Gravitational Processes Research Articles

State-of-the-Practice Review on the Use of Flocculants for Construction Stormwater Management in the United States

Construction stormwater practices have a vital role in protecting downstream water bodies from runoff that is typically characterized with large amounts of sediment and suspended solids. Most sediment control practices lack the capability to capture fine-sized soil particles that are responsible for causing elevated turbidity. Flocculation is a form of chemical treatment that uses flocculant particles as a binding bridge to form larger particles to enhance the gravitational settling process. The use of flocculants provides promising results for removing fine particles and treating construction stormwater. This study provides a comprehensive review of flocculants and their applications in construction stormwater treatment in the U.S. The study presents a literature review and results of a state-of-the-practice survey distributed to state departments of transportation. Results from 37 participating state agencies and data from specifications and design manuals for non-participating agencies were compiled to develop a comprehensive understanding of current uses and perceptions. Results indicated that 39% of state agencies currently use flocculants on construction sites. Within that, 54% of the state agencies rely on manufacturer guidance for dosage and application rates and only 23% require monitoring residual flocculant in downstream receiving waters. The potential risk of polluting downstream water bodies because of overdosage of flocculants related to inadequate application rates and techniques is the main concern of the state departments of transportation on flocculant usage. Understanding the perspective of the state agencies on flocculants will provide an insight into future research agendas for extending the use of flocculants in construction stormwater management.

The relevance of flotation classification in a closed grinding cycle

The article discusses a brief history of development of the flotation classification, reflects current trends in the development of flotation ore dressing, in foreign and domestic enrichment practice. Variants of implementation of the flotation classification, due to behavioral patterns, the degree of interaction are discussed. The relationship of flotation and gravitational processes in the flotation classification was identified and confirmed by theoretical and experimental studies. The directions of application of the flotation classification in a closed grinding cycle were considered. Variants of practical application of the flotation classification in a closed grinding cycle for sulfide ores and on tailings for various products of the grinding cycle, in the modes of froth flotation and separation were analyzed, the main advantages were identified. Ways to achieve optimal conditions for flotation classification were described. A new direction for the flotation classification using tapering chutes was identified. It is possible to obtain a conditional concentrate of flotation classification in a closed grinding cycle with the enrichment of the froth product in the tapering chutes. The flotation classification of tailings ensures the maximum extraction of flotation minerals into the froth with the tailings flotation classification being drained. A schematic diagram of flotation classification enrichment in a closed grinding cycle is presented, and the results of calculating final flotation classification parameters for sulphide copper ore dressing are presented. Flotation classifiers in a closed grinding cycle reduce energy costs and increase technological indicators of the enrichment of mineral and industrial raw materials.

Formation Evaluation Workflow Assesses Mass-Transport Complex Reservoirs

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203016, “Formation Evaluation in Mass-Transport Complex Reservoirs,” by Ulises Bustos, Schlumberger; Carlos Duran, Petróleos Sudamericanos; and Alvaro Chapellin, Schlumberger, et al., prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually from 9-12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Mass-transport deposits (MTDs) are sedimentary, stratigraphic successions remobilized after initial deposition but before substantial lithification and transported downslope by gravitational processes as non-Newtonian rheological units. In the complete paper, the authors present an openhole advanced formation-evaluation approach that enables assessment of tight-matrix and natural-fracture systems at a level not previously accomplished in these types of geological formations. Introduction The considered wildcat project by Petroleos Sudamericanos is in the Lower Magdalena Valley hydrocarbon province in Colombia. From a stratigraphic point of view, the targets belong to tertiary deposits from the lower Neogene. Gravity-driven processes are complex and include creep, slide, slump, debris flow, and multiphase granular flows. The remobilized sedimentary deposits resulting from these processes are called MTDs or mass-transport complexes (MTCs) and are the main target job. Overlaying a crystalline basement, four MTC cycles were identified (although the present work only covers three MTC cycles) deposited in shallow marine environments. Each cycle consists of quartzite; phyllite; and schistose metamorphic rocks, largely gneiss with strong milonitization effects and foliated tremolitic marble in the top of the sequence. A summary of these types of rock is provided in the complete paper. The non-Archie nature of these rocks represents a challenge for formation evaluation. For reducing these uncertainties, a volumetric model with spectros copy dry-weight elements and nuclears was created that enabled solution of the total porosity, which was then benchmarked against the lithology-independent total nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) porosity. The saturation computation was achieved with the fast neutron cross section method (FNXS) for the gas component and with total carbon for the liquid hydrocarbon fraction. The natural fracture system was analyzed with borehole image logs and with radial sonic-based dispersion analysis. The integration of matrix and natural-fracture assessment provided a robust formation evaluation that enabled identification of the main interest zones across the MTC cycles. Multifunction Spectroscopy for Matrix Analysis The multifunction spectroscopy tool is 1.72 in. in diameter and 18.3 ft long, consisting of a pulsed neutron generator and four detectors. The first detector is the compact neutron monitor, sensitive to fast neutrons and located adjacent to the high-output pulsed neutron source, measuring neutron output with high accuracy and precision. The second (near) and third (far) gamma-ray detectors are used for inelastic and capture spectroscopy measurements. The fourth and farthest-spaced detector (deep) uses an yttrium aluminum perovskite scintillator, which is involved in gas detection and assessment. The nuclear spectroscopy measurement is performed in energy and time domains; both aspects are described in detail in the complete paper.

