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Based on relative height displacement grid models of the Earth's crust, related to the territory of the Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were created by modelling of the benchmark height data contained in levelling networks of the Austrian precise levelling (APN), and First (INVT) and Second (IINVT) levelling of high accuracy, possibility of creation of uniformly accelerated or decelerated motion model and uniform motion model of Earth's crust is analyzed. Kinematic laws of straight-line benchmark height motion has been applied to the values of Earth's crust height displacements that are associated with the nodes in the grid models of relative height displacements created between explicit epochs APN and INVT, and APN and IINVT. This application enabled determination of motion kinematic parameters associated with the grid nodes. Kinematic parameter's determination, structuring and including in a separate grid models, in analogy to the relative height displacement grid models, along with definition of basic kinematic equations of uniformly accelerated or decelerated motion and uniform motion of Earth's crust, allowed for the territory of the Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina kinematic models creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I describe how to obtain a rather good experimental determination of the eccentricity of the Earth's orbit, as well as the obliquity of the Earth's rotation axis, by measuring, over the course of a year, the elevation of the Sun as a function of time during a day. With a very simple 'instrument' consisting of an elementary sundial, first-year students can carry out an appealing measurement programme, learn important concepts in experimental physics, see concrete applications of kinematics and changes of reference frames, and benefit from a hands-on introduction to astronomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We revisit the model building challenges that one faces when trying to reconcile the OPERA claim of neutrino superluminality with other observational constraints. The severity of the supernova bound and of the kinematical constraints of Cohen–Glashow type lead us to focus on scenarios where all types of particles are superluminal inside matter. In contrast to the Dvali–Vikman proposal, this matter effect needs to be very short-ranged to avoid constraints from experiments on the Earthʼs surface in low-density environments. Due to this short range, the interaction underlying such a matter effect would have to be far stronger than permitted by fifth-force bounds. As a conceivable way out we suggest to make the matter effect “binary”, i.e., dense matter does not directly trigger superluminality, but merely induces the transition to a different phase of some weakly coupled hidden sector. This phase exhibits spontaneous Lorentz violation or at least a stronger than usual mediation of some residual Lorentz violation to all matter. The effect has not been observed before since we have never before been able to measure the velocity of high-energy particles in dense matter with sufficient precision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Context. In late 2010, a Jupiter family comet 103P/Hartley 2 was the subject of an intensive world-wide investigation. On UT October 20.7, the comet approached the Earth within only 0.12 AU, and on UT November 4.6 it was visited by the NASA EPOXI spacecraft. Aims. We joined this international effort and organized a ground-based observing campaign with three key goals to: (1) measure the parameters of the nucleus rotation in a time series of CN; (2) investigate the compositional structure of the coma by comparing the CN images with nightly snapshots of C3; and (3) investigate the photochemical relation of CN to HCN, using the HCN data collected nearly simultaneously with our images. Methods. The images were obtained through narrowband filters using the two-meter telescope of the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory. They were taken over four nights about the moment of the EPOXI encounter. Image processing methods and periodicity analysis techniques were used to identify transient coma structures and investigate their repeatability and kinematics. Results. We observe shells, arc-, jet- and spiral-like patterns that are very similar for the CN and C3 comae. The CN features expanded outwards with the sky-plane projected velocities of between 0.1 to 0.3 kms-1. A corkscrew structure, observed on November 6, evolved with a much higher velocity of 0.66 km s-1. The photometry of the inner coma of CN shows variability with a period of 18.32 ± 0.30 h (valid for the middle moment of our run, UT 2010 Nov 5.0835), which we attribute to the nucleus rotation. This result is fully consistent with independent determinations around the same time by other teams. The pattern of repeatability is, however, imperfect, which is understendable given the suggested excitation of the rotation state, and the variability detected in CN correlates well with the cyclic changes in HCN, but