Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface over a random fluid medium

Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface overlying a fluid half-space with a sound-speed distribution subject to a small random variation is considered. Under the assumption that the surface roughness and medium randomness are statistically independent, the scattered field may be derived by first solving for the mean field in the medium, and then incorporating with boundary-perturbation method to obtain the total mean field and the power spectral density of the scattered field. The employed algorithm is compatible to the analysis available in the existing literature so that the formulations are conveniently integrated. The results for the power spectral density have shown that the effects of medium inhomogeneities on the rough surface scattering are limited in a spectral regime where the scattered components have shallow grazing angles. The distribution of the power spectral density over the space is primarily governed by the power spectrum and correlation lengths of the rough surface.     

从矿物学探讨庙岛列岛黄土成因

1975年3—7月,作者对庙岛列岛17个岛屿及蓬莱县沿岸分布普遍的第四纪堆积物——黄土进行了观测。现将野外观察和室内矿物分析结果叙述如下。     

Sidescan sonar image processing techniques

A four-step processing sequence is described to produce image mosaics from the various segments of a sidescanned acoustic imaging survey of a given seafloor area. Starting with data consisting for each ping of acoustic backscatter levels versus horizontal range across-track, median prefiltering is used first to reduce the influence of outliers on subsequent linear processes. Artifacts that are clearly unrelated to the backscattering properties of the seafloor are then isolated on a ping by ping basis through a spectral analysis that relies on a decomposition using Chebyshev polynomials to filter the low spatial frequency components of the image. Contrast enhancement is then achieved through an original implementation of the classical gray level histogram equalization technique by balancing local versus global histogram contributions. Pixels are mapped on a geographic grid taking due account of the geometry of the measurement and of the spacing between pings to minimize along-track smearing of features. Examples of results obtained with these processing techniques are given for SeaMARC II data recorded during a complete survey of Fieberling Guyot (32°.5 N, 128° W)     

A model for Meddy formation

A particular feature of “Meddies” is that the water within them has stable gradients of salinity and temperature. In this paper a model for a dense turbulent plume falling in a stationary, linearly-stratified environment is described. The density of the plume is assumed to be a linear function of two components, while the ambient density gradient is due to a gradient in only one of these components (labelled component one). The ratio of the contributions to the source buoyancy flux of the two components within the plume is identified as the important parameter for this type of flow. After deriving the steady equations for the plume, a simplified model for the filling process which creates the Meddy is described, which shows how a layer of fluid may be formed with stable gradients in both components in the lower part of the intrusion. The intrusion is shown to be less stratified than the surrounding fluid, with relatively weak gradients in component one (identified with temperature in the Meddy) that vary from unstable at the top to stable at the bottom of the intrusion and a fairly constant (stable) gradient in the second component (salinity for a Meddy). If the stable gradients in a Meddy are due solely to the filling process then, during formation, the top of the Meddy must become cooler than the surrounding water at the same level. The observed stable temperature gradient in Meddies is likely to be due to mixing processes after their formation, whereas the stable salanity gradient is mainly due to the filling process during formation.     

Angular-spectral decomposition beamforming for acoustic arrays

The method of principal component beamforming described in this paper is an array data reduction method that allows one to observe the statistically uncorrelated components of wave energy arriving at an array of acoustic sensors. The method can be used to process array data so as to observe and identify the sources of noise, both environmental and self noise. After identifying the sources of noise, the method of principal components can be used to discriminate signal from noise. The method can be applied to active systems (subbottom profilers) as well as passive systems. A model of isotropic noise and incident bandlimited plane waves is used to study array resolution and bandwidth effects. Experimental data from a2 times 3planar acoustic array were used to identify sources of hydro-flow related noise in an underwater vehicle. In all cases studied, the technique provides a maximum spatial information analysis method to the observer.     

