Role of the cloud adjustment time scale in simulation of the interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon

The simulation of precipitation in a general circulation model relying on relaxed mass flux cumulus parameterization scheme is sensitive to cloud adjustment time scale (CATS). In this study, the frequency of the dominant intra-seasonal mode and interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) simulated by an atmospheric general circulation model is shown to be sensitive to the CATS. It has been shown that a longer CATS of about 5 h simulates the spatial distribution of the ISMR better. El Niño Southern Oscillation–ISMR relationship is also sensitive to CATS. The equatorial Indian Ocean rainfall and ISMR coupling is sensitive to CATS. Our study suggests that a careful choice of CATS is necessary for adequate simulation of spatial pattern as well as interannual variation of Indian summer monsoon precipitation.     

Wind and wave induced behaviour of offshore guyed tower platforms

Offshore guyed tower platforms belong to the group of compliant offshore platforms which are most suited for deep water exploration. The basic feature of compliant offshore platforms is that they are designed to move with the waves, in at least some degrees-of-freedom. As far as excitation of wave frequencies is concerned, the system opposes wave forces by inertial effects. The offshore guyed tower derives its stability against lateral movement from its mooring system.In this study, the response of offshore guyed towers to random forces generated by wind and wave is investigated. The exposed portion of the tower is subjected to the action of turbulent wind, while the submerged portion is acted upon by random wave forces. The analysis includes the nonlinearities due to the Morison equation of drag force, the variable submergence effect due to waves, the instantaneous position of the tower and force excursion relation of the mooring lines. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the behaviour of the tower under waves, and the combined effect of wind and wave forces.     

Dynamic soil properties and seismic ground response analysis for North Indian seismic belt subjected to the great Himalayan earthquakes

The paper highlights the importance of using site-specific shear modulus reduction (G/G_max versus shear strain, γ) curves and damping ratio (D versus shear strain, γ) curves for ground response analysis. In order to develop comprehensive G/G_max–γ and D–γ curves (i.e. over a wide range of strain level), two types of apparatus, viz. resonant column and cyclic simple shear, have been used. The case study considered the geological deposits from the river beds of Yamuna River originating from the Himalayan seismic zone of North India. The tests results have been analysed to develop G/G_max–γ and D–γ curves and compared with standard curves. It has been observed that upper and lower boundaries for the standard curves are remarkably different for the geological deposit under consideration. In order to assess the impact of using standard curves rather than site-specific curves, ground response analysis has been carried out at five sites along the Yamuna River using two types of curves (standard and site-specific developed in this study). The study showed that the amplification of shear waves at these sites based on the experimentally derived curves is much higher as compared to the standard curves. The proposed curves better represent dynamic behaviour of the soil deposits of the region and will provide a realistic response as far as practically possible, for the structures constructed in the states of Haryana and Delhi and nearby areas. It is anticipated that the data presented in this paper will have wide application and usage.

     

Adsorption of cadmium on riverine sediments: quantitative treatment of the large particles

The effects of solution pH, sediment dose, contact time, and particle size on the adsorption of cadmium ions on bed sediments have been studied for a highly polluted river in western Uttar Pradesh, India. The role of the coarser sediment and the clay and silt fractions has been examined. The optimum contact time needed to reach equilibrium is of the order of 30 and 60 min for 0–75 μm and 210–250 μm sediment size, respectively. The extent of cadmium adsorption increases with increasing pH and adsorbent doses and decreases with adsorbent particle size. The important geochemical phases, iron and manganese oxide, provide the active support material for the adsorption of cadmium. The competitive experiments conducted in the presence of lead and zinc ions indicate that both the ions suppress the ability of cadmium to adsorb on to sediments. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were used to determine the mechanistic parameters associated with the adsorption process. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.