Corrosion and Hardness Behaviour of Al/GO Nanocomposites Processed by the Ultrasonic Gravitational Stir Casting Method

The objective of this work is to evaluate the corrosion behaviour of nanographene oxide reinforced aluminium (Al/GO) metal matrix composites with different immersion time periods using the immersion corrosion technique. The Al/GO composites were fabricated by the ultrasonic gravitational stir casting process. The corrosions of Al/GO were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results revealed that the corrosion rate decreased and weight losses increased with increasing immersion time periods. The nonimmersed Al/GO composites exhibited higher microhardness values compared to the immersed Al/GO composites.

GEOLOGICAL-GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL NATURAL PARKS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

In the stydy an analysis of the geological structure and relief of Uzhansky, “Skolivsky Beskydy”, and “Boykivshchyna” national natural parks (NNP), located in the north-western part of the Ukrainian Carpathians, is presented. Uzhansky NNP is located within the Polonynsko-Chornohirska and Vododilno-Verkhovyna geomorphological regions, “Skolivski Beskydy” NNP is situated in the Skibovy Carpathians, and the newly created “Boykivshchyna” NNP is located within the Vododilno-Verkhovyna and Skybovi Carpathians. The analysis of the morphostructure and morphosculpture of national parks is carried out taking into account the longitudinal (N-W–S-E) and transverse divisions of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The longitudinal division is associated with higher morphostructures of higher orders – the second and third, with the transverse is associated with the fourth and fifth morphostructures. In the analysis of morphosculpture of national parks, the types which are characteristic of the Carpathian Flysch belt are allocated. All mountain ranges and ridges are characterized by an asymmetrical structure – steep northeastern slopes and declivous southwestern slopes. The relic morphosculpture is represented by: 1) fragments of denudation surfaces of different ages such as Beskid, Pidbeskid, and riparian; 2) extra glacial and firn glaciations; 3) areas of ancient longitudinal valleys. Inherited morphosculpture is represented by river valleys with a complex of terraces of different ages. Modern morphodynamic processes represent by height (tier) differentiation. In the tiers of strongly dissected mid-mountain and low-mountain relief, the processes of planar erosion, deflux, and linear erosion play an important role in the modeling of the relief. The lower tier of the terraced and non-terraced bottoms of the valleys are associated with the processes of leaching and erosion as well as a significant accumulation of erosion products and mudflows. Among gravitational processes and block motions, stabilized and active displacements are the most recorded. Keywords: National natural park; Ukrainian Carpathians; relief; morphostructure; morphosculpture.

ГЕОЕКОЛОГІЧНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ПРИЧОРНОМОРСЬКИХ ЛИМАНІВ ЯК СКЛАДОВОЇ ГЕОЕКОСИСТЕМИ АЗОВО-ЧОРНОМОРСЬКОГО БАСЕЙНУ

The Black Sea estuaries are unique natural formations that havegreat geoecological and recreational importance. But their ecological state is almost critical and requires developing effective measures to preserve them and restore the geoecological balance. On the basis of literary and field materials, the article analyzes the information about the history of research of estuaries within the northwest coast of the Black Sea. The current state and problematic situations in the study of their morphology, dynamics and regime are determined, the current problems for each estuary are emphasized. On the basis of field geological and geomorphological investigations and remote sensing data, the features of gravitational geological processes within the coastal zones are characterized. Changes in the morphology of the coastline and estuary areas during 2015–2020 are analyzed. Modern hydrological characteristics and features of ecological condition of these estuaries are given. Perspectives of further research of these objects are determined. To preserve the natural value of the estuaries as a unique transition zone between sea and land (geoecoton), the geoecological research approachis proposed to use

Evolving traversable wormholes satisfying the energy conditions in the presence of pole dark energy

We consider the evolution of traversable wormhole geometries in the inflationary, radiation -- and matter -- dominated eras, and dynamic wormholes with a traceless energy-momentum tensor (EMT), within the recently proposed {\it pole dark energy} model. We show that the evolving radiation -- and matter -- dominated wormhole spacetimes satisfy the null energy condition (NEC), but possess negative energy densities at late times, thus violating the weak energy condition (WEC) in this specific domain. However, we demonstrate with a specific example that the traceless EMT evolving wormholes, supported by conformally invariant massless fields, in principle, could satisfy the WEC, and consequently the NEC, at all times and for all values of the radial coordinate. Thus, one may imagine a scenario in which these geometries originate in the Planckian era through quantum gravitational processes. Inflation could then provide a natural mechanism for the enlargement of these Planckian wormholes, where their FLRW background evolution is governed by pole dark energy. For the first time in the literature, specific dynamical $4$-dimensional solutions are presented that satisfy the NEC and WEC everywhere and everywhen.

Оценка постэксплуатационного состояния вольфрамово-молибденового месторождения и возможности нового его вовлечения в природопользование

Reserves of the main Russian tungsten deposit, the Primorye Field, are close to depletion. In this connection, the feasibility of resuming the development of the Tyrnyauz tungstenmolybdenum deposit in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic (KBR) has been the subject of discussion for the past decade. According to industry experts, the ore field of this deposit still contains about 50% of the total tungsten reserves of the Russian Federation. However, implementation of the idea will be hindered by a number of both external and internal constraints. The world demand for tungsten and molybdenum is characterized with high volatility. Classical mechanisms to regulate the non-ferrous metals market in Russia are still rudimentary. The production infrastructure at the Tyrnyauz Plant has been completely destroyed, which means high capital costs for the project. The abandoned ore fields disturbed by industrial development have undergone serious changes due to intensive geochemical and gravitational processes. This physical and chemical transformation was caused by internal and external conditions which resulted in formation of migratory and toxic aggregates that had not been manifested at the time of the mine closure. As a result, the natural and man-caused evolution of ores and nonmetallic minerals has caused a significant reduction in the balance reserves of this deposit. The final decision regarding this project should be based on comprehensive understanding the obvious risks, which are impossible to avoid. Thus, if the decision is made to build a new metallurgical enterprise, it will then operate in the new market conditions with more stringent requirements regarding the mining and geological parameters of the deposit. Ore extraction and processing are inherently highly energy intensive processes. It is not an easy task to achieve its high profitability under conditions of constant and unpredictable growth in energy prices. Forecast investments to launch a new mining complex with innovative technology are too high; according to various estimates, they may reach 22-29 billion rubles. The generation of specialists who used to work at the mine before the Perestroyka is gone, and it will take years to create a new highly qualified team.

