Volcanic aerosol optical characteristics of Mt. Etna tropospheric plume retrieved by means of airborne multispectral images

Tropospheric volcanic plume features have been derived from airborne multispectral images collected during field measurement campaigns at the Mt. Etna volcano in June 1997, during a quiescent period, and in July 2001 during an eruptive period. Results have been obtained in terms of mapping the volcanic aerosol optical thickness (AOT), the Ångström parameters and the water vapor content using different bands from visible to infrared. The AOT values show average values of 0.1 and 1, for quiescent and eruptive plumes, respectively, demonstrating that this geophysical parameter well indicates a major contribution of particulates in the explosive plume with respect to the quiescent one. The mapping of Ångström parameters, in the explosive case, indicates the presence of larger particles and their distribution along the plume, while in the quiescent case indicates the particle size is dominated by small particles with an effective radius about 1 μm. Further in the quiescent case, the map of water vapor shows low values indicating that water vapor emitted condenses mainly in aerosols.     

中国大陆地震活跃期和平静期的b值与地震趋势研究

计算了中国大陆5个地震活跃期和4个地震平静期的b值。地震活跃期的b值明显比地震平静期的b值低，地震活跃期的b值为0.72～0.76，平均为0.75，地震平静期的b值为0.86～1.06，平均为0.97。截止到2000年3月，第五轮回的活跃期b值为0.87，介于地震平静期与地震活跃期的平均值之间，明显高于地震活跃期的b值。因此，中国大陆从1 988年开始的第五轮回的地震活跃期可能还没有结束，还可能发生较大的(7级)地震。     

2008年10月5日乌恰6．9级地震背景性异常

分析总结了2008年10月5日乌恰6．9级地震前背景性异常：1900～2008年新疆6．8级以上地震时空分布表明,于田7．4级地震发生后新疆仍缺少一次6．8级以上地震：2004年12月以来新疆3．5级以上地震累积频次持续低值;乌恰地区6级地震超常平静：2003年以来在乌恰地区形成4级地震空区;2006年以来新疆相继形成2条4级地震条带相交于乌恰地区：2006年1月至2008年7月乌恰台地震波振幅比大范围低值;2007年4月至2008年2月．沿卡兹特阿尔特断裂出现2次符合预报指标的异常增强现象：2008年2月以来喀什台地磁垂直分量拟合差值持续低值;2006年9月以来莎车台土层应力2道测值先后出现偏离正常年变现象．     

Gas composition of Popocatépetl Volcano between 2007 and 2008: FTIR spectroscopic measurements of an explosive event and during quiescent degassing

On December 1, 2007, the solar absorption infrared spectra of the Popocatépetl volcanic plume was recorded during an eruptive event and complementarily on November 17, 2008, the passive quiescent degassing was measured from the same site. A portable FTIR spectrometer with a scanning mirror for fast tracking of the sun provided the flexibility, quality, and simplicity needed for field deployment. Slant columns of the gases SO₂, HCl, HF, and SiF₄ were retrieved and strong differences could be observed when comparing gas ratios in both time periods. During the explosive eruption, the SO₂/HCl ratio was three times greater and the HF/HCl ratio was slightly smaller than during passive degassing.While the ratios among SO₂, HCl, HF, and SiF₄ describe the chemical composition of the volcanic gas mixture, the SiF₄/HF ratio provides information about the equilibrium temperatures of the stored gases which in this study were calculated at 150° and 185 °C for the explosive and quiescent degassing episodes, respectively. We conclude that cooling of lava domes in the crater precedes Vulcanian explosions as suggested by Schaaf et al (2005). Based on SO₂ flux (Grutter et al., 2008) and measurements and data from the November 2008 event, the average fluxes for HCl, HF, SiF₄, and F through quiescent degassing are estimated to be 204, 22.7, 9.8, and 31.7 tons/day, respectively. These values are similar to those reported by Love et al. (1998) more than 10 yrs ago.     

