Temporal and spatial variations in estuarine sedimentation

Sedimentation in estuaries is normally viewed as a continuous process controlled by inputs of fluvial and marine materials, which migrate in response to tidal circulation. Short-term examination yields reproducible and measurable rates of sedimentation; measurement of annual cycles reveals that sediment may be eroded from a site normally subject to deposition. Likewise annual migration patterns of turbidity maximum zones permits deposition of fine sediments at different parts of the estuary according to season. Study of long-term variations in the positions of sand banks shows that advances of the tidal flat margins may occur suddenly in response to catastrophic events; events that result in mid-channel banks becoming attached to the outer margins of the tidal flat. An example is also given of a channel-margin sand bank known to have repeatedly migrated round an elliptical path, taking approximately 25 yr to regain its original position. Long-term migration of bay head beach bars driven into the Eden Estuary and moving slowly landward are shown to create areas of temporary shelter for salt marshes, which are then over-run as the bar continues toward the head of the estuary. Several examples of anthropogenic influences on estuarine sediments are noted, with major deposits of coarse gravels attributed to known shipping trade within the Tay Estuary. Finally attention is drawn to the effects of deposition of coal mine wastes on the Fife coast: the erosion and redeposition of the wastes to form coastal platforms, their removal once mining ceased (all within a period of 90 yr), and the associated mining-induced subsidence of the coastal cliffs.     

Migration of the dip equator in the Indian region

The position of the dip equator (de) is worked out in the Indian region based on fairly close geomagnetic measurements made during a survey in the year 1981. Thede is located about 24 km south of its 1971 position along the 77·5°E meridian. Also, thede positions for the epochs 1971 and 1981 show closeness on the east coast of India when compared to its west coast positions. Thede positions inferred from the repeat observations since 1909 are used for estimating the pattern of migration and the results are discussed.     

长白山上新世以来玄武岩成分演变规律及其成因

火山岩成分的多样性是岩浆物理和化学过程在其产生、运移、存储和喷发过程中的综合反映。长白山火山区自上新世以来喷发了大量的玄武质火山岩,其成分变化范围较大(Mg O 3.2%~7.8%)。以往研究认为其成分的变化主要受地幔不均一、部分熔融程度和分离结晶的影响,没有明显地壳混染。本研究发现这些玄武岩经历了不同程度的上、下地壳的混染。同时,结合火山岩的年龄发现玄武岩地球化学成分和同位素比值随时间呈现脉动式的变化。根据87Sr/86Sr和Mg O的突变点可以分为3段:5~2Ma,2~1Ma,1~0Ma。通过定性和定量的模拟发现地幔不均一性和部分熔融程度差异造成玄武岩成分的变化有限,而分离结晶、地壳混染和岩浆补给的岩浆作用是形成玄武岩成分随时间脉动变化的主要原因。并结合能量约束-补给-混染-分离结晶算法(ECRAFC)模拟得出以下结论:天池和望天鹅喷发中心的玄武质岩浆最初都存储于同一下地壳岩浆房,可能由于上地壳构造差异导致岩浆迁移路径和存储区不同;长白山岩浆房迁移有从5~2Ma阶段由下地壳向上地壳逐渐变浅,2~1Ma阶段由上地壳向下地壳快速变深的规律,而1~0Ma阶段的玄武岩由岩浆从下地壳直接快速喷出地表形成;长白山玄武质岩浆的活动与本区的构造断裂活动密切的关系,5Ma以来,火山岩成分随时间的周期性波动可能与本区构造应力的周期性的强拉张-弱拉张过程有关。     

