Economic analysis for the production of four grape cultivars using microcatchment water harvesting systems in Iran

An economic analysis was conducted for temporal yield variations of four local grape cultivars grown in rain-fed microcatchments in the Bajgah area of Fars province, in Islamic Republic of Iran. For this study, four local cultivars of grapes were considered. The cultivars examined were Black Rishbaba, Rotabi, Asgari and Black grapes. The soil type was a gravely loam with an average slope of 5–6%, in microcatchment systems, and in plots without microcatchments. Analysis of yield data with a multiple regression model indicated that a 9 m² (3×3 m) microcatchment area for each individual plant (vine) was the most appropriate area for vineyards in this region. The results also demonstrated that by using this area for each grapevine, yields (kg/ha) were 40% greater than yields obtained for vines in the standard vineyard (without microcatchments) in this area. Economic analysis was performed and the cost and income were compared for a depreciation period (life-span period) of 50 years and interest rate of 14%. The analysis showed that a microcatchment area of 9 m² is economically feasible. The Black Rishbaba rain-fed vines were the most suitable cultivar for this region. The benefit probabilities of rain-fed Black Rishbaba, Rotabi, Asgari and Black grapes with a microcatchment area of 9 m² and without such an area were 63.3% (i.e. two of 3 years), 52.4% (i.e. one of 2 years), 32.9% (i.e. one of 3 years), 13.3% (i.e. one of 8 years), and 59.5% (i.e. two of 3 years), 39.4% (i.e. two of 5 years), 31.8% (i.e. one of 3 years), and 10.7% (i.e. one of 9 years), respectively. Therefore, the Black Rishbaba and Rotabi cultivars are economically more stable in microcatchment system, while only the Black Rishbaba cultivar would be such in the standard vineyard system.     

Interpretation of magnetic data using analytic signal derivatives

This paper develops an automatic method for interpretation of magnetic data using derivatives of the analytic signal. A linear equation is derived to provide source location parameters of a 2D magnetic body without a priori information about the nature of the source. Then using the source location parameters, the nature of the source can be ascertained. The method has been tested using theoretical simulations with random noise for two 2D magnetic models placed at different depths with respect to the observation height. In both cases, the method gave a good estimate for the location and shape of the sources. Good results were obtained on two field data sets.     

The Okavango giant mafic dyke swarm (NE Botswana): its structural significance within the Karoo Large Igneous Province

The structural organization of a giant mafic dyke swarm, the Okavango complex, in the northern Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP) of NE Botswana is detailed. This N110°E-oriented dyke swarm extends for 1500 km with a maximum width of 100 km through Archaean basement terranes and Permo-Jurassic sedimentary sequences. The cornerstone of the study is the quantitative analysis of N>170 (exposed) and N>420 (detected by ground magnetics) dykes evidenced on a ca. 80-km-long section lying in crystalline host-rocks, at high-angle to the densest zone of the swarm (Shashe area). Individual dykes are generally sub-vertical and parallel to the entire swarm. Statistical analysis of width data indicates anomalous dyke frequency (few data <5.0 m) and mean dyke thickness (high value of 17 m) with respect to values classically obtained from other giant swarms. Variations of mean dyke thicknesses from 17 (N110°E swarm) to 27 m (adjoining and coeval N70°E giant swarm) are assigned to the conditions hosting fracture networks dilated as either shear or pure extensional structures, respectively, in response to an inferred NNW–SSE extension. Both fracture patterns are regarded as inherited brittle basement fabrics associated with a previous (Proterozoic) dyking event. The Okavango N110°E dyke swarm is thus a polyphase intrusive system in which total dilation caused by Karoo dykes (estimated frequency of 87%) is 12.2% (6315 m of cumulative dyke width) throughout the 52-km-long projected Shashe section. Assuming that Karoo mafic dyke swarms in NE Botswana follow inherited Proterozoic fractures, as similarly applied for most of the nearly synchronous giant dyke complexes converging towards the Nuanetsi area, leads us to consider that the resulting triple junction-like dyke/fracture pattern is not a definitive proof for a deep mantle plume in the Karoo LIP.     

Modelling load–displacement response of driven piles in cohesionless soils under tensile loading

A new methodology for deriving the uplift load–displacement response of long driven piles in cohesionless soils is proposed. This method accounts for the effects of the friction fatigue processes during pile driving and the existence of locked-in residual stresses at the end of pile driving before commencing the pile load test. A hyperbolic formulation is utilized to simulate the nonlinear load transfer curves (the so-called t–z curves). The utility of this technique is demonstrated for a field pullout load test on a driven pile in sand. Predicted and measured load–displacement curves showed good agreement, indicating that this approach yields reasonable results as long as representative input parameters are employed.     

Present environment and historic changes from the record of lake sediments, Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Changes in the urban environment of Dhaka City have been evaluated from the geochemical compositions of bottom sediments from two lakes, Gulshan-1 and –2. Abundances of Pb, Zn, Fe₂O₃ and total sulfur in a Gulshan-1 core gradually increase toward the sediment–water interface. Three stages of condition change can be recognized in Gulshan-1, based on trace metal concentration patterns. The basal Stage I corresponds to background Dhaka sedimentation, whereas gradual increase in Stage II represents the beginning of pollution. Marked increases in Pb and Zn in Stage III reflect rapid urban development and increased emissions to the atmosphere. The condition of the Dhaka environment is compared to that of Japan based on Zn–Fe₂O₃ and Pb–Fe₂O₃ relations. Zn–Fe₂O₃ ratios in Stage I Dhaka sediments are similar to normal Japanese sediments, whereas Stage II data lie on the same trend as Japan urban sediments. Dhaka Stage III samples have greater Zn:Fe₂O₃ ratios than Japanese urban sediments, suggesting Zn pollution from poorly-controlled industrial sources. In contrast, the Dhaka Pb–Fe₂O₃ trend lies between normal and urban Japanese sediments. Although vehicle emissions in Dhaka are now significant, the data suggest that Pb pollution from this source remains in its early stages.     

Geochemistry and Depositional Setting of Fort Munro Formation, Middle and Lower Indus Basins, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION Theinteractionofcomplextectonicphasesinthe IndusbasinduringtheCretaceoushasimpartedascal lopedoutlineinthesedimentarysequences.Thedevel opmentofdiversifiedsedimentaryformationsduringthe Cretaceousensuresexcellentsources(SembarandGoru formations)andreservoirs(MoghalKotandPabfor mations)forhydrocarbons.Numerousplaysandpros pectsofhydrocarbonareassociatedwiththeCretaceous system,consequentlytheIndusbasinisattractiveto petroleumexplorationcompaniesinPakistan(Sheikh andNa…     

Spatial pattern of variation in populations of Acacia nilotica in semi-arid environment

Variability among populations was analyzed in five provenances of Acacia nilotica from spatially variable habitats. Populations of A. nilotica developed in response to their habitat conditions. The level of variability was significantly high among the populations. Phenotypic variability was extremely high for leaf and stipular spine characteristics. The nature of morphological variability for vegetative traits appeared environmentally controlled. The differentiation of leaf and stipular spine expression seems to have an adaptive significance for the species in terms of water economy. Although, seed and pod characteristics are genetically controlled showing a lower proportion of variability but these traits supported r and k-selection that may allow the species to survive under a wide array of contrasting habitats. The study suggested that populations of A. nilotica are differentiated in relation to the heterogeneity of environment. These populations became adapted to their habitat through the variability of morphological expressions. The morphologically differentiated populations of the species had allowed them to maintain themselves in a wide array of environmental situations enabling A. nilotica to occupy ample ecological ranges.