Modeling orbital gamma‐ray spectroscopy experiments at carbonaceous asteroids

To evaluate the feasibility of measuring differences in bulk composition among carbonaceous meteorite parent bodies from an asteroid or comet orbiter, we present the results of a performance simulation of an orbital gamma‐ray spectroscopy (GRS) experiment in a Dawn‐like orbit around spherical model asteroids with a range of carbonaceous compositions. The orbital altitude was held equal to the asteroid radius for 4.5 months. Both the asteroid gamma‐ray spectrum and the spacecraft background flux were calculated using the MCNPX Monte‐Carlo code. GRS is sensitive to depths below the optical surface (to ≈20–50 cm depth depending on material density). This technique can therefore measure underlying compositions beneath a sulfur‐depleted (e.g., Nittler et al. 2001 ) or desiccated surface layer. We find that 3σ uncertainties of under 1 wt% are achievable for H, C, O, Si, S, Fe, and Cl for five carbonaceous meteorite compositions using the heritage Mars Odyssey GRS design in a spacecraft‐deck‐mounted configuration at the Odyssey end‐of‐mission energy resolution, FWHM = 5.7 keV at 1332 keV. The calculated compositional uncertainties are smaller than the compositional differences between carbonaceous chondrite subclasses.     

Alluvial architecture of mid-channel fluvial–tidal barforms: The mesotidal Lower Columbia River,Oregon/Washington,USA

Barforms of mesotidal to macrotidal fluvial–tidal transitions, regardless of fluvial-discharge, are currently thought to display a sedimentary architecture dominated by tidal signatures. Due to the scarcity of observations from modern mesotidal fluvial–tidal transitions, especially those of multi-channelled large-rivers (mean annual discharge ≥7000 m³ s⁻¹ and peak discharges ≥15 000 m³ s⁻¹) with mid-channel bars, this concept remains unproven. The present study analyses data produced by a combination of high-resolution ground penetrating radar and coupled shallow vibracores (<5 m depth), collected from modern fluvial–tidal mid-channel bars of the mesotidal multi-channelled Lower Columbia River, Washington/Oregon, USA, which can experience peak discharges ≥18 000 m³ s⁻¹. These data were used alongside time-sequenced aerial imagery to characterize the spatio-temporal sedimentological evolution of these barforms in singular flows or combined flows consisting of river, tidal and/or wind-wave oscillatory, current components operating in unique fluvial–tidal transition regimes. Results indicate that ca 75% of the Lower Columbia River fluvial–tidal transition produces braid-bars with basal to bar-top sedimentological architectures that are indistinguishable from fluvial-only braid-bars recorded in the literature. Barform stratal characteristics within the fluvial–tidal transitions of mesotidal large-rivers are therefore more likely to be dominated by downstream-oriented currents. Furthermore, a new style of low-angle (<5°) inclined heterolithic stratification found in bar-top accretion-sets within upper-mixed tidal–fluvial regime braid-bars is observed. This common stratification is created by combined-flows characterized by intrabasinal wind-wave oscillatory-currents and bidirectional tidal-currents. This inclined heterolithic stratification marks the initial downstream fluvial–tidal crossover point from Lower Columbia River up-dip fully-fluvial braid-bar architectures, to those possessing bar-top facies produced by the hydraulic-sedimentation response of combined intrabasinal wind-wave and tidal influence. When preserved, this form of mid-channel bar inclined heterolithic stratification provides a unique sedimentological signature of multi-channelled fluvial–tidal transitions that possess an open-water lower basin with intrabasinal wind-waves.     

Sediment-transport competence of rain-impacted interrill overland flow

Laboratory experiments to determine the maximum size of sediment transported in shallow, rain-impacted flow were conducted in a recirculating flume 4·80 m long and 0·50 m wide. Rainfall intensities were varied between 51 and 138 mm h⁻¹, flow was introduced from a header tank into the flume at rates ranging from 0 to 0·64 l s⁻¹, and experiments were conducted on gradients between 3·5 and 10°. The following equation was developed: ML = (REFE)^1·6363 in which M is particle mass, L is distance moved in unit time (cm min⁻¹), RE is rainfall energy (J m⁻² s⁻¹) and FE is flow energy (J m⁻² s⁻¹). This equation can be used to predict sediment-transport competence of interrill overland flow. The equation is limited in its utility insofar as it has been developed using quartz grains and takes no account of variations in absorption of rain energy by natural ground surfaces. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A physics-based earthquake simulator and its application to seismic hazard assessment in Calabria (Southern Italy) region

The use of a newly developed earthquake simulator has allowed the production of catalogs lasting 100 kyr and containing more than 100,000 events of magnitudes ≥4.5. The model of the fault system upon which we applied the simulator code was obtained from the DISS 3.2.0 database, selecting all the faults that are recognized on the Calabria region, for a total of 22 fault segments. The application of our simulation algorithm provides typical features in time, space and magnitude behavior of the seismicity, which can be compared with those of the real observations. The results of the physics-based simulator algorithm were compared with those obtained by an alternative method using a slip-rate balanced technique. Finally, as an example of a possible use of synthetic catalogs, an attenuation law has been applied to all the events reported in the synthetic catalog for the production of maps showing the exceedance probability of given values of PGA on the territory under investigation.     

