Magma-induced strain localization in centrifuge models of transfer zones

Scaled centrifuge experiments have been used to investigate the dynamic relations between deformation and magma distribution in rift-related transfer zones. The physical models were built using suitable analogue materials, such as sand to represent the brittle upper crust, various kinds of silicone mixtures to simulate the lower crust and upper mantle and glycerol to reproduce magma. Models simulated the development of transfer zones across pre-existing glycerol reservoirs placed at the base of the analogue continental crust. In plan view, different geometries, dimensions and positions of subcrustal reservoirs were reproduced in three different sets of experiments; to compare results, models were also performed without magma-simulating glycerol.Set 1 experiments, incorporating a narrow rectangular glycerol reservoir, show that the low-viscosity material is able to localise deformation into the overlying crust, giving rise to discrete transfer zones. This concentrated surface deformation corresponds at depth to major magma accumulation. Set 2 experiments, with an initial wide squared glycerol reservoir, show instead that deformation is distributed across the whole model surface, corresponding at depth to relatively minor magma accumulation. Set 3 experiments explored various positions of a small squared reservoir that invariably localised faulting in the overlying analogue brittle crust at the onset of model deformation.The overall model behaviour suggests that magma distribution at depth can effectively control the strain distribution in the overlying crust and the deformative pattern of transfer zones. Strain distribution, in turn, may control magma emplacement as localized deformation would favour major accumulation of magma at transfer zones. Coupled to a strong thermal weakening of the country rocks, this process may ultimately lead to a positive feedback interaction between magma and deformation.     

Duration of strong ground motion during Mexican earthquakes in terms of magnitude,distance to the rupture area and dominant site period

A study of the duration of strong ground motion using accelerometric data of subduction and normal‐faulting Mexican earthquakes is presented. Duration is obtained based on the time between 2.5 and 97.5 per cent of the Arias intensity. An expression to predict this duration in terms of the magnitude, distance to the rupture area and site period is proposed and compared with predictions available in the literature. The effect of large duration for very distant sites and the contribution of soft soils to the duration of strong ground motion are widely discussed. We have found that large magnitude not only yields long duration at the source, but also proportionally longer duration with distance and with dominant site period compared to small magnitude. The duration obtained from the regression is used as a parameter to obtain input and hysteretic energy and on the use of damage models available in the literature. Finally, duration is used together with the random vibration theory to predict response spectra. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Downstream migration of juvenile European sturgeonAcipenser sturio L. in the Gironde estuary

The European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is an endangered diadromous fish species that spawns in the rivers in late spring and early summer. The juveniles spend their first years in the brackish waters (5‰ to 25‰) of the estuary zone before moving out to sea. This study describes the downstream migration pattern of juvenile sturgeon, belonging to the 1994 cohort, the only one born naturally in the Gironde basin, France since the end of the 1980s. During October 1994 to December 1996 the inland section of the Gironde estuary was sampled monthly by trawl (n=818 tows) and all European sturgeon caught (n=381) were marked and released. The first sturgeon of the 1994 cohort (TL=27 cm) were caught in early March 1995 in the zones furthest upstream. During their second fall of life, juveniles gradually acclimatized, and spread over a wide range of salinity conditions. A first incursion into marine water was also observed (at least for a few fish) by the end of the second winter. During this second period, sturgeon showed preference for two particular zones situated at 18 and 38 km, respectively, from the mouth of the estuary. These zones, belonging to two different salinity sectors of the estuary, did not appear to be any different to their neighbors with regards to depth and type of substrate. There were no significant size differences among estuarine zones. Seasonal movements of sturgeon seem to be motivated by a search for warmer temperatures. After a period of early acclimatization of 15 months, juvenile European sturgeon appear to be highly tolerant of salinity variations.     

A regional approach to cultural preservation: A central american example

The transition to democratic governments in Central America over the past decade, and the subsequent emergence of institutional mechanisms for regional cooperation have greatly increased the frequency and productivity of efforts for preservation of cultural patrimony. Both the archaeological and colonial data bases overlap modern political boundaries and regional collaboration in training, pubic education, curation and research is essential. Natural forces continually impact, and human economic forces (especially international tourism) increasingly impact cultural resources. Regional cooperation in the utilization of human resources is necessary to confront the management and salvage demands of major economic development projects, and rescue efforts following natural disasters. The development of policies and programs will be effective only if matched by the growth of cultural preservation professionals in each of the Central American republics. Finally, other art consuming nations in addition to the United States must begin to respect the cultural heritage of the Central American countries and develop policies to deter abuses by diplomatic staff and employees of NGO’s (nongovernment organizations)     

