Evaluation of Negative Economic-Environmental Externalities of Overextraction of Groundwater

In recent decades, increased extraction of groundwater for human and agriculture consumption has led to a substantial drop in groundwater level in large areas of across the world. Declining groundwater levels is a serious problem in itself and has multiple economic, social, cultural, political, security-related, and environmental externalities. The negative economic-environmental externalities of overextraction of groundwater in the Orzouiyeh plain in the Kerman Province, Iran, were evaluated using methods such as replacement cost, production function, market prices, shadow price, and the value of the input marginal product. After evaluating externalities, the Positive Mathematical Programming method was used to evaluate different water policies to reduce the consumption of groundwater. The total economic losses due to the externalities were calculated to equal 2.8 U.S. million dollars. The damages caused by environmental externalities were calculated to equal 436.1 U.S. million dollars. The results related to the positive planning model show that the best policy among different options, such as deficit irrigation policy or combined policies, involves implementation of pressurized irrigation systems.     

Study on vulnerability matrices of masonry buildings of mainland of China

The degree and distribution of damage to buildings subjected to earthquakes is a concern of the Chinese Government and the public.Seismic damage data indicates that seismic capacities of different types of building structures in various regions throughout mainland of China are different.Furthermore,the seismic capacities of the same type of structure in different regions may vary.The contributions of this research are summarized as follows:1)Vulnerability matrices and earthquake damage matrices of masonry structures in mainland of China were chosen as research samples.The aim was to analyze the differences in seismic capacities of sample matrices and to present general rules for categorizing seismic resistance.2)Curves relating the percentage of damaged masonry structures with different seismic resistances subjected to seismic demand in different regions of seismic intensity(VI to X)have been developed.3)A method has been proposed to build vulnerability matrices of masonry structures.The damage ratio for masonry structures under high-intensity events such as the Ms 6.1 Panzhihua earthquake in Sichuan province on 30 August2008,was calculated to verify the applicability of this method.This research offers a significant theoretical basis for predicting seismic damage and direct loss assessment of groups of buildings,as well as for earthquake disaster insurance.     

Optimization of the Shape of Gaussian Beams of a Fixed Length

The procedure of choosing the shape of Gaussian beams in order to minimize a given object function of a certain kind is proposed. The general form of the object function enables both the average square of the quadratic variation of the phase and the average square of the beamwidth to be minimized along the central ray. The error of the transformation of the Gaussian beams at the structural interfaces may also be taken into account. Most of the hitherto published suggestions of how to chose the shape of Gaussian beams are special cases of the described procedure. The aim of this paper is not to propose the object function to be minimized, but only to describe the minimization of a given object function. The minimization assumes the a priori known lengths of the central rays of the Gaussian beams (i.e. the lengths of the beams are not free parameters in the minimization procedure).     

Study of the Deccan Traps of Cambay Basin by geophysical methods

In the attempt to study the buried Deccan Trap layers in the Cambay Basin, the ground magnetic surveys have not been very useful as the data combine the effect due to the crystalline basement and the Trap thickness. In some parts of the basin, some reflections in the seismograms obtained in the course of seismic surveys, could be correlated to the Trap surface. These can be tied with wells drilled in the basin upto the Traps. The synthesis of the gravity and seismic data has enabled us to prepare a map of the Trap surface in the Cambay basin. The depth of the Trap surlace increases from about 2000 m in the northern part of the basin to about 600 m in its deepest part near Broach. The Trap surface rises gradually south of Narbada in an average direction of SE with depths running from 2500 m to 500 m. The interpretation of the gravity anomalies, assuming their cause to be the variations in the thickness of the Trap, has enabled the determination of the average thickness of the Traps in the basin. The maximum thickness of the Trap is in the central part of the basin and is estimated to be about 2.4 km. The Traps appear to gradually taper towards the flanks of the basin.     

Interpretation of Magnetic Anomalies and Estimation of Depth of Magnetic Crust in Slovakia

The magnetic map of Slovakia used in the paper was compiled as part of a project titled Atlas of Geophysical maps and profiles in 2001. The residual magnetic data were analyzed to produce Curie point estimates. To remove distortion of magnetic anomalies caused by the Earth’s magnetic field, reduction to pole transformation was applied to the magnetic anomalies using the magnetization angle of the induced magnetization. Anomalies reduced to the pole tend to be better correlated with tectonic structures. We applied a 3-km upward continuation to the residually compiled magnetic anomalies in order to remove effects of topography. The depth of magnetic dipoles was calculated by an azimuthally averaged power spectrum method for the entire area. Such estimates can be indicative of temperatures in the crust, since magnetic minerals lose their spontaneous magnetization according to Curie temperature of the dominant magnetic minerals in the rocks. The computed Curie point depths in the Slovakia region vary between 15.2 km and 20.9 km. Heat flow higher than 100 mWm⁻² occurs at the central volcanics and eastern part of Slovakia, where the Curie point depths values are shallow. The correlation between Curie point depths, heat flow and crust depth was investigated for two E-W cross sections. Heat flow and Curie point depth values are correlated with each other however, these values could not be correlated with crust depth. The Curie point isotherm, which separates magnetic and non-magnetic parts of the crust, is represented in two cross sections.     

