Dissolved and particulate trace metals in the Rhine estuary and the Southern Bight

Dissolved and particulate trace metals have been measured in the Southern Bight and the Rhine estuary in order to study the relative importance of precipitation and sedimentation processes as compared to mobilization processes in the estuary, and their impact on trace metal levels in the Southern Bight.     

Differential kinetics and temperature dependence of abiotic and biotic processes controlling the environmental fate of TNT in simulated marine systems

This work seeks to understand how the balance of abiotic and biotic kinetic processes in sediments control the residual concentration of TNT in marine systems after release from ocean-dumped source. Kinetics of TNT disappearance were followed using marine sediments at different temperatures and under both biotic and presumably abiotic conditions (through sodium azide addition). Sediments exhibiting the highest rate of TNT disappearance under biotic conditions also exhibited the highest sorption affinity for TNT under abiotic conditions. Significant temperature dependence in the abiotic processes was observed in the diffusion coefficient of TNT and not sediment sorption affinity. At higher temperature, kinetics of biotic processes outpaced abiotic processes, but at low temperature, kinetics of abiotic processes were much more significant. We concluded that the differential influence of temperature on the kinetics of abiotic and biotic processes could provide distinguishing predictions for the potential residual concentration of TNT contamination in marine-sediment systems.     

Evolution of the Variscan foreland-basin: modelling the interactions between tectonics and surface processes

The geology of Western and Central Europe is significantly influenced by the Variscan orogen that developed during Devonian and Carboniferous time. Numerical models are essential in understanding and quantifying the involved endogenous and exogenous processes and their interactions. These are mainly based on the large-scale mass redistribution caused by erosion and fluvial sedimentary transport. The sedimentary mass flux leads to changing loads on the lithosphere and affects therefore the evolution of the orogen and the foreland-basin. The complex feedback-mechanism of the surface and tectonic processes is studied by three-dimensional elastic–plastic numerical models. The calculated uplift rates are used to model the interaction between tectonic and surface processes such as erosion and sedimentation. An iterative application of the numerical models for the tectonic and surface processes yields a detailed view of the evolution of the foreland-basin. The tectonic model itself (excluding surface processes) already shows some of the palinspastically reconstructed important features of the lower Carboniferous like the London-Brabant Massif, and the northward propagation of the Variscan deformation front. The results obtained from the coupled analysis can be compared to studies of the sedimentary record (i.e. time, thickness, and sedimentation rates) and other geological concepts (i.e. stability of geological provinces). The results demonstrate that both processes are essential in understanding the complex structural evolution of the Variscides and their foreland. The numerical approach on the tectonic–surface process interaction can also be applied easily to other geological settings.     

Hydrological and morphological processes at river mouths of the Caspian Sea Region as possible analogs of expected changes of mouths of other rivers in Russia and the world

Present changes in the regime and structure of mouths of rivers, which empty into the Caspian Sea, are discussed. The similarities and differences of these processes at the mouths of different rivers of the Caspian Region were revealed. Assessment was made of the impact of changes in river water runoff and sediment load and in the Caspian Sea level as well as the nearshore zone relief and local hydraulic engineering activities on the processes under study. Anomalous features of the processes occurring at the mouths of the Volga and Terek rivers were revealed and explained. Hydrological and morphological processes typical of the present mouths of the rivers of Ural, Sulak, and Kura were revealed; these processes could be accepted as universal and possible analogs in assessing the expected changes at the mouths of other rivers in Russia and the world in the XXI century.     

Hydrological and morphological features of the Upper Angara mouth area

The hydrological and morphological processes in the mouth area of the Upper Angara (which ranks second in terms of water abundance among Baikal Lake tributaries) are considered. The major external factors that determine those processes have been revealed. The main features of the delta??s water regime, including the effect of anthropogenic level rise in the lake, are described. Specific attention is paid to morphological processes in the delta and on the barrier bar, separating a large mouth lagoon from the lake.     

汶川地震和九寨沟地震断层作用及动力学过程研究进展——纪念汶川地震十周年

2008年5月12日汶川地震（M_S8.0）发生后,各部门组织开展了一系列汶川地震相关的地学研究,包括国家科技专项"汶川地震断裂带科学钻探"项目.经过十年的持续探究,在地震地质、震源物理、地震实验、地震动力学、深部地球物理和长期监测等方面研究取得了一系列重大突破与重要成果.在汶川地震十周年之际,《地球物理学报》集中在2018年第5期刊发39篇文章作为汶川地震十周年专辑,专辑涵盖了汶川地震和九寨沟地震断层作用与动力学过程以及相关领域的一批最新研究成果.这些工作涉及汶川地震断层作用、地震参数及地震动力学数值模拟、汶川地震前地震活动性与多参数异常、晚第四纪构造与地震活动及其地表作用、青藏高原东部壳幔结构与龙门山断裂带深部构造和九寨沟地震等六方面的研究.本文将从这六个研究方向简要介绍收入本专辑论文的研究工作,呈现地震断层作用及动力学过程等研究成果,为深入认识大地震孕育和发生过程提供重要的基础.     

