Tidal potential due to general bodies

The exact definition of the tidal potential is given on the basis of the theory of the restricted three-body problem. There are no limitations as regards the perturbing terms in the gravitational fields of the tide forming bodies; andno a priori conditions are needed in the definition.     

Geomorphic assessment of active tectonics in the Acambay graben,Mexican Volcanic Belt

Spatial variations of Quaternary deformation and tectonic activity of faults along the Acambay graben are assessed using geomorphic and morphometric approaches. The Acambay graben is an east–west trending structure of apparent Quaternary age, located in the central part of the Mexican Volcanic Belt, which gives rise to pronounced scarps over a distance of about 80 km. Continuing tectonic activity in the Acambay graben is confirmed by recent well documented seismic episodes. The intensity of active tectonics has been interpreted through a detailed geomorphic study of the fault-generated mountain fronts and fluvial systems. The combined geomorphic and morphometric data provide evidence for relative variations in tectonic activity among the Acambay graben faults. Geomorphic indices suggest a relatively high degree of tectonic activity along the Venta de Bravo and the Acambay–Tixmadeje faults, followed, in order of decreasing activity, by the Pastores, Temascalcingo and Tepuxtepec faults. Spatial variations within faults have also been identified, suggesting a higher level of tectonic activity at the tips of the faults. This pattern of variation in the relative degree of tectonic activity is consistent with field evidence and seismic data for the Acambay graben. Geomorphic evaluation of the Acambay graben faults suggests that the Acambay–Tixmadeje and Venta de Bravo faults, and specifically the tips of these faults and a central segment near the town of Venta de Bravo, should be considered as areas of potentially high earthquake risk. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The North-South Asymmetry in the Green Corona

The north-south asymmetry of the Fe XIV 530.3 nm coronal emission line (the green corona) over cycle 22 was investigated. The green corona line brightness was dominant in the southern hemisphere during cycle 22 (A = –0.07), except for short periods of the ascending phase of the activity cycle. The asymmetry of the semi-annual mean over the period 1940 – 1996 was also studied. The asymmetry, during these years, reached its maximum in 1962 – 1966, and then decreased. Important periodicities of the asymmetry in cycle 22, e.g., 158 and 350 days, 2.39 years were found. Similar periodicities were also detected in the years 1940 – 1996. An FFT analysis was used to detect these periodicities.     

Using Wavelet Coherence to Characterize Surface Water Infiltration into a Low-Lying Karst Aquifer

Karstified carbonate aquifers may receive significant recharge contributions from losing streams, hence, the knowledge about surface water-groundwater (SW-GW) interactions is crucial with regard to water management (e.g., source protection zone delineation). The dynamics of SW-GW interactions may depend on factors such as the relative water levels between streams and aquifers, resulting in a temporal variation of exchange, which imposes complexity to the understanding of such dynamics. This study highlights the use of high-resolution time series and multiresolution analysis to help to gain insights into such complex dynamics. Wavelet coherence is applied on hourly time series of rainfall, stream, and spring discharges of a low-lying karstified spring catchment to yield a correlation in the time-frequency domain. This analysis provides comprehensive information on the overall impact of the river on the spring, which is supported by the cross-correlation function, as well as by more detailed information, including time-variant influences such as a threshold level of influence. Field observations of turbidity sampling at the spring appear to support this interpretation. This innovative approach relies on basic hydrological parameters, water level, or discharge, and is therefore applicable to many other systems with such existing time series.     

NEAT approach for testing and validation of geospatial network agent-based model processes: case study of influenza spread

ABSTRACT

Agent-based models (ABM) are used to represent a variety of complex systems by simulating the local interactions between system components from which observable spatial patterns at the system-level emerge. Thus, the degree to which these interactions are represented correctly must be evaluated. Networks can be used to discretely represent and quantify interactions between system components and the emergent system structure. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop and implement a novel validation approach called the NEtworks for ABM Testing (NEAT) that integrates geographic information science, ABM approaches, and spatial network representations to simulate complex systems as measurable and dynamic spatial networks. The simulated spatial network structures are measured using graph theory and compared with empirical regularities of observed real networks. The approach is implemented to validate a theoretical ABM representing the spread of influenza in the City of Vancouver, Canada. Results demonstrate that the NEAT approach can validate whether the internal model processes are represented realistically, thus better enabling the use of ABMs in decision-making processes.