Spatial–temporal variability and hydrologic connectivity of runoff generation areas in a North Alabama pasture—implications for phosphorus transport

This study delineated spatially and temporally variable runoff generation areas in the Sand Mountain region pasture of North Alabama under natural rainfall conditions, and demonstrated that hydrologic connectivity is important for generating hillslope response when infiltration‐excess (IE) runoff mechanism dominates. Data from six rainfall events (13·7–32·3 mm) on an intensively instrumented pasture hillslope (0·12 ha) were analysed. Analysis of data from surface runoff sensors, tipping bucket rain gauge and HS‐flume demonstrated spatial and temporal variability in runoff generation areas. Results showed that the maximum runoff generation area, which contributed to runoff at the outlet of the hillslope, varied between 67 and 100%. Furthermore, because IE was the main runoff generation mechanism on the hillslope, the data showed that as the rainfall intensity changed during a rainfall event, the runoff generation areas expanded or contracted. During rainfall events with high‐intensity short‐ to medium‐duration, 4–8% of total rainfall was converted to runoff at the outlet. Rainfall events with medium‐ to low‐intensity, medium‐duration were found less likely to generate runoff at the outlet. In situ soil hydraulic conductivity (k) was measured across the hillslope, which confirmed its effect on hydrologic connectivity of runoff generation areas. Combined surface runoff sensor and k‐interpolated data clearly showed that during a rainfall event, lower k areas generate runoff first, and then, depending on rainfall intensity, runoff at the outlet is generated by hydrologically connected areas. It was concluded that in IE‐runoff‐dominated areas, rainfall intensity and k can explain hydrologic response. The study demonstrated that only connected areas of low k values generate surface runoff during high‐intensity rainfall events. Identification of these areas would serve as an important foundation for controlling nonpoint source pollutant transport, especially phosphorus. The best management practices can be developed and implemented to reduce transport of phosphorus from these hydrologically connected areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface sensible heat flux over a deep moist convective region and its interplay with synoptic and mesoscale features

The surface parameters are being evaluated using a methodology which considers the vertical temperature structure of MONTBLEX ’90. For this 30 metre micrometeorological tower data are utilised. In this process, a concept of isolated layers has been introduced. The parameters have been evaluated following two successive iterative processes to give a consistent value both in the flux-profile relation and the related similarity relation. The heat flux obtained using the present methodology, is then utilised to examine its interplay with the synoptic as well as mesoscale features. The existence of such an interplay is observed.     

西藏“一江两河”中部流域地区土地沙漠化防治目标,对策与治沙工程布局

西藏“一江两河”中部流域地区是我国沙漠化强烈发展的地区之一。根据“一江两河”综合开发部署和沙漠化的实际状况，制定了本区沙漠化防治的目标、对策和治沙工程布局。“八·五”、“九·五”期间治理沙漠化土地８．４６万ｈａ。治沙工程实施后，综合效益指数将比１９９０年提高３３．７％，系统功能状况与效益水平在整体上提高１／３。     

辽宁复县震旦系高家屯组皱节虫化石的发现

辽东半岛南部晚前寒武纪地层分布广泛,发育完整,顶、底界线清楚,厚度巨大,生物化石丰富,并为中、外地质学家所重视,但是其地层对比一直是争论的问题。有的认为偏老,属青白口系以下,有的认为偏新,属青白口系以上。微古植物、可疑化石Chuaria、叠层石的研究结果受到怀疑;南关岭组底部所产的后生动物化石“水母”、“海绵骨针”和“遗迹化石”,现被查明是非生物成因的;同位素年龄的数据也是矛盾重重。