Proper motion Pleiades candidate L‐type brown dwarfs

We present results of an optical and near‐infrared (IR) 1.8 deg² survey in the Pleiades open cluster to search for substellar objects. From optical I ‐band images from the CFHT and J ‐band images from the 3.5m CAHA Telescope, we identify 18 faint and very red L brown dwarf candidates, with I > 20.9 and I – J > 3.2. The follow‐up observations of nine objects in the H ‐ and K _s‐bands confirm that eight belong to the IR sequence of the cluster and the proper motion measurements of seven candidates confirm that they are Pleiades members. A preliminary estimation of the substellar mass spectrum dN/ dM in the form of a power law M c^–α provides α = +0.57 ± 0.14. We extrapolate this function to estimate the number of planetary mass objects that could be present in the cluster down to 1 M_Jup. Sensitive searches combining far red and near‐IR observations may unveal these objects in a near future. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Exploring the time geography of public transport networks with the gtfs2gps package

Journal of Geographical Systems - The creation of the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) in the mid-2000s provided a new data format for cities to organize and share digital information on...     

The use of GIS tools to support decision-making in the expansion of chain stores

This article deals with a network competitive localization problem in which a firm seeks to determine the location of a new facility, which competes with all the facilities operating in the market, both belonging to the same firm and to the competing firms. In this context, two frequently conflicting objectives are involved: maximization of the total market share captured by the firm and minimization of market share losses for its existing facilities due to being captured by the new facility (cannibalization). We formulate the location problem as a multi-objective optimization model. Some GIS tools that provide some maps representing the market share and the cannibalization effect are proposed. This allows for the visualization of the effects produced by the opening of a new facility in the market and the trade-offs between the objectives. Finally, the advantages of using these tools have been shown by means of an application to a real data case.     

Assessment of phosphogypsum impact on the salt-marshes of the Tinto river (SW Spain): role of natural attenuation processes

About 120 Mton of phosphogypsum from the fertiliser industry were stack-piled on the salt-marshes of the Tinto river (Spain). This paper investigates the capacity of salt-marshes to attenuate contamination due to downward leaching from phosphogypsum. Solids and pore-waters were characterized at different depths of the pile to reach the marsh-ground. In superficial zones, metals were highly mobile, and no reduced sulphur was found. However, pollutant concentration decreased in the pore-water in deeper oxygen-restricted zones. Metal removal occurred by precipitation of newly formed sulphides, being this process main responsible for the contamination attenuation. Pyrite-S was the main sulphide component (up to 2528 mg/kg) and occurred as framboids, leading to high degrees of pyritization (up to 97%). The sulphidization reaction is Fe-limited; however, excess of acid-volatile sulphide over other metals cause precipitation of other sulphides, mainly of Cu and As. This decrease in metal mobility significantly minimises the impact of phosphogypsums on the salt-marshes.     

Multidisciplinary approach of the hyperarid desert of Pampas de La Joya in southern Peru as a new Mars-like soil analog

The distribution of living organisms, organic matter, and chemical properties in Mars-like environments on Earth can be used as a model to guide the investigation of possible habitable environments on Mars. This work aims to demonstrate that the place known informally as the “Mar de Cuarzo” (Sea of Quartz) in the Pampas de La Joya desert southern Peru (between 16°S and 17°S latitude), contains soils with characteristics similar to those found on the Martian surface. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we studied the environmental data, geology, organic matter content, oxidant activity, and microbiology of this area. Our data show that (1) Mar de Cuarzo is a hyper arid area with a lower concentration of organic matter than those found in the Mars-like soils from Yungay area (Atacama Desert in Chile), while at the same time having, comparable extreme environmental conditions, and very low levels of microorganisms. (2) The detrital components of the soils come essentially from the Andean volcanic chain and local outcrops of Precambrian gneisses and Cretaceous granitic batholiths. (3) The presence of microclimates, geomorphological features, and the high influence of the “El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)” allowed the formation of exotic and heterogeneous chemical deposits in these soils, including iron oxides, sulfates, and other evaporites. (4) Thermal volatilization in these soils (using methods similar to the Viking and Phoenix instruments) shows high oxidant activity. (5) Labeled release experiment (similar to the Viking instrument) shows high degradation of nutrients added in these soils.Altogether, the Mar de Cuarzo area in the Pampas de La Joya is an interesting place for astrobiological studies as a new analog to Mars, and for comparative analyses with other hyperarid analogs as Yungay.     

Basis for a streamflow forecasting system to Rincón del Bonete and Salto Grande (Uruguay)

This paper presents the basis for the design of streamflow prediction systems for the hydroelectric dams of Rincón del Bonete (Uruguay) and Salto Grande (Uruguay–Argentina). The prediction is made, independently, for each reservoir and each month of the year with two methodologies: data-driven statistical models and hybrid downscaling that includes atmospheric predictors. We determine a set of potential predictors and then fit linear models coupled with variable selection techniques, under the hypothesis of perfectly known predictors. The predictive skill of the schemes outperforms the climatological forecast throughout the year in both reservoirs (except August in Rincón del Bonete). This remains the case even when the forecast lead does not allow for the use of preceding flows as predictors. While in Rincón del Bonete it is not possible to distinguish a period of high predictability, in Salto Grande, there is a robust signal in March–May and October–December.     

On the motion of three rigid bodies: Central configurations

In the present paper, the motion of three rigid bodies is considered. With a set of new variables, and the 10 first integrals of the motion, the problem is reduced to a system of order 25 and one quadrature. The plane motions are characterized, and finally, an equation for the existence of central configurations (in particular, Lagrangian and Eulerian solutions) has been found. Besides, the case of three axisymmetric ellipsoids is studied.     

Challenges at the early stages of the environmental licensing procedure and potential contributions from geomorphology

Defining impact significance is the main technical task that influences decision-making during the Environmental Licensing Procedure(ELP).The ELP begins with screening to determine potentially signif-icant impacts of the proposed project.Scoping then follows to address any interventions deemed worthy of attention in the production of an Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA).This will include consider-ation of relevant landforms and geomorphological processes.However,preliminary assessments of envi-ronmental impacts often lack the scientific robustness to procure substantive and transactive effectiveness.This review presents an examination of the established practices of screening and scoping while highlighting the foremost challenges to improve the technical grounds of the ELP.The analysis of screening and scoping practices stresses the need for novel methods that ensure the sequential reasoning between their criteria while improving the preliminary evaluation of impact significance.Reducing the inherent subjectivity of discretionary judgment requires scientific methodologies that acknowledge the interaction between the natural system and human interventions,which has been addressed by geomor-phological research.The knowledge consolidated in this review opens the gate to explore the compatibil-ity between the United Nations strategy of Ecosystem Approach(EA)with the ELP through a novel geomorphological interpretation of the EIA.Therefore,this diagnosis demonstrate that screening and scoping practices would benefit from reliable methods that balance the precautionary principle with the efficient character required in the ELP.