On correlation between seismic velocity anisotropy and stressesin situ

Seismic velocity anisotropies measured in underground mines are compared within situ stress measurements in these mines. These underground data are also compared with seismic velocity anisotropies observed by large scale seismic sounding conducted from the earth's surface, The velocity anisotropies are about 10% and the data obtained by different methods on different scales and frequencies agree with each other. The directions of largest and smallest velocities coincide with the largest and smallest horizontal stresses, respectively. These results suggest that the direction and magnitude of stresses in potential mining areas could be estimated from velocity anisotropies observed in seismic prospecting of the area.     

Seasonal and interannual behaviour of groundwater catchment boundaries in a Chalk aquifer

Groundwater catchment boundaries and their associated groundwater catchment areas are typically assumed to be fixed on a seasonal basis. We investigated whether this was true for a highly permeable carbonate aquifer in England, the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs Chalk aquifer, using both borehole hydrograph data and a physics‐based distributed regional groundwater model. Borehole hydrograph data time series were used to construct a monthly interpolated water table surface, from which was then derived a monthly groundwater catchment boundary. Results from field data showed that the mean annual variation in groundwater catchment area was about 20% of the mean groundwater catchment area, but interannual variation can be very large, with the largest estimated catchment size being approximately 80% greater than the smallest. The flow in the river was also dependent on the groundwater catchment area. Model results corroborated those based on field data. These findings have significant implications for issues such as definition of source protection zones, recharge estimates based on water balance calculations and integrated conceptual modelling of surface water and groundwater systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Organic carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in the intertidal sediments from the Yangtze Estuary, China

The natural isotopic compositions and C/N elemental ratios of sedimentary organic matter were determined in the intertidal flat of the Yangtze Estuary. The results showed that the ratios of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were respectively −29.8‰ to − 26.0‰ and 1.6‰–5.5‰ in the flood season (July), while they were −27.3‰ to − 25.6‰ and 1.7‰–7.8‰ in the dry season (February), respectively. The δ¹³C signatures were remarkably higher in July than in February, and gradually increased from the freshwater areas to the brackish areas. In contrast, there were relatively complex seasonal and spatial changes in stable nitrogen isotopes. It was also reflected that δ¹⁵N and C/N compositions had been obviously modified by organic matter diagenesis and biological processing, and could not be used to trace the sources of organic matter at the study area. In addition, it was considered that the mixing inputs of terrigenous and marine materials generally dominated sedimentary organic matter in the intertidal flat. The contribution of terrigenous inputs to sedimentary organic matter was roughly estimated according to the mixing balance model of stable carbon isotopes.     

基于Landsat影像的近40年来(1982—2021年)三峡库区水面面积及其蒸发损失变化

三峡水库蓄水引起库区水位抬升,水面面积显著增加,对区域水文循环过程产生了一定影响。为揭示三峡水库蓄水前后水面面积及蒸发损失变化规律,选取三峡库区坝前至寸滩区间作为研究区,利用Landsat影像数据提取1982—2021年水面面积,分区建立水位与面积关系曲线,进而推求库区逐日水面面积。在估计三峡库区水面面积的基础上,结合站点潜在蒸发资料推求水面蒸发损失量。研究结果表明:2010年三峡水库全面运行后,坝前至寸滩库区平均水面面积由蓄水前的372.96km²,增加到761.31km²,较蓄水前增加了1.04倍。同时,三峡水库的蓄泄调节改变了库区河段原有的水文节律,使得库区水面面积的季节性变化特征较蓄水前发生了显著变化。蓄水后,冬季水面面积最大,平均为843.81km²,较蓄水前增加了1.89倍;秋季、春季次之,水面面积分别为818.73和735.28km²,较蓄水前分别增加了97.17%和1.28倍;夏季水面面积最小,为653.03km²,较蓄水前仅增加了39.06%。水库全面运行后,...     