The results of analysis of Rich Galaxy Clusters from CfA2 Redshift Survey spatial distribution

Preliminary results of the investigation of the properties of 7 galaxy cluster from CfA2 redshift survey are discussed in the presented article. Clusters 933, 142, 1046, and 1652 have several peculiarities of the spatial distributions of galaxies. The distributions on absolute magnitude and luminosity represent two areas for clusters 933, 88, 142, 1046, 1101. The investigation of the spatial distribution and other characteristics of 88, 1101, 1046, 142, 933, 1242 and 1652 galaxy clusters allow concluding gravitational lensing effect. Galaxies from these areas are paired accordingly its spectral characteristics and position. Redshifts of these clusters are in the region 0.002 – 0.022. Preliminary results of analysis allow us concluding compact objects or dark matter blobs as lenses. Moreover, groups #933, #142, #1046 and #1652 reveals high-energy γ-associations on Fermi/LAT 10-Year Point Source Catalog 4FGL-DR2 (4FGL J1144.9 + 1937, 4FGL J0152.2 + 3714, 4FGL J1230.8 + 1223 and 4FGL J1653.8 + 3945); and sources 4FGL J0123.1+3421, 4FGL J1259.5+2332, 4FGL J1353.2+3740 are located inside sizes of clusters #88, #1101 and #1242. Also several anomalies of spatial dynamic of galaxies in these clusters were separated. Joint observations of such clusters by orbital gamma-ray observatories with high angular resolution and ground-based Cherenkov air-shower experiments could possibly clarify the type of gravitational lensing and processes of particle acceleration in these objects especially highest energy of emitted gammas. Thus we propose including these and similar clusters in the programs of observations of the planned experiment GAMMA-400 (Gamma Astronomical Multifunctional Modular Apparatus) with angular resolution ~0.01° at Eγ = 100 GeV. Also now it is discussed coordination of multiwavelength observations program of Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) and GAMMA-400 objects list for observations. Moreover, common observations of such clusters by orbital gamma-ray telescopes with high angular resolution and ground-based Cherenkov air-shower experiments could possibly clarify the type of gravitational lenses.

Structural control on badland slope evolution: A case study from the southern Apennines (Italy)

This work focuses on a multi-method study of badlands exposed in two different areas of southern Italy. Results of both geomorphological and structural geological studies are obtained by combining field and laboratory analyses of the badlands affecting Plio-Quaternary silty-clays of southern Italy. Results are discussed in terms of deformation mechanisms and badland formation and evolution. Results highlight the role played by pre-existing structural heterogeneities, such as high-angle faults and joints, on both gravitational processes and water circulation. The aforementioned heterogeneities are due to specific tectonic stress regimes, and are interpreted in light of their genetic nature, kinematics, attitude, geometry, relative timing of formation, and aerial distribution. Results of this work are summarized in a four-stage conceptual model characterized by specific genetic mechanisms. The conceptual model includes representative sketches aimed at assessing the time-dependant evolution of the badlands. A profound link between structural geology and geormophological processes is therefore envisioned for the badlands of southern Italy.

VIBES: Visual Binary Exoplanet survey with SPHERE

Context. Recent surveys indicate that planets in binary systems are more abundant than previously thought, which is in agreement with theoretical work on disc dynamics and planet formation in binaries. So far, most observational surveys, however, have focused on short-period planets in binaries, thus little is known about the occurrence rates of planets on longer periods (≥10 au). Aims. In order to measure the abundance and physical characteristics of wide-orbit giant exoplanets in binary systems, we have designed the “VIsual Binary Exoplanet survey with Sphere” (VIBES) to search for planets in visual binaries. It uses the SPHERE instrument at VLT to search for planets in 23 visual binary and four visual triple systems with ages of <145 Myr and distances of <150 pc. Methods. We used the IRDIS dual-band imager on SPHERE to acquire high-contrast images of the sample targets. For each binary, the two components were observed at the same time with a coronagraph masking only the primary star. For the triple star, the tight components were treated as a single star for data reduction. This enabled us to effectively search for companions around 50 individual stars in binaries and four binaries in triples. Results. We derived upper limits of <13.7% for the frequency of sub-stellar companions around primaries in visual binaries, <26.5% for the fraction of sub-stellar companions around secondaries in visual binaries, and an occurrence rate of <9.0% for giant planets and brown dwarfs around either component of visual binaries. We have combined our observations with literature measurements to astrometrically confirm, for the first time, that 20 binaries and two triple systems, which were previously known, are indeed physically bound. Finally, we discovered a third component of the binary HD 121336. Conclusions. The upper limits we derived are compatible with planet formation through the core accretion and the gravitational instability processes in binaries. These limits are also in line with limits found for single star and circumbinary planet search surveys.