Validation of the correlation between two variables by means of transition to a new coordinate system in the case when the correlation and regression coefficients are both small

A problem of estimating the significance of revealed trends appears in the analysis of long-term variations in the parameters of different processes that describe the state of geophysical phenomena and similar processes. If the time interval is limited, the range of variations in the studied values appears to be small. This causes small values of the correlation and regression coefficients. Such a situation is usually interpreted as a low significance level of the observed processes, which is not always true and a detailed analysis is needed.     

Processes of delta formation in the mouth area of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers

The evolution of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river delta during the Holocene period is discussed. Particular attention is given to the processes of delta formation, the dynamics of the delta hydrographic systems, the channel processes in river branches, as well as to the dynamics of the delta coastline and nearshore zone bed over the last 150–200 years. The calculation of sediment budget in the mouth area of these rivers is presented.     

The hydrological regime and the morphological structure of the Godavari River delta (India)

The major hydrological and geographic characteristics of the Godavari River and the coastal zone of the Bay of Bengal that have their effect on the hydrological regime and the morphological structure of the river delta are considered. The hydrographic, climatic, and environmental conditions in the Godavari delta are described. The specific features of hydrological processes in the delta are considered, including river and bay water mixing and the impact of tropic storms and hurricanes on the delta. The main features of morphological processes in the delta are revealed, including cyclic changes in the delta in Holocene and the dynamics of the channel network and delta coastline in the past 150 years. It is shown that the processes of erosion and retreat of the delta coastline became more active in the late XX century.     

Modeling and forecasting the aftershock processes in Kamchatka

The aftershock processes that occurred in 1990?C2008 on the Kamchatka Peninsula and in the adjacent water area are numerically modeled with the aim of forecasting the aftershock activity. The aftershocks are identified by the Molchan-Dmitrieva algorithm followed by the analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of the earthquakes, which gives the final aftershock sequences. The simulations are based on the relaxation and triggering models of the aftershock processes. The studied models adequately describe and reliably simulate the temporal behavior of the aftershock sequences. An attempt is made to forecast the aftershock processes in Kamchatka using the ETAS model. It is shown that forecasting based on the data observed during the preceding time intervals is quite accurate. This approach can be applied in the centers of seismological monitoring for estimating the aftershock activity within the first days after a strong earthquake.     

Hydrological and associated pollution load simulation and estimation for the Three Gorges Reservoir of China

This study demonstrates an integrated study by coupling a NPS pollution load estimation sub-model with a distributed hydrological model to simulate the hydrological processes and associated pollution load processes in the Three Gorges (TG) Reservoir which is the largest water conservancy project in China, and further estimates the pollution loads and their responses to rainfall changes. The distributed hydrological model Easy Distributed Hydrological Model (EasyDHM) is featured as containing easy rain-runoff generation processes, comprehensive pre-process and post-process modules. Based on EasyDHM, this study develops a NPS pollution load estimation sub-model Easy Distributed Non-Point source evaluation sub-model taking both point source (PS) and NPS pollution into consideration. Through the application of the models in the TG area, this study clarifies the mechanism and characteristics of NPS pollution and estimates the pollution loads in the region. This study could provide technical support for the establishment of Best Management Practices for NPS pollution in the region, and references for the government during the processes of formulating and implementing decision-makings on pollution control and comprehensive management in the TG area.     

Quantifying and Reducing Uncertainty in the Large-Scale Response of the Water Cycle

Despite their obvious environmental, societal and economic importance, our understanding of the causes and magnitude of the variations in the global water cycle is still unsatisfactory. Uncertainties in hydrological predictions from the current generation of models pose a serious challenge to the reliability of forecasts and projections across time and space scales. This paper provides an overview of the current issues and challenges in modelling various aspects of the Earth’s hydrological cycle. These include: the global water budget and water conservation, the role of model resolution and parametrisation of precipitation-generating processes on the representation of the global and regional hydrological cycle, representation of clouds and microphysical processes, rainfall variability, the influence of land–atmosphere coupling on rainfall patterns and their variability, monsoon processes and teleconnections, and ocean and cryosphere modelling. We conclude that continued collaborative activity in the areas of model development across timescales, process studies and climate change studies will provide better understanding of how and why the hydrological cycle may change, and better estimation of uncertainty in model projections of changes in the global water cycle.     

Modeling and forecasting the aftershock processes in Kamchatka

The aftershock processes that occurred in 1990–2008 on the Kamchatka Peninsula and in the adjacent water area are numerically modeled with the aim of forecasting the aftershock activity. The aftershocks are identified by the Molchan-Dmitrieva algorithm followed by the analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of the earthquakes, which gives the final aftershock sequences. The simulations are based on the relaxation and triggering models of the aftershock processes. The studied models adequately describe and reliably simulate the temporal behavior of the aftershock sequences. An attempt is made to forecast the aftershock processes in Kamchatka using the ETAS model. It is shown that forecasting based on the data observed during the preceding time intervals is quite accurate. This approach can be applied in the centers of seismological monitoring for estimating the aftershock activity within the first days after a strong earthquake.

