Aggregation of montmorillonite and organic matter in aqueous media containing artificial seawater

Background  

The dispersion-aggregation behaviors of suspended colloids in rivers and estuaries are affected by the compositions of suspended materials (i.e., clay minerals vs. organic macromolecules) and salinity. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the dispersion and aggregation mechanisms of suspended particles under simulated river and estuarine conditions. The average hydrodynamic diameters of suspended particles (representing degree of aggregation) and zeta potential (representing the electrokinetic properties of suspended colloids and aggregates) were determined for systems containing suspended montmorillonite, humic acid, and/or chitin at the circumneutral pH over a range of salinity (0 – 7.2 psu).     

Textural and chemical variation in plagioclase phenocrysts from the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens,USA

This study presents major- and trace-element chemistry of plagioclase phenocrysts from the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens volcano. Despite the considerable variation in textures and composition of plagioclase phenocrysts, distinct segments have been cross-correlated between crystals. The variation of Sr and Ba concentration in the melt, as calculated from the concentration in the phenocrysts using partition coefficients, suggests the cores and rims crystallised from compositionally different melts offset by the plagioclase crystallisation vector. In both of these melts Sr and Ba are correlated despite the abundance of plagioclase in the 1980 dacites. We propose that rapid crystallisation of plagioclase upon magma ascent caused a shift in melt composition towards lower Sr and higher Ba, as documented in the rims of the phenocrysts. Although the cores of the phenocrysts crystallised at relatively shallow depths, they preserve the Sr and Ba of the deep-seated melts as they ascended from a deeper region. Further magma ascent resulted in microlite nucleation, which is responsible for a similar shift to even lower Sr concentration as observed in the groundmass of post-18 May 1980 samples. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Monitoring trace metals in seawater using a diffusive gradient in thin film probe in Ulsan Bay,East Sea,Korea: Comparison with transplanted mussels

To evaluate the applicability of a diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT) probe for monitoring dissolved metals in coastal seawater, DGT-labile metal concentrations were compared with total dissolved metal concentrations using spiked and natural seawater samples in the laboratory and transplanted mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). This was achieved through the simultaneous deployment of DGT probes and transplanted mussels in Ulsan Bay during winter and summer. DGT-labile metal concentrations were 45% (Cu) ~ 90% (Zn) of total dissolved concentrations, and the order of non-labile concentrations was Cu > Pb > Co ~ Ni > Cd ~ Zn in both metal-contaminated and non-contaminated seawater samples, which was similar to the order of stability of metal complexes in the Irving–Williams series. The overall variability of the DGT probe results within and between tanks was less than 10% (relative standard deviation: RSD) for all the metals tested during a 48-h deployment. The accumulation of metals, as determined by DGT probes, represented the spatial gradients better than the transplanted mussels did for all of the metals tested, and the extent of metal accumulation in mussels differed depending on the metal. The comparison of results for the DGT probe and the transplanted mussels in two seasons (winter and summer) suggested that metal accumulation in mussels was controlled by the physiological factors of mussels and partly by their diet (particulate metal loadings). The DGT probe could be used as a monitoring tool for dissolved metals in coastal seawater because its results explained only labile species. When using the DGT probe, slightly more than half of the total dissolved concentration in seawater samples for all the metals investigated displayed timeintegrated properties and distinct spatial gradients from pristine to metal-contaminated seawater.     

Potentialities of multifrequency ionospheric correction in Global Navigation Satellite Systems

The first-order ionospheric error is reduced in the dual-frequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In this paper, the possibility of eliminating ionospheric higher-order errors in the multifrequency GNSS is explored. Since the second-order error associated with the geomagnetic field effect on the refractive index can be eliminated in dual-frequency measurements, we explore the possibility of eliminating third-order errors in triple-frequency GNSS in view of phase scintillations. A connection between the possibility of improving the multifrequency GNSS accuracy and diffraction effects in radio signal propagation through the randomly inhomogeneous ionosphere is shown. The numerical simulation has revealed that the systematic, residual ionospheric error is considerably reduced when we pass on from dual-frequency to triple-frequency measurements. The change in the residual error variance during such a transition depends however on the relationship between the inner scale of the turbulent spectrum of ionospheric irregularities and the Fresnel radius. Given the inner scale larger than the Fresnel radius, not only the systematic error, but also the standard deviation reduces when we pass on from dual-frequency to triple-frequency measurements. Otherwise, when the Fresnel radius exceeds the inner scale, the variance increases with increasing number of frequencies in use.     

Comparison of two physical sensor models for satellite images: Position–Rotation model and Orbit–Attitude model

The main objective of this paper is to compare two types of physical sensor models of linear pushbroom satellite images: one that uses position and rotation angles as model parameters and one that uses orbit and attitude angles as model parameters. Comparison is carried out by two accuracy measures: the accuracy of bundle adjustments and the accuracy of estimating exterior orientation parameters. The first measure has been used widely to indicate the mapping accuracy of sensor models. It is argued that the second measure is also important for certain applications. The two types were implemented with different sets of unknown parameters and tested with two KOMPSAT-1 Earth Observing Camera (EOC) scenes and GPS-derived control points. In terms of the first measure the two models produced similar results whereas in terms of the second measure the one based on orbit and attitude outperformed the other. It seems better to use this model if one wishes to retrieve satellite orbit or attitude through bundle adjustments.     