Slumping of groundwater mounds: revisiting the Polubarinova-Kochina theory

Abstract

Decay or rise of the water table from a disturbed (mound or trough) position to a quiescent flat state is studied by a linear potential theory that does not rely on the Dupuit-Forchheimer vertical averaging but is a solution to the full Laplace equation. We consider an unconfined aquifer of high (infinite) thickness disturbed by a linear or point hydrodynamic dipole and assemblies of dipoles, which generate two- and three-dimensional seepage. Hydrologically, the dipoles mimic a channel (or circular-recharge basin), which generates the mound. The dipole ascends (descends) and the corresponding free surface, on which the isobaricity and kinematic conditions hold, slumps. A solvability condition, which stipulates no singularities in the seepage domain, is explicitly presented. The mound signal is defined as the time peak of the water table at any piezometer located away from the original recharge area. The flow net and isotachs prove the Bouwer caveat that the Dupuit-Forchheimer theory is specious if applied to high-thickness aquifers accommodating mounds originating from short infiltration events. The analytical value of the water table peak and the time of its arrival are compared with piezometric observations in recharge experiments conducted in a coastal aquifer of the United Arab Emirates, where the hydraulic conductivity is assessed from hydrographs. The inversely determined hydraulic conductivity fits well with those found from infiltration double-ring experiments and MODFLOW simulation.     

Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) leaves as a bio-indicator of volcanic gas,aerosol and ash deposition onto the flanks of Mt Etna in 2005–2007

Sweet chestnut leaves (Castanea sativa) collected from the flanks of Mt Etna volcano in 2005–2007 were analysed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of element concentrations. The aim of this work was to determine whether these leaves are a bio-indicator for volcanic gas, aerosol and ash deposition and to gain new insights into the environmental effects of quiescent and eruptive volcanic plumes. Results show a positive correlation between sample variability in the concentration of elements in Castanea sativa and enrichment factors of elements in the plume. The spatial and temporal variability of chalcophilic elements (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Tl, Zn) is consistent with prevailing winds transporting eruptive plumes to the south-east of the summit, resulting in enhanced plume deposition onto the flanks of the volcano. Similar spatial and temporal variability was found for the halide-forming elements (Cs, K, Rb) and intermediate elements (Al, Co, Mn). The spatial variability of chalcophilic, intermediate and halide-forming elements during quiescent periods was diminished (relative to eruptive periods) and could not be explained by plume deposition. In contrast, the concentrations of lithophilic elements (Ba, Ca, Mg, Sr) did not show any clear spatial variability even during eruptive periods. Comparisons between enrichment factors for elements in Castanea sativa and literature values for enrichment factors of the volcanic plume, groundwater and lichen were made. Whilst Castanea sativa offers insights into the spatial and temporal variability of deposition, the species may not be a bio-indicator for plume composition due to biological fractionation.     

Relationship between size of pyroclast flow eruptions and duration of the preceding dormancy period

The techniques of simple correlation and simple linear regression were used to as certain whether there is a relationship between the length of the period of dormancy of a volcano and the maximum distance travelled by pyroclast flow in the subsequent eruption. A positive correlation coefficient of 0.48 was obtained for a data set of 35 eruptions in various parts of the world. This is significant at the 1% level. Correlation and regression were also performed on the cube root of the total volume of pyroclast flow material emitted and the length of the preceding dormancy period. The correlation coefficient of 0.42, for 20 eruptions, was significant at the 10% level. However, when only eruptions for which the dormancy period is less than 200 years are considered, neither the maximum distance travelled by the pyroclast flows, nor their total volume, has a statistically significant linear relationship with dormancy. This suggests that there may be a tendency for large eruptions from volcanoes, which have been apparently quiescent for centuries, to be reported, where as small eruptions from such volcanoes may go unremarked. Inclusion of such biassed data may give misleadingly high positive correlations between pyroclast flow size and dormancy.     

云南地区近期强震重复发生时地震学的动态演化特征

通过地强震重复发生的滇西北、滇东北、滇西南澜沧江以西３个地震区多项地震活动性和地震波参数的动态追踪，发现在同一地震区重复发生的强震，震前的异常形态可以具有相惟性，反向变化的特征。如滇东北地区中小地震在１９８５年禄劝强震前的活跃和１９９５年武定强震前的平静；澜沧地震叶波速比月均值在１９８８年澜沧－－耿马大震前的低值异常和１９９５年孟连西中缅边境大震前的高值异常。本同时以ｂ值和波速比为例，讨论了强震     

Use of soil moisture data and curve number method for estimating runoff in the Loess Plateau of China

