areas in a predictable and informative fashion. A wide range of metabolic strategies are concentrated into small areas, thus furnishing a useful and representative sampling of the existing biota. Mineral-charged springwaters frequently deposit chemical precipitates of silica and/or carbonate which incorporate microorganisms and preserve them as fossils. The juxtaposition of stream valley headwaters with volcanoes and impact craters on Mars strongly implies that subsurface heating of groundwater created thermal springs. On Earth, thermal springs create distinctive geomorphic features and chemical signatures which can be detected by remote sensing. Spring deposits can be quite different chemically from adjacent rocks. Individual springs can be hundreds of meters wide, and complexes of springs occupy areas up to several kilometers wide. Benthic microbial mats and the resultant stromatolites occupy a large fraction of the available area. The relatively high densities of fossils and microbial mat fabrics within these deposits make them highly prospective in any search for morphological evidence of life, and there are examples of microbial fossils in spring deposits as old as 300 Myr.  相似文献   

Coupled atmosphere-ocean models of Titan's past     

McKay CP  Pollack JB  Lunine JI  Courtin R 《Icarus》1993,102(1):88-98

We have developed a coupled atmosphere and ocean model of Titan's surface. The atmospheric model is a 1-D spectrally-resolved radiative-convective model. The ocean thermodynamics are based upon solution theory. The ocean, initially composed of CH4, becomes progressively enriched in ethane over time. The partial pressures of N2 and CH4 in the atmosphere are dependent on the ocean temperature and composition. We find that the resulting system is stable against a runaway greenhouse. Accounting for the decreased solar luminosity, we find that Titan's surface temperature was about 20 K colder 4 Gyr ago. Without an ocean, but only small CH4 lakes, the temperature change is 12 K. In both cases we find that the surface of Titan may have been ice covered about 3 Gyr ago. In the lakes case condensation of N2 provides the ice, whereas in the ocean case the ocean freezes. The dominant factor influencing the evolution of Titan's surface temperature is the change in the solar constant--amplified, if an ocean is present, by the temperature dependence of the solubility of N2. Accretional heating can dramatically alter the surface temperature; a surface thermal flux of 500 erg cm-2 sec-1, representative of small levels of accretional heating, results in a approximately 20 K change in surface temperatures.  相似文献   

Discrete emissions and whistler precursors recorded at low latitude ground station Gulmarg     

R. P. Singh  Lalmani  U. P. Singh 《Earth, Moon, and Planets》1993,60(3):225-232

Discrete chorus-type emission and whistler precursors recorded in March 1972 during day time hours at our ground based station Gulmarg are presented. It is shown that discrete chorus type emissions are generated in the equatorial region (L 1.2) during cyclotron resonance interaction between the propagating whistler wave and the gyrating electrons. The whistler precursors are explained in terms of the mechanism suggested by Dowden (1972).  相似文献   

Solar models with strong turbulence     

R. Civelek  N. Kiziloğlu 《Astrophysics and Space Science》1993,202(1):77-80

A series of evolutionary models for the Sun were constructed using the strong turbulence model of the variable mixing-length theory (AMLT) of Canuto (1990). The present values of the solar model were obtained by an initial compositionX = 0.754,Z = 0.019, and(x) = 1.1. The physical variables which were obtained by applying the strong turbulence case of AMLT were similar to those of weak turbulence model (Kzlolu and Civelek, 1992) if we focused on the fitting of present solar radius and luminosity.  相似文献   

A nonlinear model of the solar dynamo     

R. L. Jennings 《Solar physics》1993,143(1):1-17

The role of nonlinearity is explored in a mean-field dynamo model. Magnetic fields are amplified by the combined action of the and-effects, and as the field's intensity increases the Lorentz force becomes important. Torsional oscillations and meridional circulations are driven by the Lorentz force, and the oscillations are consistent with those measured on the surface of the Sun. The torsional oscillations feedback in the induction equation and saturate the magnetic field's growth by quenching differential rotation. This model can also help us understand the processes responsible for the range of periods seen in the activity cycles of other stars like the Sun.  相似文献   

Circular polarization of solar bursts at 22 GHz     

P. Kaufmann  F. M. Strauss  J. E. R. Costa  E. Correia 《Solar physics》1993,148(2):341-358

The circular polarization of complex solar bursts was measured at short microwaves (22 GHz, × 1.35 cm) with high sensitivity (0.03 s.f.u. r.m.s.) and high time resolution (5 ms). The polarization shows up as soon as an excess burst emission is measured. Two components are found in the time development of the degree of circular polarization: (1) a steady level, sometime changing smoothly with time; (2) superimposed faster polarization time structures, small compared to the basic steady degree of polarization, and often not clearly related to the burst flux time structures. The observed degrees may range from 10% to more than 85%.In memoriam (1942–1981).  相似文献   

