Disentangling and quantifying contributions of distinct forcing factors to the observed global sea level pressure field

Climate Dynamics - Variations of the global sea level pressure (SLP) field reflect atmospheric and oceanic influences and have a profound influence on temperature, precipitation and the global...     

Large-scale modes impact on Iraq climate variability

The impact of large-scale modes on Iraq climate is investigated here based on winter and spring fields of temperature and precipitation. The temperature data (1971–2010) was recorded at 8 stations whereas the precipitation fields (1981–2010) were recorded at 18 locations. Empirical orthogonal function analyses were performed in order to characterize the spatial variability of the Iraq climatological parameters. The relationships between the global sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, and geopotential height fields with the dominant modes of Iraq temperature and precipitation were also investigated. Correlation and regression maps emphasize links between Iraq climate and large-scale modes, like the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon.     

Geoelectrical investigations by means of resistivity methods in karst areas in Romania

The applicability of resistivity methods to ground water investigations is well recognized. As water-saturated rock formations have a lower electrical resistivity than dry ones, an electrical resistivity survey should result in low resistivity anomalies. Normally, such anomalies are interpreted to indicate areas of potentially significant ground water flows. In karst areas, however, interpretation may not be as straightforward: for example, large electrically conductive domains can represent water bearing zones, whose fluid-permeability may be poor; alternatively, fast flow conduits, which may be unsaturated, occur as slender objects, and not as clear anomalous features. In order to deal with such extreme heterogeneities, resistivity investigations require some specific adjustments. One example is the so-called “mise à la masse” method. In Romania, it was used to trace the cold karst water inflows that detrimentally affected the commercial exploitation of a thermal spring, Hercules at Baile Herculane. Conventional geoelectrical approaches––such as using resistivity highs to detect air-filled cave passages, are proved to be less efficient in the considered karst investigations.     

Mapping the impact of recent climate change on viticultural potential in Romania

Theoretical and Applied Climatology - Climate change affects the viticulture sector worldwide in different ways, some countries reporting negative impacts, other positive effects, depending on the...     

Directions of Romanian tourism and of tourist research

The authors present synthetically the great variety of the forms of relief in Romania, which create a real natural attraction, satisfying any side of tourist demand. The most significant poles of Romanian tourism, represented by the Carpathians, the unique Danube Delta, the Black Sea offer great possibilities for winter sports, hiking, climbing, water sports, fishing and hunting, sun bathing and medical treatment, owing to the immense balneary potentialities of the country.In the development of Romanian tourism an important part has had and is still having the scientific research activity achieved in the Tourism Department of a specialized institute of researches. The studies worked out in this field are divided into several categories, dealing with subjects of conjuncture and prognosis, economic efficiency, revaluation of territory, improvement of activity in various resorts, launching of new produces, sociology investigations, new iteneraries etc.The authors also present a selective bibliography.     

Stratabound lead-zinc pyrite ore deposits in upper precambrian carbonate rocks,Rodna Mountains,Romania

The Blazna-Guset mining area is located in the Rodna Mountains, Eastern Carpathians, North Romania. It is mostly covered by the metamorphic rocks of the Rebra Series (Upper Precambrian; K/Ar dating gave 800 m.y.). The middle part of this series — called the Carbonate Formation — contains lead-zinc pyrite ores hosted by prevailingly carbonate rocks. The ores form flat and thin lenses occurring together with fine intercalations of silicate-, graphite- and quartz-bearing rocks within the calcite-dominated limestones. Pyrite, ironpoor sphalerite and galena are the main ore minerals. Chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and magnetite also occur in small amounts. Within the highly deformed and partly recrystallized parts of the ore bodies bournonite, arsenopyrite and pearceitepolybasite were locally encountered. Ba, Ti and Mn are the most significant ore-accompanying elements.     

The chemistry of geothermal waters in Iceland. II. Mineral equilibria and independent variables controlling water compositions

The major element chemistry of Icelandic geothermal waters is predictable provided two parameters are known. This follows from an attainment of, or a close approach to, an overall chemical equilibrium in the geothermal systems at temperatures as low as 50°C. It is considered that the geothermal system composition, temperature and kinetic factors determine which alteration minerals form. The system composition is not so much fixed by rock composition as by the rate of leaching of the various constituents from the fresh rock and the composition of inflowing water. The water chemistry is determined by the system composition and the external variables acting on the system. They include temperature and the mobility of chloride. Pressure, which theoretically should be regarded as an external variable, has insignificant effect on water compositions in the range (1–200 bars) occurring in the geothermal systems.     

The chemistry of geothermal waters in Iceland. I. Calculation of aqueous speciation from 0° to 370°C

A computer programme has been developed to calculate the composition and aqueous speciation of geothermal reservoir waters including pH, redox potential and gas partial pressures. The programme is specifically suited to handle geochemical data from wet-steam wells, hot-water wells and boiling hot springs, but it may also be used for non-thermal waters. Solubility data for selected geothermal minerals are incorporated to facilitate the study of $\text{solution}\text{mineral}$ equilibria. The programme may also be used to study chemical changes in water chemistry accompanying boiling, variable degassing and cooling, and how these changes disturb $\text{solution}\text{mineral}$ equilibria.     

Experiments on non-channelized turbidity currents and their deposits

Large-scale experiments on non-channelized turbidity currents show that a wide flow opening angle forms and a rapid dilution of the current with distance takes place. The thickness of the deposit decreases radially away from the source, resulting in tongue-shaped isopachs. The mean grain diameter also decreases with distance while the sorting improves. With increasing distance, the following succession of bedforms was observed: (Non-deposition) → parallel lamination → ripples → parallel lamination. This corresponds to the B, C and D division of the Bouma sequence for turbidites. The experiments are in good agreement with the models presented by Bouma, Mutti and Ricci Lucchi, and Walker for classical turbidites in the depositional lobes of submarine fans.