The Soil Conservation Service curve number (CN) method commonly uses three discrete levels of soil antecedent moisture condition (AMC), defined by the 5‐day antecedent rainfall depth, to describe soil moisture prior to a runoff event. However, this way may not adequately represent soil water conditions of fields and watersheds in the Loess Plateau of China. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the effective soil moisture depth to which the CN is most related; (2) to evaluate a discrete and a linear relationship between AMC and soil moisture; and (3) to develop an equation between CN and soil moisture to predict runoff better for the climatic and soil conditions of the Loess Plateau of China. The dataset consisted of 10 years of rainfall, runoff and soil moisture measurements from four experimental plots cropped with millet, pasture and potatoes. Results indicate that the standard CN method underestimated runoff depths for 85 of the 98 observed plot‐runoff events, with a model efficiency E of only 0·243. For our experimental conditions, the discrete and linear approaches improved runoff estimation, but still underestimated most runoff events, with E values of 0·428 and 0·445 respectively. Based on the measured CN values and soil moisture values in the top 15 cm of the soil, a non‐linear equation was developed that predicted runoff better with an E value of 0·779. This modified CN equation was the most appropriate for runoff prediction in the study area, but may need adjustments for local conditions in the Loess Plateau of China. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response of linear and non‐linear asymmetric systems with non‐linear fluid viscous dampers

This investigation is concerned with the seismic response of one‐story, one‐way asymmetric linear and non‐linear systems with non‐linear fluid viscous dampers. The seismic responses are computed for a suite of 20 ground motions developed for the SAC studies and the median values examined. Reviewed first is the behaviour of single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems to harmonic and earthquake loading. The presented results for harmonic loading are used to explain a few peculiar trends—such as reduction in deformation and increase in damper force of short‐period systems with increasing damper non‐linearity—for earthquake loading. Subsequently, the seismic responses of linear and non‐linear asymmetric‐plan systems with non‐linear dampers are compared with those having equivalent linear dampers. The presented results are used to investigate the effects of damper non‐linearity and its influence on the effects of plan asymmetry. Finally, the design implications of the presented results are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of confidence intervals for a steady-state leaky aquifer model

The fact that dependent variables of groundwater models are generally nonlinear functions of model parameters is shown to be a potentially significant factor in calculating accurate confidence intervals for both model parameters and functions of the parameters, such as the values of dependent variables calculated by the model. The Lagrangian method of Vecchia and Cooley [Vecchia, A.V. & Cooley, R.L., Water Resources Research, 1987, 23(7), 1237–1250] was used to calculate nonlinear Scheffé-type confidence intervals for the parameters and the simulated heads of a steady-state groundwater flow model covering 450 km² of a leaky aquifer. The nonlinear confidence intervals are compared to corresponding linear intervals. As suggested by the significant nonlinearity of the regression model, linear confidence intervals are often not accurate. The commonly made assumption that widths of linear confidence intervals always underestimate the actual (nonlinear) widths was not correct. Results show that nonlinear effects can cause the nonlinear intervals to be asymmetric and either larger or smaller than the linear approximations. Prior information on transmissivities helps reduce the size of the confidence intervals, with the most notable effects occurring for the parameters on which there is prior information and for head values in parameter zones for which there is prior information on the parameters.     

Latitudinal dependence of the seasonal variation of particulate extinction in the UTLS over the Indian longitude sector during volcanically quiescent period based on lidar and SAGE-II observations

The altitude profiles of particulate extinction in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) obtained from SAGE-II in the latitude region 0–30°N over the Indian longitude sector (70–90°E) are used to study the latitudinal variation of its annual pattern in this region during the volcanically quiescent period of 1998–2003. The SAGE-II data is compared with the lidar measurements from Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) when the satellite had an overhead occultation pass over a small geographical grid centered at this location. The particulate optical depth (τ_p) in the UT region shows a general decrease with increase in latitude and a pronounced summer–winter contrast with relatively low values during winter and high values during summer. In general, these variations are in accordance with the latitudinal variation of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and thunderstorm activity, which are good representative indices of tropospheric convection. While the particulate extinction (and τ_p) in the 18–21 km (LS₁) region is relatively low in the equatorial region up to 15°N, it shows an increase in the off-equatorial region, beyond 15°N. While the annual variation of τ_p in the LS₁ region is almost insignificant near the equator, it is rather well pronounced in latitude region between 10 and 15°N with relatively high values during winter and low values during summer. Beyond 20°N, this shows a prominent peak during summer. At a higher altitude, the 21–30 km (LS₂) region, the latitude variation of τ_p shows a different pattern with high values near the equator and low values in the off-equatorial region confirming the existence of a stratospheric aerosol reservoir. Low values of τ_p at lower regime (LS₁) near the equator could be due to rapid transport of particulates from the near equatorial region to higher latitudes, while the equatorial high at upper regime (LS₂) could be due to lofting and subsequent accumulation.     

