The present work shows a quantitative trade-off analysis of the Simbol-X Mirror Spacecraft (MSC) passive shielding, in the phase space of the various parameters: mass budget, dimension, geometry and composition. A simplified physical (and geometrical) model of the sky screen, implemented by means of a GEANT4 simulation, has been developed to perform a performance-driven mass optimization and ev...

The proportion of body mass devoted to skeleton in marine invertebrates decreases along latitudinal gradients from large proportions in the tropics to small proportions in polar regions. A historical hypothesis-that latitudinal differences in shell production costs explain these trends-remains untested. Using field-collected specimens spanning a 79°N to 68°S latitudinal gradient (16,300 km), we...

Constraining the timing and volume of sediment dispersal in an ancient sedimentary system is vital to understand a basin's infill history. One preferred method for first-order approximation load estimates, BQART model, based on empirical observations modern river systems relating basin morphology, topography, climate, run-off bedrock characteristics. Despite popularity such methods, comprehensi...

Abstract. Monitoring the water movements in karstic areas is a fundamental but challenging task due to complexity of drainage system and difficulty deploying network observations. Gravimetry offers valid complement classical hydrologic measurements order characterize such systems which recharge process causes temporarily accumulation large volumes voids epi-phreatic system. We show an innovativ...