黑龙江省汛期逐时降水的时空变化特征分析

利用黑龙江省1961-2014年逐时降水资料,采用线性倾向估计方法分析了汛期（5-9月）降水量、降水频率、降水强度以及不同持续时间降水的时空变化特征.结果表明：汛期逐时累积降水量平均为430.0 mm,高值区集中在松嫩平原东部和南部以及小兴安岭南部;降水频率平均为297.2 h,仅在省西部的齐齐哈尔、大庆和绥化等地以及哈尔滨西部地区偏少,其余地区台站均在300 h以上;降水强度平均在1.2~1.7 mm·h^-1之间,增加趋势显著（P<0.01）,空间分布与降水频率分布相反;全省多数台站的汛期降水量、降水频率趋势变化不明显,但却有39%的台站降水强度增加明显.汛期降水量的日变化呈单峰型,超过半数的降水集中在11：00-22：00;降水频率的日变化表现出双峰型,00：00-04：00和13：00-19：00为高值区间;降水强度的日变化也呈单峰型,高值区间集中在13：00-18：00.全省的降水事件中短历时降水优势明显,降水量占总降水量的46.7%,降水历时占全部降水历时的49%;持续5~6 h的降水雨强最强,其次是持续3~4 h降水雨强,最弱的是持续1~2 h的降水雨强.     

Temporal variations of sandstorms in Minqin oasis during 1954–2000

The purpose of this present study is to investigate in detail the frequency and variation of sandstorms in the Minqin oasis. Using daily observational data from sandstorms and other meteorologic data from 1954 to 2000, the relationship between a sandstorm and meteorological parameters and human activities, which can be used for daily weather forecasting, have been illuminated. The results of the analysis show that sandstorms have a clear daily and monthly variation. Monthly mean and annual mean duration of sandstorms in the Minqin oasis coincide well with the frequencies of sandstorm occurrence.     

A dynamo wave near the solar equator

The structure of a dynamo wave near the solar equator is considered in the Parker approximation. The results show that the principal dynamo wave, which travels in the northern hemisphere from middle latitudes toward the equator, penetrates slightly into the southern hemisphere. The wave that propagates in the southern hemisphere exhibits similar behavior. The angular distance the wave is able to penetrate into the neighboring hemisphere can reach about ten degrees of latitude. Possible observational manifestations of this effect are discussed. The growth rate of the dipolar magnetic-field configuration exceeds that of the quadrupolar configuration, and the difference between these growth rates is computed. A possible relation of this quantity to the time characteristics of the Maunder minimum is discussed.     

Temporal variations in arsenic concentration in the groundwater of Murshidabad District,West Bengal,India

Systematic investigations on seasonal variations in arsenic (As) concentrations in groundwater in both space and time are scarce for most parts of West Bengal (India). Hence, this study has been undertaken to investigate the extent of As pollution and its temporal variability in parts of Murshidabad district (West Bengal, India). Water samples from 35 wells were collected during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and analyzed for various elements. Based on the Indian permissible limit for As (50 μg/L) in the drinking water, water samples were classified into contaminated and uncontaminated category. 18 wells were reported as uncontaminated (on average 12 μg/L As) and 12 wells were found contaminated (129 μg/L As) throughout the year, while 5 wells could be classified as either contaminated or uncontaminated depending on when they were sampled. Although the number of wells that alternate between the contaminated and uncontaminated classification is relatively small (14%), distinct seasonal variation in As concentrations occur in all wells. This suggests that investigations conducted within the study area for the purpose of assessing the health risk posed by As in groundwater should not rely on a single round of water samples. In comparison to other areas, As is mainly released to the groundwater due to reductive dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides, a process, which is probably enhanced by anthropogenic input of organic carbon. The seasonal variation in As concentrations appear to be caused mainly by dilution effects during monsoon and post-monsoon. The relatively high concentrations of Mn (mean 0.9 mg/L), well above the WHO limit (0.4 mg/L), also cause great concern and necessitate further investigations.     