川滇地区较长时间尺度的地震活动盛衰交替性

通过与更早地震资料的对比, 研究了鲜水河断裂带, 川滇地壳块体东带、 西带, 松潘、 龙门山断裂带以及整个川滇地区较长时间尺度的地震活动盛衰交替性。 结果表明, 川滇东带北段(鲜水河断裂带)、 松潘、 龙门山地震带及川滇西带中段和南段(主要是红河断裂带)的地震活动具有明显的几十到百年尺度的盛衰交替性。 而川滇东带中南段(安宁河-则木河-小江断裂带)与川滇西带北段(金沙江断裂带)在上述地震带的平静期里, 中强以上地震频次明显减少, 但有个别7级以上强震发生。 这样, 整个川滇地区地震活动的盛衰交替性呈现一种比较复杂的阶段性特征: 伴随频繁中强震的强震活跃期与突发强震活动期交替出现。 值得注意的是, 川滇地区从19世纪末开始的伴随频繁中强震的强震活跃期已超过百年, 目前出现长期平静, 应注意进入突发强震活动期的可能性。 根据川滇地区上一个突发强震活动期突发强震的空间分布, 推测未来的突发强震可能发生在南北向断裂带, 或其他方向断裂带与南北向断裂带的交汇部。 文中还对上述统计现象的机理作了简要讨论。     

两淮煤田大地热流分布及其构造控制

基于127块煤系地层岩石样品的热导率测定结果,并结合59个井田内可靠的系统测温数据,计算得出两淮煤田的大地热流值,并编制大地热流分布图,其结果表明:两淮煤田大地热流值变化范围为29.7~83.9mW·m-2,平均值为58.3mW·m-2,和其他沉积盆地存在一定的差异,且淮南煤田大地热流值(63.7mW·m-2)远大于淮北煤田(55.2mW·m-2).综合分析得出,两淮煤田大地热流与其他盆地的差异以及淮南煤田热流值高于淮北煤田的现象为构造演化和区域地质背景的控制结果;而研究区内热流的分布不均主要是由于受地质构造对地温场的影响所致,推覆构造上下盘现今热流值的差异尤为突出.     

Integrating in situ measurements of an index of connectivity to assess soil erosion processes in vineyards

ABSTRACT

In this research, we survey soil erosion processes using an index of connectivity and a non-invasive and long-term assessment in situ technique: the improved stock unearthing method (ISUM), for which the vineyard of Castilla La Mancha under tillage management was selected. Our results show, that in 10 years, the total average soil surface level decreased by – 1.6 cm and the total soil mobilization was up to 17.7 Mg ha^?1 year^?1. The surrounding lands of the survey plot showed meagre connectivity; however, smaller linear features with higher values were found as possible locations for potential rill generation. The survey plot is traversed by one of these linear features. In this inter-row survey, we found relatively low connectivity values. As a conclusion, we confirm that both methods can be useful to assess soil erosion processes in vineyards and detect areas that could increase the desertification as a consequence of non-sustainable soil erosion rates.     

A practical estimation of Clark IUH parameters using root selection and linear programming

The values of the parameters of the Clark instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) are often relying on the subjective decision of the researcher, which leads to large variations of their values. Therefore, an objective method minimizing the subjective judgement in the IUH modelling procedure while providing a reduced range of acceptable values is proposed. The proposed method uses a basin average IUH to mitigate the robustness problem of the Clark IUH parameters. Using linear system theory, the z‐transform is applied to the average IUH and then the IUH polynomial is factored into the recession and time‐area curve (TAC) components based on a convolution relation between the Clark IUH parameters. During this calculation, the root selection method was adopted to verify the storage coefficient R from the recession component and a linear programming technique was applied for determining the TAC for the basin of interest. The Wi River basin was used to test the applicability of the proposed method. The results showed that the components of a single reservoir and the TAC for Clark IUH were separated effectively, and acceptable values for the parameters were obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Limitations on linear elastic procedures in performance assessment of regular frames