only in the active phases. The identified coma structures, along with the snapshot of the nucleus orientation obtained by EPOXI, enable us to estimate the spin axis orientation. We obtain RA = 122°, Dec = +16° (epoch J2000.0), neglecting at this point the rotational excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY In this paper, we propose a new model of the crustal structure and seismotectonics for central Sicily (southern Italy) through the analysis of the depth distribution and kinematics of the instrumental seismicity, occurring during the period from 1983 to 2010, and its comparison with individual geological structures that may be active in the area. The analysed data set consists of 392 earthquakes with local magnitudes ranging from 1.0 to 4.7. We defined a new, detailed 1-D velocity model to relocate the earthquakes that occurred in central Sicily, and we calculated a Moho depth of 37 km and a mean VP/ VS ratio of 1.73. The relocated seismic events are clustered mainly in the area north of Caltanissetta (e.g. Mainland Sicily) and in the northeastern sector (Madonie Mountains) of the study area; only minor and greatly dispersed seismicity is located in the western sector, near Belice, and along the southern coast, between Gela and Sciacca. The relocated hypocentral distribution depicts a bimodal pattern: 50 per cent of the events occur within the upper crust at depths less than ∼16 km, 40 per cent of the events occur within the middle and depth crust, at depths between 16 and 32 km, and the remaining 10 per cent occur at subcrustal depths. The energy release pattern shows a similar depth distribution. On the basis of the kinematic analysis of 38 newly computed focal plane solutions, two major geographically distinct seismotectonic domains are distinguished: the Madonie Mountain domain, with prevalent extensional and extensional-oblique kinematics associated with upper crust Late Pliocene-Quaternary faulting, and the Mainland Sicily domain, with prevalent compressional and compressional-oblique kinematics associated with thrust faulting, at mid to deep crust depth, along the north-dipping Sicilian Basal Thrust (SBT). The stress inversion of the Mainland Sicily focal solutions integrated with neighbouring mechanisms available in the literature highlights a regional homogeneous compressional tensor, with a subhorizontal NNW-SSE-striking σ1 axis. In addition, on the basis of geodetic data, the Mainland Sicily domain may be attributed to the SSE-ward thrusting of the Mainland Sicily block along the SBT plane. Seismogenic shearing along the SBT at mid-crustal depths was responsible for the unexpected Belice 1968 earthquake ( Mw 6.1), with evident implications in terms of hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY We use geodetic and plate tectonic observations to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Nubia-Arabia-Eurasia plate system. Two phases of slowing of Nubia-Eurasia convergence, each of which resulted in an ∼50 per cent decrease in the rate of convergence, coincided with the initiation of Nubia-Arabia continental rifting along the Red Sea and Somalia-Arabia rifting along the Gulf of Aden at 24 ± 4 Ma, and the initiation of oceanic rifting along the full extent of the Gulf of Aden at 11 ± 2 Ma. In addition, both the northern and southern Red Sea (Nubia-Arabia plate boundary) underwent changes in the configuration of extension at 11 ± 2 Ma, including the transfer of extension from the Suez Rift to the Gulf of Aqaba/Dead Sea fault system in the north, and from the central Red Sea Basin (Bab al Mandab) to the Afar volcanic zone in the south. While Nubia-Eurasia convergence slowed, the rate of Arabia-Eurasia convergence remained constant within the resolution of our observations, and is indistinguishable from the present-day global positioning system rate. The timing of the initial slowing of Nubia-Eurasia convergence (24 ± 4 Ma) corresponds to the initiation of extensional tectonics in the Mediterranean Basin, and the second phase of slowing to changes in the character of Mediterranean extension reported at ∼11 Ma. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that changes in Nubia-Eurasia convergence, and associated Nubia-Arabia divergence, are the fundamental cause of both Mediterranean and Middle East post-Late Oligocene tectonics. We speculate about the implications of these kinematic relationships for the dynamics of Nubia-Arabia-Eurasia plate interactions, and favour the interpretation that slowing of Nubia-Eurasia convergence, and the resulting tectonic changes in the Mediterranean Basin and Middle East, resulted from a decrease in slab pull from the Arabia-subducted lithosphere across the Nubia-Arabia, evolving plate boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical distribution of the (1981-2005) seismicity in southern California forms a ±150 km broad zone adjacent to the Pacific-North America plate boundary, ranging from depths of ∼1-∼30 km, with the bulk of the focal depths in the range of 2-12 km. The distribution of the seismicity that includes both mainshock-aftershock sequences and