Transmitting boundary for water-saturated transversely isotropic strata based on the u–U formulation

A new transmitting boundary in a cylindrical coordinate system has been developed for modeling the elastic waves radiating out to an infinite boundary in water-saturated transversely isotropic soil strata over a rigid bedrock. The saturated soil strata are assumed to consist of a porous material and modeled as a transversely isotropic two-phase medium, based on the u−U formulation. The newly developed transmitting boundary is combined with the finite-elements model of the near-field region, using the same u−U formulation, and applied to the study of the dynamics of a rigid circular foundation in porous isotropic or transversely isotropic layered strata, either fully or partly saturated with water. The verification and application examples give valuable insights into new and interesting aspects of the dynamic behavior of rigid circular foundations in fully or partly saturated two-phase ground in terms of permeability, transverse anisotropy, and ground-water table level.     

b值预报的物理基础

本文遵循地震的断层成因学说, 根据断层宏观剪切破坏条件, 导出了震区应力水平的单一物理参数.详细研究了地震活动的物理过程.由于缺乏必要的原始资料, 对地震序列进行确定性研究存在巨大的困难.就目前情况而论, b值预报可能是估计地震危险性的一个有效方法.本文提出了几种物理模型, 详细研究了b值变化的物理背景, 导出了b值与震区地质构造条件和应力水平之间的关系.利用本文的结果, 可以较好地解释实际观测中发现的b值变化的规律, 以及它的变化范围.倘若在今后的观测中能得到进一步的证实, 这些结果对地震预报会有更多的参考价值.      

河北平原地震带b值时空变化特征

利用华北地区近44年地震资料,在区域地震序列完整性分析的基础上,用最小二乘法进行b值时间扫描计算,用最大似然法进行b值空间扫描计算。时间扫描中的b值为研究区内每个扫描窗口的平均b值,因此其变化幅度不大,基本保持在0.62~1.05之间。研究区b值空间分布范围基本维系在0.5~1.4,低b值区域为昌平—宝坻断裂段和唐山—迁安断裂段,变化范围为0.5~0.7,表明该区域地壳介质正处于相对高应力或闭锁状态,存在未来可能发生中强以上地震的潜在危险。     

Nutrient availability in support of Karenia brevis blooms on the central West Florida Shelf: What keeps Karenia blooming?

Identifying nutrient sources, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), sufficient to support high biomass blooms of the red tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, has remained problematic. The West Florida Shelf is oligotrophic, yet populations >10⁶ cells L⁻¹ frequently occur and blooms can persist for months. Here we examine the magnitude and variety of sources for N and P that are available to support blooms. Annual average in situ or background concentrations of inorganic N in the region where blooms occur range 0.02–0.2 μM while inorganic P ranges 0.025–0.24 μM. Such concentrations would be sufficient to support the growth of populations up to ∼3×10⁴ cells L⁻¹ with at least a 1 d turnover rate. Organic N concentrations average 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than inorganic N, 8–14 μM while organic P concentrations average 0.2–0.5 μM. Concentrations of organic N are sufficient to support blooms >10⁵ cells L⁻¹ but the extent to which this complex mixture of N species is utilizable is unknown. Other sources of nutrients included in our analysis are aerial deposition, estuarine flux, benthic flux, zooplankton excretion, N₂-fixation, and subsequent release of organic and inorganic N by Trichodesmium spp., and release of N and P from dead and decaying fish killed by the blooms. Inputs based on atmospheric deposition, benthic flux, and N₂-fixation, were minor contributors to the flux required to support growth of populations >2.6×10⁴ cells L⁻¹. N and P from decaying fish could theoretically maintain populations at moderate concentrations but insufficient data on the flux and subsequent mixing rates does not allow us to calculate average values. Zooplankton excretion rates, based on measured zooplankton population estimates and excretion rates could also supply all of the N and P required to support populations of 10⁵ and 10⁶ cells L⁻¹, respectively, but excretion is considered as “regenerated” nutrient input and can only maintain biomass rather than contribute to “new” biomass. The combined estuarine flux from Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Caloosahatchee River can supply a varying, but at times significant level of N and P to meet growth and photosynthesis requirements for populations of approximately 10⁵ cells L⁻¹ or below. Estimates of remineralization of dead fish could supply a significant proportion of bloom maintenance requirements but the rate of supply must still be determined. Overall, a combination of sources is required to maintain populations >10⁶ cells L⁻¹.     

Dynamic active thrust from c–ϕ soil backfills

This technical note presents an analytical derivation of the expression for the total dynamic active thrust on a retaining wall from the c–? soil backfill considering both horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients. The derivation is based on the Coulomb sliding wedge concept, and it considers tension cracks, wall adhesion, and surcharge in order to make the expression useful for practical applications. It is found that the special cases of the general expression result in the expressions for total static and dynamic active thrusts presented by earlier researchers for different field conditions of soil backfills with and without seismic loadings.     

Interannual changes in δN values in Fucus vesiculosus L.

