A review of progress in modelling of induced geoelectric and geomagnetic fields with special regard to induced currents

The Earth’s lithosphere and mantle respond to Space Weather through time-varying, depth-dependent induced magnetic and electric fields. Understanding the properties of these electromagnetic fields is a key consideration in modelling the hazard to technological systems from Space Weather. In this paper we review current understanding of these fields, in terms of regional and global-scale geology and geophysics. We highlight progress towards integrated European-scale models of geomagnetic and geoelectric fields, specifically for the purposes of modelling geomagnetically induced currents in power grids and pipelines.     

Improved Recharge Estimation from Portable,Low‐Cost Weather Stations

Groundwater recharge estimation is a critical quantity for sustainable groundwater management. The feasibility and robustness of recharge estimation was evaluated using physical‐based modeling procedures, and data from a low‐cost weather station with remote sensor techniques in Southern Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Recharge was determined using the Richards‐based vadose zone hydrological model, HYDRUS‐1D. The required meteorological data were recorded with a HOBO^TM weather station for a short observation period (about 1 year) and an existing weather station (Abbotsford A) for long‐term study purpose (27 years). Undisturbed soil cores were taken at two locations in the vicinity of the HOBO^TM weather station. The derived soil hydraulic parameters were used to characterize the soil in the numerical model. Model performance was evaluated using observed soil moisture and soil temperature data obtained from subsurface remote sensors. A rigorous sensitivity analysis was used to test the robustness of the model. Recharge during the short observation period was estimated at 863 and 816 mm. The mean annual recharge was estimated at 848 and 859 mm/year based on a time series of 27 years. The relative ratio of annual recharge‐precipitation varied from 43% to 69%. From a monthly recharge perspective, the majority (80%) of recharge due to precipitation occurred during the hydrologic winter period. The comparison of the recharge estimates with other studies indicates a good agreement. Furthermore, this method is able to predict transient recharge estimates, and can provide a reasonable tool for estimates on nutrient leaching that is often controlled by strong precipitation events and rapid infiltration of water and nitrate into the soil.     

Temporal shoreline change and infrastructure influences along the southern Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

Jizan is one of the Saudi Arabian coastal cities endowed with diverse natural settings, which includes Ash Shuqayq in the north, Turfah in the centre and Jizan in the South. This work analysed specific environmental characteristics, such as spits, sabkhas and wadis. Assessments used Landsat imagery to examine coastal change between 1973 and 2011. The cumulative temporal change identified regression trends given by coefficients of determination that explained a significant percentage of data variation for Jizan (R ² = 69%) and Turfah (R ² = 72%), while Ash Shuqayq was insignificant (R ² = 14%). Inter-survey results predicted future change, although trends were not significant, i.e. Jizan (R ² = 22%), Turfah (R ² = 14%) and Ash Shuqayq (R ² = 3 and 61% with outlying value removed). Aerial photos showed regional coastal changes, which included a maximum accretion of 36.4 m and maximum erosion of 12.9 m. These are scientifically effective techniques to monitor regional coastal change, i.e. erosion and accretion and identified rates of 0.59, 1.80 and 3.53 myr^?1 for Ash Shuqayq, Turfah and Jizan. Changes were linked to infrastructure developments, e.g. tourism, port development and natural causes, e.g. spit formations and wadi outfalls.     

Pollution history from 256 BC to AD 2005 inferred from the accumulation of elements in a varve record of Lake Korttajärvi in Finland

In order to assess the importance of different pollution sources for the increase in element concentration and accumulation, historical changes in selected elements were studied in the annually laminated sediment of Lake Korttajärvi in Central Finland (62°20′N; 25°41′E). The sediment chronology based on varve counting (256 BC to AD 2005) provided a unique opportunity to explore and date signals of metal emissions, including the ancient metallurgical activities of the Roman Empire at the beginning of the Current Era. Records of this kind are mostly lacking in Finland and northernmost Europe. The stratigraphic sequence of element concentrations did not reflect any major changes in the lake, but changes in element accumulation rates provided distinct pollution signals caused by airborne fallout, catchment erosion, and to some extent municipal wastewater loading. The maximum bulk sedimentation recorded in the twentieth century was 11-fold and organic sedimentation 4-fold higher than the mean background sedimentation rate (256 BC to AD 1019). The increase in the accumulation rates of the majority of the elements, such as Cd, Sn, Pb, Si, Ni, B, Cu, Zn, Sr, Na, K, Sb, Ca, Cr, U and Mg, in descending order, was at least equal to that of bulk sedimentation or much greater, especially for Cd, Sn, and Pb. Changes in the accumulation of Co, Fe, Mn, Mo and As were small and mainly followed those of organic sedimentation. The earliest pollution signals were those of Pb recorded in AD 1055–1141. A weak signal of Pb pollution from the Roman Era was detected in metal concentrations, but this could not be confirmed by the accumulation rate data for Pb.     

Integrating VOEvents with AstroGrid through STAP services

VOEvent packets describe transient space events, so the Simple Time Access Protocol (STAP) specification provides a useful time‐based query mechanism. Once event metadata has been extracted from VOEvent packets to a relational database, an AstroGrid STAP client web service can be configured to query the events. The resulting STAP service is registered with an IVOA compliant registry, and users can then query VOEvent archives through virtual observatory data searching applications such as the AstroGrid VOScope application. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An autonomous adaptive scheduling agent for period searching

We describe the design and implementation of an autonomous adaptive software agent that addresses the practical problem of observing undersampled, periodic, time‐varying phenomena using a network of HTN‐compliant robotic telescopes. The algorithm governing the behaviour of the agent uses an optimal geometric sampling technique to cover the period range of interest, but additionally implements proactive behaviour that maximises the optimality of the dataset in the face of an uncertain and changing operating environment. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Methodological Issues in Researching Migration

Population geographers should consider a mixed methods approach to thestudy of migration. This methodological position arises in response to the challenges of contemporary social theory. It is argued that application of structuration theory favours use of a diversity of methods to investigate the recursive relationship between agency and structure. Similarly a realist stance, as advocated by Sayer (1992), leads to a mixing of methods in order to carry out the synthesising tasks expected of geographers. Postmodernism, when interpreted as method, also points the researcher to consider adopting flexible research practices in order to capture the multiplicities of meaning associated with migration and place. These points are illustrated by a case study of migration to and from Hong Kong.     

Development implications of demographic trends and projections for an arid region:: the case of the Badia Research and Development Project area of Jordan

Development planners in arid areas face many difficulties in preparing appropriate strategies. Their task is made harder by the dearth of reliable demographic information. This paper presents population projections for the arid area of eastern Jordan covered by the Badia Research and Development Project and evaluates the economic and social implications of these projections over the next 20 years. The paper argues that conventional demographic forecasting methods are extremely problematic when applied to a population such as this. Furthermore, the pastoral economy, which has in the past been the main source of livelihood, cannot hope to sustain the region's future population. High fertility rates will continue to place great stress on the educational and health infrastructure. If appropriate planning responses are not achieved, the demographic regime of the Badia project area and the quality of life of the population may continue to diverge from the patterns found in other parts of Jordan.