Spatial and temporal variability of event runoff characteristics in a small agricultural catchment

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors that control event runoff characteristics at the small catchment scale. The study area is the Hydrological Open Air Laboratory, Lower Austria. Event runoff coefficient (Rc), recession time constant (Tc) and peak discharge (Qp) are estimated from hourly discharge and precipitation data for 298 events in the period 2013–2015. The results show that the Rc and their variability tend to be largest for the tile drainages (mean Rc = 0.09) and the main outlet (mean Rc = 0.08) showing larger Rc in January/February and smaller Rc in July/August. Tc does not vary much between the systems and tends to be largest at the main outlet (mean Tc = 6.5 h) and smallest for the tile drainages (mean Tc = 4.5 h). Groundwater levels explain the temporal variability of Rc and Tc more than soil moisture or precipitation, suggesting a role of shallow flow paths.     

Floating marine debris in fjords, gulfs and channels of southern Chile

Floating marine debris (FMD) is reported from all oceans. The bulk of FMD are plastics, which due to their longevity cause multiple negative impacts on wildlife and environment. Identifying the origins of FMD (land- or sea-based) is important to take the necessary steps to diminish their abundance. Using ship surveys we examined the abundance, composition and distribution of FMD during the years 2002-2005 in the fjords, gulfs and channels of southern Chile. Abundances of FMD were relatively high compared with other studies, ranging from 1 to 250 items km⁻². The majority (∼80%) of FMD was composed of styrofoam (expanded polystyrene), plastic bags and plastic fragments. Styrofoam, which is intensively used as floatation device by mussel farms, was very abundant in the northern region but rarely occurred in the southern region of the study area. Food sacks from salmon farms were also most common in the northern region, where ∼85% of the total Chilean mussel and salmon harvest is produced. Plastic bags, which could be from land- or sea-based sources, were found throughout the entire study area. Our results indicate that sea-based activities (mussel farming and salmon aquaculture) are responsible for most FMD in the study area. In order to reduce FMDs in the environment, in addition to stronger legislation and identification of potential sources, we suggest environmental education programs and we encourage public participation (e.g. in beach surveys and clean-ups).     

Impact of the Charleston Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site on nearby hard bottom reef habitats

The deepening of shipping and entrance channels in Charleston Harbor (South Carolina, USA) was completed in April 2002 and placed an estimated 22 million cubic yards (mcy) of material in the offshore Charleston Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS). To determine if sediments dispersed from the ODMDS were negatively affecting invertebrate and/or finfish communities at hard bottom reef areas around the disposal area, six study sites were established: three close to and downdrift of the ODMDS and three upcurrent and farther from the ODMDS. These sites were monitored biannually from 2000 to 2005 using diver surveys and annually using simultaneous underwater video tows and detailed sidescan-sonar. In general, the sediment characteristics of downdrift sites and reference sites changed similarly over time. Overall, the hard bottom reef areas and their associated communities showed little evidence of degradation resulting from the movement of sediments from the Charleston ODMDS during the study period.     

Analysis of Conditions of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Transformations in Seawater and Simulation of This Process in Aniva Bay

Simulation methods are used to study the self-purification capacity of water from Aniva Bay before the construction on the coast of the bay of the world's largest liquefied natural gas plant and oil loading terminals for ships with a displacement of 100 000 t or more. The calculations are made by using a hydro-ecological model and long-term data on Aniva Bay oceanography. Its water area was divided into five areas, and for these areas, we determined the hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics, evaluated fluxes through their boundaries, estimated petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) loads, and calculated the annual dynamics of their concentrations and the biomasses of oil-oxidizing bacteria. PHC balances for the five water areas and Aniva Bay as a whole were calculated. PHC consumption by oil-oxidizing bacteria is the most important process of PHC transformation. The discrepancy of the estimated PHC balance in Aniva Bay was found to equal 2.61%, which is within the calculation accuracy.     

