Modeling the potential distribution of shallow-seated landslides using the weights of evidence method and a logistic regression model： a case study of the Sabae Area, Japan

A number of statistical methods are typically used to effectively predict potential landslide distributions. In this study two multivariate statistical analysis methods were used （weights of evidence and logistic regression） to predict the potential distribution of shallow-seated landslides in the Kamikawachi area of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. First, the dependent variable （shallow-seated landslides） was divided into presence and absence, and the independent variables （environmental factors such as slope and altitude） were categorized according to their characteristics. Then, using the weights of evidence （WE） method, the weights of pairs comprising presence （w^＋（i）） or absence （w^-（i））, and the contrast values for each category of independent variable （evidence）, were calculated, Using the method that integrated the weights of evidence method and a logistic regression model, score values were calculated for each category of independent variable. Based on these contrast values, three models were selected to sum the score values of every gird in the study area. According to a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis （ROC）, model 2 yielded the best fit for predicting the potential distribution of shallow-seated landslide hazards, with 89% correctness and a 54.5% hit ratio when the occurrence probability （OP） of landslides was 70%. The model was tested using data from an area close to the study region, and showed 94% correctness and a hit ratio of 45.7% when the OP of landslides was 70%. Finally, the potential distribution of shallow-seated landslides, based on the OP, was mapped using a geographical information system.     

Development of a GPGPU-parallelized hybrid finite-discrete element method for modeling rock fracture

The hybrid finite-discrete element method (FDEM) is widely used for engineering applications, which, however, is computationally expensive and needs further development, especially when rock fracture process is modeled. This study aims to further develop a sequential hybrid FDEM code formerly proposed by the authors and parallelize it using compute unified device architecture (CUDA) C/C++ on the basis of a general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) for rock engineering applications. Because the contact detection algorithm in the sequential code is not suitable for GPGPU parallelization, a different contact detection algorithm is implemented in the GPGPU-parallelized hybrid FDEM. Moreover, a number of new features are implemented in the hybrid FDEM code, including the local damping technique for efficient geostatic stress analysis, contact damping, contact friction, and the absorbing boundary. Then, a number of simulations with both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions are conducted using the GPGPU-parallelized hybrid FDEM, and the obtained results are compared both quantitatively and qualitatively with those from either theoretical analysis or the literature to calibrate the implementations. Finally, the speed-up performance of the hybrid FDEM is discussed in terms of its performance on various GPGPU accelerators and a comparison with the sequential code, which reveals that the GPGPU-parallelized hybrid FDEM can run more than 128 times faster than the sequential code if it is run on appropriate GPGPU accelerators, such as the Quadro GP100. It is concluded that the GPGPU-parallelized hybrid FDEM developed in this study is a valuable and powerful numerical tool for rock engineering applications.     

The Effect of Bioturbation Activity of the Ark Clam Scapharca subcrenata on the Fluxes of Nutrient Exchange at the Sediment–Water Interface

Filter-feeding shellfish are common benthos and significantly affect the biogeochemical cycle in the shallow coastal ecosystems.Ark clam Scapharca subcrenata is one of the widely cultured bivalve species in many coastal areas owing to its tremendous economic value.However,there is little information regarding the effects of the bioturbation of S.subcrenata on the fluxes of nutrient exchange in the sediment-water interface(SWI).In this regard,S.subcrenata was sampled during October 2016 to determine the effects of its bioturbation activity on the nutrient exchange flux of the SWI.The results showed that the biological activity of S.subcrenata could increase the diffusion depth and the rate of the nutrients exchange in the sediments.The bioturbation of S.subcrenata could allow the nutrients to permeate into the surface sediments at 6-10cm and increase the release rate of nutrients at the SWI.The releasing fluxes of DIN and PO43−-P in the culture area were found to be around three times higher than that in the non-cultured region.The culture of S.subcrenata has been proved to be an important contributor to nutrient exchange across the SWI in the farming area of Haizhou Bay.Nutrients exchange in the SWI contributes a part of 86%DIN,71%PO43−-P and 18%SiO32−-Si for the aquaculture farm.     

The post flare loops observed at the total eclipse of February 16, 1980

A post flare loop system was observed on the west limb at the total solar eclipse of February 16, 1980 in Kenya. Analyzing the monochromatic images and the flash spectra, we obtained the following results: (1) the lower part of the post flare loop system is characterized mainly by distinct cool loops of H and Fe x 6374. Fe x 6374 emitting plasma (T _e = 1.0 × 10⁶ K) is highly concentrated in the loops. The 6374 loops are broader in diameter and located very close to but a little higher than the corresponding H loops. The electron densities of the dense part in H and Fe x 6374 loops are 10¹¹ cm^-3 and 6 × 10⁹cm^-3, respectively; (2) the Ca xv emitting region (3.5 × 10⁶ K) is confined to the upper part of the post flare loops. The electron density of this hot region is estimated as 8 × 10⁹ cm^-3 from the Ca xv line intensity ratio, I(5694)I(5445). These observational results led us to construct an empirical model of the post flare loop system which is consistent with the reconnection model of Kopp and Pneuman (1976).Contributions from the Kwasan and Hida Observatories, University of Kyoto, No. 267.     

Estimating the Kuroshio Axis South of Japan Using Combination of Satellite Altimetry and Drifting Buoys

By tracking the locally strongest part of the sea-surface velocity field, which was obtained by integrating data of satellite altimeters and surface drifting buoys, we extracted the Kuroshio axis south of Japan every 10 days from October 1992 to December 2000. The obtained axes clearly express the effect of the bottom topography; three modes were observed when the Kuroshio ran over the Izu Ridge. The axis was very stable to the south of ‘Tosa-bae,’ off the Kii Channel. Mean current speed at the Kuroshio axis gradually increased from 0.65 m/s south of Kyushu to 1.45 m/s off Enshu-nada. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.