The influence of the organic aerosol component on CCN supersaturation spectra for different aerosol types

Abstract This paper describes the effect of the presence of water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) in aerosol particles on the aerosol critical supersaturation as defined by the Köhler theory and on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration. Taking into account both the soluble mass increase and the surface tension depression due to WSOC, we calculated a substantial decrease of the aerosol critical supersaturation, which results in a large increase in CCN number concentration. CCN supersaturation spectra were computed for three different aerosol types: marine, rural and urban. The increase of CCN number concentration in the presence of WSOC (with respect to the case when only the inorganic aerosol compounds are considered) varies with aerosol type, with an increase up to 13% in the marine case, up to 97% in the rural case, and up to 110% in the urban case, for the supersaturation range typical of atmospheric conditions.     

Natural hazards in Romania induced by heavy rainfalls in 1996-1997

IntroductionRolnalha,acountryof238391kmZlocatedintheSouth-EanemPaltofEurope(43'37'-8'15'N20,15,~29'41'E)boastSagreatvarietyofnatulalcondihons.ThereliefasawholeisarTangedonthreelevelsfmountainsstirroundedbyhillsandplains,stretchingoutbetWeentheCarpathianMountains(highestpeak2544m),whichencirCletheT~lvAnanPlateauinthecentre,andtheDanubehiverandtheBlackSeatotheSouthandSouth-EaSt,respechvely.Theselevelsareequallydivided(aroundl/3each)andconcentricallydistributed(FigUrel).Theclhate,vegeta…     

Sedimentology,palaeoenvironments and biostratigraphy of the Pliocene–Pleistocene carbonate platform of Grande‐Terre (Guadeloupe,Lesser Antilles forearc)

Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits from Grande‐Terre (Guadeloupe archipelago, French Lesser Antilles) provide a remarkable example of an isolated carbonate system built in an active margin setting, with sedimentation controlled by both rapid sea‐level changes and tectonic movements. Based on new field, sedimentological and palaeontological analyses, these deposits have been organized into four sedimentary sequences (S1 to S4) separated by three subaerial erosion surfaces (SB0, SB1 and SB2). Sequences S1 and S2 (‘Calcaires inférieurs à rhodolithes’) deposited during the Late Zanclean to Early Gelasian (planktonic foraminiferal Zones PL2 to PL5) in low subsidence conditions, on a distally steepened ramp dipping eastward. Red algal‐rich deposits, which dominate the western part of Grande‐Terre, change to planktonic foraminifer‐rich deposits eastward. Vertical movements of tens of metres were responsible for the formation of SB0 and SB1. Sequence S3 (‘Formation volcano‐sédimentaire’, ‘Calcaires supérieurs à rhodolithes’ and ‘Calcaires à Agaricia’) was deposited during the Late Piacenzian to Early Calabrian (Zones PL5 to PT1a) on a distally steepened, red algal‐dominated ramp that changes upward into a homoclinal, coral‐dominated ramp. Deposition of Sequence S3 occurred during a eustatic cycle in quiet tectonic conditions. Its uppermost boundary, the major erosion surface SB2, is related to the Cala1 eustatic sea‐level fall. Finally, Sequence S4 (‘Calcaires à Acropora’) probably formed during the Calabrian, developing as a coral‐dominated platform during a eustatic cycle in quiet tectonic conditions. The final emergence of the island could then have occurred in Late Calabrian times.     

ROOST SITES AND COMMUNAL BEHAVIOR OF ANDEAN CONDORS IN CHILE*

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is an endangered species. Even southern Patagonia, home to the most stable and abundant populations of Andean condors, is witnessing increasing pressure from development and tourism. Taking the case of Torres del Paine National Park, in the Chilean Patagonia, we examine monitoring of condor populations at roosting sites and communal bird behavior in response to humans as an effective tool for bird conservation within protected areas. Based on field data collected throughout 2007, we identify new roosting places, explore activity patterns and population characteristics of free‐ranging and roosting Andean condors, examine bird behavior in response to humans, and analyze the current and likely future ecological impacts of tourism on the condor population and its habitat. Our results reveal that the impact of tourism is still low and that the Andean condors do not seem to be declining in numbers in the park but that the importance of roosts and animal behavior in response to humans must be considered for future monitoring, bird‐conservation planning, and ecotourism management.