Factors affecting rill erosion of unpaved loess roads in China

This study explores factors that affect road surface erosion in a small watershed on the Loess Plateau. Global positioning system (GPS)‐assisted field surveys and geographical information system methods were applied. The results show that road surface rills in the watershed are more easily formed on main roads, which are disturbed by intensive human activities. Secondary unpaved road networks occupied the largest road surface area and contributed 49% of the total road surface rill volumes. Spatial analysis reveals that roads near residential areas or leading to other human‐disturbed land‐use types are at high risk of soil loss. In each road segment, slope gradient, road segment length and drainage area have impacts on surface rill formation and development. Among these factors, slope gradients have been verified as a controlling factor of rill erosion intensification. Both road segment length (R = 0.83, N = 82) and drainage area (R = 0.72 for road segment and 0.76 for upslope drainage areas, N = 82) significantly influence total road surface rill volumes. The interaction variable of road segment length multiplied by slope is more closely correlated with road segment soil loss than that of the independent variables alone. Linear equations composed of slope gradient, road segment length and upslope drainage area are proposed. The new equation performs much better at predicting surface soil loss from secondary road segments compared with the previous models, which have not considered upslope drainage areas. The relationships and equations from this study will be helpful for road erosion evaluation in a small watershed of the study area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Temporal and spatial distribution of floating objects in coastal waters of central–southern Chile and Patagonian fjords

Floating objects are suggested to be the principal vector for the transport and dispersal of marine invertebrates with direct development as well as catalysts for carbon and nutrient recycling in accumulation areas. The first step in identifying the ecological relevance of floating objects in a specific area is to identify their spatio-temporal distribution. We evaluated the composition, abundance, distribution, and temporal variability of floating objects along the continental coast of central–southern Chile (33–42°S) and the Patagonian fjords (42–50°S) using ship surveys conducted in austral winter (July/August) and spring (November) of the years 2002–2005 and 2008. Potential sources of floating items were identified with the aid of publicly available databases and scientific reports. We found three main types of floating objects, namely floating marine debris (mainly plastic objects and Styrofoam), wood (trunks and branches), and floating kelps (Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica). Floating marine debris were abundant along most of the examined transects, with markedly lower abundances toward the southern fjord areas. Floating marine debris abundances generally corresponded to the distribution of human activities, and were highest in the Interior Sea of Chiloé, where aquaculture activities are intense. Floating wood appeared sporadically in the study area, often close to the main rivers. In accordance with seasonal river run-off, wood was more abundant along the continental coast in winter (rainy season) and in the Patagonian fjords during the spring surveys (snow melt). Densities of the two floating kelp species were similar along the continental coast, without a clear seasonal pattern. M. pyrifera densities increased towards the south, peaking in the Patagonian fjords, where it was dominant over D. antarctica. Densities of M. pyrifera in the Patagonian fjords were highest in spring. Correlation analyses between the abundances of floating objects and the distance to the nearest sources were generally non-significant, suggesting that post-supply processes affect the distribution of the floating objects in the study region. The identification of several major retention zones supports this idea. Accumulation areas of floating objects appear to be more common in the fjord zones. In general, the results underscore the abundance of floating objects throughout the study region and the fact that floating marine debris sources are mostly local, whereas floating algae may be dispersed over greater distances. Future studies should focus on the ecological role of floating objects in biota dispersal and nutrient cycling.     

An open-accessed inventory of landslides triggered by the MS 6.8 Luding earthquake,China on September 5, 2022

This study constructs a preliminary inventory of landslides triggered by the M_S 6.8 Luding earthquake based on field investigation and human-computer interaction visual interpretation on optical satellite images. The results show that this earthquake triggered at least 5 007 landslides, with a total landslide area of 17.36 ?km², of which the smallest landslide area is 65 ?m² and the largest landslide area reaches 120 747 ?m², with an average landslide area of about 3 500 ?m². The obtained landslides are concentrated in the IX intensity zone and the northeast side of the seismogenic fault, and the area density and point density of landslides are 13.8%, and 35.73 ?km^?2 peaks with 2 ?km as the search radius. It should be noted that the number of landslides obtained in this paper will be lower than the actual situation because some areas are covered by clouds and there are no available post-earthquake remote sensing images. Based on the available post-earthquake remote sensing images, the number of landslides triggered by this earthquake is roughly estimated to be up to 10 000. This study can be used to support further research on the distribution pattern and risk evaluation of the coseismic landslides in the region, and the prevention and control of landslide hazards in the seismic area.     