The natural abundance of ¹⁵N (δ¹⁵N) has been widely used to detect anthropogenically derived N loads in environmental impact studies. The present study involved retrospective analysis of subsamples of Fucus vesiculosus L. collected during a period of three years (2008–2010) from two sites: a control site, within a coastal reference area, and an area affected by the effluents of a marine land-based fish farm. The isotopic signal in different subsamples of the macroalgae thalli (tissue that has grown during the same period) varied depending on the age of the tissue. Moreover, the isotopic signal decreased significantly with the age of the frond to within a certain range. The δ¹⁵N of F. vesiculosus is temporally unstable; therefore, measurement of the δ¹⁵N of macroalgal tissues does not allow reliable retrospective biomonitoring of environmental pollution. Further knowledge about the growth and other biological aspects of this species is required.     

An examination of τc-Pd earthquake early warning method using a strong-motion building array

The use of characteristic period τ_c and peak displacement amplitude Pd of the initial P wave in earthquake early warning (EEW) was proposed by Wu and Kanamori 1, 2, 3 and 4. Here we apply this approach to strong-motion records from a building sensor array installed in Taitung County, Taiwan. This building was damaged during the 2006 M_w=6.1 Taitung earthquake with a peak ground velocity (PGV) of up to 38.4 cm/s at an epicentral distance of 14.5 km. According to our analysis, the peak displacement amplitude Pd is a better indicator for the destructiveness of an earthquake than τ_c because τ_c is more sensitive to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than Pd. In accordance with previous studies, only the structurally damaging Taitung earthquake generated a Pd value larger than 0.5 cm (a threshold for identifying damaging events). Using Pd as an indicator for destructive earthquakes does not lead to missing or false alarms for EEW purposes.     

2013年山东莱州M4.6地震序列发震构造初探

采用双差定位法对山东莱州地震序列重新定位,通过CAP方法反演M4.6地震震源机制,在此基础上初步探讨莱州地震序列发震构造。结果显示:精确定位震中位置主要位于柞村—仙夼断裂的NW方向,深度剖面显示从SE方向到NW方向断层深度呈由浅逐渐变深的趋势,这均与柞村—仙夼断裂位置、走向、倾向特征较为吻合;M4.6地震震源机制解的节面Ⅰ与柞村—仙夼断裂走向、倾角较为接近。综合精确定位震中位置、剖面深度分布特征、M4.6地震震源机制解及宏观调查烈度分布等结果与柞村-仙夼断裂产状之间的关系,初步推测柞村—仙夼断裂可能为莱州地震序列的发震断层。     

P and S velocity structures of the Santorini–Coloumbo volcanic system (Aegean Sea,Greece) obtained by non-linear inversion of travel times and its tectonic implications

One of the most prominent tectonic features of the Eastern Mediterranean region is the Hellenic volcanic arc in the Southern Aegean Sea, with the Santorini Island being one of the most active volcanic centers. Recent seismic studies show that the main seismic activity of the Santorini volcanic center is strongly associated with the volcanic processes, as well as with the seismo-tectonic regime of the broader Southern Aegean Sea area. The main cluster of local seismicity is located near the northeastern edge of the Santorini Island, beneath the Coloumbo Reef, which is a submarine volcanic seamount of the Santorini Island volcanic system.     

利用Aki模型对宁夏及邻区尾波Q值分布特征的研究

从2008年1月至2013年12月宁夏地震台网记录的665次ML≥2.0地震的数字地震波形资料中,选取波形记录清晰、噪声水平满足计算条件的数字地震波形记录,利用Aki模型,计算宁夏及邻区各区域尾波Q值,并与前人已有结果进行对比,得到该区尾波Q值的分布特征。结果表明:宁夏及邻区尾波Q值整体呈北高南低分布;吴忠、灵武地区该值相对较高,与该区域存在高速区相对应;阿拉善左旗西南该值较低;中卫、海原及附近地区该值相对较低,认为与该区域地壳深部的高温度与高热流值有关。     

Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) δN as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: Observations and modeling

Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ¹⁵N) in bioindicators are increasingly employed to identify nitrogen sources in many ecosystems and biological characteristics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) make it an appropriate species for this purpose. To assess nitrogen isotopic fractionation associated with assimilation and baseline variations in oyster mantle, gill, and muscle tissue δ¹⁵N, manipulative fieldwork in Chesapeake Bay and corresponding modeling exercises were conducted. This study (1) determined that five individuals represented an optimal sample size; (2) verified that δ¹⁵N in oysters from two locations converged after shared deployment to a new location reflecting a change in nitrogen sources; (3) identified required exposure time and temporal integration (four months for muscle, two to three months for gill and mantle); and (4) demonstrated seasonal δ¹⁵N increases in seston (summer) and oysters (winter). As bioindicators, oysters can be deployed for spatial interpolation of nitrogen sources, even in areas lacking extant populations.     

Soil characteristics and site effect assessment in the city of Delhi (India) using H/V and f–k methods

Local site conditions substantially affect the characteristics of seismic waves and its potential to cause earthquake damage. To accurately identify the variation of seismic hazard at different locations within the cities, measurements from a three-component station may be used for estimating the resonance frequencies and evaluate the expected level of damage at each site. This information can also be complemented with array measurements of ambient noise in order to estimate the V_s profiles and characterize the corresponding sediment layers at each site.     