Quantification of bedform dynamics and bedload sediment flux in sandy braided rivers from airborne and satellite imagery

Images from specially-commissioned aeroplane sorties (manned aerial vehicle, MAV), repeat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys, and Planet CubeSat satellites are used to quantify dune and bar dynamics in the sandy braided South Saskatchewan River, Canada. Structure-from-Motion (SfM) techniques and application of a depth-brightness model are used to produce a series of Digital Surface Models (DSMs) at low and near-bankfull flows. A number of technical and image processing challenges are described that arise from the application of SfM in dry and submerged environments. A model for best practice is presented and analysis suggests a depth-brightness model approach can represent the different scales of bedforms present in sandy braided rivers with low-turbidity and shallow (< 2 m deep) water. The aerial imagery is used to quantify the spatial distribution of unit bar and dune migration rate in an 18 km reach and three ~1 km long reaches respectively. Dune and unit bar migration rates are highly variable in response to local variations in planform morphology. Sediment transport rates for dunes and unit bars, obtained by integrating migration rates (from UAV) with the volume of sediment moved (from DSMs using MAV imagery) show near-equivalence in sediment flux. Hence, reach-based sediment transport rate estimates can be derived from unit bar data alone. Moreover, it is shown that reasonable estimates of sediment transport rate can be made using just unit bar migration rates as measured from 2D imagery, including from satellite images, so long as informed assumptions are made regarding average bar shape and height. With recent availability of frequent, repeat satellite imagery, and the ease of undertaking repeat MAV and UAV surveys, for the first time, it may be possible to provide global estimates of bedload sediment flux for large or inaccessible low-turbidity rivers that currently have sparse information on bedload sediment transport rates. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Distributed dynamic modelling of interrill overland flow

A distributed, dynamic, process-based model for interrill overland flow that has previously been shown to predict accurately both total runoff and runoff hydraulics for a site on semi-arid shrubland is assessed in terms of (i) its portability, (ii) its sensitivity to the quality of data inputs, and (iii) its sensitivity to the size of cell used in the model. It is found that the model can be used at another site, but only after modifications to take account of the local controls of runoff routing. The model is portable, but not readily so. The model is sensitive to both the quality of data input and the size of cell. Data input cannot be reduced by use of stochastic distribution of model parameters without significant loss of accuracy in model predictions, particularly of runoff hydraulics. Larger cells produce poorer predictions of the runoff hydrograph. It is concluded that process-based modelling of interrill runoff may not be a realistic tool for predicting soil erosion, but is one that may be useful for identification of our present poor understanding of erosion processes. Such models help to define the research agenda for soil erosion studies. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shifting baselines in scientific publications: A case study using cetacean research

The marine sciences have undergone a sequence of historical changes related to new methodologies, approaches and challenges. Most recently, deteriorating natural ecosystems and threatened component species have prompted a renewed change in the focus of scientific research on the marine environment. This study analyzes the scientific literature on cetaceans during the period 2005–2008 to demonstrate that a key focus of modern research is on conservation-related topics, and then compares it to the period 1970–1973 to demonstrate that this new focus represents a shift from basic biological and ecological issues. On average, approximately 46% of papers published on whales, dolphins and porpoises in 2005–2008 were categorized as conservation oriented versus focused on biology or ecology. This contrasts to approximately 10% in 1970–1973. This shift parallels other marine research subjects, such as benthic communities, coral reefs and sea turtles and reflects a general paradigm shift in marine research towards anthropogenic impacts. This is important guidance for institutions and organizations that wish to base their agendas and decisions on state-of-the-art scientific priorities.     

A three-dimensional mechanistic-empirical model for geocell-reinforced unpaved roads

Geocell is a three-dimensional geosynthetic product that was originally developed to confine granular bases and minimize permanent deformation of unpaved roads. Many laboratory and field tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of geocell reinforcement in roadway constructions. However, the lack of a well-established design method that can quantify the benefit of geocell reinforcement has greatly limited the application of geocell in roadways. This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional mechanistic-empirical (M-E) model for geocell-reinforced unpaved roads. The constitutive equation for the tangential resilient modulus of the base material was derived under a general three-dimensional condition. Two analytical models were introduced to estimate the compaction- and repeated load-induced residual stresses in the base layer. These analytical models consider the material properties and construction effects in a rational way thus can be used for various situations. Finally, the proposed M-E model was validated against the test results from four unpaved road sections. Comparisons between the calculated results and the test data show that the three-dimensional M-E model effectively simulated the permanent deformation behavior of geocell-reinforced unpaved roads under a large number of load repetitions, given that the unpaved road was stable under a repeated load.     

Flow separation at the inner (convex) and outer (concave) banks of constant‐width and widening open‐channel bends

There is a paucity of data and insight in the mechanisms of, and controls on flow separation and recirculation at natural sharply‐curved river bends. Herein we report on successful laboratory experiments that elucidate flow structure in one constant‐width bend and a second bend with an outer‐bank widening. The experiments were performed with both a flat immobile gravel bed and mobile sand bed with dominant bedload sediment transport. In the constant‐width bend with immobile bed, a zone of mainly horizontal flow separation (vertical rotational axis) formed at the inner bank that did not contain detectable flow recirculation, and an outer‐bank cell of secondary flow with streamwise oriented rotational axis. Surprisingly, the bend with widening at the outer bank and immobile bed did not lead to a transverse expansion of the flow. Rather, flow in the outer‐bank widening weakly recirculated around a vertical axis and hardly interacted with the inner part of the bend, which behaved as a constant‐width bend. In the mobile bed experiment, downstream of the bend apex a pronounced depositional bar developed at the inside of the bend and pronounced scour occurred at the outside. Moreover the deformed bed promoted flow separation over the bar, including return currents. In the constant‐width bend, the topographic steering impeded the generation of an outer‐bank cell of secondary flow. In the bend with outer‐bank widening, the topographic steering induced an outward expansion of the flow, whereby the major part of the discharge was conveyed in the central part of the widening section. Flow in the outer‐bank widening was highly three dimensional and included return currents near the bottom. In conclusion, the experiments elucidated three distinct processes of flow separation common in sharp bends: flow separation at the inner bank, an outer‐bank cell of secondary flow, and flow separation and recirculation in an outer‐bank widening. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.