Determining air permeability in reclaimed coastal land based on tidal fluctuations

Coastal land reclamation is a common practice in many regions around the World. A reclaimed coastal land often has a two-layer system: a highly permeable layer consisting of crushed rock fragments underneath a less permeable layer. This study deals with vertical airflow in a reclaimed coastal land induced by the periodic variations of water table elevation due to tide fluctuations. The influence of atmospheric pressure fluctuations can be easily dealt with through a simple superposition procedure reported by Li and Jiao, thus is not considered here. A time-series Fourier analysis method is developed to determine air permeability based on a tide-induced airflow model reported by Li and Jiao for the reclaimed coastal land. This method employs the amplitude attenuations of subsurface air pressure to search for values of dimensionless air-leaking-resistance which can be subsequently used to calculate air permeability. Two types of data, the air pressure data in the upper less permeable layer and the tidal fluctuation data, are required to calculate the air permeability. Type curves relating to the amplitude attenuations and the relative depth can also be used to determine the values of air permeability. A field site in Hong Kong International Airport is used to demonstrate the applicability of this method for reclaimed coastal land consisting of a marine sand layer above a layer of crushed rock fragments. The application shows that the amplitude attenuations of diurnal and semi-diurnal components in the Fourier series are most reliable for determining the value of air permeability.     

Groundwater exploration using remote sensing and geographic information systems in a semi-arid area (Southwest of Urmieh, Northwest of Iran)

Shortage of water required for drinking and agricultural uses is a subject with a vital importance in most arid and semi-arid regions. The area of this study is one of the semi-arid regions located in southwest of Urmieh lake, northwest of Iran, between N 37°00′, 37°15′ latitude and E 45°05′, 45°30′ longitude which is composed of Permian dolomitic limestone, limestone, and post-Jurassic granite with a very low primary porosity/permeability character. In order to delineate groundwater potential zones in this area, the study focused on identifying secondary porosity/permeability indicators such as lineaments, vegetation cover, lithology, drainage pattern, drainage density, etc. In this regard, a remote sensing and geographic information system-based methodology was selected. Landsat ETM, IRS (pan), SPOT data, digital elevation model, and digital image processing techniques such as filtering, false color composite, principal component analysis, band rationing and classification have been applied to reach the purposes. Information layers extracted for analysis and interpretation stage were then integrated with other data and modeled through the use of existing geographic information system (GIS) software and their related analytical functions. Finally, based on determined ground water favorability index for different sub zones, layers, weighting, and overlapping, a ground water potential index (GWPI) was defined which respectively was utilized to groundwater potential zoning and preparation of GWPI map of the region. Within the six different sub zones defined, two sub zones labeled with high and very good potential areas were highly recommended for further development and exploration purposes. Geophysical investigations in target areas confirm the labeled subzones. Based on the obtained results of the study, it can be concluded that remote sensing data are very useful tool to extract information of groundwater exploration. Also, application of geographic information systems to find target areas for groundwater exploration are effective to save time and cost.     

Reconstructing the spatial distribution of large vegetation formations during the mid-Holocene in Romania: a predictive modeling approach

The present study tests the usefulness of SoLIM software and GIS techniques for the reconstruction of large vegetation formations from the mid-Holocene period in Romania. We used current reference climate data (temperature, precipitation) and the current extent of ecological regions in Romania to derive climate optimality functions for each vegetation formation. The optimality functions were used to simulate current and past distributions of vegetation. The results showed that the current and mid-Holocene simulated spatial distributions of vegetation are quite similar. Changes were found for about 14% of the Romanian territory (33 946 km²), the most important being the retreat of coniferous forests in favor of mixed forests and of mixed forests in favor of forest steppe. The former is validated by previous pollen-based studies showing the transition from coniferous forests to mixed forests that occurred in several areas of the country after the mid-Holocene. The study demonstrates the potential of this methodological approach to reconstruct past vegetation formations, and at the same time that it is a straightforward and expert knowledge-based method. Although our application uses only climate factors, the results can be further refined by incorporating additional drivers (soil and landform information, site-specific pollen and fossil data, wildfire data) for a more accurate inference of paleovegetation.     