Features of the diurnal periodicity of earthquakes in Japan

The features of the diurnal periodicity of earthquakes with different energies in Japan are studied. The spatiotemporal parameters of different earthquake sets are investigated in detail using various techniques including analyses of amplitudes, dispersion, spectra and correlation. The phases of seismic flows are studied using the modified Rayleigh-Schuster method. Lomb-Scargle periodograms are used to study the frequency of variations in seismicity. The parameters of the sets of earthquakes having different energies obtained in this study indicate changes in phase of the diurnal periodicity of earthquakes to the opposite near the magnitude of completeness. The very clear midday effect is noted.     

空间大地测量技术在火山形变监测中的应用

岩浆活动的不同阶段引起地表变化不同。地表形变受压力源大小、形状、深度及岩浆运移速率等影响;另外火山类型不同,地形不同,形变特征也不同。地表形变幅度范围很大,为1×10-7—1米量级。火山区形变监测可以了解火山活动状态,有助于进行喷发危险性的预测预报。形变监测从20世纪60年代的传统技术逐渐过渡到20世纪90年代发展起来的GNSS和InSAR等大地测量新技术,火山区形变时空监测能力得到提高,同时缩短了预测时间。我国火山形变监测开始较晚,现已在长白山天池、腾冲以及海南等主要火山区开展监测。传统的连续测量以地倾斜观测为主;新技术主要以流动GNSS监测为主,连续观测站少,InSAR技术研究时间密度不够;目前形变监测还不能实现很好的时空覆盖。     

Estimation of rainfall elasticity of streamflow in Australia

Abstract

Estimates of rainfall elasticity of streamflow in 219 catchments across Australia are presented. The rainfall elasticity of streamflow is defined here as the proportional change in mean annual streamflow divided by the proportional change in mean annual rainfall. The elasticity is therefore a simple estimate of the sensitivity of long-term streamflow to changes in long-term rainfall, and is particularly useful as an initial estimate of climate change impact in land and water resources projects. The rainfall elasticity of streamflow is estimated here using a hydrological modelling approach and a nonparametric estimator. The results indicate that the rainfall elasticity of streamflow (? _P ) in Australia is about 2.0–3.5 (observed in about 70% of the catchments), that is, a 1% change in mean annual rainfall results in a 2.0–3.5% change in mean annual streamflow. The rainfall elasticity of streamflow is strongly correlated to runoff coefficient and mean annual rainfall and streamflow, where streamflow is more sensitive to rainfall in drier catchments, and those with low runoff coefficients. There is a clear relation-ship between the ? _P values estimated using the hydrological modelling approach and those estimated using the nonparametric estimator for the 219 catchments, although the values estimated by the hydrological modelling approach are, on average, slightly higher. The modelling approach is useful where a detailed study is required and where there are sufficient data to reliably develop and calibrate a hydrological model. The nonparametric estimator is useful where consistent estimates of the sensitivity of long-term streamflow to climate are required, because it is simple to use and estimates the elasticity directly from the historical data. The nonparametric method, being model independent, can also be easily applied in comparative studies to data sets from many catchments across large regions.     

Review of behaviour of oil in freezing environments

The current knowledge of the physical fate and behaviour of crude oil and petroleum products spilled in Arctic situations is reviewed. The fate and final deposition of oil in marine conditions is presented as based on the extant literature.

Spreading models were evaluated for oil on ice, under ice, in snow, in brash ice, and between blocks of ice. Models of oil transport under sheet and broken ice were considered, both for sea and river conditions. The ability of ice sheets to trap oil is discussed in relation to oil storage capacity. The effects of oil on a growing ice sheet were examined, both in terms of ice formation and the thermal effects of oil inclusions in ice. The migration of oil through ice was reviewed, focussing primarily on the movement through brine channels. The effects of oil on the surface of ice were considered, with emphasis on the effects of surface pools on ice melt. Similar consideration was given to the effects of oil on snow on the surface of ice.

