Hazards threatening underground transport systems

Natural Hazards - Metro systems perform a significant function for millions of ridership worldwide as urban passengers rely on a secure, reliable, and accessible underground transportation way for...     

Assessment of Geogenic and Anthropogenic Pollution Sources Using an Aquatic Plant Along the Sonora River Basin: Insights from Elemental Concentrations and Pb Isotope Signatures

Natural Resources Research - Mining is an important activity in Mexico; however, despite its economic benefits, it carries potential environmental risks, including mine spills. On August 6,...     

Identifying Variable γ-ray Sources Through Radio Observations

We present preliminary results of a campaign undertaken with different radio interferometers to observe a sample of the most variable unidentified EGRET sources. We expect to detect which of the possible counterparts of the γ-ray sources (any of the radio emitters in the field) varies in time with similar timescales as the γ-ray variation. If the γ-rays are produced in a jet-like source, as we have modelled theoretically, synchrotron emission is also expected at radio wavelengths. Such radio emission should appear variable in time and correlated with the γ-ray variability.     

Morphological characteristics and medium-term evolution of the beaches between Ceuta and Cabo Negro (Morocco)

This work presents the results of a combined study on the beach morphology and the evolution at short- and medium-term of the littoral between Ceuta and Cabo Negro (Morocco). It is an interesting sector showing a great increase of human occupation and coastal structures. The monitoring program allowed for the reconstruction of the beach morphological behavior and the seasonal changes. The studied beaches presented reflective profiles recording little seasonality, with the most notable morphological changes being strictly related to storms. Surf Similarity and Surf Scaling parameters highlighted the existence of intermediate and reflective beach states, characterized by plunging breakers. Aerial photographs and a satellite image have been geo-referenced and elaborated with GIS tools to reconstruct the short- and medium-term evolution of the littoral and the sediment transport pathways. The littoral showed important erosion at short- and medium-term related to a negative sedimentary budget because of offshore transport. Sand accumulation was recorded close to the main ports, i.e., Marina Smir and Marina Kabila. These port structures constituted impermeable, fixed limits, which divided the studied area into littoral cells. Other free, transit limits were also observed.     

A GIS-based methodology for hazard mapping of small volume pyroclastic density currents

We present here a methodology implemented within a geographical information system (GIS) for hazard mapping of small volume pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). This technique is implemented as a set of macros written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) that run within GIS-software (i.e. ArcGIS). Based on the energy line concept, we calibrated an equation that relates the volume (V) and the mobility (ΔH/L) of single PDCs using data from Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat) and Arenal volcano (Costa Rica). Maximum potential run-outs can be predicted with an associated uncertainty of about 30%. Also based on the energy line concept and with data from Soufrière Hills volcano and Mt. St. Helens (USA), we were able to calibrate an equation that predicts the flow velocity as a function of the vertical distance between the energy line and the ground surface (Δh). Velocities derived in this way have an associated uncertainty of 3 m s⁻¹. We wrote code to implement these equations and allow the automatic mapping of run-out and velocity with the inputs being (i) the height and location of the vent (ii) the flow volume and (iii) a digital elevation model (DEM) of the volcano. Dynamic pressure can also be estimated and mapped by incorporating the density of the pyroclastic density current (PDC). This computer application allows the incorporation of uncertainties in the location of the vent and of statistical uncertainties expressed by the 95% confidence limits of the regression model. We were able to verify predictions by the proposed methodology with data from Unzen volcano (Japan) and Mayon volcano (The Philippines). The consistencies observed highlight the applicability of this approach for hazard mitigation and real-time emergency management.     

Radiating Fluid Spheres in the Effective Variables Approximation

We study the evolution of spherically symmetric radiating fluid distributions using the effective variables method, implemented ab initio in Schwarzschild coordinates. To illustrate the procedure and to establish some comparison with the original method, we integrate numerically the set of equations at the surface for two different models. The first model is derived from the Schwarzschild interior solution. The second model is inspired in the Tolman VI solution.     

Estimation of transport hydraulic parameters in loessic sediment, Argentina: Application of column tests

Dispersivity and porosity parameters needed to simulate flow and non-reactive transport were calculated and validated for loess-like sediments of the Pampean aquifer located in southeastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina, using infiltration experiments in laboratory columns filled with selected undisturbed sediment. To obtain values for these parameters, the experimental curves of arrival for chloride were visually adjusted to the curves obtained from numerical simulation using PHREEQC 2.0. Visual adjustment consisted of trying different parameter values until the most representative one was obtained. The best adjustment was obtained for dispersivity and porosity values of 0.01 m and 0.35, respectively. Since analytical solutions for the flow and transport equations are applicable to simplified cases such as this, an attempt was made to adjust the parameters automatically, using a model based on this type of solution. This automated analytical solution was developed using the Fortran programming language, and the automatic parameter calibration was achieved by minimizing the distance between the observed and calculated values of two parameters. The automated technique gave values of 0.0084 m and 0.39 for dispersivity and porosity, respectively. The sediments studied here constitute the uppermost unit of the Pampean aquifer. Given the relevance of this layer and the growing anthropic influence on it, parameter quantification is important for both laboratory tests and for hydrogeochemical simulations that investigate contaminant transport.