background events is affected by both static and kinematic geophysical parameters of the crust. The static parameters include heat flow, topography, crustal density, V/ V ratio, hypocentral fault-distance and crustal thickness from receiver functions. The tectonic loading is represented by kinematic parameters such as the crustal shear strain rate field, and the dilatational strain rate field. In our analysis, we normalize the seismicity relative to the areal density of the range of values of each of the parameters. Most of the seismicity occurs in areas of average heat flow, low to intermediate topography, average V/ V and high late Quaternary fault density, and forms seismogenic zones that extend through the brittle crust. The location of late Quaternary faults, often described as zones of weakness, influences the geographical distribution of seismicity more than any other parameter. Although above or below average crustal properties such as high heat flow, thin crust or very low V/ V values exist, these properties only influence the spatial distribution of seismicity in a minor way. As an example, the Salton Trough area of low topography, high heat flow, high V/ V, high shear strain rate and thin crust has distributed seismicity within a thin seismogenic zone. Also, somewhat surprisingly, areas of high topography, low heat flow, low V/ V, low shear strain rate and thick crust have low seismicity rates but a thin seismogenic zone. We determine an empirical relationship between heat flow and crustal thickness to show how the ∼400 °C temperature isotherm gradually deepens with crustal thickness and forms the base of the seismogenic zone for crustal thicknesses from 22 to 37 km. For crustal thickness ranging from 37 to 43 km, the ∼250 °C isotherm forms the base of the seismogenic zone, suggesting that seismic faulting in these regions is confined to the top of the upper crust (12-14 km), and thus does not accommodate plate motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the slip distribution of the 2008 May 12 Wenchuan M 7.9 earthquake using GPS data and InSAR measurements under a linear inversion scheme, with emphasis on the effect of three factors, including constraint on rake, different discretizations, and layered elastic model. Within our inversion parameterization context, we find the most influential factor would be constraint on rake. Without constraint on rake, the slip model seems physically wrong under the depth of 15 km, due to the limited depth resolution of the geodetic data used, especially the one orbit of InSAR measurements. Thus it is necessary to add a priori to the slip rake to obtain a reasonable fault source model. Different discretizations of the subfault patches have a notable impact on the slip distribution. Also, the layered elastic model predicts more slip at depth than does the half-space model, by about 15-20 per cent. The characteristics of slip distribution established through our inversions include some points as follows: (1) the most reliable results would be expected at depth range of 0-15 km; (2) three peak-slip asperities are inverted, at Yingxiu county (near epicentre), Yuejiashan county, and Beichuan county, respectively; (3) the inverted rake along the Yingxiu-Beichuan fault changes from dominantly thrusting motion at the southwest segments to dominant right-lateral or even pure right-lateral strike slip at the northeast segments, and (4) only thrust slip is occurred on the Guanxian-Jiangyou fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: SAR interferometry based on Permanent Scatterers (PS-InSAR™) is used here to study the present crustal mobility of a large area of NW Italy, in the Piemonte region. Thirty-eight satellite scenes (ERS SAR), taken from May 1992 to January 2001, were analysed for detecting more than 2million PS on the study area. Continuous velocity surface maps (Iso-Kinematic Maps: IKM) were obtained from geo-statistical and spatial cluster techniques (Hot Spot analysis) of PS “short-period” data, to identify relative ground motions and to compare them with “long-period” tectonic mobility trends, i.e. those inferred at regional scale over geological times (some million years). The comparison was made by individuation of homogeneous kinematic areas, represented in the IKM, and characterization of the boundaries between them (Iso-Kinematic Boundaries: IKB). The IKB were used as tools to asses if the PS-InSAR data on present-day crustal mobility could fit with the distribution of real tectonic structures or field geological elements. IKM were drawn for uplifting geological sectors of Piemonte (Maritime Alps, Gran Paradiso, Langhe) where moderate to very low seismicity is recorded, and gravitational instabilities of rock mass on mountain slopes are widespread. The land sectors have been chosen in order to test the suitability of IKM in very different geo-morphological conditions. Different types of correspondence between the IKM and the geological kinematic trend were found: [-] a first type in which the kinematic trend of short-period (a decade of years, i.e. the PS-InSAR detection time span) is