水力压裂条件下焦作矿区低渗煤层气试验井产能预测

为了探索焦作"三软"煤层（软煤、软顶和软底）水力压裂条件下煤层气渗透机理及产出规律,首先基于储层裂缝扩展模型,考虑压裂后煤体孔隙率对渗透率的影响,建立储层裂缝渗透模型,并进行试验单井的应用及分析,得出压裂缝长度、宽度、渗透率以及压裂后储层参数等指标;而后通过等温吸附曲线法与历史拟合法的综合分析,对煤层气井的采收率进行预测;最后结合所得指标参数与采收率,运用FracproPT软件对矿区GW-002试验井进行2 430 d的产能预测。结果表明:该试验井模拟预测的平均日产气量可达596.87 m3,采收率可达32.86%,累计产气量可达1.09×106 m3,数值模拟出的产气量与实采数据较为吻合,满足煤层气开采技术要求,可用于指导焦作矿区煤层气井压裂抽采实践与产能预测。      

GIS based morphometric analysis of Yamuna drainage network in parts of Fatehabad area of Agra district,Uttar Pradesh

Remote Sensing and GIS techniques have been proved to be efficient tools in the delineation, updating and morphometric analysis of drainage basin. The present study incorporates a morphometric analysis of three sub-basins of Fatehabad area of Agra district using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The morphometric parameters of the sub-basins are classified under linear, areal and relief aspects. The drainage pattern exhibited by the main river Yamuna and its tributaries shows a dendritic pattern indicating homogenously underlain material while the mean bifurcation ratio values suggest that the geological structures are not disturbing the drainage pattern. The form factor value of sub-basins suggests that the main basin is more or less elongated. Circularity ratio values of the three sub-basins fall within range of elongated basin and low discharge. The area has low density indicating that the region has high permeable sub-soil material and dense vegetation. The values of drainage texture, drainage density and infiltration number indicate that sub-basin-III has the highest infiltration rate and low runoff, hence contributing most to the underground water resources. This study also indicates porous and permeable sub-soil condition in sub-basin-III. The values of sub-basin-I indicate low permeable subsoil material owning to high infiltration number value, hence low infiltration and high runoff.     

大港油田官142断块巨厚砂岩的储层流动单元

以黄骅坳陷官142断块中生界油藏为例,探讨巨厚砂岩储层流动单元的研究方法。巨厚砂岩储层流动单元研究包括两个层次,一为确定渗流屏障和连通体的分布,二为连通体内部储层渗流差异分析。研究表明,官142断块渗流屏障主要有泥质屏障、钙质砂岩胶结屏障和钙质砂砾岩胶结屏障3种类型。通过对连通体内部砂体渗流差异性分析,将连通体划分为3类流动单元。其中A类流动单元以粗孔、粗喉类型为主,渗流性能好,吸水强度大;B类流动单元储层为中孔、中喉型,渗流性能中等,吸水强度次之;C类流动单元储层多为粉细砂岩、砂砾岩或钙质胶结稍差的储层,吸水强度较差。通过流动单元的划分与研究,对预测该区的剩余油分布规律和优化调整方案提供依据。     

Assessment of the effects of vegetation on soil erosion risk by water: a case of study of the Batta watershed in Tunisia

Soil erosion by water is a serious environmental problem which affects particularly the agriculture of developing countries. Due to specific factors, such as high rainfall intensity, steep slopes and vegetation scarcity, Tunisia is prone to soil erosion. Taking this into account, the main objective of this study was to estimate the soil erosion risk in the Batta watershed in Tunisia using qualitative and quantitative erosion model with remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS). Moreover, a developed method that deals with evaluating the impact of vegetation on soil erosion by water is also applied. This method used multi-temporal satellite images with seasonal variability and the transformed soil adjusted vegetation index (TSAVI) which is appropriate in arid and semi-arid areas. For both erosion models, the results show that a large area of the Batta watershed is seriously affected by erosion. This potentially high risk is due especially to severe slopes, poor vegetation coverage and high soil erodibility in this watershed. Furthermore, the use of multi-temporal satellite images and vegetation index show that the effect of vegetation is a significant factor to protect the soil against erosion. The risk is especially serious in the summer season, but it decreases with the growth of vegetation cover in spring. Erosion model, combined with a GIS and remote sensing, is an adequate method to evaluate the soil erosion risk by water. The findings can be used by decision makers as a guideline to plan appropriate strategies for soil and water conservation practices.     