Shore litter along sandy beaches of the Gulf of Oman

Beach debris abundance and weight were estimated from surveys on 11 beaches of the Gulf of Oman along the Omani coast. Debris were collected on two occasions from 100 m transects, sorted and categorized by origin and type. Overall contaminations ranged from 0.43 to 6.01 items m(-1) of beach front on different beaches with a mean value of 1.79+/-1.04 gm(-1) (95% C.I). In terms of weight, contamination levels ranged from 7.8 to 75.44 gm(-1) of beach front with a mean contamination of 27.02+/-14.48 gm(-1) (95% C.I). In terms of numbers of items, plastic debris ranked first on all beaches followed by either wood items or other organic materials such as cigarette butts. Industrial debris remained few on all beaches (<10%). Most debris had a local origin and, in terms of numbers, were associated with beach recreational activities whereas fishing debris represented the largest proportion of the debris in terms of weight. There were notable differences between beaches in the relative abundance of recreation-related and fishing-related debris.     

Small scale spatial variability of snow density and depth over complex alpine terrain: Implications for estimating snow water equivalent

This study analyzes spatial variability of snow depth and density from measurements made in February and April of 2010 and 2011 in three 1–2 km² areas within a valley of the central Spanish Pyrenees. Snow density was correlated with snow depth and different terrain characteristics. Regression models were used to predict the spatial variability of snow density, and to assess how the error in computed densities might influence estimates of snow water equivalent (SWE).The variability in snow depth was much greater than that of snow density. The average snow density was much greater in April than in February. The correlations between snow depth and density were generally statistically significant but typically not very high, and their magnitudes and signs were highly variable among sites and surveys. The correlation with other topographic variables showed the same variability in magnitude and sign, and consequently the resulting regression models were very inconsistent, and in general explained little of the variance. Antecedent climatic and snow conditions prior to each survey help highlight the main causes of the contrasting relation shown between snow depth, density and terrain. As a consequence of the moderate spatial variability of snow density relative to snow depth, the absolute error in the SWE estimated from computed densities using the regression models was generally less than 15%. The error was similar to that obtained by relating snow density measurements directly to adjacent snow depths.     

中国大陆地壳水平运动速度场与应变场

收集了中国大陆及周边地区GPS网的有关数据，提出了GPS网速度场的不同融合方法；经过融合建立了中国大陆及周边地区统一的地壳运动速度场，该速度场使用的有效GPS站共423个，其覆盖面积为1200万km^2；初步总结出中国大陆及周边地区地壳水平运动空间分布的基本特征；建立了板内块体的刚性弹塑性运动应变模型，对其进行了块体应变参数唯一性与速度残差中误差最小检验；根据中国大陆及周边地区的速度场，估计了8个块体的应变参数，分析了这些块体的应变状态，估计出的各个块体的应变状态与地质学、地球物理学方法估计的结果具有很好的一致性。用喜马拉雅块体主压应变方向估计的印度板块向欧亚板块碰撞力的主方向为北东7．1度。     

Nitrate and herbicide loading in two groundwater basins of Illinois'' sinkhole plain

This investigation was designed to estimate the mass loading of nitrate (NO₃⁻) and herbicides in spring water discharging from groundwater basins in an agriculturally dominated, mantled karst terrain. The loading was normalized to land use and NO₃⁻ and herbicide losses were compared to estimated losses in other agricultural areas of the Midwestern USA. Our study area consisted of two large karst springs that drain two adjoining groundwater basins (total area of 37.7 km²) in southwestern Illinois' sinkhole plain, USA. The springs and stream that they form were monitored for almost 2 years. Nitrate–nitrogen (NO₃–N) concentrations at three monitoring sites were almost always above the background concentration (1.9 mg/l). NO₃–N concentrations at the two springs ranged from 1.08 to 6.08 with a median concentration of 3.61 mg/l. Atrazine and alachlor concentrations ranged from <0.01 to 34 μg/l and <0.01 to 0.98 μg/l, respectively, with median concentrations of 0.48 and 0.12 μg/l, respectively. Approximately 100,000 kg/yr of NO₃–N, 39 kg/yr of atrazine, and 2.8 kg/yr of alachlor were discharged from the two springs. Slightly more than half of the discharged NO₃⁻ came from background sources and most of the remainder probably came from fertilizer. This represents a 21–31% loss of fertilizer N from the groundwater basins. The pesticide losses were 3.8–5.8% of the applied atrazine, and 0.05–0.08% of the applied alachlor. The loss of atrazine adsorbed to the suspended solid fraction was about 2 kg/yr, only about 5% of the total mass of atrazine discharged from the springs.     