Effect of temperature gradient on the wave propagation in a self-gravitating medium and its role in the central region of our Galaxy     

S. N. Chakraborty  R. Bondyopadhaya 《Astrophysics and Space Science》1993,203(1):1-22

The wave propagation in a finitely conducting, self-gravitating, non-relativistic hydromagnetic medium with temperature gradient and a heat-energy transport into it has been considered. Firstly, a General Dispersion Relation (G.D.R.) has been derived. The interest has been kept limited for the study of one dimensional wave propagation in a typical medium where magnetic field and it's gradient, density gradient, temperature gradient are all along the direction of wave propagation. The D.R. of such a medium follows from G.D.R. In particular, the effect of temperature gradient on the wave propagation has been studied. Analytical expressions for the wave parameters have been derived under different conditions. It has been found that the longitudinal waves could be sufficiently energetic for being unstable by the temperature gradient. Further, the modified Jeans' criterion (depending on temperature gradient), a criterion important for stability, has also been obtained.On assuming the gas medium in the central region ( 10 pc) of our Galaxy to behave like hydromagnetic fluid, and the direction of wave propagation (z-direction) as the direction perpendicular to the Galactic plane, few numerical estimations for the wave parameters (like wave lengths, phase velocity, etc.) have been made (as application of the above theoretical discussions). It has been found that the phase velocity of longitudinal waves at 1 pc level is at least 170 kms^–1 while at the 10 pc level the longitudinal waves of length less than a parsec may propagate smoothly through the medium. It has been suggested that (i) in the central region ( 10 pc) of our Galaxy the temperature gradient could be one of the major causes of the mass-outflow along the direction perpendicular to the Galactic plane (ii) outside the central region ( 10 pc) of our Galaxy, there may be long term consequences of such mass-outflow like Halo formation.  相似文献   

Adsorption of fluoride on goethite surfaces-implications on dental epidemiology   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

K. B. P. N. Jinadasa  C. B. Dissanayake  S. V. R. Weerasooriya  A. Senaratne 《Environmental Geology》1993,21(4):251-255

Fluoride ion interaction with synthetically prepared goethite has been investigated over a range of pH values (4–9) and F^– concentrations (10^–3–10^–5 M). The amount of F^– retained by goethite suspensions was found to be a function of pH, media ionic strength, F^– concentration, and goethite concentration. The lowest ionic strength (0.001 M KNO₃) gave the highest adsorption medium. Uptake was minimal at pH >7 and increased with decreasing pH. Thermodynamic properties for fluoride adsorption at 298 K and 323 K were investigated. The isosteric heat of adsorption (H _r) was calculated and the heterogeneity and homogeneity of the surface examined for goethite. In view of the importance of fluoride in dental health, the interaction of fluoride on goethite in the physical environment has important implications on dental epidemiology.  相似文献   

Fluid inclusions in upper mantle xenoliths from Northern Patagonia,Argentina: Evidence for an upper mantle diapir     

Varela  M. E.  Bjerg  E. A.  Clocchiatti  R.  Labudia  C. H.  Kurat  G. 《Mineralogy and Petrology》1997,60(3-4):145-164

Summary Three generations of fluid inclusions can be recognized in upper mantle xenoliths from alkali basalts of the Somoncura Massif, Northern Patagonia, Argentina. The first (early, primary) one consists of dense CO₂ inclusions which were trapped in the mantle-crust boundary zone (22–36 km minimum trapping depth). Their co-genetic relationship with silicate melt inclusions enables us to constrain their minimum trapping temperature at 1200°C, indicating a high temperature event in a cooler environment. The late (pseudosecondary and secondary) generations of fluid inclusions were classified in accordance with their homogenization temperature to liquid CO₂ (L1) and vapor CO₂ (L2) phase. The minimum trapping depth for the first of the late inclusions (L1) is about 16 km. In spite of the uncertainties related to this value, L1 inclusions indicate that the upper mantle rocks, of which samples were delivered by the basalts, had some residence time in the middle crust where they experienced a metasomatic event. The fact that this event did not destroy the earlier inclusions, places severe constraints on its duration. The second late inclusions (L2) are low-pressure CO₂ inclusions with a minimum trapping depth of only 2 km, presumably a shallow magma chamber of the host basalts. The succession of fluid inclusions strongly points toward a fairly fast uprising upper mantle underneath Northern Patagonia. The petrology and mineral chemistry of the peridotitic xenoliths support this view. Extensive partial melting and loss of these melts is indicated by the preponderance of harzburgites in the upper mantle underneath Northern Patagonia, a fairly unusual feature for a continental upper mantle. That depletion event as well as several metasomatic events — including those which left traces of fluid inclusions — are possibly related to a high-speed diapiric uprise of the upper mantle in this area. The path can be traced from the garnet peridotite stability field into the middle crust, a journey which must have been unusually fast. Differences in rock, mineral, and fluid inclusion properties between geographic locations suggest a diffuse and differential type of diapirism. Future studies will hopefully help to map the full extent and the highs and lows of this diapir and elucidate questions related to its origin and future.

