南疆“3.12”强沙尘暴天气数值模拟与诊断分析

春季是南疆塔里木盆地沙尘暴天气的高发季节。利用GRAPES中尺度数值模式,以GFS资料作为初值场和侧边界值,对新疆2011年3月12日南疆出现的强沙尘暴天气进行数值模拟,并利用模式输出结果对这次过程作诊断分析。结果表明,GRAPES中尺度模式对高空槽、西风带、地面温度等强沙尘暴主要影响系统发生、发展及强度模拟效果较好,能模拟出产生这次强沙尘暴的强风天气形势和上升运动;西西伯利亚地面冷高压爆发性南下并强烈发展是造成强沙尘暴天气的重要地面天气系统;位涡的水平分布特征对沙尘暴的出现时间和落区有一定的指示意义;沙尘暴区上空螺旋度垂直分布为高层负值、低层正值;螺旋度正值的演变与沙尘暴的出现有一定的对应关系;上升运动转为下沉运动是沙尘暴的最强时段。     

Polarization analysis and polarization filtering of three-component signals with the time–frequency S transform

From basic Fourier theory, a one-component signal can be expressed as a superposition of sinusoidal oscillations in time, with the Fourier amplitude and phase spectra describing the contribution of each sinusoid to the total signal. By extension, three-component signals can be thought of as superpositions of sinusoids oscillating in the x -, y -, and z -directions, which, when considered one frequency at a time, trace out elliptical motion in three-space. Thus the total three-component signal can be thought of as a superposition of ellipses. The information contained in the Fourier spectra of the x -, y -, and z -components of the signal can then be re-expressed as Fourier spectra of the elements of these ellipses, namely: the lengths of their semi-major and semi-minor axes, the strike and dip of each ellipse plane, the pitch of the major axis, and the phase of the particle motion at each frequency. The same type of reasoning can be used with windowed Fourier transforms (such as the S transform), to give time-varying spectra of the elliptical elements. These can be used to design signal-adaptive polarization filters that reject signal components with specific polarization properties. Filters of this type are not restricted to reducing the whole amplitude of any particular ellipse; for example, the 'linear' part of the ellipse can be retained while the 'circular' part is rejected. This paper describes the mathematics behind this technique, and presents three examples: an earthquake seismogram that is first separated into linear and circular parts, and is later filtered specifically to remove the Rayleigh wave; and two shot gathers, to which similar Rayleigh-wave filters have been applied on a trace-by-trace basis.     

Geomorphic and dendroecological impacts of slushflows in central Gaspé Peninsula (Québec, Canada)

Slushflows are rare phenomena in southeastern Canada. Here we report for the first time the occurrence of slushflows in a subalpine environment in eastern Canada (Mt. Albert, Gaspé Peninsula, Québec). Because nothing is known of their frequency- magnitude in the area, we reconstructed the chronology of slushflow events over the past century using dendrogeomorphic techniques based on impact scars, reaction wood and traumatic resin ducts. Slushflows contributed to the formation of a tongue-shaped accumulation of 17900 m² at the outlet of a firstorder drainage basin. The slushflow boulder tongue was composed of heterogeneous-sized, angular and unoriented clasts, which are markedly different from the sediments of an adjacent alluvial fan. Although movements were initiated above the subalpine forest limit, slushflows induced forest fragmentation along the treed slope. Three slushflow events were identified over the past century, in 1925, 1964 and 1988, respectively, which indicate exceptional initiation conditions and considerable geomorphic activity of individual events.     

Analyse d'Image pour l'Évaluation de l'Exposition de la Côte à l'Action des Vagues

A method of analysis was developed to estimate wind-induced wave heights in the coastal zone. The analysis is based on a digital bathymetry model in raster format. The model uses wind characteristics such as direction, velocity, and fetch. In addition, underwater terrain slope magnitude and orientation, and water depth are used in the computation of the model to estimate wave heights. Two analyses are shown, taking into account waves built from short fetch wind and indefinite fetch wind. The analysis was applied to Hare Bay in northern Newfoundland. First, we take into account a northerly wind of 6.9 ms⁻¹ where the fetch is 19 km or less. The estimated wave heights vary between 0 and 0.5 m. With the second application, we considered an indefinite ESE fetch wind of 17.8 ms⁻¹. In this case, the wave heights resulting from the application of the model vary between 0 and 11.8 m. We compared the modelling results based on ESE wind and the wave energy derived through visual analysis. Relationships were identified between the wave height classes and the wave energy categories.     

GIS and Field‐Based Spatiotemporal Analysis for Evaluation of Paleo–Ice Sheet Simulations*

Reconstructing paleo–ice sheets is significant for paleoclimate reconstructions and evaluations of sea level low stands. Accurate reconstructions of paleo–ice sheet dimensions and dynamics necessitate the combination of field evidence and process modeling. In this study, a GIS‐based technique was developed to quantitatively assess model output against geomorphic data. However, implementation of this technique is not straightforward and requires consideration of time‐space relationships, data representation, resolution, and analytical design. Combined use of two software tools holds considerable promise for the use, application, and interpretation of refined ice sheet models.     