Temporal and spatial variations in density and velocity fields of the waters of Gareloch,Scotland

 Spatial variations in the density and velocity fields have been observed in the Gareloch (Scotland) during surveys in 1987–1988 and 1993–1994. The variation of the density field has been analyzed on a variety of time scales from semidiurnal to seasonal in order to quantify effects caused by the forcing factors of tidal mixing, freshwater input, and wind. Initial results indicate that water density in the loch is controlled (to a major degree) by the freshwater input from runoff from the local catchment area and from freshwater entering on the flood tide from the Clyde Estuary. It is estimated that during winter periods the high freshwater flows from the rivers Leven and Clyde into the Clyde Estuary account for up to 75% of the freshwater creating the density structure in the loch. Analysis of long-term dissolved oxygen data reveals that major bottom water renewals occurred between July and January in the years 1987–1994. Major bottom water dissolved oxygen renewals have a general trend but during the year sporadic renewals can take place due to abnormal dry spells increasing the density of the water entering from the Clyde, or consistently strong winds from the north reducing stratification in the loch and producing better mixed conditions. Velocities vary spatially, with the highest velocities of up to 0.6 m s^–1 being associated with the velocity jet effect at the constriction at the sill of the loch. Observed near-surface mid-loch velocities increased as the vertical density gradients in the upper layers increased. This indicates for the observed conditions that increased stratification in the upper layers inhibits the entrainment rate and hence rate of gain of thickness of the wind-driven surface layer, resulting in increased surface velocities for a given wind speed and direction. The main flow is concentrated in the upper 10 m and velocities below 10 m are low. Observed mean spring tide surface velocities are on average 30% greater than mean neap tide surface velocities. Received: 22 May 1995 · Accepted: 23 August 1995     

Dynamics of the photospheric magnetic field in the vicinity of the solar equator

SOHO-MDI daily magnetic field synoptic data (a 14-year series of daily maps of the solar magnetic field intensity B available at the site ) have been used to analyze the dynamics of the photospheric magnetic field in the vicinity of the solar equator. The standard deviation s _B of the field B calculated over areas of tens of square degrees on the solar disk was taken as a basic index. An 11-year variation similar to that observed at higher latitudes is observed in the vicinity of the equator, and is similar for weak and strong fields; i.e., the solar cycle exists in the sunspot-free zone. New qualitative data support the idea that the weak background magnetic field increases toward the solar limb. This angular dependence suggests the existence of a transverse component of the background field. The magnetic fields in the vicinity of the equator were significantly different in the initial phases of Cycles 23 and 24. Annual variations of s _B were observed near the center of the solar disk. These variations are due to two factors: the annual variation of the distance from the equator to the disk center and the increase of s _B with with distance from the equator. Reliable detection of these variations is an evidence of high accuracy of the s _B estimates.     

Temporal variations in the trace-element content of stream sediments: an example from the seasonally wet-dry tropics

Zimbabwe has a markedly seasonal climate with a dry period from May to November in which virtually no rain falls. Two streams draining known bedrock and soil geochemical anomalies from unexploited mineralization were sampled at times spanning both wet and dry seasons.     

Temporal and spatial variations of trace metal concentrations in oysters from the Patuxent River, Maryland

Concentrations of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and cadmium (Cd) in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from the upper Patuxent River estuary analyzed since 1986 (Cd since 1991) were high relative to concentrations in other sites in the United States analyzed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Status and Trends program. Patuxent River oysters had above average concentrations of Ag and Cu, and unusually high concentrations of Cd. Metal concentrations were highest in summer, a period in which oyster meat condition index was relatively low. Copper values were highest in 1986–1987, likely elevated by erosion from Cu-Ni alloy condensers at a local power plant. Silver and Cd values exhibited more year-to-year variation. A number of factors were examined as candidates to explain the interannual differences, including river flow, salinity, and oyster condition, but none was able to explain the high and low years. Samples collected in spring and late summer of 1996 at a number of oyster bars located along the length of the Patuxent River showed that concentrations of all three metals increased with distance up-river. For Cd, the upstream increase was linear with distance, while for Ag and Cu, there was a secondary maximum near river km 16. A close correlation was observed between Ag and Cu for individuals at each site, with a poorer correlation between Cd and either Ag or Cu.     