Features of dominant mesoscale variability,circulation patterns and dynamics in the Strait of Sicily

Combining an intensive hydrographic data survey with a numerical primitive equation model by data assimilation, the main features of dominant mesoscale to subbasin-scale variability in the Strait of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) during the summer of 1996 are estimated, revealed and described, and several hydrographic and dynamical properties of the flow and variabilities discussed. The feature identification is based on two independent real-time analyses of the variability. One analysis “subjectively” evaluates and studies physical field forecasts and their variations. The other more “objectively” estimates and forecasts the principal components of the variability. The two independent analyses are found to be in agreement and complementary. The dominant dynamical variations are revealed to be associated with five features: the Adventure Bank Vortex, Maltese Channel Crest, Ionian Shelfbreak Vortex, Messina Rise Vortex, and temperature and salinity fronts of the Ionian slope. These features and their variations are found to have links with the meanders of the Atlantic Ionian Stream. For each feature, the characteristic physical scales, and their deviations, are quantified. The predominant circulation patterns, pathways and transformations of the modified Atlantic water, Ionian water and modified Levantine intermediate water, are then identified and discussed. For each of these water masses, the ranges of temperature, salinity, depth, velocity and residence times, and the regional variations of these ranges, are computed. Based on the estimated fields and variability principal components, several properties of the dynamics in the Strait are discussed. These include: general characteristics of the mesoscale anomalies; bifurcations of the Atlantic Ionian Stream; respective roles of topography, atmospheric forcings and internal dynamics; factors controlling (strengthening or weakening) the vortices identified; interactions of the Messina Rise and Ionian Shelfbreak vortices; and, mesoscale dynamics and relatively complex features along the Ionian slope. For evaluation and validation of the results obtained, in situ data, satellite sea surface temperature images and trajectories of surface drifters are employed, as well as comparisons with previous studies.     

Improved thermodynamic calculations for concentrated mixed electrolyte systems including ion pairing (or the absence of it)

Knowledge of the activity coefficients of solutes under temperature and pressure ranges of interest is generally required for calculations of the physicochemical properties of aqueous multicomponent electrolyte solutions such as seawater. Whilst these activity coefficients are well characterized for the predominant salts individually, fewer data are available for minor components under a sufficiently wide range of conditions and there are significant interactions between some of the chemical species involved which can substantially alter the required activity coefficients in mixtures.For these reasons, accurate thermodynamic predictions for seawater and other multi-electrolyte solutions in moderate or high concentration are more difficult than is often supposed. In particular, progress in this area has been slowed by uncertainty regarding the nature and extent of ion pairing in concentrated strong electrolyte solutions, a problem that has been debated for decades. Zdanovskii's rule, described originally almost a century ago but widely neglected, provides a fundamentally sound method for calculating the properties of mixed electrolyte solutions. Modelling developments are described, which accord with various types of experiment, from our laboratory and from the chemical literature. It has become clear that, when treated in an appropriate way based on solvent activity, linear mixing behaviour of strong electrolyte solutions can be considered the norm. This is an inevitable consequence, first recognized by Guggenheim, of the cancellation of ion pairing and other interactions as, conceptually, one ion replaces another. Stronger solute–solute interactions, described by equilibrium constants, can then easily be coupled in a thermodynamically consistent manner.     

A Three-Dimensional Prediction Method for Thermal Diffusion

A three-dimensional,first order turbulence closure,thermal diffusion model is described inthis paper.The governing equations consist of an equation of continuity,three components of momentum,conservation equations for salt,temperature and subgridscale energy,and an equation of state.In the mod-el,according to the hypothesis of Kolmogorov and Prandtl,the viscosity coefficient of turbulent flow ofhomogeneous fluid is related to the local turbulent energy,and the horizontal and vertical exchangecoefficients of mass,heat and momentum are computed with the introduction of subgridscale turbulenceenergy.The governing equations are solved by finite difference techniques.This model is applied to theJiaozhou bay to predict thermal pollution by the Huangdao power plant.An instantaneous tidal currentfield is computed,then the distribution of temperature increment is predicted,and finally the effect of windstress on thermal discharge is discussed.     

