Washington, August 26 (ANI): A new research paper has proposed a possible new mechanism for the development of very large linear dunes formed on the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.
The paper, authored by LSU (Louisiana State University) Department of Geography and Anthropology Chair Patrick Hesp and United States Geological Survey scientist David Rubin, is titled – “Multiple origins of linear dunes on Earth and Titan.”
The authors examined the linear – or longitudinal – dunes that stretch across the surface of China’s Qaidam Basin, finding them composed of sand and some salt and silt.
The latter two elements make the dunes cohesive or sticky.
According to the study, this leads to a complete change in dune form from transverse dunes to linear dunes, even though the wind speed and direction does not change.
Typically, transverse dunes are formed by winds from a narrow directional range while longitudinal or linear dunes are formed by winds from two obliquely opposing directions.
These findings offer an alternative interpretation of similar dunes found on Titan.
Hesp and Rubin suggest that if the giant linear dunes found on the surface of Titan are also formed from cohesive sediment, then they too could be formed by single-direction winds.
This is in sharp contrast to earlier studies, which assumed that the sediments were loose and interpreted the dune shape as evidence of winds coming from alternating directions.
The alternative hypothesis that Titan’s linear dunes are formed in cohesive sediment has significant implications for studies on Titan.
If the Hesp and Rubin alternative is correct, new hypotheses regarding the composition, origin, evolution, grain size, stickiness, quantity, global transport patterns and suitability for wind transport of Titan’s sediment; the velocities, directions and seasonal patterns of Titan’s winds; and overall surface wetness will all have to be completely reassessed. (ANI)
EUR/USD Daily Commentary for 4.14.09
Though yesterday’s rally in the EUR/USD made some interesting strides by edging above 4/9 highs and our 1st tier downtrend line, investors are taking profits Tuesday. The volume was still light yesterday due to the Easter holiday and a lack of economic data.
However, we could see currencies come back to life today with the U. S. releasing retail sales and PPI. Even though the EUR/GBP could experience more near-term losses, it appears the currency pair should find some support soon.
Therefore, the EUR/USD may experience considerable strength around our 1st tier uptrend line and 1.3192 support, if the currency pair should reach this level.
We expect the EUR/USD to remain in this volatile consolidation phase for the near-term as investors try to figure out exactly where the global economy stands.
The Euro is still at a disadvantage with the ECB taking a vague monetary stance, and uncertainty hardly ever yields a positive performance in price. Will the ECB cut its benchmark further or initiate unorthodox liquidity processes?
Nobody knows at this point. Since the economic data surfacing from the EU over the past month has been mixed, the ECB will likely wait to see if the signs of improvement are only a bounce or a real turn in events.
We’ll witness a couple inflection points shortly, including our 1st tier uptrend and downtrend lines and our 2nd tier uptrend and downtrend lines. Therefore, the EUR/USD is signaling that it could reach a directional pivot point soon.
Fundamentally, we maintain our supports of 1.3271, 1.3223, 1.3192, 1.3162, and 1.3126. To the topside, we hold our resistances of 1.3323, 1.3351, 1.3375, 1.3413, and1.3462. The 1.35 area acts a psychological barrier again with 1.30 serving as a key psychological cushion. The EUR/USD is currently exchanging at 1.3277.
EUR/USD Daily Commentary for 4.14.09
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