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Fluid-Einschlüsse in Erdmantel-Xenolithen von Nord-Patagonien: Evidenz für einen Diapir im oberen Erdmantel

Zusammenfassung Erdmantel - Xenolithe in Alkali-Basalten des Somoncure Massivs, Nord-Patagonien, Argentinien, führen drei Generationen von Fluid-Einschlüssen. Die erste (frühe, primäre) Generation besteht aus dichten CO₂-Einschlüssen, welche offenbar in der Mantel-Kruste Grenzzone (22–36 km Minimum-Tiefe) eingeschlossen wurden. CO₂-Einschlüsse sind kogenetisch mit Silikat-Schmelzeinschlüssen. Dies erlaubt die Abschätzung der Einschließ-Temperatur mit minimal 1200°C, was auf ein Hochtemperatur-Ereignis in einer deutlich kühleren Umgebung hinweist. Die späten (pseudosekundäre und sekundäre) CO₂- Fluid-Einschlüsse bilden zwei Generationen von denen die eine in die flüssige (L1), die andere in die Dampfphase (L2) homogenisieren. Die minimale Einschließ-Tiefe für die L1 Generation ist etwa 16 km. Dies bedeutet - auch bei Berücksichtigung der mit diesem Wert verbundenen Ungenauigkeit - daß diese Erdmantel-Gesteine einige Zeit in der mittleren Erdkruste verbrachten und ein metasomatisches Ereignis erlebten, bevor sie von den Basalten zur Erdoberfläche gebracht wurden. Die Tatsache, daß dieses Ereignis die frühen Einschlüsse nicht zerstörte, kann nur bedeuten, daß es von kurzer Dauer war. Die L2-Generation besteht aus Niedrigdruck CO₂-Einschlüssen mit einer Minimum-Einschließtiefe von nur 2 km. Dies könnte in einer seichten Magmakammer des Wirt Basaltes geschehen sein.Die Abfolge von Fluid-Einschlüssen deutet auf einen relativ schnell aufsteigenden oberen Erdmantel unterhalb von Patagonien hin. Die Petrologie und Mineralchemie der peridotitischen Xenolithe unterstützen das. Die Vorherrschaft von Harzburgiten im Erdmantel unterhalb von Nord-Patagonien deutet auf umfangreiche Bildung partieller Schmelzen und deren Abfuhr hin — eine für einen kontinentalen Mantel ungewöhnliche Situation. Sowohl die Verarmungsereignisse, als auch die metasomatischen Veränderungen (einschließlich jene, welche Spuren in Form von Fluid Einschlüssen hinterließen) machen das Vorhandensein eines schnell aufsteigenden Daipirs im oberen Erdmantel dieser Gegend wahrscheinlich. Der Aufstieg kann vom Stabilitätsbereich der Granat-Peridotite bis in die mittlere Kruste verfolgt werden und muß daher relativ schnell erfolgt sein. Unterschiede in Gesteins-, Mineral und Fluid-Eigenschaften zwischen verschiedenen Lokalitäten legen einen diffusen und differenziellen Diapirismus nahe. Zukünftige Studien sollten es ermöglichen, das Gesamtausmaß und die unterschiedlichen Aufstiegshöhen des Diapirs zu kartieren und Hinweise auf seine Entstehung und zukünftige Entwicklung zu erhalten.

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With 5 Figures  相似文献   

Malta: macropolitical threats     

Ian R. Baggett 《GeoJournal》1997,41(2):165-171

Despite constitutional neutrality and non-alignment, for the last decade Malta has dabbled in Western security circles. By pledging commitment to the European CFSP and forging closer associations with NATO the government consummated allegiances with the hegemonic flank of their region and the only remaining superpower. However, Maltese security in the post-Cold War era is about more than just power fealty. Whilst not overlooking the still highly relevant military threats to security, this paper elucidates three macropolitical threats that are too impetuous for the worlds most powerful security organizations to handle. Indeed, future Maltese membership of the WEU or closer ties with NATO may even exacerbate these menaces.  相似文献