Modern Atmosphere Research Articles

Atmospheric composition 1 million years ago from blue ice in the Allan Hills, Antarctica

Here, we present direct measurements of atmospheric composition and Antarctic climate from the mid-Pleistocene (∼1 Ma) from ice cores drilled in the Allan Hills blue ice area, Antarctica. The 1-Ma ice is dated from the deficit in (40)Ar relative to the modern atmosphere and is present as a stratigraphically disturbed 12-m section at the base of a 126-m ice core. The 1-Ma ice appears to represent most of the amplitude of contemporaneous climate cycles and CO2 and CH4 concentrations in the ice range from 221 to 277 ppm and 411 to 569 parts per billion (ppb), respectively. These concentrations, together with measured δD of the ice, are at the warm end of the field for glacial-interglacial cycles of the last 800 ky and span only about one-half of the range. The highest CO2 values in the 1-Ma ice fall within the range of interglacial values of the last 400 ka but are up to 7 ppm higher than any interglacial values between 450 and 800 ka. The lowest CO2 values are 30 ppm higher than during any glacial period between 450 and 800 ka. This study shows that the coupling of Antarctic temperature and atmospheric CO2 extended into the mid-Pleistocene and demonstrates the feasibility of discontinuously extending the current ice core record beyond 800 ka by shallow coring in Antarctic blue ice areas.

Organic-matter quality of deep permafrost carbon – a study from Arctic Siberia

Abstract. The organic-carbon (OC) pool accumulated in Arctic permafrost (perennially frozen ground) equals the carbon stored in the modern atmosphere. To give an idea of how Yedoma region permafrost could respond under future climatic warming, we conducted a study to quantify the organic-matter quality (here defined as the intrinsic potential to be further transformed, decomposed, and mineralized) of late Pleistocene (Yedoma) and Holocene (thermokarst) deposits on the Buor-Khaya Peninsula, northeast Siberia. The objective of this study was to develop a stratigraphic classified organic-matter quality characterization. For this purpose the degree of organic-matter decomposition was estimated by using a multiproxy approach. We applied sedimentological (grain-size analyses, bulk density, ice content) and geochemical parameters (total OC, stable carbon isotopes (δ13C), total organic carbon : nitrogen (C / N) ratios) as well as lipid biomarkers (n-alkanes, n-fatty acids, hopanes, triterpenoids, and biomarker indices, i.e., average chain length, carbon preference index (CPI), and higher-plant fatty-acid index (HPFA)). Our results show that the Yedoma and thermokarst organic-matter qualities for further decomposition exhibit no obvious degradation–depth trend. Relatively, the C / N and δ13C values and the HPFA index show a significantly better preservation of the organic matter stored in thermokarst deposits compared to Yedoma deposits. The CPI data suggest less degradation of the organic matter from both deposits, with a higher value for Yedoma organic matter. As the interquartile ranges of the proxies mostly overlap, we interpret this as indicating comparable quality for further decomposition for both kinds of deposits with likely better thermokarst organic-matter quality. Supported by principal component analyses, the sediment parameters and quality proxies of Yedoma and thermokarst deposits could not be unambiguously separated from each other. This revealed that the organic-matter vulnerability is heterogeneous and depends on different decomposition trajectories and the previous decomposition and preservation history. Elucidating this was one of the major new contributions of our multiproxy study. With the addition of biomarker data, it was possible to show that permafrost organic-matter degradation likely occurs via a combination of (uncompleted) degradation cycles or a cascade of degradation steps rather than as a linear function of age or sediment facies. We conclude that the amount of organic matter in the studied sediments is high for mineral soils and of good quality and therefore susceptible to future decomposition. The lack of depth trends shows that permafrost acts like a giant freezer, preserving the constant quality of ancient organic matter. When undecomposed Yedoma organic matter is mobilized via thermokarst processes, the fate of this carbon depends largely on the environmental conditions; the carbon could be preserved in an undecomposed state till refreezing occurs. If modern input has occurred, thermokarst organic matter could be of a better quality for future microbial decomposition than that found in Yedoma deposits.