Spectrographic observations of the suspected delta scuti variable beta ari

Three sets of spectra (in all 85 spectra) of the well-known standard and high eccentricity spectroscopic binary star Beta Ari were taken with the Boller and Chivens grating spectrography (29 and 35 Å mm^?1) applied to the 137 cm reflector of the Merate Astronomical Observatory. These sets were takenduring the periastron passage of 14–15 November 1976,after the periastron passage of 2–3 October 1977 and before the apastron passage of 23 November 1977. The analysis of the radial velocitiesRV and equivalent widthsW _λ of hydrogen and metal lines show periodic variations similar to those of some classical Delta Scuti stars. The variations of the asymmetries of the profiles of H and Caii K lines, linked to the variations of theRV seem to recall the Schuster effect observed in classical Cepheids. A periastron effect appears from: (a) increased amplitudes of theRV curves, (b) remarkable variations of the averagedW _λ curves, (c) strong positive asymmetry (blue wing larger than red wing) in the Hγ and Caii K lines. A faint ‘bump’ inRV andW _λ curves of Caii K line is singled out and could be in agreement with some theoretical forecasts of Aleshin (1964).     

Calibration of magnitude scales for earthquakes of the Mediterranean

In order to provide the tools for uniform size determination for Mediterranean earthquakes over the last 50-year period of instrumental seismology, we have regressed the magnitude determinations for 220 earthquakes of the European-Mediterranean region over the 1977–1991 period, reported by three international centres, 11 national and regional networks and 101 individual stations and observatories, using seismic moments from the Harvard CMTs. We calibrate M(M₀) regression curves for the magnitude scales commonly used for Mediterranean earthquakes (M_L, M_WA, m_b, M_S, M_LH, M_LV, M_D, M); we also calibrate static corrections or specific regressions for individual observatories and we verify the reliability of the reports of different organizations and observatories. Our analysis shows that the teleseismic magnitudes (m_b, M_S) computed by international centers (ISC, NEIC) provide good measures of earthquake size, with low standard deviations (0.17–0.23), allowing one to regress stable regional calibrations with respect to the seismic moment and to correct systematic biases such as the hypocentral depth for M_S and the radiation pattern for m_b; while m_b is commonly reputed to be an inadequate measure of earthquake size, we find that the ISC m_b is still today the most precise measure to use to regress M_W and M₀ for earthquakes of the European-Mediterranean region; few individual observatories report teleseismic magnitudes requiring specific dynamic calibrations (BJI, MOS). Regional surface-wave magnitudes (M_LV, M_LH) reported in Eastern Europe generally provide reliable measures of earthquake size, with standard deviations often in the 0.25–0.35 range; the introduction of a small (±0.1–0.2) static station correction is sometimes required. While the Richter magnitude M_L is the measure of earthquake size most commonly reported in the press whenever an earthquake strikes, we find that M_L has not been computed in the European-Mediterranean in the last 15 years; the reported local magnitudes M_WA and M_L do not conform to the Richter formula and are of poor quality and little use, with few exceptions requiring ad hoc calibrations similar to the M_S regression (EMSC, ATH). The duration magnitude M_D used by most seismic networks confirms that its use requires accurate station calibrations and should be restricted only to events with low seismic moments.     

A study of wave impact of horizontal slabs

With the potential danger posed by freak waves, impact loads due to wave slamming on horizontal slabs has become crucial in the context of design of offshore platform decks. A laboratory model study has been carried out to investigate the slamming effect on horizontal slabs using regular waves at different frequencies with the measurement of vertical forces. A modified slamming coefficient independent of frequency has been suggested to be used conveniently for design purposes. A new technique for the generation of freak waves in the laboratory has been successfully achieved without close loop iterations. Finally the impact phenomenon due to freak waves on slabs has been discussed, which includes the study of both vertical and horizontal forces.     

Variability in the Hydrographic and Biological Features of the Gulf of Naples

Abstract. Recent observations of physico-chemical and biological parameters in the Gulf of Naples are summarized. The water masses present within the Gulf during the various periods of the year are described. The temporal and spatial distribution of surface nutrients (N-NO₃, P-PO₄, Si-SiO₄) and chlorophyll a are reported and the areas exposed to local eutrophication are identified. Biweekly sampling at a reference station has permitted us also to identify both phytoplankton and zooplankton seasonal cycles. The morphology of the basin and the uneven land runoff distribution are interpreted as causal to the variability of chemico-physical parameters and of the associated biological communities, giving rise to two subsystems (coastal and "open water") within the Gulf.     

On-line identification and convergence analysis of excitation-force and drag-force models for moored floating structures

This work presents an approach to identify hydrodynamic models for incident, diffraction and viscous forces acting on a moored floating structure. An important aspect treated here is the analysis of the unknown initial condition of the hydrodynamic state for the potential-radiation force. There is established its influence on the parameter convergence and the long-term effects. Afterwards the persistency of excitation of the regressor is analyzed in the case of both poor and rich excitation conditions. Theoretical results show that asymptotic convergence of the estimates takes place under arbitrary conditions of the wave excitation. A case study consisting in the identification of a moored semisubmersible is carried out to exemplify the application of the approach.