Optimization of principal parameters of bulk materials separation in cascade classifiers

The analysis of principal regularities of material distribution in cascade stages has allowed us to substantiate the optimality of some important separation parameters. It is shown that the best separation effect can be achieved by feeding the initial material to the mid stage of the cascade. Here the number of stages can be limited, since the separation effect is weakened with its growth. This analysis has also demonstrated the limited nature of the velocity-based hypothesis in the theory of gravitation processes, although until now this hypothesis ranks among the central ones in this theory.

Velocity dispersion in the interstellar medium of early galaxies

ABSTRACT We study the structure of spatially resolved, line-of-sight velocity dispersion for galaxies in the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) traced by [C $\scriptstyle \rm II$] $158\, \mu \rm {m}$ line emission. Our laboratory is a simulated prototypical Lyman-break galaxy, ‘Freesia, part of the serra suite’. The analysis encompasses the redshift range 6 < z < 8, when Freesia is in a very active assembling phase. We build velocity dispersion maps for three dynamically distinct evolutionary stages (Spiral Disc at z = 7.4, Merger at z = 8.0, and Disturbed Disc at z = 6.5) using [C $\scriptstyle \rm II$] hyperspectral data cubes. We find that, at a high spatial resolution of 0.005 arcsec (≃30 pc), the luminosity-weighted average velocity dispersion is $\sigma _{\rm {CII}}\simeq 23{\text {--}}38\, {\rm km\, s^{-1}}$ with the highest value belonging to the highly structured Disturbed Disc stage. Low-resolution observations tend to overestimate σC ii values due to beam smearing effects that depend on the specific galaxy structure. For an angular resolution of 0.02 arcsec (0.1 arcsec), the average velocity dispersion is $16{\!-\!}34{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ ($52{\!-\!}115{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) larger than the actual one. The [C $\scriptstyle \rm II$] emitting gas in Freesia has a Toomre parameter $\mathcal {Q}\simeq 0.2$ and rotational-to-dispersion ratio of vc/σ ≃ 7 similar to that observed in z = 2−3 galaxies. The primary energy source for the velocity dispersion is due to gravitational processes, such as merging/accretion events; energy input from stellar feedback is generally sub-dominant ($\lt 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$). Finally, we find that the resolved σC ii−ΣSFR relation is relatively flat for $0.02\lt {\Sigma }_{\rm SFR}/{\rm M}_{\odot }\rm {yr}^{-1} {\rm kpc}^{-2} \lt 30$, with the majority of data lying on the derived analytical relation $\sigma \propto \Sigma _{\rm SFR}^{5/7}$. At high SFR, the increased contribution from stellar feedback steepens the relation, and σC ii rises slightly.

Is the Copenhagen Interpretation Inapplicable to Quantum Cosmology?

It is generally accepted that the Copenhagen interpretation is inapplicable to quantum cosmology, by contrast with the many worlds interpretation. I shall demonstrate that the two basic principles of the Copenhagen interpretation, the principle of wholeness and the principle of complementarity, do make sense in quantum gravity, since we can judge about quantum gravitational processes in the very early Universe by their vestiges in our macroscopic Universe. I shall present the extended phase space approach to quantum gravity and show that it can be interpreted in the spirit of the Everett’s “relative states” formulation, while there is no contradiction between the “relative states” formulation and the mentioned basic principles of the Copenhagen interpretation.

СХОДИМОСТЬ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО МЕТОДА ДЕШИФРИРОВАНИЯ С ПОЛЕВЫМИ РАБОТАМИ НА ЛИНЕЙНОМ ОБЪЕКТЕ. НА ПРИМЕРЕ ОПОЛЗНЕВОГО УЧАСТКА