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Resumen Se han obtenido los parámetros hidráulicos dispersividad y porosidad efectiva para sedimentos loessoides del acuífero denominado Pampeano cuya extensión abarca casi todo el sector central de la República Argentina. Los sedimentos estudiados en este trabajo se localizan en el sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los parámetros fueron calculados y validados mediante la obtención de curvas de arribo de cloruro en ensayos en columnas de laboratorio con el sedimento no perturbado, y su ajuste visual a curvas obtenidas en modelos numéricos con el programa PHREEQC 2.0. Los mejores ajustes se alcanzaron con valores de porosidad y dispersividad de 0.01 y 0.35 respectivamente. Asimismo, se implementó una solución analítica del problema en código FORTRAM para lograr el ajuste automático de estos dos parámetros mediante la minimización de las distancias en función de los dos parámetros. Los valores obtenidos fueron: dispersividad 0.0084 m y porosidad efectiva 0.39. Los resultados fueron validados mediante la realización de nuevos ensayos y ajustes numéricos. Los sedimentos aquí estudiados son de importancia por constituir la unidad mas superficial del sistema acuífero Pampeano, la cual es usualmente explotada por perforaciones domiciliarias. La cuantificación de sus parámetros hidráulicos es necesaria para ensayos de laboratorio y simulaciones hidroquímicas orientadas al estudio de la contaminación.

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Résumé Les paramètres de dispersivité et de porosité nécessaires à la simulation des écoulements et des transports non-réactifs, ont été calculés et validés pour des sédiments loessiques de laquifère Pampéien dans le Sud-Est de la province de Buenos Aires, Argentine, au moyen dexpériences dinfiltration sur colonnes expérimentales remplies du sédiment non remanié. Pour obtenir les valeurs des paramètres, les courbes expérimentales de larrivée du chlore (élément conservatif) ont été visuellement calibrées sur les courbes obtenues par la simulation numérique sur Phreeqc 2.0.3 Lajustement visuel consistait à tester différents paramètres jusquà trouver le plus représentatif. Le meilleur ajustement était atteint avec des dispersivités et des porosités respectivement de lordre de 0.01 m et 0.35 m. Dés lors que la solution analytique de lécoulement et du transport est applicable dans des cas simplifiés comme celui-ci, il a également été opté dajuster automatiquement les paramètres, en utilisant un programme Fortran ; le calibrage automatique a été obtenu en minimisant la distance fonction des deux paramètres. Les valeurs obtenues ont été de 0.0084 m et 0.39 pour la dispersivité et la porosité. Le sédiment étudié ici constitue lunité supérieure de laquifère. Cette couche est primordiale notamment du point de vue de lactivité anthropique qui est menée dessus ; la quantification des paramètres de transport est importante pour les tests en laboratoire et les simulations hydrogéochimiques orientées vers les études de transport de soluté.

     

Detection of Local Geoid Deformations by Gravity Disturbances from GPS/Gravimetric Observations

This paper deals with a method for detection of local geoid deformations; as a consequence, the methods main application concerns geoid adjustment to GPS/levelling points. This is based on the fact that these points should present no local geoid deformation to avoid errors in the adjustments. These type of miscalculations would lead to an incorrect adjustment and result in further errors in subsequent studies with GPS in the proximity at the point with local deformation.The method proposed is based on predictions of gravity disturbance from geoid undulations using Poisson integral with modified kernel, and its comparison with the gravity disturbance from GPS and gravimetric observations.The use of gravity disturbance instead of gravity anomalies has been chosen since gravity disturbance is a quantity derived from GPS and not from levelling. The loss of accuracy arising with a local height reference system is therefore theoretically avoided as far as the differences in geodetic reference systems regarding positions of gravity measurements and coefficients of the global models are accounted for.Extended numerical tests using computed geoidal undulations and the corresponding gravity disturbances obtained from the geopotential model GPM98cr computed up to degree 720 illustrate the validity of the proposed method and its usefulness as local geoid deformations detection tool.Finally, the method is tested using real GPS/Gravimetric data and geoid models IBERGEO95 and EGG97 with good results.     

Spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities from the Western Sector of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba. I. Mangrove systems

The spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities in mangrove systems were examined. Replicated cores were taken in mudflats between prop roots ofRhizophora mangle at five locations within the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, during 3 mo. There was a clear seasonality in the water column, but measured abiotic variables did not show obvious relations with meiofaunal patterns. The magnitude of change in salinity for each location appears to influence the meiofauna more than absolute values per se. The meiofauna from southern Pinar del Rio showed a higher variation in community structure, suggesting higher levels of stress in comparison with locations in eastern Isla, possibly due to the presence of human settlements, runoff from land, and apparent deterioration of mangroves. The considerable variation in the density and community structure estimates on global (geographical regions) and local (locations in the Gulf of Batabanó) scales could be caused by the high spatial variability in the mangrove microenvironment, coupled with associated methodological differences in the sampling. There was a low density of meiofauna (mean: 101 animals 10 cm⁻²) compared to other shallow tropical habitats. Mangroves from subtropical and temperate regions showed consistently higher meiofaunal densities than tropical mangroves, but causes of this putatively latitudinal pattern require further study. Future strategies for meiofaunal studies in mangrove systems should increase the temporal and spatial replication, include designed field experiments to test ecological hypotheses, and apply a species level approach with regards to nematode assemblages.