Comparing an estimate of seabirds at risk to a mortality estimate from the November 2004 Terra Nova FPSO oil spill

On 21 November 2004, about 1000 barrels of crude oil were accidentally released from the Terra Nova FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) onto the Grand Banks, approximately 340 km east-southeast of St. John's, Newfoundland. We estimated the number of vulnerable seabirds (murres (Uria spp.) and dovekies (Alle alle)) at risk from this incident by multiplying observed densities of seabirds with the total area covered by the slick, estimated at 793 km(2). A mean density of 3.46 murres/km(2) and 1.07 dovekies/km(2) on the sea surface was recorded during vessel-based surveys on 28 and 29 November 2004, with a mean density of 6.90 murres/km(2) and 13.43 dovekies/km(2) combining those on the sea and in flight. We calculated a mean of 9858 murres and dovekies were at risk of being oiled, with estimates ranging from 3593 to 16,122 depending on what portion of birds in flight were assumed to be at risk. A mortality model based on spill volume was derived independently of the risk model, and estimated that 4688 (CI 95%: 1905-12,480) birds were killed during this incident. A low mortality estimate based strictly on spill volume would be expected for this incident, which occurred in an area of relatively high seabird densities. Given that the risk and mortality estimates are statistically indistinguishable, we estimate that on the order of 10,000 birds were killed by the Terra Nova spill.     

Daily accumulation rates of marine debris on sub-Antarctic island beaches

The worlds’ oceans contain a large but unknown amount of plastic debris. We made daily collections of marine debris stranded at two sub-Antarctic islands to establish (a) physical causes of strandings, and (b) a sampling protocol to better estimate the oceans’ plastic loading. Accumulation rates at some beaches were dependent on tide and onshore winds. Most of the 6389 items collected were plastic (Macquarie 95%, Heard 94%) and discarded or lost fishing gear comprised 22% of those plastic items. Stalked barnacles (Lepas spp.) were a regular attachment on Macquarie debris but not at Heard Island. The daily accumulation rate of plastic debris on Macquarie Island was an order of magnitude higher than that estimated from monthly surveys during the same 4 months in the previous 5 years. This finding suggests that estimates of the oceans’ plastic loading are an order of magnitude too low.     

Hydrochemical and stable isotope evidence for the extent and nature of the effective Chalk aquifer of north Norfolk, UK

In eastern England the Chalk aquifer is covered by extensive Pleistocene deposits which influence the hydraulic conditions and hydrochemical nature of the underlying aquifer. In this study, the results of geophysical borehole logging of groundwater temperature and electrical conductivity and depth sampling for major ion concentrations and stable isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) are interpreted to reveal the extent and nature of the effective Chalk aquifer of north Norfolk. It is found that the Chalk aquifer can be divided into an upper region of fresh groundwater, with a Cl concentration of typically less than 100 mg l⁻¹, and a lower region of increasingly saline water. The transition between the two regions is approximately 50 m below sea-level, and results in an effective aquifer thickness of 50–60 m in the west of the area, but less than 25 m where the Eocene London Clay boundary is met in the east of the area. Hydrochemical variations in the effective aquifer are related to different hydraulic conditions developed in the Chalk. Where the Chalk is confined by low-permeability Chalky Boulder Clay, isotopically depleted groundwater (δ¹⁸O less than −7.5‰) is present, in contrast to those areas of unconfined Chalk where glacial deposits are thin or absent (δ¹⁸O about −7.0‰). The isotopically depleted groundwater is evidence for groundwater recharge during the late Pleistocene under conditions when mean surface air temperatures are estimated to have been 4.5°C cooler than at the present day, and suggests long groundwater residence times in the confined aquifer. Elevated molar Mg:Ca ratios of more than 0.2 resulting from progressive rock-water interaction in the confined aquifer also indicate long residence times. A conceptual hydrochemical model for the present situation proposes that isotopically depleted groundwater, occupying areas where confined groundwater dates from the late Pleistocene, is being slowly modified by both diffusion and downward infiltration of modem meteoric water and diffusive mixing from below with an old saline water body.     