Linear elastic analysis procedures are employed exclusively in the traditional seismic design of new structures and widely employed in the seismic assessment of existing structures. It is also a convenient tool for the initial checking of deformations in displacement‐based design. The limitations that should be imposed on linear elastic procedures have been evaluated in this study by comparing the deformation‐based response quantities obtained from response spectrum analysis with those from the nonlinear time history analysis. Both procedures were applied to different design variants of 5, 8, and 12 story moment frames, subjected to 20 strong motion components exhibiting a variety of intensities. Member plastic rotations and interstory drift ratios were employed as the basic response parameter in performance assessment. It has been found that average column demand to capacity ratio (DCR) (the ratio of flexural demand from linear elastic analysis to flexural capacity) and average beam DCR at the critical story are the most effective parameters in determining the validity range of linear elastic procedures in regular moment frames. Limiting values for these response parameters are proposed. Furthermore, amplification factors for member rotation demands predicted by the linear procedures are suggested for moment frames when these limiting values are exceeded. These factors ensure that the amplified linear elastic rotations are not smaller than 84 percentile (mean – 1sigma) of the rotations obtained from nonlinear time history analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Underestimation of fine grain quartz OSL dating towards the Eemian: Comparison with palynostratigraphy from Azzano Decimo,northeastern Italy

Palynostratigraphical records have been used to understand the response of vegetation to climate change, and benefit from independent dating to ensure a robust correlation with global climate and sea-level change. In order to constrain the pollen chronology of a long sedimentary core taken at Azzano Decimo in the Friulian foreland of northeastern Italy, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has been applied to fine grain quartz. The samples meet all the standard performance criteria set to test the reliability of the single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol, and still show increasing dose response at 500 Gy. OSL ages are in good agreement with radiocarbon dating and the pollen interpretation down to 70 ka, and with D_e values of ～140 Gy, but below this point, they display an increasing age underestimation towards the Eemian and beyond. The comparison of D_e values measured using both a SAR and single-aliquot regeneration and added-dose (SARA) protocol, confirmed that both were successfully correcting for sensitivity changes in the quartz during measurement of the burial dose, and this was not the reason for the age underestimation. The quartz OSL dose response curve for all samples is best described by a saturating exponential plus linear (SEPL) function. Although all underestimated ages are derived from D_e values that fall on the high dose linear region of this curve, it is unclear if this is the cause of the underestimation.     

Volcanic hazard zonation of the Nevado de Toluca volcano,México

The Nevado de Toluca is a quiescent volcano located 20 km southwest of the City of Toluca and 70 km west of Mexico City. It has been quiescent since its last eruptive activity, dated at ∼ 3.3 ka BP. During the Pleistocene and Holocene, it experienced several eruptive phases, including five dome collapses with the emplacement of block-and-ash flows and four Plinian eruptions, including the 10.5 ka BP Plinian eruption that deposited more than 10 cm of sand-sized pumice in the area occupied today by Mexico City. A detailed geological map coupled with computer simulations (FLOW3D, TITAN2D, LAHARZ and HAZMAP softwares) were used to produce the volcanic hazard assessment. Based on the final hazard zonation the northern and eastern sectors of Nevado de Toluca would be affected by a greater number of phenomena in case of reappraisal activity. Block-and-ash flows will affect deep ravines up to a distance of 15 km and associated ash clouds could blanket the Toluca basin, whereas ash falls from Plinian events will have catastrophic effects for populated areas within a radius of 70 km, including the Mexico City Metropolitan area, inhabited by more than 20 million people. Independently of the activity of the volcano, lahars occur every year, affecting small villages settled down flow from main ravines.     

On the Length-Weight Relationship of the Ganga River Prawn Macro-brachium birmanicum choprai (TIWARI)

A total of 331 male and 237 female individuals of the Ganga river prawn, Macrobrachium birmanicum choprai (TIWARI), were examined to establish relationship between its length and weight. The individuals of both the sexes were placed separately in different size groups. When plotted against corresponding values of weight, the average length computed for each size group exhibited an exponential relationship. However, the logarithimic values of observed lengths when plotted against corresponding values of weight exhibited a linear relationship. Correlation coefficient values for both the sexes were found highly significant (r = 0.9846 for males and 0.9762 for females).