Рассматривается технология воздушного лазерного сканирования, применяемая для изучения топографии, геоморфологии и картирования опасных геологических процессов с описанием,требуемымв нормативных документах, а также сопоставление данных дистанционного метода прогнозного определения зеркала скольжения с геофизическими и геологическими методами исследований. Цель: проведение работ для получения положительной статистики применения метода дешифрирования материаловвоздушного лазерного сканированиясовмещенного с цифровой аэрофотосъёмкой для изученияоползней; сопоставление прогнозных данных зеркала скольжения с классическими геологическими и геофизическими исследованиями оползневого участка и, как следствие, выявление надежности применения метода дешифрирования материалов воздушного лазерного сканирования. Объект: участок склона проектного проложения магистрального трубопровода. Предмет исследования – гравитационные геологические процессы, их форма, состояние и активность. Методы: метод дешифрирования материалов воздушного лазерного сканированияс выделением оползней по прямым признакам. Так как лазерное сканирование местности позволяет получить массив точек лазерных отражений от поверхности грунта при наличии растительности, выделение оползней по прямым признакампозволяет установить их границы и текстурные особенности. Применялись традиционные методы исследований, геодезическая съёмка местности, бурение скважин, геофизические исследования и т.д. Результаты. Сопоставление дистанционного метода и полевых изысканий показало достаточно высокую сходимость по выявлению оползней (границ тел и их внешнего облика). Определение предполагаемого зеркала скольжения оползня по его внешнему облику для дополевой оценки также показывает сходимость результатов достаточную для оценки при выборе конкурентных направлений. Мировой опыт, накопленный в области применения аэрометодов в съемках, показывает их исключительную эффективность. Таким образом, метод эффективен для принятия проектных решений перед полевыми исследованиями, а также исключает возможность недоизученности территории непосредственно перед началом полевых исследований.

The role of late Quaternary tectonic activity and sea-level changes on sedimentary processes interaction in the Gulf of Cadiz upper and middle continental slope (SW Iberia)

A morphological and seismic-stratigraphic analysis of the Gulf of Cadiz area near the Strait of Gibraltar is presented in this work, focused on the sedimentary evolution of the upper and proximal middle-continental slope since the Mid-Pleistocene. Based on the analysis of seismic reflection profiles and swath bathymetry data, this work analyses the close influence of the activity of buried and outcropping diapiric ridges and late Quaternary sea-level changes on the evolution of contouritic features related to the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) and Eastern North Atlantic Central Water (ENACW), gravitational features and fluid-escape structures. The stratigraphic architecture reveals that, under active diapiric deformation, the upper slope plastered drift grew during low sea-level stages, when sediment supply was high and the ENACW swept the upper slope, contrasting with the present-day highstand situation dominated by northwest-trending MOW flow. The south-estward ENACW flow forced asymmetry and lateral migration of gullies incised in the plastered drift. Two evolutionary stages have been established: 1) After the Mid Pleistocene, activity of diapirs with a NE trend determined the location of the deepest depressions which were infilled by plastered contouritic drifts; 2) Between Late Quaternary and present, a drastic change of buried diapirs growth pattern and orientation to a NW trend enhanced slope-derived gravitational processes affecting the bottom current dynamics. Adjustments to tectonic changes led to a phase of plastered drift growth on the upper slope during which depocenters varied their distribution and orientation. In a long-term the structural control on sedimentation shows a northwestward displacement of deformation, resulting in an overall extension of the contourite depositional system to the NW. In a short-term, sea-level changes favored drift deposition, gullies incision and the strengthening of water masses. This work evidences the importance of tectonic deformation in sedimentation at recent time scales, and the two-directional interplay between recent tectonic activity and bottom current dynamics.

Optimization of the Main Parameters of Separation of Bulk Materials in Vertical Cascade Classifiers

The analysis of the main regularities of distribution of the material in stages of the vertical cascade makes it possible to substantiate the optimality of some important parameters of separation. It is shown that the best efficiency of separation can be attained as a result of feeding of the source material into the central part of the cascade. In this case, the number of stages should be restricted because the efficiency of separation decreases as the number of stages increases. The proposed analysis also reveals some shortcomings of the generally accepted velocity-based hypothesis in the theory of gravitational processes, which occupies a central place in the analyzed theory until now.