     

Dynamics of Phosphorus and Balance Estimate of Its Exchange Processes with the Bed in the Mozhaisk Reservoir during Vegetation Period

Data of complex offshore observations were used to analyze variations in the concentrations of mineral and organic phosphorus in the epilimnion and hypolimnion of the Mozhaisk Reservoir within the vegetation period. Vertical phosphorus fluxes at the hypolimnion boundaries were assessed by using the balance method with allowance made for the phosphorus transformations in the water mass within the vegetation periods considered. Destruction processes were found to proceed most intensely during the moderate blooming of phytoplankton, when these processes facilitate the formation of anaerobic conditions in hypolimnion, whereas exchange processes intensify abruptly in the periods of intense phytoplankton blooming and during its decline.     

Hydrological-morphological processes in the mouth area of the Orinoco (Venezuela)

The peculiarities of the hydrological regime of the Orinoco River and the coastal zone of the Atlantic Ocean that affect the hydrological-morphological processes in the mouth area of the Orinoco River are considered. The major features of the delta water regime, including its inundation, runoff distribution over the delta branches, water and sediment balance, and the processes of river and sea water mixing are described. Special attention is paid to the morphological processes at the Orinoco mouth (delta evolution and modern processes at its coastline).     

Hydrological Regime and Morphodynamics of the Yangtze River Mouth Area

The features of the hydrological regime, modern morphological structure, fluviomorphological processes, and the history of formation of the Yangtze River mouth area are discussed. The influence of the huge river water and sediment runoff and tides on the hydrological and morphological processes in the Yangtze River mouth is shown. The possible impact of construction of the large waterworks Three Gorges on the hydrological and morphological processes in the Yangtze River mouth is roughly evaluated.     

Slopes,boundary conditions,and the development of convexo-concave forms—some numerical experiments

Slope profile sequences are as much influenced by their boundary conditions as they are by the processes operating. The development of a simple slope under a single process can adopt a variety of forms depending on initial and boundary conditions, and a given form can be derived from several different processes. For example, convexo-concave forms develop under soil creep with basal accumulation, under wash with an initial step form, and under mixed wash and creep processes.     

Seasonality of low flows and dominant processes in the Rhine River

Low flow forecasting is crucial for sustainable cooling water supply and planning of river navigation in the Rhine River. The first step in reliable low flow forecasting is to understand the characteristics of low flow. In this study, several methods are applied to understand the low flow characteristics of Rhine River basin. In 108 catchments of the Rhine River, winter and summer low flow regions are determined with the seasonality ratio (SR) index. To understand whether different numbers of processes are acting in generating different low flow regimes in seven major sub-basins (namely, East Alpine, West Alpine, Middle Rhine, Neckar, Main, Mosel and Lower Rhine) aggregated from the 108 catchments, the dominant variable concept is adopted from chaos theory. The number of dominant processes within the seven major sub-basins is determined with the correlation dimension analysis. Results of the correlation dimension analysis show that the minimum and maximum required number of variables to represent the low flow dynamics of the seven major sub-basins, except the Middle Rhine and Mosel, is 4 and 9, respectively. For the Mosel and Middle Rhine, the required minimum number of variables is 2 and 6, and the maximum number of variables is 5 and 13, respectively. These results show that the low flow processes of the major sub-basins of the Rhine could be considered as non-stochastic or chaotic processes. To confirm this conclusion, the rescaled range analysis is applied to verify persistency (i.e. non-randomness) in the processes. The estimated rescaled range statistics (i.e. Hurst exponents) are all above 0.5, indicating that persistent long-term memory characteristics exist in the runoff processes. Finally, the mean values of SR indices are compared with the nonlinear analyses results to find significant relationships. The results show that the minimum and maximum numbers of required variables (i.e. processes) to model the dynamic characteristics for five out of the seven major sub-basins are the same, but the observed low flow regimes are different (winter low flow regime and summer low flow regime). These results support the conclusion that a few interrelated nonlinear variables could yield completely different behaviour (i.e. dominant low flow regime).     

Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling of Hg and Cu Transformations in the Water–Bottom Sediment System

The results of laboratory modeling of transformations of the ionic forms of Hg and Cu are discussed. The processes considered include the formation of organic and inorganic complexes, sorption on mineral suspension and bottom sediment. A peak in the concentration of organic complex of metals is found to exist. Published data are used to study the physicochemical mechanism of metal transformations in the water–bottom sediment system and to develop a mathematical model of these processes. An explanation is given to the metal concentration peak, which forms in water as a result of the competition between complex formation and sorption processes. Comparison of the experimental and model curves allowed the evaluation of the kinetic coefficients of the complex formation and sorption stages.