Aggregation of riverine colloidal iron in estuaries: A new kinetic study using stopped-flow mixing

The kinetics of aggregation of riverine colloidal iron have been examined using a stopped-flow technique which probes the first few seconds of mixing between river and sea water end members. A significant fraction, up to 80%, of the colloidal iron is aggregated during the first 1–2 s of mixing, indicating that the aggregation process is much faster than previously thought. Most of the aggregation induced by seawater results from the divalent cations Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, with the overall ionic strength having little influence. At equal concentrations of 27 mM, the rate of aggregation by alkaline earth cations increased with ionic size Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Sr²⁺ < Ba²⁺. The aggregation rates were indifferent to the anion (Cl⁻ or SO₄²⁻) present. Very high aggregation rates were also induced by the common water treatment coagulant Al₂(SO₄)₃ at concentrations in the range 20–30 µM Al(III), several orders of magnitude lower that those used for the seawater cations. Our results support the view that specific chemical interactions between the cations and the colloid particle surface, rather than simple electrical effects, control the colloid stability.     

Northern landscapes in transition: Evidence,approach and ways forward using the Krycklan Catchment Study

Improving our ability to detect changes in terrestrial and aquatic systems is a grand challenge in the environmental sciences. In a world experiencing increasingly rapid rates of climate change and ecosystem transformation, our ability to understand and predict how, when, where, and why changes occur is essential for adapting and mitigating human behaviours. In this context, long-term field research infrastructures have a fundamentally important role to play. For northern boreal landscapes, the Krycklan Catchment Study (KCS) has supported monitoring and research aimed at revealing these changes since it was initiated in 1980. Early studies focused on forest regeneration and microclimatic conditions, nutrient balances and forest hydrology, which included monitoring climate variables, water balance components, and stream water chemistry. The research infrastructure has expanded over the years to encompass a 6790 ha catchment, which currently includes 11 gauged streams, ca. 1000 soil lysimeters, 150 groundwater wells, >500 permanent forest inventory plots, and a 150 m tall tower (a combined ecosystem-atmosphere station of the ICOS, Integrated Carbon Observation System) for measurements of atmospheric gas concentrations and biosphere-atmosphere exchanges of carbon, water, and energy. In addition, the KCS has also been the focus of numerous high resolution multi-spectral LiDAR measurements and large scale experiments. This large collection of equipment and data generation supports a range of disciplinary studies, but more importantly fosters multi-, trans-, and interdisciplinary research opportunities. The KCS attracts a broad collection of scientists, including biogeochemists, ecologists, foresters, geologists, hydrologists, limnologists, soil scientists, and social scientists, all of whom bring their knowledge and experience to the site. The combination of long-term monitoring, shorter-term research projects, and large-scale experiments, including manipulations of climate and various forest management practices, has contributed much to our understanding of boreal landscape functioning, while also supporting the development of models and guidelines for research, policy, and management.     

Estimating landslide susceptibility areas considering the uncertainty inherent in modeling methods

Landslides are one of the most dangerous types of natural disasters, and damage due to landslides has been increasing in certain regions of the world because of increased precipitation. Policy decision makers require reliable information that can be used to establish spatial adaptation plans to protect people from landslide hazards. Researchers presently identify areas susceptible to landslides using various spatial distribution models. However, such data are associated with a high amount of uncertainty. This study focuses on quantifying the uncertainty of several spatial distribution models and identifying the effectiveness of various ensemble methods that can be used to provide reliable information to support policy decisions. The area of study was Inje-gun, Republic of Korea. Ten models were selected to assess landslide susceptibility. Moreover, five ensemble methods were selected for the aggregated results of the 10 models. The uncertainty was quantified using the coefficient of variation and the uncertainty map we developed revealed areas with strongly differing values among single models. A matrix map was created using an ensemble map and a coefficient of variation map. Using matrix analysis, we identified the areas that are most susceptible to landslides according to the ensemble model with a low uncertainty. Thus, the ensemble model can be a useful tool for supporting decision makers. The framework of this study can also be employed to support the establishment of landslide adaptation plans in other areas of the Republic of Korea and in other countries.     

Comparison between iterative solution of symmetric and non‐symmetric forms of Biot's FEM equations using the generalized Jacobi preconditioner

Finite element discretization of Biot's consolidation equations can produce a symmetric indefinite system (commonly used in geomechanics) or a non‐symmetric system. While this difference appears to be minor, however, it will require the selection of entirely different Krylov subspace solvers with potentially significant impact on solution efficiency. The former is solved using the symmetric quasi‐minimal residual whereas the latter is solved using the popular bi‐conjugate gradient stabilized. This paper presents an extensive comparison of the symmetric and non‐symmetric forms by varying the time step, size of the spatial domain, choice of physical units, and left versus left–right preconditioning. The generalized Jacobi (GJ) preconditioner is able to handle the non‐symmetric version of Biot's finite element method equation, although there are no practical incentives to do so. The convergence behaviour of GJ‐preconditioned systems and its relation to the spectral condition number or the complete spectrum are studied to clarify the concept of ill‐conditioning within the context of iteration solvers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.