The few quantitative studies of oil in open and dynamic ice conditions are reviewed. Observations of intentional small-scale spills in leads and ice fields are reviewed and compared with observations from real spills. The conditions under which “oil pumping” from leads occurs were quantified. The most common ultimate fate of oil in an ice field is to be released onto the water surface.     

顺义地裂缝成因与顺义-良乡断裂北段第四纪活动性讨论

本文通过钻孔地层对比方法研究了顺义一良乡断裂北段的第四纪活动性，资料显示该断裂在第四纪期间呈现强弱交替的分期活动特征，距今315万年以来有3个较强活动期和3个较弱活动期，前三者分别距今266～315、171～228、73～147万年，后三者距今分别为228．266、147～171、0～73万年。中更新世晚期以来断裂活动不明显。超量开采地下水导致地面不均匀沉降是造成顺义地裂缝现今活动的主要原因。     

太湖宜溧河水系沉积物的重金属污染特征

用ICP方法分析了太湖宜溧河水系沉积物中主要重金属含量,以太湖宜溧河口下层沉积物作背景样品,用均根法对沉积物中重金属进行了污染综合指数计算,并根据划分的污染等级对宜溧河水系沉积物污染状况进行了分析和评价。结果表明：宜溧河及其入湖口沉积物平均呈轻污染状态,北部支流未受污染,南部支流和太湖沿岸呈轻污染,干流河段污染最为严重,呈偏中度污染水平,在个别测点综合评价已达到重度污染状态。全水系Cu,Zn,Cd和Pb的污染指数略高。其中仅有Cd含量高出我国土壤一级自然背景值,表现为Cd污染型,其原因能与该地区水泥制造业和有色金属冶炼的污染排放有关。     

Estimation of potential changes in the ecosystem of Lake Ladoga in the 21st century under the impact of anthropogenic and climatic factors

The effect of potential climate changes on the ecosystem of Lake Ladoga at different levels of anthropogenic load is studied using mathematical models. The Lake Ladoga year-round circulation corresponding to potential climate changes in the lake catchment area is reproduced. The year-round regime of functioning of the lake ecosystem is reproduced using ecosystem models. The potential changes in the lake ecosystem due to changes in the phosphorus load within the limits observed in 1961–1983 are found to be more essential than those due to prognostic changes in climate.     

高层隔震建筑设计中隔震支座受拉问题分析

高层建筑由于高宽比相对较大,倾覆效应明显,当采用隔震技术时,有可能使隔震支座出现拉应力,而通常使用的叠层橡胶隔震支座抗拉能力不强。因此,隔震支座受拉问题成为隔震技术在高层建筑中推广应用的主要障碍之一。本文提出了避免隔震支座受拉的上部结构布置原则及隔震层优化设计方法,并对目前隔震支座拉应力计算方法提出了改进建议。本文的研究工作可为工程设计提供借鉴,为隔震设计相关规范的修订提供依据。     

MYJ和YSU方案对WRF边界层气象要素模拟的影响

研究新一代中尺度气象模式WRF中两种大气边界层方案(MYJ,YSU)对沈阳冬季大气边界层结构模拟的影响,重点分析温度层结、低层风场、边界层高度等对污染物扩散有重要影响的气象要素.和观测数据的比对表明WRF基本能够模拟出温度风速的日变化特征,但模拟风速偏大.YSU方案由于模拟的边界层顶卷挟和边界层内混合作用较强,夜间接地逆温强度低于MYJ方案,逆温维持时间比MYJ方案短4小时,同时模拟边界层高度也高于MYJ方案,有利于污染物垂直扩散.边界层高度的3种计算方法中,湍流动能方法计算的边界层高度最高,Richardson数方法次之,位温方法得到的高度最低.Richardson数方法对临界值的选取较敏感.     

MYJ和YSU方案对WRF边界层气象要素模拟的影响

研究新一代中尺度气象模式WRF中两种大气边界层方案(MYJ,YSU)对沈阳冬季大气边界层结构模拟的影响,重点分析温度层结、低层风场、边界层高度等对污染物扩散有重要影响的气象要素.和观测数据的比对表明WRF基本能够模拟出温度风速的日变化特征,但模拟风速偏大.YSU方案由于模拟的边界层顶卷挟和边界层内混合作用较强,夜间接地逆温强度低于MYJ方案,逆温维持时间比MYJ方案短4小时,同时模拟边界层高度也高于MYJ方案,有利于污染物垂直扩散.边界层高度的3种计算方法中,湍流动能方法计算的边界层高度最高,Richardson数方法次之,位温方法得到的高度最低.Richardson数方法对临界值的选取较敏感.     

