Relations between climatic–geomorphological parameters and sediment yield in a mediterranean semi-arid area (Sicily,southern Italy)

In the present work on-going research is discussed whose primary goal is to test some statistical methods to estimate the average yearly area-specific sediment yield (SSY). Using geomorphological and climatic parameters various multiple regression formulae have been set up based on SSY observed data from 16 catchments of Sicily. Three distinct techniques were adopted to select the parameters to be used in the equations: simple correlation, stepwise regression analysis and a supervised geomorphological–statistical correlation. The comparison of the results showed the effectiveness of the stepwise analysis, which led to a regression equation with a coefficient of determination (r ²) of 0.87. Nevertheless, even this methodology showed some elements of uncertainty that have caused, in some cases, appreciable differences between observed and predicted values (mean percentage error equal to 26%). These differences are likely either due to the hydraulic regime of most of Sicilian watercourses (typical of semi-arid regions) or to hidden factors (e.g., topography, human impact and concentrated erosion), which can greatly affect the processes of sediment production and transport. The study has pointed out the need to take into account a larger number of observations and to perform the analysis of relations between suitable variables and SSY at a more detailed time resolution.     

Inertia coefficient considerations and the structure of Jovian planets

For Jupiter, an overall density model of the form= ₀(1–x ⁿ ), withn1/3 and , is consistent with information presently at hand; for Saturn, however, such a density law would lead to unacceptably high densities in the vicinity of the centre. The limiting cases of the previous law are shown to ben=+, corresponding to a homogeneous sphere, andn=–3, corresponding to a particular central particle model, investigated by a number of astronomers over the last hundred years. Forn0, the central density becomes +. Another possible representation, valid both for Jupiter and Saturn, is the density law= ₀(1–x) ^m ), with in the case of Jupiter, and in the case of Saturn. Graber's density law based on a maximum entropy principle leads to unacceptably high surface densities, both for Jupiter and Saturn. Finally, the paper investigates the problems involved in fitting two-layered parametrically simple density laws to theoretically derived much more elaborate models of the Jovian planets.     

An interpolation method of randomly distributed atmospheric data in the height-time domain

A numerical method for objective interpolation of boundary-layer data in the height-time domain is presented. The method is based on a diffusive transport hypothesis and allows for the determination of the optimal ratio between the height and time scales to be used for non-dimensionalising the independent variables z and t. This ratio, with dimensions of a velocity, may be related to the vertical transfer properties of the atmosphere. A few cases during springtime with different stability conditions are discussed, showing that this ratio varies by at least one order of magnitude between day and night.     

Analysis of wind tunnel dispersion data over two-dimensional obstacles

An analysis of wind tunnel data of dispersion from elevated point sources over a flat floor and gently sloping, 2-D hills is performed. (The data were obtained by Khurshudyan et al., 1981.) Formulas for the mixing lengths and the Lagrangian time scales are tested, suitable for use in various dispersion models. Some expressions for the vertical first moments of the plume concentration distribution suitable for shear flow (Hunt, 1985) are also tested.Then, a normalization is suggested, based on the source mean flow and turbulence parameters, for the ground-level concentration maximum value and position along the plume centerline. Using this normalization, the maximum position is almost constant, regardless of source height variation and of whether the hill is present or not, at least for source positions upstream or over the top.The maximum values allow the determination of normalized terrain amplification factors TAF_N, which are shown to be in most cases closer to one than the corresponding TAF obtained without normalization.     

Bulk transfer velocity to and from natural and artificial surfaces

A wide set of published mass and heat transfer data is reviewed in terms of the stochastic renewal theory. A simple model is then proposed describing the transfer in terms of the fluid bulk properties. Two expressions are presented and they enable us to evaluate the bulk transfer velocity as a function of the turbulence of the flow for smooth and fully-rough surfaces in large ranges of Schmidt (or Prandtl) and Reynolds numbers. The transfer over transitional surfaces can also be evaluated by using a simple criterion for the choice of the right expression. The proposed relationships agree satisfactorily with data from laboratory and atmospheric measurements, for both solid and liquid surfaces.     

On the use of meiofauna in ecological monitoring: Who needs taxonomy?

Taxonomic problems have hindered the widespread use of meiobenthos for the purpose of pollution monitoring despite its potential usefulness. The question whether it is necessary to go down to species level in order to distinguish assemblages and stations was studied using data on meiofauna densities available from a GEEP-workshop held in Norway, August 1986.

Using the complete species list of harpacticoid copepod and nematode species, the six stations could be clearly separated by different multivariate techniques (TWINSPAN, DCA, MDS, Clustering). The abundance data of the genera, the families and even the orders (in the case of nematodes) still allowed a more or less clear separation of the stations, although their relative relationships were sometimes distorted. Thus, from a practical point of view, it may be sufficient to identify the animals to genus or family level.

It is proven that this result is not due to ecological similarities between congeneric or confamiliar species. The species groups typifying the stations in the TWINSPAN analysis did not contain more confamiliar species pairs than expected from random sorting. Randomly assembled ‘families’ allowed a separation of the stations as clear as that based on taxonomic groups.

We conclude that the information contained in species abundances was preserved, at least partially, when the species are grouped, even at random. The grouping in higher taxonomic categories was as good as any, and more convenient than all the others. However, within the (limited) range of habitats studied, ecological adaptation is achieved nearly exclusively on the species level.     

Questioni di ottica geometrica risolte con metodi meccanici

Riassunto Dall'analogia fra il principio ottico diFermat e quello meccanico della minima azione, l'A. ricava un metodo per determinare con mezzi meccanici: 1° la traiettoria di un raggio luminoso passante per due punti dati e separati da un lente; 2°) le superficie di lenti stigmatiche soddisfacenti a condizioni prefissate, in particolare a quelle diAbbe, Herschel.... Si accenna infine a possibili applicazioni nel campo delle lenti sferiche.

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Summary From the analogy between the optical principle ofFermat and the mechanical one of minimum action, the Author deduces a method for obtaining with mechanical devices: 1) the optical path of a light beam passing through two given points and separated by a lens; 2) the surfaces of stigmatic lenses fulfilling prefixed conditions, particularly those ofAbbe, Herschell.... Further, it is hinted at possible applications in the field of spherical lenses.