Systematic Methodology for Velocity-dependent Gravity Modelling of Density Crustal Cross-Sections, using an Optimization Procedure

The paper describes a new method of gravity modelling of the density cross section along a DSS profile. We propose a systematic procedure of gravity interpretation using structural information contained both in the velocity distribution of the seismic model and the geometry of its layers. The procedure is based on the optimisation of the density parameters of the model. The values of the parameters are limited by relationships between the seismic velocity and the density (optimisation with inequalities). The formulation of the method allows for discussion of the presence of isostasy and the distribution of compensating masses. The discussion is very important for the considered crust-lithosphere system. The presented calculations are done for one Carpathian profile (CEL01). The analysis of the properties of the fitting procedure provides the characteristic depth of subcrustal compensating density structures, the position of crucial tectonic boundaries along the profiles, locations of the crustal areas having exceptional lithology, the regional density differences of subcrustal matter and the estimation of regional deviations from the isostatic equilibrium.     

Turbulent Mechanical Energy Budget in Stably Stratified Baroclinic Flows over Sloping Terrain

Analysis of second-moment budget equations in a slope-oriented coordinate frame exhibits the pathways of exchange between the potential energy of mean flow and the total turbulent mechanical energy. It is shown that this process is controlled by the inclination of the potential temperature gradient. Hence, this parameter should be considered in studies of turbulence in slope flows as well as the slope inclination. The concept of turbulent potential energy is generalized to include baroclinicity, and is used to explain the role of along-slope turbulent heat flux in energy conversions. A generalization of static stability criteria for baroclinic conditions is also proposed. In addition, the presence of feedback between the turbulent heat flux and the temperature variance in stably-stratified flows is identified, which implies the existence of oscillatory modes characterized by the Brunt–Väisäla frequency.     

Benthic re-colonization in post-dredging pits in the Puck Bay (Southern Baltic Sea)

The stage of benthic re-colonization at a site formed by sand extraction was investigated some 10 years after the cessation of dredging. The examined post-dredging pit is one of five deep (up to 14 m) pits created with a static suction hopper on the sandy, flat and shallow (1–2 m) part of the inner Puck Bay (the southern Baltic Sea). The topography of the dredged area makes a specific trap for different kinds of organic matter. It is created by the small areas of post-dredging pits as compared to their depths. As a result, organic matter accumulation leads to anaerobic conditions and hydrogen sulfide formation. Macrofauna was not found to occur permanently in the deepest part (11 m) of the cup-shaped depression, which was characterized by its small area (0.2 km²) and steep walls. However, permanent occurrence of meiofauna (max. 180 ind. 10 cm⁻², mainly Nematoda) was noted. Undoubtedly, re-colonization of benthic fauna assemblages, typical of shallow and sandy seabed of the Puck Bay, will not follow in a natural way in the area of post-dredging pits. Also, it could not be expected that the re-colonization sequence would result in the formation of a structure similar to that of the natural depression (the Kuźnica Hollow).     

Projection and detection of climate change impact on fatigue damage of offshore floating structures operating in three offshore oil fields of the North Sea

Ocean Dynamics - Fatigue damage of offshore floating structures is a long-term cumulative process, which is mainly attributed to ocean waves. The natural variability and human-induced climate...     

Groundwater resources of the middle and upper Odra River basin, southwestern Poland

 The total amount of groundwater resources in the middle and upper Odra River basin is 5200×10³ m³/d, or about 7.7% of the disposable groundwater resources of Poland. The average modulus of groundwater resources is about 1.4 L/s/km². Of the 180 'Major Groundwater Basins' (MGWB) in Poland, 43 are partly or totally located within the study area. The MGWB in southwestern Poland have an average modulus of groundwater resources about 2.28 L/s/km² and thus have abundant water resources in comparison to MGWB from other parts of the country. Several types of mineral waters occur in the middle and upper Odra River basin. These waters are concentrated especially in the Sudety Mountains. Carbon-dioxide waters, with yields of 414 m³/h, are the most widespread of Sudetic mineral waters. The fresh waters of the crystalline basement have a low mineralization, commonly less than 100 mg/L; they are a HCO₃–Ca–Mg or SO₄–Ca–Mg type of water. Various hydrochemical compositions characterize the groundwater in sedimentary rocks. The shallow aquifers are under risk of atmospheric pollution and anthropogenic effects. To prevent the degradation of groundwater resources in the middle and upper Odra River basin, Critical Protection Areas have been designated within the MGWB. Received, January 1995 Revised, May 1996, August 1997 Accepted, August 1997     

First application of MC2-AQ to multiscale air quality modelling over Europe

A three-dimensional air quality model (MC2-AQ) developed for studying oxidant chemistry on regional to urban scales over North America was adapted and implemented for European conditions. The modelling system is based on the Canadian Mesoscale Compressible Community (MC2) Model, a non-hydrostatic meteorological model, to which modules permitting on-line calculations of chemical transformations, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, and deposition were added. The transport of chemical species is done on the same grid and with the same advection, convection, and diffusion schemes as are used for the meteorological fields. The developed model is highly flexible and was adapted to different scales by allowing for self-nesting. In this paper we present model results for a high-ozone episode, June 18–26, 2000, over Europe. The modelling system was able to reproduce general characteristics (growth, extent, and dissipation) of the pollution episode. Accumulation of ozone precursors during weak wind and high-temperature synoptic conditions was essential for episode formation. Subsequent episode development and advancement across Europe was driven by frontal systems. A stationary front associated with a low-pressure system over Ukraine prevented the further eastward transport of the polluted air mass. The episode was terminated after the passage of a cold front advecting relatively clean Atlantic air mass.