Central‐Auckland rainfall, 1853–2020: Sites histories and implications for developing a long‐term rainfall record

Previous work related to central‐Auckland site Albert Park showed that sparse site histories for inner‐city weather stations can be usefully supplemented by mining searchable online historical archives (Papers Past, DigitalNZ), at least as far back as 1909. Assessment of potential is extended here back to 1853, within the context of developing a long‐term rainfall record for Auckland. Although late 19th century sources are thinner and of poorer quality, much useful information could be gleaned about the locations and exposures of early sites. Hypothesised implications for the rainfall record suggest that all early site data need to be adjusted upwards.     

Commentaries on “Evaluating the Geographic in GIS”

In this article, four geographers who are also GIS practitioners critique “Evaluating the Geographic in GIS.” Sparked by the arguments in that article, they pose fundamental questions about how geography can best contribute to GIS practices.     

Proglacial Sediment—Landform Associations of a Polythermal Glacier: Storglaciären, Northern Sweden

Mapping and laboratory analysis of the sediment—landform associations in the proglacial area of polythermal Storglaciären, Tarfala, northern Sweden, reveal six distinct lithofacies. Sandy gravel, silty gravel, massive sand and silty sand are interpreted as glaciofluvial in origin. A variable, pervasively deformed to massive clast‐rich sandy diamicton is interpreted as the product of an actively deforming subglacial till layer. Massive block gravels, comprising two distinctive moraine ridges, reflect supraglacial sedimentation and ice‐marginal and subglacial reworking of heterogeneous proglacial sediments during the Little Ice Age and an earlier more extensive advance. Visual estimation of the relative abundance of these lithofacies suggests that the sandy gravel lithofacies is of the most volumetric importance, followed by the diamicton and block gravels. Sedimentological analysis suggests that the role of a deforming basal till layer has been the dominant factor controlling glacier flow throughout the Little Ice Age, punctuated by shorter (warmer and wetter climatic) periods where high water pressures may have played a more important role. These results contribute to the database that facilitates discrimination of past glacier thermal regimes and dynamics in areas that are no longer glacierized, as well as older glaciations in the geological record.     

Off‐great‐circle propagation of intermediate‐period surface waves observed on a dense array in the French Alps

Array analysis is performed on surface waves recorded in the French Alps using a small‐aperture (25 km) temporary array of six broad‐band stations. The analysis shows that both Rayleigh and Love waves deviate relative to the great‐circle path. The deviations are particularly strong, up to 30°, between 20 and 40 s period. To interpret these observations, we first study the effect of large‐scale structures using ray tracing in a smooth, laterally heterogeneous model of the Earth. Second, we evaluate the local effect by considering a model for the French Alps including strong lateral heterogeneities around the array that were not taken into account in the ray tracing. By combining these two possible causes of the observed deviations, we propose an explanation for the general trend in the observed deviations. Finally, we show that by taking into account azimuthal deviations, phase velocities measured at a regional scale can be significantly improved.     

Spatial analysis of rockfall activity, bounce heights and geomorphic changes over the last 50 years – A case study using dendrogeomorphology

Tree-ring series have been used to reconstruct 50 years of rockfall behavior on a slope near Saas Balen (Swiss Alps). A total of 796 cores and 141 cross sections from 191 severely injured conifer trees (Larix decidua Mill., Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Pinus cembra L.), combined with a series of aerial photographs, were used to investigate the evolution of the forest stand so as (i) to reconstruct past rockfall rates; (ii) to analyze the spatial behavior of maximum bounce heights; and (iii) to analyze the spatial comportment of rockfall activity over the last five decades.Tree-ring analysis permitted the reconstruction of the age distribution at the study site; results were in perfect agreement with the afforestation process shown in the aerial photographs. The oldest are located in the lower, central part of the study site; the youngest individuals at its uppermost lateral boundaries. Reconstructed rockfall rates reveal strong interannual variations and single event years with increased activity, namely in 1960/1961 and 1995. Spatial analysis of the maximum bounce heights indicate highest values at the lateral boundaries and lowest heights in the lower central part of the forest stand, where a big boulder seems to shield trees growing below it. The spatial analysis of past rockfall activity shows high active zones at the uppermost north-facing boundaries of the forest and least active zones in the lowermost central part of the studied stand. The high rockfall activity at the slope is expressed by a mean rockfall rate of > 1 event m^− 1 y^− 1.     

