Growing Operational Use of FY-3 Data in the ECMWF System

This paper reviews the data quality and impact of observations from the FY-3 satellite series used operationally in the ECMWF system. This includes data from the passive microwave radiometers MWHS-1, MWHS-2 and MWRI, as well as observations from the radio occultation receiver GNOS. Evaluations against background equivalents show that the quality of the observations is broadly comparable to that of similar instruments on other polar-orbiting satellites, even though biases for the passive microwave observations can be somewhat larger and more complex for some channels. An observing system experiment shows that the FY-3 instruments jointly contribute significantly to the forecast skill in the ECMWF system. Positive impact of up to 2% is seen for most variables out to the day-2 forecasts over hemispheric scales, with significant benefits for total column water vapor or for temperature and wind in the stratosphere out to day 4.     

Histological Identification of Macroalgae from Stomach Contents of the Antarctic Fish Notothenia coriiceps Using Semi-thin Sections

A histological method is described allowing the identification of macro-algal fragments from stomach contents of fish. The rhodophytes Porphyra endiviifolium and Neuroglossum ligulatum were determined from the stomach contents of the Antarctic fish Notothenia coriiceps . The results show P. endiviifolium to be a more important part in the diet of this fish than previously expected. On the basis of the depth distribution of the identified algae it is suggested that N. coriiceps can migrate to very shallow waters for feeding.     

富营养湖泊中的微囊藻优势：原因—后果—对策

Cyanobacterial dominance in lakes has received much attention in the past because of the great success and frequent bloom formation in lakes of higher trophic levels. In this paper underlying mechanism of cyanobacterial dominance are analyzed and discussed using both original and literature data from various shallow mixed and deep stratifying lakes from temperate and (subtropical regions. Examples include all four ecotypes of cyanobacteria sensu MUR et al. (1993), because their behavior in the water column is entirely different.Colony forming species (Microcystis) are exemplified from the large shallow Lake Taihu, China. Data from a shallow urban lake, Alte Donau in Austria are used to characterize well mixed species (Cylindrospermopsis) while stratifying species (Planktothrix) are analyzed from the deep alpine lake Mondsee. Nitrogen fixing species (Aphanizomenon) are typified from a shallow river-run lake in Germany.Factors causing the dominance of one or the other group are discussed as well as consequences for restoration measures. Existing knowledge on cyanobacterial dominance is summarized.     

用TN-TP-SRSi三角形图解评价藻类组成结构的营养比动力学

To show the relative availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and silica for diatoms as well as non-siliceous algae in phytoplankton communities triangular diagrams are most appropriate. Triangular diagrams for TN-TP-SRSi show the nutrient ratios TN:TP, SRSi:TN and SRSi:TP in proportion to each other at the same time.Comparison of waters, grouped according to their limnological characteristics, indicate that these groups have also different seasonal dynamics of TN, TP and SRSi in proportion to each other. From these groups, which include meso-eutrophic and hypertrophic, shallow and deep, polymictic and dimictic lakes,only the group of "flushed, hypertrophic polymictic lakes" has a high seasonal dynamic of the ratios of all three macronutrients. Moreover the relative availability of TN:TP-ratios changes from > 16:1 in spring to <16:1 in summer. Significant changes in phytoplankton structure are associated with this high dynamic of the nutrient ratios. Considerable changes in the share of cyanobacteria to diatom biomass during summer are synchronised with a powerful modification of the relative availability of TN-TP-SRSi as illustrated by the triangular diagrams.For practical purposes trophic situations are most commonly evaluated from concentrations of a single nutrient or a nutrient ratio, such as N:P. However, a complex assessment would often be more appropriate. In this context triangular diagrams have the benefit of synoptically presenting relative nutrient availability for phytoplankton communities as a whole.     

Evaluation of a water equivalent of snow cover map in a small catchment area using a geostatistical approach

We describe an objective method for evaluating the spatial distribution of water equivalents of the snow cover within a small catchment. Regression analysis is used to quantify the relationship between elevation, presence or absence of forest, and potential direct solar radiation as independent variables and water equivalent as measured at a number of sites. First, this regression relationship is used to interpolate water equivalent data all over the basin area. Then we interpolate the residuals of the regression using a geostatistical approach. Superimposing the results obtained by interpolating the regression relationship and the interpolated residuals eventually yields the water equivalent distribution over the test area. The advantages of the interpolation method used lie in the optimal (effective, unbiased) estimation of the interpolated values as well as in the possibility to quantify the associated estimation variances.     

Hazard assessment at San Martín volcano based on geological record, numerical modeling, and spatial analysis

The San Martín shield volcano, located in the Los Tuxtlas Volcanic Field, has experienced effusive shield-building activity, as well as explosive eruptions, as evidenced by direct observations during the last eruption in 1793. The threat to the surrounding villages consists principally of lahars, especially because of the tropical climate in the region. Ash fallout and lava flows represent additional hazards. In addition, the surrounding Quaternary monogenetic field includes more than 300 scoria cones and about 40 explosion craters (mainly maars) that also represent a hazard source. In the present study we constructed hazard maps using field data, orthophotos, spatial analysis, and specialized software (LAHARZ and HAZMAP) to deliminate lahar inundation zones, areas that could potentially be affected by ash fallout (including the evaluation of houses prone to roof collapse due to ash load), and the most susceptible areas for hosting future monogenetic vent formation.     

Organic sedimentary deposits in Titan’s dry lakebeds: Probable evaporite

We report the discovery of organic sedimentary deposits at the bottom of dry lakebeds near Titan’s north pole in observations from the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). We show evidence that the deposits are evaporitic, making Titan just the third known planetary body with evaporitic processes after Earth and Mars, and is the first that uses a solvent other than water.     

Governance arrangements targeting diversity in Europe: how New Public Management impacts working with social cohesion

This article analyses how policies to foster social cohesion within diverse and unequal urban contexts are affected by New Public Management and austerity policies. Based on the analysis of a handful of governance arrangements in three cities that differ in their institutional structure and diversity policy approaches (Copenhagen, Leipzig and Milan), it is shown that negative effects are quite widespread yet cushioned by a strong welfare state structure, solid local government and high priority given to the recognition of diversity. Nevertheless, the shift towards the application of market logic to social work reduces innovative potential, increases efforts spent on procedures and weakens public coordination.