Estimating extreme currents by combining tidal and surge probabilities

The need to obtain realistic estimates of extreme currents for the design of off-shore structures requires optimum use to be made of the data available. Methods of applying joint tide-surge probability techniques to the data are considered, and illustrated by analysis of one year of current meter observations in the North Sea. Tidal and meteorologically-induced vector components of the total observed current vector are isolated and their separate two-dimensional frequency distributions are computed. These distributions are then recombined to give probabilities of extreme total currents from several directions.     

Bragg resonant reflection of carrier waves composing wave groups

Numerical analyses for the Bragg resonant reflection of carrier waves associated long waves due to sinusoidally varying seabeds are performed by using a set of coupled ordinary differential equations derived from the Boussinesq equations. The Boussinesq equations are firstly approximated with the Fourier decomposition. The coupled governing equations are then derived and used to simulate evolution of both short and long wave components. It is also found that wave groups are generated by two carrier waves with slightly different frequencies. The wave energy of the initial wave components is transferred to other harmonic components during propagation over a long distance. Evolution and reflection of both short and long waves were largely affected by nonlinearity.     

On the accurate and efficient calibration of a 3D wave basin

This paper describes the calibration procedure adopted for the new 3D wave basin located in the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at Imperial College London. Unlike traditional calibrations, based on observations of regular wave trains, the method described herein uses a focused wave approach. Such waves, produced by the constructive interference of freely propagating wave components, have led to a number of recent advances in theoretical wave modelling in which it was essential to know the underlying linear components. In the context of a laboratory study, similar advantages can be realised provided the linear wave components generated by the wave paddles are well defined. This, in turn, can only be achieved if the calibration is sufficiently accurate. The current study provides a calibration based upon a realistic JONSWAP spectrum, describes the details of the methodology employed, and highlights how the application of focused wave techniques eliminates spurious calibration effects due to unwanted reflections from the boundaries of the basin. The final calibration is verified through the generation of test cases, involving linear and nonlinear, unidirectional and directionally spread waves. These confirm both the accuracy of the calibration and the suitability of the methods employed.     

Arctic sea-ice motion and its relation to pressure field

Daily Arctic sea-ice motion maps during the winter seasons (December–March) from December 1988 to March 2003 derived from NSCAT, QuikSCAT, SSM/I, and AMSRE data by a wavelet analysis method have been merged with those derived from buoy data. These merged sea-ice motion data have been used to study the circulation regimes and winter-to-winter variability of Arctic sea-ice motion. The relation between sea-ice motion and the pressure field in the Arctic Ocean was also studied by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to the monthly merged sea-ice motion data and the monthly pressure field data from IABP. The mean Arctic sea-ice motion map of the 15 winter seasons has two distinct features: the Beaufort Gyre and a cyclonic circulation system in the Eurasian Basin, which moves ice from the Laptev Sea to Fram Strait. The strengths and sizes of the two features change from one winter season to another. Seasons with a strong or normal Beaufort Gyre alternate with seasons with a weak or no Beaufort Gyre every one to three seasons. The principal components of the first two modes of PCA of the monthly sea-ice motion are closely correlated with their counterparts of the monthly pressure field in the Arctic Ocean. The mode-one components of these two anomalies alternate between anticyclonic and cyclonic circulation systems. The correlation between Arctic Oscillation indexes and the principal components of the first mode of PCA of the monthly Arctic sea-ice motion is low but statistically significant.     