A pseudo-Thellier relative palaeointensity record, and rock magnetic and geochemical parameters in relation to climate during the last 276 kyr in the Azores region

In the pseudo-Thellier method for relative palaeointensity determinations (Tauxe et al. 1995) the slope of the NRM intensity left after AF demagnetization versus ARM intensity gained at the same peak field is used as a palaeointensity measure. We tested this method on a marine core from the Azores, spanning the last 276  kyr. We compared the pseudo-Thellier palaeointensity record with the conventional record obtained earlier by Lehman et al . (1996 ), who normalized NRM by SIRM. The two records show similar features: intensity lows with deviating palaeomagnetic directions at 40–45  ka and at 180–190  ka. The first interval is associated with the Laschamps excursion, while the 180–190  ka low represents the Iceland Basin excursion (Channell et al. 1997). The pseudo-Thellier method, in combination with a jackknife resampling scheme, provides error estimates on the palaeointensity.
  Spectral analysis of the rock magnetic parameters and the palaeointensity estimates shows orbitally forced periods, particularly 23  kyr for climatic precession. This suggests that palaeointensity is still slightly contaminated by climate. Fuzzy c -means cluster analysis of rock magnetic and geochemical parameters yields a seven-cluster model of predominantly calcareous clusters and detrital clusters. The clusters show a strong correlation with climate, for example samples from detrital clusters predominantly appear during rapid warming. Although both the pseudo-Thellier palaeointensity m _a and fuzzy clusters show climatic influences, we have not been able to find an unambiguous connection between the clusters and m _a .     

Mapping crime harm and priority locations in New Zealand: A comparison of spatial analysis methods

Despite progress being advanced with spatial approaches to crime and crime control, the geography of crime harm has to date received little attention. The recent development of “Crime Harm Indices”, which weight crimes by an estimate of the relative harm they cause, offers an opportunity to improve on volume based spatial analysis approaches to identify where crime harm concentrates.This study aims to address this issue via the use of a Crime Harm Index (CHI) developed for New Zealand. By contrast to localized ‘harm-spotting’ analysis, we apply a census unit based approach to identify, at a macro level, the neighborhoods and wider communities suffering the highest crime harm in New Zealand. This approach enables harm to be viewed not only as a total Index but as a rate controlled for population and allows for the identification of census based sociodemographic factors which predict harm. Specifically, this paper compares the CHI with the New Zealand Priority Locations Index (PLI), an existing census unit based crime analysis tool which combines crime and demographic variables to identify communities vulnerable to crime and disorder issues.In this study CHI and PLI scores were calculated for Census Area Units (normally containing 3000–5000 population) across New Zealand. Bivariate correlations and a general linear model were used to determine the relationships between the CHI and PLI and additional population related variables. The CHI and PLI were weakly correlated, with population size and urban/rural categorization also accounting for CHI variance. Mapping techniques are used to illustrate outlier locations where the CHI and PLI differ widely and to identify location features which may assist in explaining CHI/PLI differences.This work exemplifies a novel geographic approach to the problem of crime harm with implications for resource allocation at national through to local levels. Wider implications for the theory and practice of crime and crime harm control are discussed, along with limitations of the study and areas for further research.     

Vegetation patterns and species–environment relationships in the Gurbantunggut Desert of China

The Gurbantunggut Desert is the largest stable and semi-stable sand desert in China, yet few data exist on vegetation pattern and species-environment relationships for these diverse desert landscapes. The sand dunes of the survey area are mainly of the longitudinal form from north to south, but checkerboard-shaped and honeycomb-shaped forms are also present, with the height of 10–50 m. We measured vegetation and soil data on north–south transects and compared them with vegetation and soil data on east–west transects. Analysis revealed that the varying trend and strength of the species diversity, dominance and cover of the plant communities in the longitudinal and transverse directions across the landscape are significantly different. The results of CCA ordination show that the microhabitats of soil organic matter (OM), soil salts (TS), sorting index (σ), topsoil water-content (SM) and pH relate to the differences in vegetation observed as differences in species assemblage from salt-intolerant ephemerals, micro-subshrubs and subshrubs to salt-tolerant shrubs and micro-arbors. The terrain (alt.) and soil texture (the contents of Mz and φ1) affect the spatial differentiation of many species. However, this spatial differentiation is not so marked on transects running longitudinally with the landscape, in the same direction as the dunes. The species of the desert vegetation have formed three assemblages under the action of habitat gradients, relating to three sections running transversely across the landscape, at right angles to the direction of the dune crests. In the mid-east section of the study area the topography is higher, with sand-lands or dune-slopes with coarse particles. Here the dominant vegetation comprises shrubs and subshrubs of Seriphidium santolium and Ephedra distachya, with large numbers of ephemeral and ephemeroid plants of Senecio subdentatus, and Carex physodes in spring and summer. On the soil of the dune-slopes in the mid-west of the study area, with coarse particles and abundant TK, the plant assemblage of Haloxylon persicum, Soranthus meyeri and Agriophyllum squarrosum is developed. The species composition in the east marginal belt of the study area has similar characteristics to the mid-west section. There is no corresponding section in the north–south transects (except for the north and south margins). This is because the habitats of most plants are located in the middle of the microhabitat gradients in the north–south direction in the desert.