Variability and trends in daily minimum and maximum temperatures and in the diurnal temperature range in Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia in 1951–2010

Spatial distribution and trends in mean and absolute maximum and minimum temperatures and in the diurnal temperature range were analysed at 47 stations in the eastern Baltic region (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) during 1951–2010. Dependence of the studied variables on geographical factors (latitude, the Baltic Sea, land elevation) is discussed. Statistically significant increasing trends in maximum and minimum temperatures were detected for March, April, July, August and annual values. At the majority of stations, the increase was detected also in February and May in case of maximum temperature and in January and May in case of minimum temperature. Warming was slightly higher in the northern part of the study area, i.e. in Estonia. Trends in the diurnal temperature range differ seasonally. The highest increasing trend revealed in April and, at some stations, also in May, July and August. Negative and mostly insignificant changes have occurred in January, February, March and June. The annual temperature range has not changed.     

Spatial response of two European atmospheric circulation classifications (data 1901–2010)

Air pressure field and circulation pattern frequencies were investigated to (1) locate and compare positions of the underlying pressure fields, (2) analyse the spatial dimension of affected areas, (3) create schematic maps of important circulation types and (4) compare the classification types in their response to the data. Two manual classifications were used, selected for the length of their time series and their applicability to a larger region: the Grosswetterlagen classification (GWLc) and the Vangengeim–Girs classification (VGc). Their time series were correlated with a global set of gridded monthly sea-level pressure data. Results show the different conceptual orientation of VGc (hemispheric) and GWLc (continental). The highest correlation values and the largest affected areas are visible in winter, where patterns frequently extended into northern Africa and western Asia. Schematic maps, illustrating the average location of main pressure centres, are provided for basic classes of both classifications. Re-arranging GWLc subtypes increases the classifications comparability with the VGc. Analysis of moving correlation coefficients reveals high fluctuations in the relation of both classifications over time.     

A dynamic 2DH flocculation model for coastal domains

Ocean Dynamics - A dynamic two-dimensional depth-averaged (2DH) parameterization for flocculation of cohesive sediments is proposed based on the kinetic model by Winterwerp (J Hydraul Res...     

Deep slices and the Supercluster-Void Network

We compare the properties of superclusters of Abell clusters with those of superclusters of loose groups from the Las Campanas Redshift Survey. We show that supercluster intersections with the LCRS slices coincide with the high-density regions of the galaxy distribution. The orientation of superclusters in respect of line-of-sight is nearly random, with a slight excess of systems oriented perpendicularly to the line of sight.     

Field observations on hydrodynamic and coastal geomorphic processes off Harilaid Peninsula (Baltic Sea) in winter and spring 2006–2007

Investigations of multi-layer current regime, variations in sea level and wave parameters using a bottom-mounted RDCP (Recording Doppler Current Profiler) during 20 December 2006–23 May 2007 were integrated with surveys on changes of shorelines and contours of beach ridges at nearby Harilaid Peninsula (Saaremaa Island). A W-storm with a maximum average wind speed of 23 m s⁻¹ occurred on 14–15 January with an accompanying sea level rise of at least 100 cm and a significant wave height of 3.2 m at the 14 m deep RDCP mooring site. It appeared that in practically tideless Estonian coastal waters, Doppler-based “vertical velocity” measurements reflect mainly site-dependent equilibrium between resuspension and sedimentation. The mooring site, 1.5 km off the Kelba Spit of Harilaid, was located in the accumulation zone, where downward fluxes dominated and fine sand settled. As a result of storms in January and April, the distal part of the accumulative gravel spit advanced by 50 m, whereas a 30–50 m retreat of the shoreline in the western and northern parts occurred at Cape Kiipsaare. The location of the beach ridges shows that the development of the spit occurs through relatively short-period but infrequent storm events, roughly 2–3 times each decade.     

Stability and tightness evaluation of bedded rock salt formations for underground gas/oil storage

The presence of interfaces has a critical influence on the stability and tightness of underground gas/oil storages. In China, these energy storages are constructed mainly in bedded salt formations and are widely distributed. Therefore, it is necessary to study the sedimentary rhythm and mechanical characteristics of the interfaces between beds. The petrologic study of core samples from exploratory wells in Yunying Salt Mine, Hubei Provence, China, reveals a sedimentary rhythm and multiple interfaces of bedded salt formations: (1) Mudstone–anhydrite–glauberite–Glauber’s salt–salt rock–mudstone are periodically deposited in sequences. Chemical deposition, the predominant formation mechanism, and mechanical deposition appear alternately and result in the formation of sedimentary multicycles; (2) depending on whether a certain component of the rhythm is lacking or not, interfaces are divided into sequential depositional interfaces and intermittent depositional interfaces. Depending on the deposition frequency, interfaces can also be classified into dominant interfaces and secondary interfaces. Depending on whether the mineral composition changes gradually or abruptly, interfaces can be divided into gradual transition interfaces and discrete discontinuous interfaces. Based on the classification of the interfaces together with scanning electron microscope analyses, the cementation state and strength of the interfaces are discussed. Both field investigations and laboratory tests show that the strengths of the chemical deposition interfaces are higher than those of the mechanical deposition interfaces. Specifically, interfaces of mudstone and rock salt are mostly weak. Taking into account the presence of weak interfaces, the strength of interbedded salt formations around caverns can be represented by a U-shaped lower-bound strength envelope curve, which means that shear failure may occur more easily at the haunches of the cavern. Therefore, when setting the range of the internal operating pressures, more attention should be paid to the shear strength of the weak interlayers and weak interfaces, in particular those at the haunches of the cavern, to ensure the stability and tightness of underground gas/oil stores.     

Climatology of precipitation extremes in Estonia using the method of moving precipitation totals

A method of moving precipitation totals is described and applied for the analysis of precipitation extremes in Estonia. Numbers of extremely wet and extremely dry days and other indices of precipitation extremes were calculated using the daily precipitation data measured at 51 stations over Estonia during 1957–2009. Mean regularities of spatial and seasonal distribution were determined. Long-term changes were detected using Sen's method and Mann–Kendall test. The highest risk of heavy precipitation is in the regions of higher mean precipitation on the uplands and on the belt of higher precipitation in the western part of continental Estonia. Wet spells have their sharp maxima in July and August. The highest risk of droughts is observed in the coastal regions of West Estonia. In the coastal area, droughts appear mostly in the first half of summer, while in the eastern Estonia, they are usually observed during the second half of summer. Extreme precipitation events have become more frequent and intense. Statistically significant increasing trends were, first of all, found in the time series of winter extreme precipitation indices. In summer and autumn, trends existed in some indices, but in spring, there were no trends at all. There were no trends in time series of dryness indices in Estonia in 1957–2009.