in agreement with a long-period tectonic trend (some million years) and seem to be driven by well known faults subparallel to the IKB. These kinematic trends can be hidden by the slope movement due to gravitational instabilities; [-] a second type in which the kinematic trend of short-period does not strictly correspond to the long-period trend, but can be considered as minor-order, uplifting-subsidence cycles, even if in contrast with the long-period kinematic trend. Alternatively, the short-period kinematic trends could reflect the action of deep-seated geological forces or structures, not yet known or inferable (at least with the recorded PS-InSAR velocities) on the basis of the available geological data and models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Estimation of subjective whole-body tilt in stationary roll positions after rapid rotations shows hysteresis. We asked whether this phenomenon is also present during continuous quasi-static whole-body rotation and whether gravitational cues are a major contributing factor. Using a motorized turntable, 8 healthy subjects were rotated continuously about the earth-horizontal naso-occipital axis (earth-vertical roll plane) and the earth-vertical naso-occipital axis (earth-horizontal roll plane). In both planes, three full constant velocity rotations (2°/s) were completed in clockwise and counterclockwise directions (acceleration = 0.05°/s, velocity plateau reached after 40 s). Subjects adjusted a visual line along the perceived longitudinal body axis (pLBA) every 2 s. pLBA deviation from the longitudinal body axis was plotted as a function of whole-body roll position, and a sine function was fitted. At identical whole-body earth-vertical roll plane positions, pLBA differed depending on whether the position was reached by a rotation from upright or by passing through upside down. After the first 360° rotation, pLBA at upright whole-body position deviated significantly in the direction of rotation relative to pLBA prior to rotation initiation. This deviation remained unchanged after subsequent full rotations. In contrast, earth-horizontal roll plane rotations resulted in similar pLBA before and after each rotation cycle. We conclude that the deviation of pLBA in the direction of rotation during quasi-static earth-vertical roll plane rotations reflects static antihysteresis and might be a consequence of the known static hysteresis of ocular counterroll: a visual line that is perceived that earth-vertical is expected to be antihysteretic, if ocular torsion is hysteretic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The back-arc spreading centers that extend along the Lau Basin exhibit trends in axial morphology, crustal thickness, and geochemistry, which are opposite those typically observed at mid ocean spreading centers. We develop 2D numerical models of mantle flow, thermal structure and melting of the Lau back-arc–Tonga subduction system for each of three Lau spreading centers—Valu Fa Ridge, the Eastern Lau, and the Central Lau. Our goal is to determine whether along-strike variability in the circulation pattern or hydration within the mantle wedge could explain the trends observed. We use present-day plate and subducted slab geometries and velocities to explore a range of mantle potential temperature and water content scenarios and test whether predictions match observations of crustal thickness and water content of the magmas erupted at the spreading ridges. Within the range of mantle parameters tested, we find that a potential temperature of 1300°C and source water contents greater than 0.22% wt are required to match observed crustal thickness and lava water contents at Valu Fa. Substantially less water in the sub arc mantle source is required to match the Eastern Lau and Central Lau observations at the same or higher mantle potential temperatures. A small background hydration of 0.01% wt water in the mantle wedge is required to match the observations of water in the Central Lau magmas. We predict that the arc and back-arc melting regions are interconnected for all potential temperatures and sub arc water contents at the Eastern Lau spreading center and at the Valu Fa Ridge, while at the Central Lau, they are only connected for cases when mantle potential temperature is 1400°C or greater. We hypothesize that the longer-lived Eastern Lau and Central Lau rifting and axial volcanism may have dehydrated the mantle wedge and slowed melt production beneath these spreading centers. The Valu Fa Ridge, which is actively propagating into a more hydrated wedge associated with the Tofua arc, experiences enhanced melting relative to the other two spreading centers. For the Valu Fa case, we show fast subduction in combination with the proximity of the trench and spreading center results in enhanced upwelling and, therefore, increased crustal production. Slower subduction, with a convergence rate of 45mm/yr, a dry mantle, and a 1350°C mantle potential temperature reduces the difference in crustal thickness between the Central Lau and Valu Fa to within 1.2km. In contrast, for present-day kinematics with a