上海世博会地下变电站基坑围护结构的动力反应分析

采用三维快速拉格朗日程序FLAC^3D,对上海世博会500kV地下变电站围护结构的动力反应问题进行了深入细致的分析和研究。所建立的模型采用摩尔一库伦本构关系,同时考虑了静力、动力以及地下承压水的影响,并且通过FLAC^3D软件的二次开发功能引入统一强度理论,来判别围护结构中钢筋混凝土的应力状态,力求更真实地反映围护结构在动力作用下的响应状态。分析结果表明,圆型围护结构的环向刚度比较大,受力时将大部分侧向荷载转移给其环向拱结构,从而使得基坑和周围土体无论在静力状态还是动力状态下,整体变形均较小;基坑整体在所研究的各种工况下,围护结构都处于安全状态。     

Evaluation of the presence of major anionic surfactants in marine sediments

The contamination of aquatic environments has become the focus of increasing regulation and public concern due to their potential and unknown negative effects on the ecosystems. The present work develops a monitoring and statistical study, based on the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and the multivariable analysis, both for insoluble soap and LAS in order to compare the behavior of different anionic surfactants in this environmental compartment. First, a novel and successfully validated methodology to analyze insoluble soap in these samples is developed. The matrix effect and the comparison of different extraction techniques were also performed. The optimized analytical methodologies were applied to 48 representative samples collected from the Almeria Coast (Spain) and then a statistical analysis to correlate anionic surfactant concentration and several variables associated with marine sediment samples was also developed. The results obtained showed relevant conclusions related to the environmental behavior of anionic surfactants in marine sediments.     

Characterization of the spatial variability of channel morphology

The spatial variability of two fundamental morphological variables is investigated for rivers having a wide range of discharge (five orders of magnitude). The variables, water‐surface width and average depth, were measured at 58 to 888 equally spaced cross‐sections in channel links (river reaches between major tributaries). These measurements provide data to characterize the two‐dimensional structure of a channel link which is the fundamental unit of a channel network. The morphological variables have nearly log‐normal probability distributions. A general relation was determined which relates the means of the log‐transformed variables to the logarithm of discharge similar to previously published downstream hydraulic geometry relations. The spatial variability of the variables is described by two properties: (1) the coefficient of variation which was nearly constant (0·13–0·42) over a wide range of discharge; and (2) the integral length scale in the downstream direction which was approximately equal to one to two mean channel widths. The joint probability distribution of the morphological variables in the downstream direction was modelled as a first‐order, bivariate autoregressive process. This model accounted for up to 76 per cent of the total variance. The two‐dimensional morphological variables can be scaled such that the channel width–depth process is independent of discharge. The scaling properties will be valuable to modellers of both basin and channel dynamics. Published in 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Implications of structural overstrength on the calibration of seismic codes

A computer program is developed to test the influence of the structural overstrength to calibrate seismic codes. The program automatically performs an iterative design-evaluation process to calibrate the seismic code. A numerical example is performed in order to test the different approaches. The virtual simulation shows that the force reduction factor cannot be directly deduced from building performance in past earthquakes. This custom of deducing the force reduction factor from the building performance under past earthquakes artificially increases the ratios elastic spectrum to design spectrum due to the design structural overstrength. The similitude of the simulation with the historical calibration of the design spectrum in the seismic codes in the United States of America (USA) is evident.     

Variations in texture of beach sediments in the vicinity of the Tirumalairajanar river mouth of India

The distribution of grain size parameters along 11 km stretch of the beach sediments between Karikal and Nagore,reveals that the mean grain size exhibits a marked decreasing trend on either side of the mouth of the Tirumalairajanar River which flow from west to east.The sediments are mainly of medium to coarse grained,moderately sorted,near-symmetrical skewed to fine skewed and leptokurtic to mesokurtic in nature.Interrelationship of various parameters shows bimodal nature of sediments having dominance of medium to coarse sand.The major part of the sediment fall in a coarse to fine grained category(sand and silt).Based on the CM(Coarser one percentile value in micron) pattern,the sediment fall in rolling and suspension field.These factors includes the sediments discharged from the river mixes with offshore sediments and with the sediments eroded from a source rock.The effect of wave sorting, and the northward drifting of sediments by littoral current are understandable.Results indicate that the Tirumalairajanar River is the most important source for modern sediments in the study area.The agitation by waves is an important sorting mechanism in the study area,and the net sediment transport in the study area is northward.The findings are based on the grain sizes and also corroborated by shortterm observations of the beach sediment dynamics and transport during the monsoon and summer seasons between Karaikal and Nagore region.