Условия формирования основных экзогенных процессов в юго-западной части Байкальской рифтовой системы (Россия) и восточной части Южно-Китайского блока (Китай)

The aim of the study is to analyze and compare the causes and conditions for the formation of the exogenous processes in the southwestern part of the Baikal rift system (Russia) and in the eastern part of the South China block (China) with the emphasis on the weathering, gravitational and surface-water processes. The Tunka rift zone is taken as the main site. It is compared with the eastern part of the South China block where the main observation points are associated with the Yangtze River delta and adjacent territories. The main research methods include field routes with visual examination of the observation points and measurement of certain characteristics and parameters, as well as selection and analysis of the published and archive literary sources. The comparison of the geodynamic processes emerging in the study territories has concluded that the dominant processes are weathering and gravitational processes, namely, landslide formation. The intensity of the processes is primarily determined by the sharply broken relief. The differences between the two study regions are determined by the climatic peculiarities including the precipitation level and temperature change, as well as by the seismicity, the presence of the glacier forms, and the landscape features. The combination of the above factors predetermines the wet landslide activity of the Tunka branch of the rift depressions vs. almost none of the kind in the Yangtze River delta. The analysis of the defined factors makes it possible to predict exogenous processes such as landslide and mudslide, and take timely measures on minimizing the negative impact of the above. The lack of the large scale maps showing the danger zones and adequate control of identifying the land areas that are knowingly in need of protection from the geodynamic processes’ impact, are increasingly leading to the extension of the danger zones and associated risk both in the eastern part of China and throughout the Baikal region.

Late Quaternary multi-genetic processes and products on the northern Gulf of Cadiz upper continental slope (SW Iberian Peninsula)

On continental margins, the upper slope to shelf break environment forms a critical region where sediment supply, hydrographic activity and gravitational processes determine how and when sediments are partitioned between the shallow- and deep-marine realm. On the SW Iberian margin, relatively few studies have addressed the dynamics of this region, although it holds key information regarding the link between the sedimentary evolution of the continental shelf and the contourite depositional system on the middle slope. This work therefore presents a high-resolution analysis of the morphological and stratigraphic expressions of late Quaternary (dominantly last glacial and present-day interglacial) sedimentary processes on the upper slope and shelf margin sector between 7° and 7°30’ W.The integration of seismic, bathymetric and hydrographic data reveals the presence of alongslope processes and products (a bottom current-related plastered drift, moat, erosional surface and terrace, an internal wave-/tide-controlled sediment wave field), downslope (gravitational) processes and products (an upper slope – shelf margin valley system, slumps, debrites, gullies), neotectonic elements (diapirs) and fluid flow features (pockmarks, bright spots). The spatial distribution of these features indicates that the study area becomes increasingly alongslope-dominated towards the W, and oppositely, more downslope-dominated towards the E, because sediment supply to the latter area is enhanced under the dominant eastward dispersal of fluvially supplied sediments on the shelf. In addition, glacial-interglacial variations in the amount of sediments supplied to the shelf edge and the intensity of oceanographic processes in the study area also generate a distinct temporal variability, with glacial and interglacial intervals respectively recording principally downslope- and alongslope-controlled morphological elements. Finally, regardless of these overall spatial and temporal patterns, diapirism and fluid flow are inferred to locally destabilize sediments and induce small-scale mass wasting in the study area. These findings are not only relevant to the northern Gulf of Cadiz, but also to the general understanding of sedimentary dynamics and controls in mixed downslope- and alongslope-controlled upper slope to shelf margin settings worldwide.

Archimedes’ Principle and Gravitation as a Spontaneous Process

A different physical interpretation of floating of bodies - the so-called “Archimedes’ Principle” - relates the gravitational process to its essential characteristic: its spontaneity. Gravity is a spontaneous physical process - similar, for example, to the process we interpret as ‘heat transfer’ between bodies at different temperature; similar to the process which occurs when masses of gas in contact with each other are at different pressures; similar to the process we call ‘friction’. Gravitation has all the characteristics shown by other spontaneous processes, and, like them, its cause is disequilibrium, between matter in contact, in a ‘quality’ of that matter. In the case of gravitation, the quality of matter is related to its intensive property we call ‘density’.
 
 Just as the process we call ‘heat transfer’ is the spontaneous process by means of which the Universe reduces and eliminates disequilibria that exist between its parts, due to differences in ‘temperature’, what we call ‘gravitation’ is the spontaneous process by means of which the Universe reduces and eliminates disequilibria between its parts, due to differences in ‘density’. This is achieved by moving bodies. Ceteris paribus, the process moves a body in the direction in which the difference in density between the matter of the body and the matter of the fluid surrounding the body is reduced.