Temporal variations of colloidal carrier phases and associated trace elements in a boreal river

Elemental size distributions, from truly dissolved through colloidal to particulate, have been studied in a subarctic boreal river. The measurements, carried out during 2002, ranged from winter to summer conditions, including an intense spring flood event. Results are reported for a total of 42 elements. Size distributions were characterised using a combination of cross-flow (ultra)filtration (CFF), flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF), and diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT). The three techniques showed similar trends, but quantitative comparisons reveal some important differences that warrant further investigation.Previous work has identified two colloidal carrier phases in fresh waters, dominated by iron and carbon, respectively. The majority of the elements studied are associated with one or both of these colloidal carrier phases. The exceptions are the alkali metals and several anions that are only very weakly associated with colloidal material, and which therefore occur mainly as truly dissolved material (<1 kDa in molecular weight). We discuss the likely origin for the two colloidal carrier phases and consider how associated trace elements fit into the geochemical framework. The relative affinities of the elements for iron and carbon colloidal carrier phases are related to their chemistries, and are compared with earlier data from the Delsjö Creek in southern Sweden.Elemental colloidal concentrations show strong seasonal variations related to changes in the colloidal carrier phase(s) with which they associate. In particular, many elements show a strong spring maximum in colloidal concentrations associated with the strong maximum in colloidal carbon concentration during the spring flood.     

Temporal and spatial variations in the magnitude of completeness for homogenized moment magnitude catalogue for northeast India

Northeast India region is one of the most seismically active areas in the world. Events data for the period 1897–2010, used in this study has been largely compiled from global ISC, NEIC and GCMT databases. Historical seismicity catalogue of Gupta et al (1986) and some events data from the bulletins of India Meteorological Department are also used. Orthogonal regression relations for conversion of body and surface wave magnitudes to M _w,HRVD based on events data for the period 1978–2006 have been derived. An Orthogonal Standard Regression (OSR) relationship has also been obtained for scaling of intensity estimates to M _w,NEIC using 126 global intensity events with intensity VI or greater during the period 1975–2010.     

Temporal variations of aqueous constituents in a water-basalt-supercalcine system: Implications for the experimental assessment of nuclear waste forms

A Dickson-type rocking autoclave has been used for studying the interaction of a synthetic groundwater solution with the non-radioactive simulated nuclear-waste form supercalcine (SPC-4), and with a mixture of supercalcine plus basalt, at 300° and 200°C at 300 bars. Over the course of a month, the concentrations of the aqueous species of Mo, Na, Si, K, Rb, Al, Cr, and H⁺ displayed rapid change initially followed by a gradual approach to constant or nearly constant values, whereas the solids displayed very little alteration. These observations suggest that dissolution/precipitation reactions are quickly established even though the solids are very sluggish in attaining a completely altered or equilibrium state. The effects of various waste-form crystallinities and material preparations on the solution chemistry are quite different, but reproducible, and are discussed in terms of assessing potential waste forms.     

1990-2014年西藏季节冻土最大冻结深度的时空变化

最大冻结深度是季节冻土变化的主要指标,也是季节冻土地区工程设计、建设、运营的重要参数。通过斯蒂芬（Stefan）方法计算了1990-2014年西藏地区季节冻土的最大冻结深度,分析了其时空变化特征,结果表明：近25 a西藏地区季节冻土最大冻结深度在空间分布具有垂直分带性、纬度地带性和区域性等规律,基本上呈自西北向东南方向递减的空间分布特征;时间上,在全球气候变暖的背景下,最大冻结深度基本呈逐年减薄的特征。西藏地区季节冻土最大冻结深度与年平均气温和年降水量呈现负相关,随着年平均气温和年降水量的上升,最大冻结深度呈减小的趋势,且最大冻结深度对年平均气温的响应比对年降水量的响应显著。     

Temporal variations of reference evapotranspiration and controlling factors: Implications for climatic drought in karst areas