dry mantle and 1350°C mantle potential temperature, our models predict the crustal thickness at Valu Fa to be 3.1km thicker than Central Lau, much closer to the observed values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structural architecture of the Ovda Regio, Venus, derived from regional and detailed structural mapping of several key segments, reveals a new tectonic perspective, for the first time that varies from most of the existing tectonic models. The interpreted structural features include folds of different styles and scales, mega shear zones, ribbon structures, and other kinematic indicators. While concentric folding is predominant in the western Ovda, the eastern Ovda is characterized by shear folding. Two mega shear zones are recognised: dextral NW–SE trending GMSZ and a complimentary sinistral NE–SW trending KKSZ. Two tectonic stages are identified in a coherent and continuous strain history involving initial N-S compression that gave rise to regional east–west folding providing the fundamental tectonic architecture of a mountain fold-thrust belt. Ribbon structures in a broad radial pattern were developed contemporaneously with this folding. The second tectonic stage saw the development of a conjugate pair of mega shear zones and a range of kinematic indicators, consistent with continued N-S compression and the pre-existing fold pattern was modified resulting in the development of new fold structures, particularly in the eastern Ovda. The structural characteristics of Ovda Regio are analogous to those of Himalaya–Tibet collision front and also the Precambrian mobile belts of southern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid motions in the Earth's core produce changes in the geomagnetic field (secular variation) and are also an important ingredient in the planet's rotational dynamics. In this article we review current understanding of core dynamics focusing on short timescales of years to centuries. We describe both theoretical models and what may be inferred from geomagnetic and geodetic observations. The kinematic concepts of frozen flux and magnetic diffusion are discussed along with relevant dynamical regimes of magnetostrophic balance, tangential geostrophy, and quasi-geostrophy. An introduction is given to free modes and waves that are expected to be present in Earth's core including axisymmetric torsional oscillations and non-axisymmetric Magnetic-Coriolis waves. We focus on important recent developments and promising directions for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is dedicated to a qualitative investigation of relative motion and close convergences of two space bodies located in close almost circular orbits. This problem is topical due to the asteroid hazard originating from the NEA group asteroids located in the orbits close to that of the Earth. P.E. El’yasberg [1] considered similar problems in the 1960s in relation to Earth’s artificial satellites in close almost circular orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: GPS displacement vectors show that the crust in east Tibet is being squeezed in an easterly direction by the northward motion of the Indian plate, and the Sichuan Basin is resisting this stream and redirecting it mainly towards Indochina. The Longmen Shan, containing the steepest rise to the high plateau anywhere in Tibet, results from the strong interaction between the east Tibetan escape flow and the rigid Yangtze block (Sichuan Basin), but the kinematics and dynamics of this interaction are still the subject of some debates. We herein present results from a dense passive-source seismic profile from the Sichuan Basin into eastern Tibet in order to study the deep structure of this collision zone. Using P and S receiver function images we observe a sudden rise of the Lithosphere–Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB) from 120 to 150km beneath the Sichuan Basin and from 70 to 80km beneath eastern Tibet. In contrast, the depth of the crust–mantle boundary (Moho) increases from 36 to 40km beneath the Sichuan Basin and from 55 to 60km beneath eastern Tibet. The 410km discontinuity is depressed below eastern Tibet by about 30km, although the 660 remains at nearly the same depth throughout the LMS. From these observations, we conclude that the mode of collision that occurs between Tibet and the Sichuan Basin is very different to that found between India and Tibet. In southern Tibet, we observe in essence the subduction of the Indian plate, which penetrates northwards for several hundred kilometers under central Tibet. The very thin mantle part of the lithosphere beneath eastern Tibet may indicate delamination or removal of the bottom of the lithosphere by hot asthenospheric escape flow. This process leads to the exceptionally steep topography at the eastern Tibetan margin as a result of gravitational buoyancy. This view is supported by the very unusual depression of the 410km discontinuity beneath eastern Tibet, which could be caused by the dynamics of the sub-vertical downward asthenospheric flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent global