Numerical study of three-dimensional shelf circulation on the Scotian Shelf using a shelf circulation model

A numerical shelf circulation model was developed for the Scotian Shelf, using a nested-grid setup consisting of a three-dimensional baroclinic inner model embedded inside a two-dimensional barotropic outer model. The shelf circulation model is based on the Princeton Ocean Model and driven by three-hourly atmospheric forcing provided by a numerical weather forecast model and by tidal forcing specified at the inner model's open boundaries based on pre-calculated tidal harmonic constants. The outer model simulates the depth-mean circulation forced by wind and atmospheric pressure fields over the northwest Atlantic Ocean with a horizontal resolution of 1/12°. The inner model simulates the three-dimensional circulation over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Scotian Shelf, and the adjacent slope with a horizontal resolution of 1/16°. The performance of the shelf circulation model is assessed by comparing model results with oceanographic observations made along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and in the vicinity of Sable Island (on the Scotian Shelf) during two periods: October 2000–March 2001 and April–June 2002. Analysis of model results on Sable Island Bank indicates that tidal currents account for as much as ∼80% of the total variance of near-bottom currents, and currents driven by local winds account for ∼30% of the variance of the non-tidal near-bottom currents. Shelf waves generated remotely by winds and propagating into the region also play an important role in the near-bottom circulation on the bank.     

Multi-method global sensitivity analysis of flood inundation models

Global sensitivity analysis is a valuable tool in understanding flood inundation models and deriving decisions on strategies to reduce model uncertainty. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis of a one-dimensional flood inundation model (HEC-RAS) on the River Alzette, Luxembourg, is presented. It is impossible to define sensitivity in a unique way and different methods can lead to a difference in ranking of importance of model factors. In this paper five different methods (Sobol, Kullback–Leibler entropy, Morris, regionalised sensitivity analysis and regression) are applied and the outcomes on selected examples compared. It is demonstrated that the different methods lead to completely different ranking of importance of the parameter factors and that it is impossible to draw firm conclusions about the relative sensitivity of different factors. Moreover, the uncertainty inherent in the sensitivity methods is highlighted.     

A guide to TAURUS-2 Fabry–Perot data reduction

The data reduction process for optical emission-line observations of galaxies using the TAURUS-2 Fabry–Perot interferometer mounted on the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope is described in detail. The initial steps (bias subtraction, flat-fielding, etc.) are the same as for calibration of CCD images, and the wavelength calibration is similar to that in optical spectroscopy. The final steps are specific to Fabry–Perot instruments, and include the fitting of several instrumental parameters and a phase correction to convert the raw ( x ,  y ,  z ) data cube into a useful position–velocity ( α ,  δ ,  v ) cube. Software has been written to assist with the latter steps of the data reduction. H α observations of NGC 1808, NGC 2442 and Circinus are used to demonstrate the reduction process.     

Setting limits for acceptable change in sediment particle size composition following marine aggregate dredging

In the UK, Government policy requires marine aggregate extraction companies to leave the seabed in a similar physical condition after the cessation of dredging. This measure is intended to promote recovery, and the return of a similar faunal community to that which existed before dredging. Whilst the policy is sensible, and in line with the principles of sustainable development, the use of the word 'similar' is open to interpretation. There is, therefore, a need to set quantifiable limits for acceptable change in sediment composition. Using a case study site, it is shown how such limits could be defined by the range of sediment particle size composition naturally found in association with the faunal assemblages in the wider region. Whilst the approach offers a number of advantages over the present system, further testing would be required before it could be recommended for use in the regulatory context.     

Planetary dynamics in stellar clusters

We investigate how the formation and evolution of extrasolar planetary systems can be affected by stellar encounters that occur in the crowded conditions of a stellar cluster. Using plausible estimates of cluster evolution, we show how planet formation may be suppressed in globular clusters while planets wider than ≳0.1 au that do form in such environments can be ejected from their stellar system. Less crowded systems such as open clusters have a much reduced effect on any planetary system. Planet formation is unaffected in open clusters and only the wider planetary systems will be disrupted during the cluster's lifetime. The potential for free-floating planets in these environments is also discussed.     

Postglacial history of alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) in the British Isles

Data from 92 postglacial pollen sequences are used to map the spread and increase of alder (Alnus glutinosa) across the British Isles between 9000 and 5000 years ago. The spread is found to be patchy and erratic in space and time. Consideration of the habitat requirements and reproductive ecology of alder suggest that it spread within Britain and Ireland after about 10 000 yr BP, when suitable habitat for it was scarce. Alder spread across most of Britain and Ireland early in the postglacial but only increased in abundance as (i) suitable habitat became available through changing sea levels, hydroseral successions, and floodplain development, and as (ii) rare weather events produced the necessary conditions for reproduction. Alder is unique among British and Irish trees in its requirement for a suitable habitat isolated among expanses of unsuitable habitats. Because of this, maps of its postglacial population spread and increase do not show the spatial coherence of maps for other forest tree taxa.     

Automated system for measuring snow surface energy balance components in mountainous terrain

The ability to continually monitor several meteorological parameters is needed to estimate snow surface energy balance components in mountainous terrain. In remote mountainous locations, limited accessibility and extreme weather conditions limit the use of delicate meteorological instrumentation. Robust instrumentation and radio telemetry are often needed to measure snow surface energy exchanges. This study examined the practicality and effectiveness of robust instrumentation in estimating radiative and turbulent exchanges in the forested Bear River Mountains of northern Utah. Measurement of reflected shortwave radiation was problematic due to possible selective absorption in the infra-red range. This resulted in overestimates of reflected shortwave radiation and decreased estimates of now surface albedo. During high snowfall, the pyranometer and net radiometer were occasionally covered with snow, resulting in inaccurate radiation measurements. Snow typically melted from instrument surfaces in less than one day under full sun. A relative humidity measurement accuracy of ± 4% may have resulted in a possible error of 20% in the calculation of vapour pressure. Snow depth measurement with an acoustical sensor was affected by new or blowing snow, which resulted in inaccurate snow depth measurement 16.2% of the time. The longest period without a valid snow depth measurement was 19.5 hours. A new snow temperature thermocouple ladder was designed and constructed and provided accurate within-pack temperature measurements throughout the pre-melt and melt season.