SITE EFFECT AND EARTHQUAKE DISASTER CHARACTERISTICS IN GUANGZHOU AREA FROM HORIZONTAL-TO-VERTICAL SPECTRAL RATIO(HVSR)METHOD

Site effect, which is related to the amplification of seismic waves, is mostly affected by the thickness and softness of sediment layers. The study of site effect in cities is becoming more and more important to the assessment of ground motions, seismic hazard and engineering seismology. However, in highly populated urban cities, traditional seismic surveys cannot be applied extensively due to their destructive consequences and high cost. The ambient noise, including microseisms and microtremor, could be acquired anywhere and anytime, and thus can serve as an effective source for engineering seismology. In order to get the site effect and distribution of sedimentary layers of Guangzhou area, one hundred QS-05A seismographs with frequency bandwidth of 5s-250Hz were deployed in early 2018 for 35 days. The inter-station spacing of these seismometers is approximately 2~5km. Using continuous ambient noise signals, we obtained the resonance frequency and amplification value beneath each station by horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio(HVSR)method. Then sedimentary layer thicknesses as well as K-values, which are related to the site vulnerability to ground shaking, were calculated. Our results suggest that the resonance frequencies in Guangzhou area are between 1~6.5Hz. The resonance frequencies increase gradually from 1Hz on the north-east side to 6.5Hz on the south-west side of the study area. The sediment thicknesses change from several meters to about 40m, with the maximum thickness at around the estuary of the Pearl River. This distribution is consistent with the topography. The amplifications are mainly between 2~6. The largest amplification is around the Pearl River and the west part of Baiyun District. In general, the K-values are small(<20), less than the dangerous value, suggesting that Guangzhou area is relatively safe in ground shaking. However, there are three small areas beneath Huadu District, Sanshui District and Nanhai District. They all have K-values greater than 20, suggesting those areas are more vulnerable to earthquake destruction, and higher construction standard is needed. The reliability of our results is further supported by its consistency with topography and borehole data in Guangzhou area. Our results provide important information for shallow underground structure in Guangzhou area, and can be referred as guidelines in urban architecture planning and disaster prevention and mitigation.     

The use of secondary information in geostatistical target area identification

The identification and characterization of target areas at former bombing ranges is the first step in investigating these sites for residual unexploded ordnance. Traditionally, magnetometer surveys along transects are used in identifying areas with high densities of magnetic anomalies, which are likely former target areas. Combining magnetometer survey data with other data sources may reduce the level of survey data required for site characterization, increasing characterization efficiency. Here, several techniques for incorporating secondary information into kriging estimates of magnetic anomaly density are investigated for a former bombing range located near Pueblo, Colorado. In particular, kriging with external drift, collocated ordinary cokriging, and simple kriging with local means (SKLM) are used to incorporate information from a secondary variable. The secondary variable consists of a grid of crater density values derived from a topographic light detection and ranging (LIDAR) analysis. The craters, which are clearly identifiable in the LIDAR data, were generated through munitions use at the site and are therefore related to the target locations. The results from this study indicate that the inclusion of the secondary information in the kriging estimates does benefit target area characterization and provides a means of elucidating target area details from only limited magnetometer transect data. For the Pueblo site, the use of SKLM with the crater density as a secondary variable and only limited magnetometer transect data, provided results comparable to those obtained from using much larger magnetometer transect data sets.