Determination of the freshwater origin of Coastal Oyashio Water using humic-like fluorescence in dissolved organic matter

Coastal Oyashio Water (COW), defined as a water mass with a temperature lower than 2 °C and a salinity lower than 33.0, is distributed in the North Pacific Ocean off southeastern Hokkaido, Japan, from winter to spring. COW is rich in macronutrients and dissolved iron and is thus considered to affect the spring phytoplankton blooms in the Oyashio region. Although river water and sea-ice melt water have been considered freshwater end-members of COW, the contributions of these freshwater sources to COW have not been well described. In this study, the humic-like components in dissolved organic matter were first applied as a parameter to evaluate the freshwater end-members of COW in March 2015. Linear regressions with negative slopes were determined between the humic-like components and the salinity of COW. The intercepts of the regressions against the humic-like components were within the ranges of those observed for the local rivers of Hokkaido but were very different from those of sea ice. These findings suggest that river water contributed to the COW observed here as a freshwater end-member, although the contribution of sea-ice melt water to COW could not be evaluated. This novel approach also highlighted two different less-saline water masses in COW. The first was characterized by a lower temperature and relatively high levels of humic-like components, while the second was higher in temperature and had higher levels of humic-like components. It is suggested that these different characteristics are due to the contributions of water from different rivers and/or different effects of sea-ice melt water.     

Qualitative and Quantitative Description of Multibeam Echosounder Systematic Errors on Rocky Areas

This paper deals with the problem of systematic depth errors made in surveying dumped rocks with multibeam echosounder. These errors may induce dangers for navigation in very shallow water areas or huge costs for coastal engineering contractors who perform rock dumping operation and surveying. We analyze results from four different multibeam echosounder systems and compare those data to a reference digital terrain model of a dumped rocks area obtained from a 3D terrestrial laser scanner. The systematic depth errors are statistically described and analysed on local areas. Finally, we propose a look-up table linking the error amplitude with the rock size, resulting from our error analysis.     

An analytic investigation of oscillations within a harbor of constant slope

Longitudinal and transverse oscillations within a harbor of constant slope are analyzed. Based on the linear shallow water approximation, longitudinal oscillations are described with Bessel equations. Ignoring friction, oscillations are forced using the period of the incident perpendicular wave field by the method of matched asymptotics. The analytic results show that the varying depth shifts the resonant wave numbers to lower values than those for the same geometric harbor with constant depth. Furthermore, we extend the shallow water equations to a linear, weakly dispersive, Boussinesq-type equation by modifying the offshore velocity component, and then use it to investigate possible existing transverse oscillations in the harbor of constant slope. These oscillations are types of standing edge waves. Their character is quite sensitive to the boundary condition at the backwall of the harbor.     

A controlling factor approach to estuary classification

A new approach to the classification of estuaries is described. The estuary environment classification (EEC) is based on a hierarchical view of the abiotic components that comprise the environments of estuaries. The EEC postulates that climate, oceanic, riverine and catchment factors ‘control’ a hierarchy of processes and broadly determine the physical and biological characteristics of estuaries. The classification differentiates estuaries at four levels of detail. Level 1 differentiates global scale variation based on differences in climatic and oceanic processes, which are discriminated by the factors: latitude, oceanic basins and large landmasses. Level 2 differentiates variation in estuary hydrodynamic processes, which are discriminated by estuary basin morphometry, river and oceanic forcing. Level 3 differentiates variation among estuaries that are due to catchment processes, which are discriminated by catchment geology and catchment land cover. The approach has been applied to all the estuaries in New Zealand using existing data sources. Estuaries were assigned class membership at each level of the classification by applying criteria in the form of decision rules to the database of assignment characteristics. GIS was then used to map the estuaries with classes being defined by colour at any level of the classification. The resulting map provides a multi-scale spatial framework that is suitable for many environmental or conservation management applications.     