kinematic studies reveal that most of the trenches roll back but a significant number of them advance toward the upper plate. Those advancing trenches are mostly located in the Western Pacific and correspond to the subduction of very old, Mesozoic oceanic lithosphere. While retreating trenches are commonly explained by the slab pull action of the descending lithosphere, the origin of advancing trenches is still debated. Since this relationship is dependent upon the adopted reference frame, we select region where geological studies show the variability of trench migration style with time. The Izu–Bonin–Mariana (IBM) region represents a key example. The detailed reconstruction of the trench migration of the IBM subducting system reveals that after a long episode of asymmetric rollback, the IBM trench recently started advancing. We propose that this change from retreating to advancing trench mode results from the subduction of progressively older and stiffer lithospheric material. We test this hypothesis by means of two-dimensional (2-D) numerical models, reproducing the effects of the lithospheric aging during subduction. The result of our numerical tests shows that the entrance of old and stiff lithosphere forces the trench to advance because the increasing stiffness of the slab prevents the slab to unbend once it has subducted. We adapt this physical result to the IBM evolution, showing that the switch from trench retreat to trench advance can reconcile the shape of IBM slab as previously suggested. Finally we discuss the possibility that the subduction of the Cretaceous lithosphere might have triggered the change of the motion of the Pacific plate around 5Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This contribution emphasizes first-order structural and metamorphic characters of Precambrian accretionary orogens to understand the kinematics and thermomechanical state of the continental lithosphere in convergent settings involving massive juvenile magmatism. We define a new class of orogens, called ultra-hot orogens (UHO), in which the weakest type of lithosphere on Earth is deformed. UHO are characterized by (1) distributed shortening and orogen-scale flow combining vertical and horizontal longitudinal advection, under long-lasting convergence, (2) homogeneous thickening by combined downward movements of supracrustal units and three-dimensional mass redistribution in the viscous lower crust, and (3) steady-state, negligible topography and relief leveled by syn-shortening erosion and near-field sedimentation. The flow analysis of UHO provides clues to understanding crustal kinematics beneath high plateaus and suggests that the seismic reflectivity pattern of hot orogens is an image of the layering produced by lateral flow of the lower crust and associated syn-kinematic plutonism. In between the UHO and the modern cold orogens (CO), developed by shortening of lithosphere bearing a stiff upper mantle, two classes of orogens are defined. Hot orogens (HO, representative of Cordilleran and wide mature collisional belts) share flow pattern characteristics with UHO, but involve a less intense magmatic activity and develop high topographies driving their collapse. Mixed-hot orogens (MHO, representative of magmatic arcs and Proterozoic collisional belts) are orogens made of UHO-type juvenile crust and display CO-like structure and kinematics. This classification points to the fundamental link between the presence of a stiff lithospheric mantle and strain localization along major thrusts in convergent settings. A high Moho temperature (>900 °C), implying thinning of the lithospheric mantle, enhances three-dimensional flow of the lithosphere in response to convergence. Overall, this classification of orogens emphasizes the space and time variability of uppermost mantle temperature in controlling plate interactions and continental growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Subduction zone kinematics predict that, assuming a fixed lower plate, the velocity of the subduction equals the velocity of the subduction hinge (Vs=−Vh). In all subduction zones the subduction hinge migrates toward the lower plate. However, two main types of subduction zones can be distinguished: 1) those where the upper plate converges toward the lower plate slower than the subduction hinge (mostly W-directed), and 2) those in which the upper plate converges faster than the subduction hinge (generally E- or NE-directed). Along the first type, there generally is an upward flow of the asthenosphere in the hanging wall of the slab, whereas along the opposite second type, the mantle is pushed down due to the thickening of the lithosphere. The kinematics of W-directed subduction zones predict a much thicker asthenospheric mantle wedge, larger volumes and faster rates of subduction with respect to the opposite slabs. Moreover, the larger volumes of lithospheric recycling, the thicker column of fluids-rich, hotter mantle wedge, all should favour greater volumes of magmatism per unit time. The opposite, E–NE-directed subduction zones show a thinner, if any, asthenospheric mantle wedge due