Neumayer, Humboldt and the search for a global physics

2011 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
R.W. Home
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical System ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Scientific Investigation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
New Mineral ◽  
Alexander Von Humboldt ◽  
The Earth

In setting up the Flagstaff Observatory in Melbourne in 1857, the young German geophysicist Georg Neumayer brought new standards of precision to the pursuit of physics in Australia. His wide-ranging research program in geomagnetism, meteorology and oceanography was conceived within an overall approach to science associated especially with the name of Alexander von Humboldt, that saw the Earth and its oceans and atmosphere as an integrated dynamical system. Neumayer also, however, envisaged immediate practical outcomes from his work, whether in determining optimal sailing routes between Europe and Australia, or in locating new mineral deposits. From a personal point of view he regarded his seven years in Australia as, above all, a preparation for the scientific investigation of Antarctica that he dreamed in vain of undertaking.

scholarly journals Geosystemics and Earthquakes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo De Santis ◽  
Gianfranco Cianchini ◽  
Rita Di Giovambattista ◽  
Cristoforo Abbattista ◽  
Lucilla Alfonsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical System ◽  
Solid Earth ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Earth System ◽  
Complex Dynamical System ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Earth’S Interior

Abstract. Geosystemics (De Santis 2009, 2014) studies the Earth system as a whole focusing on the possible coupling among the Earth layers (the so called geo-layers), and using universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms. Its main objective is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. In this paper we will deal with earthquakes, considered as a long term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior, but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral and ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern (De Santis et al., 2015a). Some case studies (particular emphasis is given to recent central Italy earthquakes) will be discussed in the frame of the geosystemic approach for better understanding the physics of the underlying complex dynamical system.

PLANETARY SELF-ORGANIZATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-282
Author(s):  
OLEG IVANOV
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical System ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Mantle Convection ◽  
Plate Tectonics ◽  
Rotation Speed ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Heat Sources ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
The Earth ◽  
New Type

The general characteristics of planetary systems are described. Well-known heat sources of evolution are considered. A new type of heat source, variations of kinematic parameters in a dynamical system, is proposed. The inconsistency of the perovskite-post-perovskite heat model is proved. Calculations of inertia moments relative to the D boundary on the Earth are given. The 9 times difference allows us to claim that the sliding of the upper layers at the Earth's rotation speed variations emit heat by viscous friction.This heat is the basis of mantle convection and lithospheric plate tectonics.

The Use of Serpentine Earth Coils in Ground Coupled Heat Pump Systems

1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-446
Author(s):  
P. D. Metz
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Heat Pump ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Undisturbed Soil ◽  
Heat Rejection ◽  
Term Operation ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Soil Thermal Properties ◽  
Coil Performance ◽  
Ground Coupled Heat Pump

A research program at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has studied ground coupling, i.e., the use of the earth as a heat source/sink or storage medium for solar-assisted and stand-alone heat pump systems. As part of this research program, five serpentine earth coil experiments were operated between December 1978 and September 1981. Heat was added to or removed from the earth coils according to weekly schedules based on computer simulations of solar-assisted and stand-alone, ground-coupled heat pump systems operated in the local (New York) climate. Each earth coil was operated according to a different control strategy. This paper presents experimental results from these experiments for the period December 1978 to April 1981, and compares these results to those generated by a comptuer model, GROCS, developed at BNL. The model is found to provide a reasonably good fit to the data, for the most part, using the experimental undisturbed soil thermal properties. In some cases, the use of a lower soil thermal conductivity provides a better fit, particularly during summer months when heat was added to the ground. Thus, given soil properties, GROCS can be used to predict earth coil performance. If given earth coil performance, the model can predict soil thermal properties. Serpentine earth coils are found to be suitable to provide auxiliary heat or heat rejection for solar heat pump systems. In fact, earth coil-based, stand-alone, ground-coupled heat pump systems can provide all heat needed for winter space heating and all heat rejection required for summer space cooling with no need for any auxiliary heating. Subfreezing winter operation is necessary for shallow earth coils in cold climates. No deleterious effects to the ground were observed from the long-term operation of these experiments.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Scientific “Consensus” on Global Warming

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Michaels ◽  
Paul C. Knappenberger
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Sulfate Aerosols ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Consensus Process ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Extreme Scenario