Vertical Structure of Baroclinic Currents over Northern South China Sea Continental Slope

The 28.6 d time series of ADCP currents at 27 depth levels, (11,15,…,115m) which are obtained from a mooring station at the northern South China Sea continental slope, have been decomposed into barotropic and baroclinic components. The emphasis in this paper is on the analysis of the time series of baroclinic currents by means of several methods,such as the tidal harmonic analysis, the power spectra and the kinetic energy estimation.The major results are as follows: (1) In respect of the baroclinic currents, the values of several parameters first decrease and then increase with depth. These parameters include the temporal mean value of the cross-shelf component, the standard deviations, the amplitudes of K1 constituents, the mean eddy kinetic energy, as well as the significant peaks of the power spectra of the cross-shelf components. (2) The diurnal period of the baroclinic currents is dominant. The diumal tidal current rotates clockwise and the major axis of current ellipse is located along the directions of NW-SE. The vertical distribution of the phases of the diurnal constituent varies with the different water layers. Around the 67m depth level, the phase changes very much.At those layers far away from the 67m depth level, the vertical distribution of the phase is relatively stable, but with opposite phases in the upper and lower water layers. For the upper layers between the surface and 67m,the phases are around 300°; for the lower layers between 67m and 115m, the phases are around 120° .(3) The mean eddy kinetic energy of the baroclinic current is quite large, accounting for 41% of the mean kinetic energy of the measured currents. The cross-shelf component is larger than the along-shelf one. The two baroclinic current components correspond to the major and minor axes of the current ellipse of the diurnal constituent respectively. (4) The power spectra of the baroclinic currents show a singnificant period of about 24h, with 23.6h at both 19m and 99m and 24.4h at 55m. The vertical distributions of the significant spectra-peak values of the power spectra of both the crossshelf and along-shelf components of both the baroclinic currents are different. The former increases with depth, then decreases and finally increases again while the latter decreases with depth.     

张力腿平台局部节点强度可靠度分析方法

局部节点可靠度分析对张力腿平台(TLP)整体安全性评估具有重要意义。提出了一个TLP平台局部节点可靠度的分析方法,首先对TLP平台整体进行分析,统计局部节点各种失效模式并得到典型失效模式及对应的典型荷载工况;然后应用改进的子模型技术对TLP平台局部节点进行极限承载能力分析,确定了局部节点在典型荷载工况下的极限承载力;对局部节点极限承载力及南海某区域的波浪荷载进行统计分析,得到其概率统计特性;在此基础上计算了TLP平台局部节点对应典型失效模式下的可靠度指标。通过算例分析表明,该TLP平台各节点可靠度指标值均大于3.1;立柱与浮箱连接节点在不同荷载工况下失效模式不同,而立柱与甲板连接节点易发生管交汇处剪切破坏。为TLP平台的安全性评估提供了一种有效的分析方法,具有一定的理论价值及实用价值。     

Initial post-buckling of submerged slender vertical structures subjected to distributed axial tension

This paper proposes an analytical solution for determining the initial post-buckling behaviour of submerged slender vertical steel structures. These structures may have significant bending stiffness and self-weight so that the axial force varies linearly from one end to the other. Such structures constitute main components of drilling and production platforms used for the offshore exploitation of hydrocarbons. An understanding of their structural behaviour after buckling offers opportunities for cost reduction and design optimisation. The initial post-buckling behaviour is evaluated by retaining non-linear curvature terms and using an expansion in series to reduce the governing equation to a set of linear ordinary fourth order differential equations, which are then solved sequentially by power series functions. The paper also presents results from buckling and non-linear large deflection finite element analyses. The numerical results validate and establish a range of application for the analytical formulation. This solution technique is employed to explore the behaviour of slender structures dominated by geometrical (tension) or flexural stiffness.     

A computer model for forecasting ocean wave parameters at specific sites around the the New Zealand coast

An applications model for forecasting frequency‐directional wave spectra at any appropriately specified site is described. There are two stages to the calculations. Firstly, a spectrum is calculated based on results at nearby gridpoints from an ocean wave prediction model. This is then adjusted to make the spectrum consistent with the local wind history. Verifications of the model are made at sites off Cape Egmont and Great Barrier Island, North Island, New Zealand. These give encouraging results for the shape of the frequency spectrum, with reasonable skill evident in the energetic parts of the spectrum. The significant wave heights also agree well, with the model estimates explaining two thirds of the measured variance.