Variations in reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) and drought characteristics play a key role in the effect of climate change on water cycle and associated ecohydrological patterns. The accurate estimation of ET₀ is still a challenge due to the lack of meteorological data and the heterogeneity of hydrological system. Although there is an increasing trend in extreme drought events with global climate change, the relationship between ET₀ and aridity index in karst areas has been poorly studied. In this study, we used the Penman–Monteith method based on a long time series of meteorological data from 1951 to 2015 to calculate ET₀ in a typical karst area, Guilin, Southwest China. The temporal variations in climate variables, ET₀ and aridity index (AI) were analyzed with the Mann–Kendall trend test and linear regression to determine the climatic characteristics, associated controlling factors of ET₀ variations, and further to estimate the relationship between ET₀ and AI. We found that the mean, maximum and minimum temperatures had increased significantly during the 65-year study period, while sunshine duration, wind speed and relative humidity exhibited significant decreasing trends. The annual ET₀ showed a significant decreasing trend at the rate of ?8.02 mm/10a. However, significant increase in air temperature should have contributed to the enhancement of ET₀, indicating an “evaporation paradox”. In comparison, AI showed a slightly declining trend of ?0.0005/a during 1951–2015. The change in sunshine duration was the major factor causing the decrease in ET₀, followed by wind speed. AI had a higher correlation with precipitation amount, indicating that the variations of AI was more dependent on precipitation, but not substantially dependent on the ET₀. Although AI was not directly related to ET₀, ET₀ had a major contribution to seasonal AI changes. The seasonal variations of ET₀ played a critical role in dryness/wetness changes to regulate water and energy supply, which can lead to seasonal droughts or water shortages in karst areas. Overall, these findings provide an important reference for the management of agricultural production and water resources, and have an important implication for drought in karst regions of China.     

Temporal variations in the depth-specific hydrochemistry and sewage-related microbiology of an urban sandstone aquifer,Nottingham, United Kingdom

The temporal and spatial characteristics of groundwater recharge in urban environments remain poorly understood. Depth-specific monitoring of groundwater quality in the Triassic Sandstone underlying the city of Nottingham, UK, indicates that contamination results primarily from sewage and atmospheric sources. The temporal and depth-specific characteristics of microbial and inorganic (e.g. nitrate, chloride, sulphate) contamination over the investigation period differ significantly and reflect the contrasting transport characteristics of surface-loaded solutes and particulate microbial species (bacteria and viruses) in the Triassic Sandstone. Differences result from a variety of factors, which include microbial die-off, dilution, and the contaminant-source characteristics. Observations in this study show that low levels of microbial contamination should be expected at depth in fissured sandstone due to aquifer heterogeneities such as fissuring and the occurrence of mudstone bands, though the magnitude of this contamination will vary over time. Furthermore, urban groundwater-protection measures based on solute-transport estimates may not be applicable to microbial contamination. Electronic Publication     

Temporal and spatial variations in water discharge and sediment load in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers in Himalaya, India

The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers originate in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas (Garhwal) and result in high sediment yields causing flood hazards downstream of the Ganga River and high sediment flux to the Bay of Bengal. The rivers are perennial, since runoff in these rivers is controlled by both precipitation and glacial melt. In the present study, three locations in the upper reaches of the Ganga River were monitored for 1 yr (daily observations of, more than >1000 samples) for suspended sediment concentrations. In addition, more than one hundred samples were collected from various locations of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers at different periods to observe spatial and temporal variations in river suspensions. Further, multi-annual data (up to 40 yrs) of water flow and sediment concentrations were used for inferring the variations in water flow and sediment loads on longer time scales. In most previous studies of Himalayan Rivers, there has been a general lack of long term water flow and sediment load data. In the present study, we carried out high frequency sampling, considered long term discharge data and based on these information, discussed the temporal and spatial variations in water discharge and sediment loads in the rivers in the Himalayan region. The results show that, >75% of annual sediment loads are transported during the monsoon season (June through September). The annual physical weathering rates in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River basins at Devprayag are estimated to be 863 tons km⁻² yr⁻¹ (3.25 mm yr⁻¹) and 907 tons km⁻² yr⁻¹ (3.42 mm yr⁻¹) respectively, which are far in excess of the global average of 156 tons km⁻² yr⁻¹ (0.58 mm yr⁻¹).