Extraction of tsunami source coefficients via inversion of DART \circledR^{\circledR} buoy data

The ability to accurately forecast potential hazards posed to coastal communities by tsunamis generated seismically in both the near and far field requires knowledge of so-called source coefficients, from which the strength of a tsunami can be deduced. Seismic information alone can be used to set the source coefficients, but the values so derived reflect the dynamics of movement at or below the seabed and hence might not accurately describe how this motion is manifested in the overlaying water column. We describe here a method for refining source coefficient estimates based on seismic information by making use of data from Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART ^\circledR^{\circledR}) buoys (tsunameters). The method involves using these data to adjust precomputed models via an inversion algorithm so that residuals between the adjusted models and the DART ^\circledR^{\circledR} data are as small as possible in a least squares sense. The inversion algorithm is statistically based and hence has the ability to assess uncertainty in the estimated source coefficients. We describe this inversion algorithm in detail and apply it to the November 2006 Kuril Islands event as a case study.     

The anthracite smokers of eastern pennsylvania: PS2 (g)P_{S_2 (g)} -T stability diagram by TL analysis

Coal seams and culm banks associated with mine fires in the anthracite region of eastern Pennsylvania have been burning for decades. Many of the fires may have ignited by spontaneous combustion or by the burning of trash. Minerals associated with the combustion of anthracite form by the condensation of gas exhaled through surficial gas vents or anthracite smokers. A Pressure-Temperature (P-T) stability diagram is constructed for the condensation of orthorhombic sulfur from anthracite gas using Thermodynamic Loop Analysis (TL analysis). This method of analyzing chemical systems incorporates Kirchhoff's Law into a four step procedure structured around a closed thermodynamic cycle or thermodynamic loop. The four steps, referred to us The Four S S of Thermodynamic Loop Analysis, include: (1) Set Up—graphical characterization of the problem. (2) Sum—the application of thermodynamic principles. (3) Substitute—the use of materials data available from the literature, and (4) Solve—computation of one or more variables. The example presented demonstrates that thermodynamic loops can incorporate any number of polymorphic phase transformations. In addition, thermodynamic loop analysis is applicable to any geologic process involving the condensation of minerals from a gas. The stability diagram derived by TL analysis may have applicability in monitoring the release of sulfur gas into the atmosphere.     

Book Review: Fractals and Chaos in Geology and Geophysics (2nd Edition) By Donald L. Turcotte Cambridge University Press,Cambridge, 1997, 398 p., $90.00/$42.95 (U.S.) ISBN 0-521-56164-7 (hardback), 0-521-56733-5 (paperback)

Mathematical Geosciences -     

Electrogeochemical sampling with

Mathematical Geosciences -     

Book Review: Topographic Effects in Stratified Flows (Cambridge Monographs on Mechanics) By Peter G. Baines Cambridge University Press, 1998, 482 pp., $80.00/$34.95 (US), ISBN 0-521-43501-3 (hardback), ISBN 0-521-62923-3 (paperback)

Mathematical Geosciences -     

Book Review: Regression Analysis of Count Data. By A. Colin Cameron and Pravin K. Trivedi Cambridge University Press,Cambridge, UK, 1998, 411 p., US$64.95/US$24.95, ISBN 0-521-63201-3 (hardbound), ISBN 0-521-63567-5 (paperbound)

Mathematical Geosciences -