Storm-intensity criteria for several classes of the driving interplanetary structures

In this paper we discuss the main-phase evolution of intense magnetic storms, associated with the passage of different interplanetary magnetic structures. It is shown that their evolution, driven by intense magnetic fields in the sheath region just behind interplanetary shocks, evolves faster (implying physically different magnetospheric configurations) than that associated with intense magnetic fields in the ejecta itself and in corotating streams. The estimated ring-current injection rate for the main phase of intense magnetic storms caused by sheath fields is ∼10 times greater than the estimated injection rate for N–S magnetic clouds. Based on these results, we propose storm-intensity criteria for several classes of the driving interplanetary structures. The time necessary to reach a Dst/SYM index threshold level is an important parameter for a space weather forecast.     

Relative pointing offset analysis of calibration targets with repeated observations with Herschel-SPIRE Fourier-transform spectrometer

We present a method to derive the relative pointing offsets for SPIRE Fourier-Transform Spectrometer (FTS) solar system object (SSO) calibration targets, which were observed regularly throughout the Herschel mission. We construct ratios R _obs(ν) of the spectra for all observations of a given source with respect to a reference. The reference observation is selected iteratively to be the one with the highest observed continuum. Assuming that any pointing offset leads to an overall shift of the continuum level, then these R _obs(ν) represent the relative flux loss due to mispointing. The mispointing effects are more pronounced for a smaller beam, so we consider only the FTS short wavelength array (SSW, 958–1546 GHz) to derive a pointing correction. We obtain the relative pointing offset by comparing R _obs(ν) to a grid of expected losses for a model source at different distances from the centre of the beam, under the assumption that the SSW FTS beam can be well approximated by a Gaussian. In order to avoid dependency on the point source flux conversion, which uses a particular observation of Uranus, we use extended source flux calibrated spectra to construct R _obs(ν) for the SSOs. In order to account for continuum variability, due to the changing distance from the Herschel telescope, the SSO ratios are normalised by the expected model ratios for the corresponding observing epoch. We confirm the accuracy of the derived pointing offset by comparing the results with a number of control observations, where the actual pointing of Herschel is known with good precision. Using the method we derived pointing offsets for repeated observations of Uranus (including observations centred on off-axis detectors), Neptune, Ceres and NGC 7027. The results are used to validate and improve the point-source flux calibration of the FTS.     

Indigenous frameworks for observing and responding to climate change in Alaska

Despite a keen awareness of climate change, northern Indigenous Peoples have had limited participation in climate-change science due to limited access, power imbalances, and differences in worldview. A western science emphasis on facts and an indigenous emphasis on relationships to spiritual and biophysical components indicate important but distinct contributions that each knowledge system can make. Indigenous communities are experiencing widespread thawing of permafrost and coastal erosion exacerbated by loss of protective sea ice. These climate-induced changes threaten village infrastructure, water supplies, health, and safety. Climate-induced habitat changes associated with loss of sea ice and with landscape drying and extensive wildfires interact with northern development to bring both economic opportunities and environmental impacts. A multi-pronged approach to broadening indigenous participation in climate-change research should: 1) engage communities in designing climate-change solutions; 2) create an environment of mutual respect for multiple ways of knowing; 3) directly assist communities in achieving their adaptation goals; 4) promote partnerships that foster effective climate solutions from both western and indigenous perspectives; and 5) foster regional and international networking to share climate solutions.     

A systematic regional approach for climate change adaptation to protect biodiversity

Developing appropriate climate change adaptations to protect biodiversity requires taking into account the dynamics of agro-ecological and socio-economic change. A framework for approaching this problem was proposed, but not applied in detail, as part of a major biodiversity and climate change report prepared in Australia. This paper describes the first trial application of the method. It was applied across Vietnam as the Government is interested in identifying adaptation options and detailed data are readily available for its 65 provinces. The process involves identifying ecoregions and collating information for each region based on the current conditions and trends in biodiversity, population, income and agricultural production. Climate change scenarios are identified for each region, together with governance options. Educational needs and key adaptation actions are then identified for each region taking into account the agro-ecological and socio-economic input data. It is concluded that the framework could easily be applied in other countries and should assist the development of strategic adaptation options.     

Report on a recent deep-seated landslide at G��rov�� Mt., Czech Republic, triggered by a heavy rainfall: The G��rov�� Mt., Outer West Carpathians; Czech Republic

A large deep-seated landslide, triggered by a heavy rainfall, activated early in the morning on May 19, 2010 along the SW slope of Gírová Mt., NE Czech Republic. The landslide occurred within a zone of pre-existing deep-seated gravitational deformation, and it was accompanied with pronounced ground liquefying in the central and lower portion of the sliding mass. The precipitation that triggered the landslide was about 244.6 mm that fell between May 15th and 18th with an average of 61 mm/day. No properties or lives were lost. However, the landslide provided a good case study on triggering factors and process of liquefaction at mountain slopes in the E Czech Republic and adjacent areas.     

One-dimensional consolidation under haversine repeated loading with rest period

Presented in this paper is a study of the one-dimensional consolidation process under haversine repeated loading with and without rest period. The analysis was carried out using a hybrid coupled, analytical and numerical implicit finite difference technique. The rate of imposition of excess pore-water pressure was determined analytically, and the remaining part of the governing differential equation was solved numerically. The clay deposit considered was a homogeneous clay layer with permeable top and/or impermeable bottom hydraulic boundary conditions with constant coefficients of permeability and of consolidation. The study reveals that although the loading function is positive for all times, the excess pore-water pressure at the base of the clay deposit with permeable top and impermeable bottom oscillates with time reaching a ‘steady state’ after few cycles of loading depending on whether there is a rest period or not. An increase in the rest period causes a decrease in the number of cycles required to achieve the steady state. The paper shows also that the rest period in the haversine repeated loading decelerates the consolidation process. Similarly, the paper reveals that the effective stress at the bottom of the clay layer with permeable top and impermeable bottom increases with time but showing mild fluctuations that do not change the sign. The maximum positive effective stress achieved depends on the rest period of the haversine repeated loading. A haversine repeated loading without a rest period gives the highest value for the positive effective stress.