to a thicker upper plate and shallower slab. Along these settings, the mantle wedge, where the percolation of slab-delivered fluids generates melting, mostly involves the cooler lithospheric mantle. The subduction rate is smaller, andesites are generally dominant, and the lithosphere thickens, there appears to be a greater contribution to the growth of the continental lithosphere. Another relevant asymmetry that can be inferred is the slab-induced corner flow in the mantle along W-directed subduction zones, and an upward suction of the mantle along the opposite E- or NNE-directed slabs. The upward suction of the mantle inferred at depth along E–NE-directed subduction zones provides a mechanism for syn-subduction alkaline magmatism in the upper plate, with or without contemporaneous rifting in the backarc. Positive δ11B and high 143Nd/144Nd characterize W-directed subduction zones where a thicker and hotter mantle wedge is present in the hanging wall of the slab. However, this observation disappears where large amounts of crustal rocks are subducted as along the W-directed Apennines subduction zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper considers energy-optimal path planning and perpetual endurance for unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with solar cells on the wings, which collect energy used to drive a propeller. Perpetual endurance is the ability to collect more energy than is lost during a day. This paper considers two unmanned aerial vehicle missions: 1) to travel between given positions within an allowed duration while maximizing the final value of energy and 2) to loiter perpetually from a given position, which requires perpetual endurance. For the first mission, the subsequent problem of energy-optimal path planning features the coupling of the aircraft kinematics and energetics models through the bank angle. The problem is then formulated as an optimal control problem, with the bank angle and speed as inputs. Necessary conditions for optimality are formulated and used to study the optimal paths. The power ratio, a nondimensional number, is shown to predict the qualitative features of the optimal paths. This ratio also quantifies a design requirement for the second mission. Specifically, perpetual endurance is possible if and only if the power ratio exceeds a certain threshold. Comparisons are made of this threshold between Earth and Mars. Implications of the power ratio for unmanned aerial vehicle design are also discussed. Several illustrations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research of crustal movements in Poland based on levelling data are performed since 1950/s. Since today two maps depicting this movements were made - in 1985 and 2006. Nowadays, information about vertical crustal movements are gaiging attention in the aspect of kinematic reference system design. In the paper, the author presents the possibilities of compiling the geodetic (levelling) data, what would enable commence works on defining the kinematic vertical movements of the Earth's crust all over Poland. Data used in the research are taken last four comppppings, performed in 1926-1937, 1953-1955, 1974-1982, 1997-2003. Furthermore data from the verticalcrustal movements map from 1985 was taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Northern Superior superterrane in the northwestern Superior Province is characterized by an ancestry back to ca. 3.8Ga and contains one of the largest and best-preserved high-grade terranes on Earth, the Pikwitonei Granulite Domain and its northeast extension, the Split Lake Block. This high-grade terrane occurs in the Superior Boundary zone, a complex transitional zone that bounds the northwestern margin of the Archean Superior Province and separates it from the Paleoproterozoic crust of the Trans-Hudson Orogen. Detailed structural and geochronological data from the exceptionally well-exposed Gull Rapids area at the eastern margin of the Split Lake Block shows evidence for both Neoarchean (Kenoran) and Paleoproterozoic (Trans-Hudson) deformation and metamorphism. More importantly, it indicates that the uplift of the Split Lake Block was achieved by shear zone movement in the Neoarchean, not in the Palaeoproterozoic, synchronous with peak metamorphism and dyke emplacement at ca. 2686Ma. This indicates that uplift of the high-grade domains in the Northern Superior superterrane was neither related to its collision with the North Caribou superterrane at ca. 2.72Ga, nor to the ca. 1.8Ga Trans-Hudson orogeny. Instead, this uplift might have occurred during a major period of Superior-wide active tectonism toward the end of the Neoarchean Kenoran orogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The origin of anomalous tectonic subsidence (ATS) of large intracontinental basins long after their most recent phase of extension and last thermal perturbation is the subject of a long standing debate. We show that deep-Earth processes may contribute to the subsidence of these tectonically stable basins by analysing the Tertiary mantle convection-driven topography history of a global set of more than 