Requirements Analysis on the Physical Environment Factors of Senior Welfare Centers to Prepare for a Super Aged Society

Background : To keep up with the serious issue of the aging population, the Korean government has announced a project in preparation for the era when people will live to be a hundred. It has planned to implement a variety of policies targeting active seniors who are healthy elders with financial power. The existing research on community senior welfare centers for active seniors focuses on the fundamental facility environment alone and there have been insufficient efforts to obtain a full understanding of their requirements, which have become more and more complex and diverse. This study aimed to confirm the importance of physical environment factors at community senior welfare centers, use correspondence analysis of requirements for the physical environment to carry out in-depth analysis, and present a future direction for the centers. Methods : The analysis obtained the following results: First, the need for welfare centers, general satisfaction with senior welfare centers, satisfaction with the physical environment, and the importance of the physical environment at the centers, as felt currently by elders, were all found to be concepts significantly correlated with one another. In other words, both the importance of and satisfaction with the physical environment at the senior welfare centers are now deeply correlated with general satisfaction with the use of the centers. Second, as for the general atmosphere of the senior welfare centers, 45.0% preferred a cozy homelike atmosphere; as for the interior color of the centers, 69.5% preferred bright and clear ivory; and as for the interior material of the centers, 89.5% preferred wood. Third, correspondence analysis of the preferred general indoor atmosphere, the preferred main interior color, and the preferred finishing material for the interior of the welfare centers obtained the following results: the cozy homelike atmosphere was strongly correlated with bright and clear ivory and fabric; the academic, school-like atmosphere with soft pastel and wood; and the luxurious, hotel-like atmosphere with bright and clear ivory and fabric; the natural and rural atmosphere was strongly correlated with soft pastel and wood; and the tidy, pleasant, and modern atmosphere was correlated with subdued and neat gray and primary colors and with wood, paints, and glass. Conclusion : This study confirmed the importance of the physical environment at community senior welfare centers and used correspondence analysis of requirements for the physical environment to determine the correspondence between the general indoor atmosphere and preferred colors and materials. A diversity of follow-up researches associated with this one will continuously be conducted for the active seniors who will live to be a hundred.

Carbonate formation events in ALH 84001 trace the evolution of the Martian atmosphere

Carbonate minerals provide critical information for defining atmosphere-hydrosphere interactions. Carbonate minerals in the Martian meteorite ALH 84001 have been dated to ∼ 3.9 Ga, and both C and O-triple isotopes can be used to decipher the planet's climate history. Here we report Δ(17)O, δ(18)O, and δ(13)C data of ALH 84001 of at least two varieties of carbonates, using a stepped acid dissolution technique paired with ion microprobe analyses to specifically target carbonates from distinct formation events and constrain the Martian atmosphere-hydrosphere-geosphere interactions and surficial aqueous alterations. These results indicate the presence of a Ca-rich carbonate phase enriched in (18)O that formed sometime after the primary aqueous event at 3.9 Ga. The phases showed excess (17)O (0.7‰) that captured the atmosphere-regolith chemical reservoir transfer, as well as CO2, O3, and H2O isotopic interactions at the time of formation of each specific carbonate. The carbon isotopes preserved in the Ca-rich carbonate phase indicate that the Noachian atmosphere of Mars was substantially depleted in (13)C compared with the modern atmosphere.

Contrast Harmony New Implementations In Interior Design Architecture in the Republic of Armenia

In Armenia there are determined new tendencies for interior design in particular public areas. Here in the article we would like to emphasize on post soviet time national values declaim or dramatically extravagant contemporary solutions in the architecture, based on as called modern but out-of-taste restaurants, trading houses and especially luxury houses designed interior where modern and comfort environmental atmosphere is just adjusted for nowadays life. After all this tendency created a new way in architecture, where it could be seen different periods comprehensions expressed in the same area and possibility to create an atmosphere of new architectural historical environment where it is possible to detach modern and antique styles as well as create contrast in the harmony.

Offsetting of CO2 emissions by air capture in mine tailings at the Mount Keith Nickel Mine, Western Australia: Rates, controls and prospects for carbon neutral mining

The hydrated Mg-carbonate mineral, hydromagnesite [Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O], precipitates within mine tailings at the Mount Keith Nickel Mine, Western Australia as a direct result of mining operations. We have used quantitative mineralogical data and δ13C, δ18O and F14C isotopic data to quantify the amount of CO2 fixation and identify carbon sources. Our radiocarbon results indicate that at least 80% of carbon stored in hydromagnesite has been captured from the modern atmosphere. Stable isotopic results indicate that dissolution of atmospheric CO2 into mine tailings water is kinetically limited, which suggests that the current rate of carbon mineralization could be accelerated. Reactive transport modeling is used to describe the observed variation in tailings mineralogy and to estimate rates of CO2 fixation. Based on our assessment, approximately 39,800t/yr of atmospheric CO2 are being trapped and stored in tailings at Mount Keith. This represents an offsetting of approximately 11% of the mine's annual greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, passive sequestration via enhanced weathering of mineral waste can capture and store a significant amount of CO2. Recommendations are made for changes to tailings management and ore processing practices that have potential to accelerate carbonation of tailings and further reduce or completely offset the net greenhouse gas emissions at Mount Keith and many other mines.