Climate data support the “moderate” prediction of climate change (l-1.5°C) rather than the more extreme scenario (4°C or more). The moderate point of view was originally marginalized in the IPCC “consensus” process in both the 1990 First Assessment on Climate Change and in the 1992 Update prepared specifically for the Earth Summit and to provide backing for the Rio Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is now accepted, based on ground-based data, that the errors in those models are currently between 160% and 360%. If one compares them to the satellite data combined with the land record, the error rises to a maximum of 720%. In some recognition of this massive error, the 1995 IPCC “consensus” is that warming has been mitigated by sulfate aerosols. However, when that hypothesis is specifically tested, it fails. Further, data required to test the validity of the sulfate enhanced greenhouse models was withheld by the IPCC. despite repeated requests.

scholarly journals Dynamic Equilibria in Statistical and Nonlinear Physics of Uniform Stress Rotating Space Elevators (USRSE)

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Leonardo Golubovic ◽  
Steven Knudsen
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Uniform Stress ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Equilibrium Configurations ◽  
Space Elevators ◽  
Dynamic Equilibria

The discovery of ultra-strong materials such as carbon nanotubes and diamond nano-thread structures has recently motivated an enhanced interest for the physics of Space Elevators connecting the Earth with outer space. A new concept has recently emerged in space elevator physics: Rotating Space Elevators (RSE) [Golubović, L. & Knudsen, S. (2009). Classical and statistical mechanics of celestial scale spinning strings: Rotating space elevators. Europhysics Letters 86(3), 34001.]. Objects sliding along rotating RSE string (sliding climbers) do not require internal engines or propulsion to be transported from the Earth's surface into outer space. Here we address the physics of a special RSE family, Uniform Stress Rotating Space Elevators (USRSE), characterized by constant tensile stress along the string. From the point of view of materials science, this condition provides the best control of string’s global integrity. We introduce an advanced analytic approach to obtain the dynamic equilibrium configurations of USRSE strings. We use our results to discuss the applications of USRSE for spacecraft launching.

scholarly journals Felt senses of volunteers who help elderly people in institutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-92
Author(s):  
E.L. Korneeva
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Scientific Investigation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Volunteer Organizations ◽  
Interpretative Analysis ◽  
Interview Analysis

In the recent years voluntarism in Russia has been growing steadily. This activity has some characteristics, which make it particularly sense sensitive: it is performed without any payment, or any obligation motives, volunteers are more likely to establish personal and closed relationships with elderly people and get in touch with main existentials (death, blame, suffer, aging, etc.). The main directions of volunteerism scientific investigation are generally devoted to volunteers` characteristics, their motivation and organizational issues. At the same time there is a lack of studies, which could represent this activity from the participants` point of view. In this article the results of interview analysis with volunteers from two volunteer organizations, who provide help for elderly people in institutions, are exposed. Following the approach of phenomenological interpretative analysis, "felt senses" are described: breaking everyday life bounds, broadening perspective, sense of unity, "the foundation of life".

Construction of correspondences between the sky we see and the heliocentric model: problem-based learning in 7th grade of elementary school

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S367) ◽  
pp. 444-445
Author(s):  
Fernando Ariel Karaseur ◽  
Alejandro Gangui
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Solar System ◽  
Model Problem ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
School Students ◽  
Moon Phases ◽  
The Earth ◽  
External Point ◽  
Local Point ◽  
Specific Material

AbstractWe present the results of the implementation of a didactic sequence based on the formulation and resolution of astronomical problems by seventh grade elementary school students from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its objective is to generate a meaningful understanding of the heliocentric model of the Solar System from the systematization of topocentric observations of the sky, either direct or mediated by resources such as diagrams, Stellarium software and tables, which we correlate with the parallel globe, other models with specific material and the Solar System Scope software. Throughout the sequence we address topics such as the diurnal and annual movement of the Sun, the night sky, astronomical ephemeris, Moon phases and eclipses. These are developed in parallel to the sphericity of the Earth and the concept of motion in science. For each of these topics we start from its recognition. We then implement strategies to guide students towards a possible description from the local point of view, and then extend it to other locations on the surface of the Earth. We encourage them to explain their ideas about the possible links between these topocentric observations and the corresponding relative positions of the celestial objects as seen from an external point of view to the Earth. These ideas are then contrasted with geocentric and heliocentric models. Here we highlight the integrative instances in which the students formulated problems in small groups and shared them for their resolution. Thus, motivated and challenged by the collaboration between peers, they became the protagonists of their learning.