220 intracontinental basins, integrated into a plate kinematic framework. Most basins are affected by increasing negative dynamic topography over the last 70Myr, due to the motion of many continents away from large mantle upwellings and towards downwellings previously located along the perimeter of the supercontinent Pangaea. During continental dispersal, increasing negative dynamic topography causes dynamic subsidence of the basins, creating additional accommodation space. We utilise a parameter from a global crustal analysis of intraplate basins, termed “anomalous tectonic subsidence”, to quantify sediment accumulation not related to crustal stretching. We propose that dynamic subsidence due to plate motions relative to the underlying mantle, as well as variations in the large-scale convection patterns can significantly contribute to the creation (and destruction) of accommodation space in intraplate basins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The crustal and lithospheric mantle structure at the south segment of the west Iberian margin was investigated along a 370 km long seismic transect. The transect goes from unthinned continental crust onshore to oceanic crust, crossing the ocean–continent transition (OCT) zone. The wide-angle data set includes recordings from 6 OBSs and 2 inland seismic stations. Kinematic and dynamic modeling provided a 2D velocity model that proved to be consistent with the modeled free-air anomaly data. The interpretation of coincident multi-channel near-vertical and wide-angle reflection data sets allowed the identification of four main crustal domains: (i) continental (east of 9.4°W); (ii) continental thinning (9.4°W–9.7°W); (iii) transitional (9.7°W–∼10.5°W); and (iv) oceanic (west of ∼10.5°W). In the continental domain the complete crustal section of slightly thinned continental crust is present. The upper (UCC, 5.1–6.0 km/s) and the lower continental crust (LCC, 6.9–7.2 km/s) are seismically reflective and have intermediate to low P-wave velocity gradients. The middle continental crust (MCC, 6.35–6.45 km/s) is generally unreflective with low velocity gradient. The main thinning of the continental crust occurs in the thinning domain by attenuation of the UCC and the LCC. Major thinning of the MCC starts to the west of the LCC pinchout point, where it rests directly upon the mantle. In the thinning domain the Moho slope is at least 13° and the continental crust thickness decreases seaward from 22 to 11 km over a ∼35 km distance, stretched by a factor of 1.5 to 3. In the oceanic domain a two-layer high-gradient igneous crust (5.3–6.0 km/s; 6.5–7.4 km/s) was modeled. The intra-crustal interface correlates with prominent mid-basement, 10–15 km long reflections in the multi-channel seismic profile. Strong secondary reflected PmP phases require a first order discontinuity at the Moho. The sedimentary cover can be as thick as 5 km and the igneous crustal thickness varies from 4 to 11 km in the west, where the profile reaches the Madeira-Tore Rise. In the transitional domain the crust has a complex structure that varies both horizontally and vertically. Beneath the continental slope it includes exhumed continental crust (6.15–6.45 km/s). Strong diffractions were modeled to originate at the lower interface of this layer. The western segment of this transitional domain is highly reflective at all levels, probably due to dykes and sills, according to the high apparent susceptibility and density modeled at this location. Sub-Moho mantle velocity is found to be 8.0 km/s, but velocities smaller than 8.0 km/s confined to short segments are not excluded by the data. Strong P-wave wide-angle reflections are modeled to originate at depth of 20 km within the lithospheric mantle, under the eastern segment of the oceanic domain, or even deeper at the transitional domain, suggesting a layered structure for the lithospheric mantle. Both interface depths and velocities of the continental section are in good agreement to the conjugate Newfoundland margin. A ∼40 km wide OCT having a geophysical signature distinct from the OCT to the north favors a two pulse continental breakup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multisatellite systems with linear structure (SLS) are defined, and their application for a continuous global or zonal coverage of the Earth’s surface is justified. It is demonstrated that in some cases these systems turned out to be better than usually recommended kinematically regular systems by G.V. Mozhaev, delta systems of J.G. Walker, and polar systems suggested by F.W. Gobets, L. Rider, and W.S. Adams. When a comparison is made using the criterion of a minimum radius of one-satellite coverage circle, the SLS beat the other systems for the majority of satellite numbers from the range 20-63, if the global continuous single coverage of the Earth is required. In the case of a zonal continuous single coverage of the latitude belt ±65°, the SLS are preferable at almost all numbers of satellites from 38 to 100, and further at any values up to 200 excluding 144. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]