Modified permeability apparatus to determine the permeability of natural building stones

Natural building stones are commonly used for a broad variety of purposes in the construction of many different types of buildings. Knowledge of the permeability of natural building stones, which are widely used in interiors, exteriors, flooring, veneering, landscaping, and walkway laying, is important for correctly determining their lifetime as well as their areas of use. The current study proposes a new test method to determine the air permeability of natural building stones, based on a previously developed method used to assess the permeability values of concrete samples. In this context, the air permeability index values of 96 natural building stone samples, belonging to 16 different types of natural stones classified into five groups, were determined using a new air permeability testing apparatus. The obtained permeability values were compared with the water absorption, open porosity, and apparent density properties of the natural building stones. Strong correlations were identified between the air permeability values of natural building stones and the open porosity and water absorption values. In contrast to other types of tests, the designed apparatus allowed information to be obtained concerning the porosity of natural building stones within a time period as short as 6 h. Based on the obtained results, the air permeability values of the natural building stones were classified into three groups as permeable, semi-permeable, and non-permeable. The study results indicated that the air permeability index can be effectively used to measure the air permeability of natural building stones within a short a period of time and by using a simple test apparatus.     

基于MapGIS的森林防火监测预警系统设计与实现

快速、准确的进行林火火源监测及定位可以有效缩短扑救时间,降低林业资源损失和自然环境污染.为了解决这一问题,采用地理信息系统(geographic information system, GIS)和遥感(remote sensing, RS)作为研究手段、运用实例研究的方法,以MapGIS开发平台为基础,设计并开发“森林防火监测预警系统”.“遥感影像定位”和“视频图像定位”作为两种常用的监测定位手段,可以从宏观和微观的不同角度互补;火险等级预报为监测重点提供参考依据;火势推演分析紧密结合气象信息和植被信息模拟火场扩散情况.结果表明,GIS在森林防火监测定位方面不仅有着良好的可视性,其强大的空间分析特性尤为突出,对促进森林防火管理的信息化、科学化起到十分重要的作用.      

粤北岩溶山区连江流域植被覆盖度动态变化研究

基于多时相MODIS数据和归一化植被指数的像元二分模型以及GIS技术,分析了2001—2010年连江流域植被覆盖度的时空变化特征。结果表明:连江及其子流域、岩溶区与非岩溶区的植被覆盖度空间分布差异性明显;近10年来连江流域的植被覆盖度总体上呈下降趋势,高植被覆盖度与中度植被覆盖度的面积数量变化剧烈,较高植被覆盖度与较低植被覆盖度的面积相对稳定;岩溶区植被分布以较高植被覆盖度、中植被覆盖度和高植被覆盖度为主,其分布面积分别占整个流域面积的53.84%、25.59%、18.54%,而非岩溶区则以高植被覆盖度、较高植被覆盖度和中植被覆盖度为主,分别占整个流域面积的48.12%、34.10%、15.05%;近10年来流域的植被覆盖度下降明显,且空间分布范围广,植被覆盖度相对稳定的区域占整个流域面积的65%以上,植被覆盖度下降区的面积比上升区增加近20%。      

Avalanche hazard mapping over large undocumented areas

An innovative methodology to perform avalanche hazard mapping over large undocumented areas is herewith presented and discussed. The method combines GIS tools, computational routines, and statistical analysis in order to provide a “semi-automatic” definition of areas potentially affected by avalanche release and motion. The method includes two main modules. The first module is used to define zones of potential avalanche release, based on the consolidated relations on slope, morphology, and vegetation. For each of the identified zones of potential release, a second module, named Avalanche Flow and Run-out Algorithm (AFRA), provides an automatic definition of the areas potentially affected by avalanche motion and run-out. The definition is generated by a specifically implemented “flow-routing algorithm” which allows for the determination of flow behaviour in the track and in the run-out zone. In order to estimate the avalanche outline in the run-out zone, AFRA uses a “run-out cone”, which is a 3D projection of the angle of reach α. The α-value is evaluated by statistical analysis of historical data regarding extreme avalanches. Pre- and post-processing of the AFRA input/output data is done in an open source GIS environment (GRASS GIS). The method requires only a digital terrain model and an indication of the areas covered by forest as input parameters. The procedure, which allows rapid mapping of large areas, does not in principle require any site-specific historical information. Furthermore, it has proven to be effective in all cases where a preliminary cost-efficient analysis of the territories potentially affected by snow avalanche was needed.     

