The potential value of improved ocean observation systems in the Gulf of Mexico

A number of coastal and ocean observation systems exist throughout the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), but the network of systems is not currently linked or integrated and at present not fully implemented. The network of local systems are diverse, typically involving unique mandates and several different funding sources at various levels of permanence. The purpose of this paper is to describe the ocean observation systems that currently exist in the GOM, and to identify and quantify the expected economic benefits that may result from the implementation of an integrated regional network. Improved ocean observation systems are expected to reduce the uncertainty of ocean/weather forecasting and to enhance the value of ocean/weather information throughout the Gulf region. The source of benefits and the size of activity from which improved ocean observation benefits may be derived are estimated for private sector, non-market, and public sector activities categorized according to marine transportation, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, search and rescue operations, and pollution management. The benefits of improved ocean observation systems to energy exploration, development, and production activities are estimated, and a discussion of potential benefits to lightering activities, environmental monitoring, royalty payments, and engineering design are highlighted.     

A Procedure for Determining Rock-Type Specific Hoek-Brown Brittle Parameter <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>

The Hoek-Brown failure criterion constants m and s are equivalent rock friction and cohesion parameters, respectively. On the laboratory scale, m depends on the rock type and texture (grain size), while s = 1 for all rocks. On the field scale, m is a function of rock type, texture, and rock mass quality (geological strength index, GSI), while s is simply a function of rock mass quality. The brittle Hoek-Brown damage initiation criterion (m-zero criterion) is a modification to the conventional Hoek-Brown failure criterion with m = 0 and s = 0.11. The m-zero damage initiation criterion has been shown to better predict depths of failure in excavations in some moderate to massive (GSI ≥ 75) rock masses, but over predicts depths of failure in other rock types. It is now recognized that the Hoek-Brown brittle parameter (s) is not the same for all hard, strong, brittle, moderate to massive rock masses, but depends on the rock type. However, there are no guidelines for its determination for specific rock types. This paper presents a semi-empirical procedure for the determination of rock-type specific brittle Hoek-Brown parameter s from the rock texture, mineralogical composition, and microstructure. The paper also differentiates between brittle and tenuous rocks. It is shown that, while the use of the term ‘brittle’ is appropriate for rock mechanical excavation and mode of failure in weak rocks with limited deformability, it is inappropriate for use in explaining the difference in resistance to stress-induced damage in different rock types, and can cause confusion. The terms ‘tenacity/toughness’ are introduced to describe rock resistance to stress-induced damage in excavation performance assessment, and a rock tenacity/toughness rating system is presented.     

Morphology of flows and buoyant bubbles in the Virgo cluster

There is growing evidence that the active galactic nuclei (AGN) associated with the central elliptical galaxy in clusters of galaxies are playing an important role in the evolution of the intracluster medium (ICM) and clusters themselves. We use high-resolution three-dimensional simulations to study the interaction of the cavities created by AGN outflows (bubbles) with the ambient ICM. The gravitational potential of the cluster is modelled using the observed temperature and density profiles of the Virgo cluster. We demonstrate the importance of the hydrodynamical Kutta–Zhukovsky forces associated with the vortex ring structure of the bubbles, and discuss possible effects of diffusive processes on their evolution.     

Solar particle events with helium-over-hydrogen enhancement in the energy range up to 100 MeV nucl−1

Flux measurements of solar energetic particles (SEPs) in the ERNE instrument onboard SOHO indicate that the abundance of ⁴He-nuclei compared to protons in the energy range up to 100 MeV nucl^–1 was exceptionally high during the particle events on 27 May 1998 and 28 December 1999. The ⁴He/p ratio stayed between 0.15–0.50 for more than ten hours. There was also a prolonged enhancement in helium-3, ³He/⁴H 1%. Observations of EIT and LASCO on board SOHO confirm that the originators of both SEP events were western eruptions, flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The onset of the SEP release took place close to the maximum of flares which were probably triggered by the rising CMEs. The observations suggest that the SEP events were started with the flare-(pre)accelerated particles, but impact of the CME-associated shocks might explain the continuation and modification of the helium and proton fluxes well after the flare production. These observations support the idea that the helium enhancements in the CME-associated events reflect the availability of seed particles that originate previously in flares.     

Visualization of rock mass classification systems

A rock mass classification system is intended to classify and characterize the rock masses, provide a basis for estimating deformation and strength properties, supply quantitative data for mine support estimation, and present a platform for communication between exploration, design and construction groups. In most widely used rock mass classification systems, such as RMR and Q systems, up to six parameters are employed to classify the rock mass. Visualization of rock mass classification systems in multi-dimensional spaces is explored to assist engineers in identifying major controlling parameters in these rock mass classification systems. Different visualization methods are used to visualize the most widely used rock mass classification systems. The study reveals that all major rock mass classification systems tackle essentially two dominant factors in their scheme, i.e., block size and joint surface condition. Other sub-parameters, such as joint set number, joint space, joint surface roughness, alteration, etc., control these two dominant factors. A series two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multi-dimensional visualizations are created for RMR, Q, Rock Mass index RMi and Geological Strength Index (GSI) systems using different techniques. In this manner, valuable insight into these rock mass classification systems is gained.     

Are AGN cosmic thermostats?

Christian R Kaiser and Andy C Fabian discuss current ideas on the role of active galactic nuclei in local and cosmological heating.