Dodging the Asteroids?

Impact! ◽  
1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerrit L. Verschuur
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Political Leadership ◽  
Scientific Investigation ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Large Problem ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Near Earth Objects ◽  
The U.S

Finding asteroids and comets that may someday slam into our planet is the first step. What do we do then? This question is being given a whole lot of attention. In early 1993 NASA and the U.S. Congress received a report of the Near-Earth-Objects Interception Workshop (Spaceguard), the first step toward creating a program for pushing aside approaching asteroids. The report stated that “There is a clear need for continuing national and international scientific investigation and political leadership to establish a successful and broadly acceptable policy.” There are two or three options open to us to avoid being wiped out. The first is to step out of the way. This may not sound very practical, and it isn’t, at least not for a planet-load of people. However, if we plan ahead we could ship a few thousand human beings to other parts of the solar system so that if the earth were to be struck, they, at least, would survive. This would only be a privilege for a few, and getting back to earth after the cataclysm could be a rather large problem in itself. Who will welcome them back upon their return? Where would they land? If we could afford to set up colonies on the moon or Mars, the colonists could wait until after the dust had settled before attempting to return. The problem with this option is that, after a really healthy thwack, the earth’s environment would be so altered that returning human beings might find this to be an alien planet. The second way in which we could avoid getting hit would be to place an object between the onrushing comet or asteroid and ourselves. For such an emergency it might pay to place a few asteroids in geocentric orbit to be maneuvered when we need them. Then we could watch the spectacle as one asteroid slams into another, possibly showering the planet with small bits of debris that might do no more than create a spectacular display of fireballs—if we get it right, of course.

scholarly journals The Soul’s Need to Connect with God through the Language of Art: Analysis from an Islamic Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Recep Dogan
Keyword(s):  
Human Nature ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Time And Space ◽  
Islamic Perspective ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Works Of Art ◽  
Important Means ◽  
Art Analysis ◽  
The Way

Human beings express their emotions through the language of art; it is therefore both the spirit of progress and one of the most important means of developing emotions. Consequently, those who cannot make use of this means are incomplete in their maturation. Ideas and other products of the imagination can be given tangible form with the magical key of art. By means of art, humanity can exceed the limits of the earth and reach feelings beyond time and space. Beauty in the realm of existence can be recognized through art. Moreover, the great abilities inherent in human nature can be understood and witnessed in works of art. However, from an Islamic point of view, there are some restrictions on certain fields such as sculpture and painting. It is therefore imperative to analyse the notion of art in Islam and its philosophy and then reflect upon the need of the spirit to connect to God through the language of art while meeting some religious obstacles on the way.

scholarly journals Connection of large earthquakes occurring moment with the movement of the Sun and the Moon and with the Earth crust tectonic stress character

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1629-1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Kachakhidze ◽  
R. Kiladze ◽  
N. Kachakhidze ◽  
V. Kukhianidze ◽  
G. Ramishvili
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Stress ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Compression Stress ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Caucasus Region ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Triggering Factor ◽  
Exogenous Factors ◽  
Large Earthquakes

Abstract. It is acceptable that earthquakes certain exogenous (cosmic) triggering factors may exist in every seismoactive (s/a) region and in Caucasus among them. They have to correct earthquake occurring moment or play the triggering role in case when the region is at the limit of the critical value of the geological medium of course. Our aim is to reveal some exogenous factors possible to initiate earthquakes, on example of Caucasus s/a region, taking into account that the region is very complex by the point of view of the tectonic stress distribution. The compression stress directed from North to South (and vice versa) and the spread stress directed from East to West (and vice versa) are the main stresses acted in Caucasus region. No doubt that action of the smallest external stress may "work" as earthquakes triggering factor. In the presented work the Moon and the Sun perturbations are revealed as initiative agents of earthquakes when the directions of corresponding exogenous forces coincide with the directions of the compression stress or the spreading tectonic stress in the region.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document