Desertification and erosion sensitivity. A case study in southern Italy: the Tusciano River catchment

The ESAs (Environmentally sensitive areas) procedure was recently developed in the framework of MEDALUS European project to identify desertification-sensitive areas and used in many Mediterranean countries (Greece, Portugal, Italy, Egypt). The identification of areas sensitive to desertification by using the ESAs model was carried out in the Tusciano River basin (261 km²) located in southern Italy (Campania region). All data characterizing the four groups of parameters related to soil quality, climate quality, vegetation quality and management quality were introduced in a geographical database, and superimposed using a GIS. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the impact of desertification on the river Tusciano catchment, highly diversified in terms of morphological, geological, climatic and land use features. The results of the ESAs model, showing that more than half of the area is sensitive to desertification, were compared with those related to soil loss, achieved by Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, based approximately on the same environmental factors. Nevertheless, ESAs procedure considers a wider range of parameters, allowing to characterize in greater detail the catchment in terms of climate, geomorphology, vegetation cover and socio-economic features. The drawn map therefore characterizes the sensitivity to erosion/desertification of the Tusciano catchment and can be regarded as a synthesis-sensitivity map, showing the areas with higher vulnerability on which mitigation measures should be focused.     

Analysis of tidal marsh vegetation patterns in two Georgia estuaries using aerial photography and GIS

Aerial photographs and GIS analysis were used to map the distribution of tidal marsh vegetation along the salinity gradients of the estuaries of the Altamaha and Satilla Rivers in coastal Georgia. Vegetation maps were constructed from 1993 U.S. Geological Survey Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads, 1∶77,000-scale color infrared photographs taken in 1974 and 1∶24,000-scale black and white photographs taken in 1953, Changes between years were identified using a GIS overlay analysis. Four vegetation classifications were identified and groundtruthed with field surveys: salt marsh (areas containing primarilySpartina alterniflora), brackish marsh (Spartina cynosuroides andS. alterniflora), Juncus (Juncus roemerianus), and fresh marsh (Zizania aquatica, Zizaniopsis miliacae, and others). There was no evidence for an upstream shift in marsh vegetation along the longitudinal axis of either estuary over the time frame of this analysis, which implies there has not been a long-term increase in salinity. Although the inland extent of each marsh zone was further upstream in the Satilla than the Altamaha, they corresponded to similar average high tide salinities in each estuary: areas classified as salt marsh occurred from the mouth up to where average high tide salinity in the water was approximately 15 psu;Juncus ranged from 21 to 1 psu; brackish marsh ranged from 15 to 1 psu; and fresh marsh was upstream of 1 psu. Approximately 63% of the 6,786 ha of tidal marsh vegetation mapped in the Altamaha and 75% of the 10,220 ha mapped in the Satilla remained the same in all 3 yr.Juncus was the dominant classification in the intermediate regions of both estuaries, and shifts between areas classified asJuncus and either brackish or salt marsh constituted the primary vegetation change between 1953 and 1993 (87% of the changes observed in the Altamaha and 95% of those in the Satilla). This analysis suggests that the broad distribution of tidal marsh vegetation along these two estuaries is driven by salinity, but that at the local scale these are dynamic systems with a larger number of factors affecting the frequently changing borders of vegetation patches.     

GIS支持下的青藏公路沿线高含冰量冻土空间分布模型

Relationships among ground ice, Quaternary soil type, vegetation cover, digital terrain model (DTM), permafrost ground temperature and topographic units are applied. Using comprehensive evaluated method and coding interpolation, spatial distribution of ground ice in permafrost regions along Qinghai-Tibetan Highway (QTH) is modeled according to GIS spatial analysis. Comparing with result,model precision can be approached to 81.2 %. Its study precision can satisfy engineering need for a small - scale study     

Absorption characteristics of a Stoneley wave in multilayered media and the logging method for estimating permeability

The aim of the study is to increase the reliability of estimation of the acoustic parameters of a layered permeable formation using new software, based on two-velocity continuum equations for 2D numerical simulation of acoustic waves propagating in a borehole. The key method is the method of finite differences as applied to solving equations of the continuum filtration theory. The dissipative characteristics of Stoneley waves have been identified for the case of their propagation in a layered formation. These aspects should be taken into account when using Stoneley waves to estimate the permeability of geologic media.     