Формирование межкультурной компетенции студентов вуза как основы осуществления межкультурной коммуникации в профессиональной деятельности

The article shows that in the modern atmosphere of globalization and cultural integration which is taking place worldwide, higher education must be aimed at the development of such important characteristics of specialists as the ability to function in multicultural world, readiness for cross-cultural interaction and dialogue. It has been revealed that although much attention is paid to this problem both by Russian and foreign researches, there is still lack of methodological basis for systematic development of students’ intercultural competence. The author gives a definition of «intercultural competence » and shows its components. Then the author goes on to study the readiness of modern specialists for intercultural dialogue with the help of questionnaire survey. The study made it possible to define the objectives of intercultural competence development within curricular and extra-curricular activity. During experimental work the author revealed the pedagogic requirements of effective development of students’ intercultural competence in continuous pedagogical process. The article resents samples of classroom exercises aimed at cross-cultural competence development and assessment.

Radiocarbon distribution and the effect of legacy in lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

The water of the ice‐covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys is derived primarily from glacial melt streams and to a lesser extent permafrost seeps and subglacial outflow. The result is a mixture of radiocarbon ages that reflect both the end‐member water source and the biogeochemical processing of waters as they migrate to the lake‐water column. Samples were collected from various locations within perennially ice‐covered Antarctic lakes and the streams that feed them, and they were analyzed for radiocarbon abundance of organic and inorganic carbon. Stream gradient and length were shown to affect the degree of equilibration of water with the modern atmosphere prior to entering the lakes. Stream microbial mats assimilate inorganic carbon flowing over them. Seasonal ice‐free ‘moat’ water dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) is largely dependent on the amount of meltwater input from streams (modern) vs. that from direct glaciers input (old). Under the ice cover, 14C ages of lake‐water DIC and organic matter are dependent on lake history, composition, and quantity of particulate matter fallout. Bottom waters of the west lobe of Lake Bonney have a DIC age of µ 27,000 14C yr before present, which we believe are the most radiocarbon‐deficient lake waters on Earth. Comparison of the radiocarbon profiles in the two lobes of Lake Bonney, along with previously published geochemical data, provides a new chronology of the evolution of these two waterbodies and shows that currently deep saline water is being displaced over the sill separating them.

The rise of oxygen in Earth’s early ocean and atmosphere

The rapid increase of carbon dioxide concentration in Earth's modern atmosphere is a matter of major concern. But for the atmosphere of roughly two-and-half billion years ago, interest centres on a different gas: free oxygen (O2) spawned by early biological production. The initial increase of O2 in the atmosphere, its delayed build-up in the ocean, its increase to near-modern levels in the sea and air two billion years later, and its cause-and-effect relationship with life are among the most compelling stories in Earth's history.

Towards zero vision. The possibilities and challenges for accident prevention in the Danish oil and gas industry

The major and minor chemicals observed in the modern atmosphere, which consists of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and above, are discussed. Trace chemicals observed in the troposphere and stratosphere are then described. Finally, greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals are discussed. Typical values are tabulated for atmospheric chemical modeling purposes.

Oxidized Aromatic–Aliphatic Mixed Films at the Air–Aqueous Solution Interface

Mixed organic films composed of molecules with differing hydrophobic groups are relevant to environmental interfaces such as the surface of atmospheric aerosols due to the complex composition of atmospheric emissions. In this work, mixed films composed of oxidized aromatics (benzaldehyde, benzoic acid) and stearic acid are studied using Langmuir trough methods, infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), and MD simulations, showing modifications to the surface due to both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic identity of the aromatic molecules. Aromatics are a known component of crude oil, and once released into the atmosphere through an event such as an oil spill, they can be weathered to produce varying degrees of oxidized products like benzaldehyde or benzoic acid. Molecules released through such anthropogenic processes are shown here to have complex interactions with organics released through biogenic emissions (like stearic acid) at the aqueous interface, resulting in diverse surface morphologies that may have an effect on the aerosol particle’s overall effect on atmospheric chemistry and climate. The result of these mixed films is discussed in the context of the modern atmosphere.

