Ultraviolet spectroscopic observations made with the Copernicus and IUE spacecraft have been analyzed. The observations represent a collaborative effort with G. J. Peters.

Observational evidence supporting the existence of a turbulent accretion layer has been discussed earlier by Peters. Ionization equilibrium calculations suggest the following physical conditions in the layer: T ~ 125000 K°, Ne ~ 109 cm-3; composition: Nitrogen rich, carbon poor. Observations also show the region to be turbulent and not co-rotating with the accreting star. We conclude that the region is formed by new material arriving from the secondary and that the accretion process is turbulent.