Embedded discontinuity finite element modeling of fluid flow in fractured porous media

In many geomaterials, particularly rocks and clays, permeability is greatly enhanced by the presence of fractures. Fracture sets create an overall permeability that is anisotropic, enhanced in the directions of the fractures. In modeling the fractures via a finite element method, for example, meshing around these fractures can become quite difficult and result in computationally intensive systems. In this article, we develop a relatively simple method for including the fractures within the elements. Flow through the bulk medium is assumed to be governed by Darcy’s law, and the flow on the fracture by a generalization of the law. This model is embedded in a finite element framework, with the fractures passing through the elements. In this formulation, elements with fractures are given an enhanced permeability in the direction of the fractures. With these enhancements, the material essentially becomes anisotropically more permeable in the direction of fracture sets.     

黑河流域天然植被的面积变化研究

植被覆盖面积的大小是反映区域性生态环境状况的重要指标之一,多年植被覆盖面积的变化则直观反映了植被生态环境随时间的变化规律。在前人研究成果的基础上,采用定量遥感技术,应用美国国家航天航空局最新的全球植被指数变化研究数据(GIMMS)作为数据源,对黑河流域1989-2002年间的植被面积变化规律进行了研究。考虑到实际的植被面积难以确定,因此采用等效面积法确定植被覆盖面积,通过统计遥感图像上植被指数(NDVI)值大于0.3的像素点值,以像素点值代表植被的面积,研究黑河流域14 a的天然植被面积变化规律。研究结果证明,黑河流域的天然植被在以每年约3%的速度减少。     

MAPGIS在广西大厂锡矿成矿预测中的应用

近年来许多老矿山的保有资源量日趋减少,随着开采的不断深入,保有储量已难维持矿山日常生产,而针对这些矿山的勘探资料充分和数据量大的特点,可以借助GIS的强大的空间分析技术,以计算机为辅助工具,对老矿山的周围和深部进行成矿预测研究.MAPGIS在空间分析方面提供了强大的空间分析模块--DTM分析.笔者以广西大厂锡矿为例,采用MAPGIS软件,利用其DTM功能,从建立矿体的矿化强度模型入手,对矿山的周围进行了成矿预测研究.文章认为：运用GIS的空间分析技术进行成矿预测是今后几年内进行成矿预测研究的一个重要发展方向.     

Mineral potential mapping for rare earth elements mineralization with AHP method in the Kerman-Kashmar Tectonic Zone,Central Iran

One of the major strengths of a GIS is the ability to integrate and combine multiple layers of geoscience data for producing mineral potential maps showing favorable areas for mineral exploration. Once the data is prepared properly, the GIS, jointly with other statistical and geostatistical software packages, can be used to manipulate and visualize the data in order to produce a mineral prospectivity map. Many spatial modeling techniques can be employed to produce mineral potential maps. This paper demonstrates a technique to define favorable areas for REE mineralization with AHP technique using geological, geochemical, geophysical, alteration and faults density spatial data in the Kerman-Kashmar Tectonic Zone of central Iran. The AHP is a powerful and flexible multi-criteria decision-making tool for dealing with complex problems where both qualitative and quantitative aspects need to be considered. This approach is knowledgedriven method and can be applied in other areas for conventional use in mineral exploration.     

Rockfall detachment susceptibility map in El Hierro Island, Canary Islands, Spain

A semi-quantitative heuristic methodology is developed to map a rockfall detachment susceptibility zonation of El Hierro Island (Canary Archipelago). The rationalized procedure, which we called non-weighted bounded indicators, is based on overlapping thematic maps of conditioning factors to mass movement, which are appropriately and individually rescaled and then composed by addition to obtain a susceptibility numerical index through a GIS. As the consistency of the geomorphological analysis depends on the expert subjective criteria and the appropriate interpretation of the landscape, the use of this methodology reduces subjectivity and quantifies the degree of susceptibility. The main factors affecting the mass movement phenomena (rockfalls events), also recognized in the field and, therefore, considered in the presented GIS arrangement, are slope, profile curvature, lithology, vegetation cover and dykes density. To calculate the slope threshold or minimum angle characteristic of rockfall source areas, mixed Gaussian slope frequency decomposition is used. The curvature index reveals stepwise areas. Qualitative geomechanical characteristics are linked to a quantitative index according to a volcanic lithological-complexes classification. Both destabilization (root-wedging) and stabilization effects are considered into the vegetation cover index. The dyke density index incorporates the bearing rock capacity decrease produced in the halo around a dyke network intrusion. Slope, curvature and vegetation indexes thresholds have been fitted following field observations. A rockfall detachment susceptibility map is obtained and classified based on the histogram maxima. The rockfall inventory, based on rockfall events reported within the island, was used for the model validation. A 12?% of the whole island shows medium to very high susceptibility.