SO2photoexcitation mechanism links mass-independent sulfur isotopic fractionation in cryospheric sulfate to climate impacting volcanism

Natural climate variation, such as that caused by volcanoes, is the basis for identifying anthropogenic climate change. However, knowledge of the history of volcanic activity is inadequate, particularly concerning the explosivity of specific events. Some material is deposited in ice cores, but the concentration of glacial sulfate does not distinguish between tropospheric and stratospheric eruptions. Stable sulfur isotope abundances contain additional information, and recent studies show a correlation between volcanic plumes that reach the stratosphere and mass-independent anomalies in sulfur isotopes in glacial sulfate. We describe a mechanism, photoexcitation of SO2, that links the two, yielding a useful metric of the explosivity of historic volcanic events. A plume model of S(IV) to S(VI) conversion was constructed including photochemistry, entrainment of background air, and sulfate deposition. Isotopologue-specific photoexcitation rates were calculated based on the UV absorption cross-sections of (32)SO2, (33)SO2, (34)SO2, and (36)SO2 from 250 to 320 nm. The model shows that UV photoexcitation is enhanced with altitude, whereas mass-dependent oxidation, such as SO2 + OH, is suppressed by in situ plume chemistry, allowing the production and preservation of a mass-independent sulfur isotope anomaly in the sulfate product. The model accounts for the amplitude, phases, and time development of Δ(33)S/δ(34)S and Δ(36)S/Δ(33)S found in glacial samples. We are able to identify the process controlling mass-independent sulfur isotope anomalies in the modern atmosphere. This mechanism is the basis of identifying the magnitude of historic volcanic events.

Russian investigations in the field of atmospheric radiation in 2007–2010

A short survey prepared by the Russian Commission on Atmospheric Radiation contains the most significant results of works in the field of atmosphericradiation studies performed in 2007-2010. It is part of the Russian National Report on Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences prepared for the International Asso� ciation on Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS). During this period, the Russian Commission on Atmospheric Radiation, jointly with concerned departments and organizations, ran the conference "Physics and Education," dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Department of Physics at St. Petersburg State University (2007); the International Symposium of CIS Countries "Atmospheric Radiation and Dynamics" (2009); and the 5th International Conference "Atmospheric Physics, Climate, and Environ� ment" (2010). At the conferences, central problems in modern atmosphere physics were discussed: radiative transfer and atmospheric optics; greenhouse gases, clouds, and aerosols; remote methods of measurements; and new measurement data. This survey presents five directions covering the whole spectrum of investigations performed in the field of atmospheric radiation. 1

The effect of atmospheric pressure on the dispersal of pyroclasts from martian volcanoes

A planetary global circulation model developed by the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD) was used to simulate explosive eruptions of ancient martian volcanoes into paleo-atmospheres with higher atmospheric pressures than that of present-day Mars. Atmospheric pressures in the model were varied between 50mbar and 2bars. In this way it was possible to investigate the sensitivity of the volcanic plume dispersal model to atmospheric pressure. It was determined that the model has a sensitivity to pressure that is similar to its sensitivity to other atmospheric parameters such as planetary obliquity and season of eruption. Higher pressure atmospheres allow volcanic plumes to convect to higher levels, meaning that volcanic pyroclasts have further to fall through the atmosphere. Changes in atmospheric circulation due to pressure cause pyroclasts to be dispersed in narrower latitudinal bands compared with pyroclasts in a modern atmosphere. Atmospheric winds are generally slower under higher pressure regimes; however, the final distance traveled by the pyroclasts depends greatly on the location of the volcano and can either increase or decrease with pressure. The directionality of the pyroclast transport, however, remains dominantly east or west along lines of latitude. Augmentation of the atmospheric pressure improves the fit between possible ash sources Arsia and Pavonis Mons and the Medusae Fossae Formation, a hypothesized ash deposit.

The Mediating Role of Tourist Satisfaction: A Study of Muslim Tourists in Malaysia

This study attempts to empirically test the mediating effect of overall tourist satisfaction between travel motivations (push and pull) and destination loyalty. The tourism motivations were found significantly and positively related to tourist satisfaction. The results also supported that the tourist satisfaction positively associated with destination loyalty. The results indentified that the most important push motivations for Muslim tourists include achievement, exciting and adventure, family togetherness, knowledge/education, and escape. The most important pull motivations for Muslim tourists include natural scenery, wide space and activities, cleanness and shopping, and modern atmosphere.