Getting it right for the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaenaglacialis): A last opportunity for effective marine spatial planning?

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) faces increasing pressure from commercial shipping traffic and proposed marine renewable energy developments. Drawing upon the successful Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary model, we propose a multi-stakeholder marine spatial planning process that considers both appropriate positioning of offshore wind farms and redefining commercial shipping lanes relative to whale migration routes: placement of wind turbines within certain right whale habitats may prove beneficial for the species. To that end, it may be advisable to initially relocate the shipping lanes for the benefit of the whales prior to selecting wind energy areas. The optimal end-state is the commercial viability of renewable energy, as well as a safe shipping infrastructure, with minimal risk of collision and exposure to shipping noise for the whales. This opportunity to manage impacts on right whales could serve as a model for other problematic interactions between marine life and commercial activities.     

Environmentally relevant exposure of 17α-ethinylestradiol impairs spawning and reproductive behavior in the brackish medaka Oryzias melastigma

We assessed the effects of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on spawning and reproductive behavior of the brackish medaka Oryzias melastigma at environmental concentrations. Breeding pairs were exposed to EE2 at either lower concentrations (0, 1, and 10 ng/L) or higher concentrations (0, 50, and 100 ng/L) for 14 days. Swimming performance and reproductive behavior (following, dancing, and copulation) of the males were analyzed at the end of exposure. Additionally, gonad histology was conducted in the males in the higher EE2 experiment. We found that spawning was significantly inhibited in the 50–100 ng/L EE2 groups. Swimming performance was not affected in all groups. Dancing and copulation were significantly suppressed in the 50–100 ng/L groups. No effect was observed in testis histology in the 50–100 ng/L groups. Our data suggests that reproductive behavior of O. melastigma can be utilized as a behavioral endpoint for ecotoxicology studies of endocrine disruptors in estuarine/marine environments.     

Can the spread of non-native oysters (Crassostrea gigas) at the early stages of population expansion be managed?

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was introduced into Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland in the 1970s. It was assumed that local environmental conditions would not facilitate successful reproduction. However, in the 1990s there were reports of C. gigas outside licensed aquaculture sites and this investigation set out to ascertain the current distribution, years of likely recruitment and population structure of the species. C. gigas were found distributed widely throughout the northern basin during surveys; the frequency distribution suggesting C. gigas is not recruiting every year. Establishment of feral populations of C. gigas elsewhere have linked to habitat change. A pilot cull was initiated to assess the success rate of early intervention. This paper demonstrates the potential benefits of responding rapidly to initial reports of non-native species in a way that may curtail establishment and expansion. The method advocated in simple and can be recommended to the appropriate regulatory authorities.     

Comparative study of 17 β-estradiol on endocrine disruption and biotransformation in fingerlings and juveniles of Japanese sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus

Estrogenic contaminants in the aquatic environment are associated with endocrine disruption and feminization in fish. The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on fish have been well documented. However, very few studies have focused on 17 β-estradiol (E2) and its effects on endocrine system and biotransformation in a single prolonged exposure. This study investigated changes in the levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and acetyl choline esterase (AchE) in brain, cortisol in plasma and Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in gill of two different size groups (fingerlings and juveniles) of Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) upon exposure to two sub-lethal concentrations (200 and 2000 ng L⁻¹) of E2 for 30 d. The results indicate that cortisol level and EROD activity significantly increased in both groups, whereas serotonin level increased in juveniles and decreased in fingerlings due to E2 exposure. The correlation analysis revealed that E2 significantly affected the endocrine and biotransformation systems in both age groups.     

四川荣县MS4.7、MS4.3、MS4.9地震房屋震害特征和人员伤亡分析

根据四川荣县M_S4.7、M_S4.3、M_S4.9地震现场灾害调查资料,分析房屋震害特征和人员伤亡情况,结果表明震区房屋破坏类型主要为砖混结构、砖木结构和土木结构,其中砖木结构和土木结构受损比较严重,人员伤亡主要由房屋损坏导致;造成此现象的原因主要是该地区房屋建造年代久远,房屋结构不合理、抗震性能差,短时间地震频发造成震害累积,再加上民众防震减灾意识薄弱等。     

2016年新疆轮台MS 5.3地震序列尾波Qc值分析

基于Sato单次散射模型,利用轮台地震台单台记录,计算并分析2016年1月14日新疆轮台M_S5.3地震及余震序列尾波Q_c值震后变化,拟合得出Q_c值随频率的变化关系为Q_c (f) =（18.0±3.19）f^1.184±0.072。结果表明,Q_c值在序列初期起伏较大,随着强震后能量的释放,Q_c值趋于平缓;低频段的Q_c值在较大余震发生前有显著变化;不同中心频率点的Q_c值变化形态不一致。对Q_c值变化特征的研究,可为地震预报提供参考依据。