Stable isotope deltas: tiny, yet robust signatures in nature

Although most of them are relatively small, stable isotope deltas of naturally occurring substances are robust and enable workers in anthropology, atmospheric sciences, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, food and drug authentication, forensic science, geochemistry, geology, oceanography, and paleoclimatology to study a variety of topics. Two fundamental processes explain the stable isotope deltas measured in most terrestrial systems: isotopic fractionation and isotope mixing. Isotopic fractionation is the result of equilibrium or kinetic physicochemical processes that fractionate isotopes because of small differences in physical or chemical properties of molecular species having different isotopes. It is shown that the mixing of radioactive and stable isotope end members can be modelled to provide information on many natural processes, including 14C abundances in the modern atmosphere and the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the oceans during glacial and interglacial times. The calculation of mixing fractions using isotope balance equations with isotope deltas can be substantially in error when substances with high concentrations of heavy isotopes (e.g. 13C, 2H, and 18O ) are mixed. In such cases, calculations using mole fractions are preferred as they produce accurate mixing fractions. Isotope deltas are dimensionless quantities. In the International System of Units (SI), these quantities have the unit 1 and the usual list of prefixes is not applicable. To overcome traditional limitations with expressing orders of magnitude differences in isotope deltas, we propose the term urey (symbol Ur), after Harold C. Urey, for the unit 1. In such a manner, an isotope delta value expressed traditionally as−25 per mil can be written as−25 mUr (or−2.5 cUr or−0.25 dUr; the use of any SI prefix is possible). Likewise, very small isotopic differences often expressed in per meg ‘units’ are easily included (e.g. either+0.015 ‰ or+15 per meg can be written as+15 μUr.

New high-precision measurements of the isotopic composition of atmospheric argon

Earth’s atmosphere is used as a standard reference gas for mass spectrometric determinations of argon (Ar) isotopes used principally in geochronology. There are three published independent determinations of the Ar isotope composition of modern atmosphere that differ subtly. We have made new high-precision measurements of Ar isotope ratios of five different sources of air using a high-sensitivity multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer in order to distinguish between them. The isotope ratios, corrected only for backgrounds, reside on a inverse square-root mass law fractionation line that passes through the air value proposed by Lee et al. [Lee J. Y., Marti K., Severinghaus J. P., Kawamura K., Yoo H. S., Lee J. B. and Kim J. S. (2006) A redetermination of the isotopic abundances of atmospheric Ar. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 4507–4512]. They are distinct from both the other proposed compositions and provide the first independent confirmation of the atmospheric Ar isotope composition. We suggest that the revised values should now be in routine employment.

Estimation of secular density variations in the upper atmosphere from 1964–2007 satellite drag data

Orbital parameters of several artificial satellites of the Earth were analyzed for 1964–2007 and secular variations of the atmospheric density were estimated for the last 30–40 years. The analysis was based on the information about orbital parameters of 17 satellites and high-precision numerical integrations of the equations of motion with allowance for basic perturbing factors and spatiotemporal density variations, calculated from measured solar activity indices using the NRLMSISE-00 atmosphere model. The results demonstrate the presence of long-term variations in the atmospheric density not presented in modern atmosphere models. During solar-activity cycle 21, the atmospheric density became 0.4 to 19% higher (depending on height) than in cycle 20. It decreased by 1.0 to 11% (depending on height) in cycle 22 as compared to cycle 21. Both decreases and increases were observed in the atmospheric density during cycle 23, but with much smaller gradients. The results cannot be explained only by the growing concentration of greenhouse gases. Possible causes of the density variations and possible ways to take them into account in modern empirical and semiempirical atmospheric models are discussed.

Low "Equation missing" in the pore water, not in the Archean air

Arising from M. T. Rosing, D. K. Bird, N. H. Sleep & C. J. Bjerrum , 744–747 (2010)10.1038/nature08955 The solar luminosity during the Archean (3.8 to 2.5 billion years ago) was 20–25% lower than at present, and was probably compensated, at least in part, by a stronger greenhouse effect1,2,3. Rosing et al.4 estimate the Archean partial pressure of carbon dioxide to have been about ≈ 10−3 bar, on the basis of the simultaneous occurrence of magnetite (Fe3O4) and siderite (FeCO3) in banded iron formations (BIFs, a type of chemical sediment). Here, we question a central assumption by Rosing et al.4 that the mineralogy of BIFs reflects near-thermodynamic equilibrium with the atmosphere–ocean system; just as the presence of authigenic pyrite in modern sediments does not imply that the modern atmosphere is anoxic, the mineralogy of BIFs cannot be used to argue for a low- Archean atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is therefore still a viable greenhouse gas candidate with which to explain the warm Archean climate.

The Traditional Elements and Modern Architectural Design

Architecture is not only functional, economic, and technical and other physical characteristics, but also closely related to human behaviors. Therefore, it also has originality, visual aesthetics and function to beautify the living characteristics. To keep interest in the exterior, with a strong modern style of "purity, geometry and sculptural architecture", should not be the best way. It is worth to integrate the traditional elements, symbols, with modern forms and ideas together to form the environmental and architectural modes with the cultural heritage and modern atmosphere, and their cultural patterns. To create an architectural culture in modern buildings that could keep the traditional cultural spirit and sustainable development may be our target to continually pursue.