A special perturbation method in orbital dynamics

The special perturbation method considered in this paper combines simplicity of computer implementation, speed and precision, and can propagate the orbit of any material particle. The paper describes the evolution of some orbital elements based in Euler parameters, which are constants in the unperturbed problem, but which evolve in the time scale imposed by the perturbation. The variation of parameters technique is used to develop expressions for the derivatives of seven elements for the general case, which includes any type of perturbation. These basic differential equations are slightly modified by introducing one additional equation for the time, reaching a total order of eight. The method was developed in the Grupo de Dinámica de Tethers (GDT) of the UPM, as a tool for dynamic simulations of tethers. However, it can be used in any other field and with any kind of orbit and perturbation. It is free of singularities related to small inclination and/or eccentricity. The use of Euler parameters makes it robust. The perturbation forces are handled in a very simple way: the method requires their components in the orbital frame or in an inertial frame. A comparison with other schemes is performed in the paper to show the good performance of the method.     

B‐bar based algorithm applied to meshfree numerical schemes to solve unconfined seepage problems through porous media

The object of this work is to establish a meshfree framework for solving coupled, steady and transient problems for unconfined seepage through porous media. The Biot's equations are formulated in displacements (or u − w) assuming an elastic solid skeleton. The free surface location and its evolution in time are obtained by interpolation of pore water pressures throughout the domain. Shape functions based on the principle of local maximum entropy are chosen for the meshfree approximation schemes. In order to avoid the locking involved in the fluid phase of the porous media, a B‐bar based algorithm is devised to compute the average volumetric strain in a patch composed of various integration points. The efficiency of such an implementation for one phase problems is shown through the Benchmark problem, Cook's membrane loaded by a distributive shear load. The proposed methodology is firstly applied to various classical examples in unconfined steady seepage problems through earth dams, then to the dynamic consolidation of a soil column. The results obtained for both problems are quite satisfactory and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in solving coupled problems in porous media. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using Argo data to investigate the Meridional Overturning Circulation in the North Atlantic

Using a variety of oceanographic data, including direct volume transports in the Florida Strait, and Argo float profiles and drift velocities at 24°N and 36°N in the North Atlantic, inverse calculations are presented in which the net meridional transport, down to a depth of approximately 1600 m, is estimated at both latitudes for a 5-year period 2003–2007. The upper ocean is divided into seven layers using neutral density, and mass conservation constraints have been applied to a closed box bounded by these latitudes, including the Florida Strait. Ekman layer transports have been included in the top-most layer, and the inverse calculation has solved for changes from the initial reference velocities, Ekman and Florida Strait transports, given a priori estimates on the accuracy of each of these quantities. Solutions with and without transformations due to Mediterranean Water (MW) formation are made. Our results indicate that (1) time-averaged transport estimates derived from Argo have significant less eddy noise than individual hydrographic sections, (2) Argo drift velocities provide information to the inverse solution for the ocean interior, and (3) comparison of the total integrated interior mass transports in the thermocline waters for the period 2003–2007 with the previous estimates based on trans-ocean hydrographic sections shows that, within the errors of our estimation, the upper limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has not significantly changed since 1957.     

Hydrological and geomorphological criteria to evaluate the dispersion risk of waste sludge generated by the Aznalcollar mine spill (SW Spain)

Following the Aznalcóllar pyrite mine disaster (Seville, Spain) which caused the spilling of some 4.5?hm³ of acid water, the floodplains of the rivers Agrio and Guadiamar were rapidly cleaned of waste sludge. However, despite the efficiency of cleaning activities, there is still evidence of a fine superficial layer of sludge and some soil contamination, with the consequent risk of remobilisation of the pollutants by water erosion. There is much concern that these contaminated sediments may affect the precious ecosystems of the Doñana National Park and the Guadalquivir marshlands. This report describes the evaluation of the risk of mobilisation of the waste sludge through (1) detailed geomorphological analysis, indicating potential areas of erosion-sedimentation on the floodplains of the rivers Agrio and Guadiamar, and predicted dynamics of the waste sludge, and (2) evaluation of the potential dispersion of the waste sludge provoked by future flood events, including hydraulic calculations to model channel flow and the analysis of the texture of the sludge to obtain critical transport and sedimentation values. Findings suggest that the waste sludge is likely to be transported and deposited within the Doñana National Park during future flood events.     

Stratigraphy of the tectonically imbricated lithological succession of the Neves Corvo mine area,Iberian Pyrite Belt,Portugal

Biostratigraphic research, based on palynomorphs and ammonoids, of the tectonically imbricated lithological succession of the Neves Corvo mine, in the Portuguese part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, has yielded ages for all formerly recognised lithostratigraphic units. These can be assembled in three main lithological sequences: (1) detrital sandy/shale substrate (Phyllite-Quartzite Formation) of late Famennian age; (2) Volcano-Sedimentary Complex, divided into a lower and an upper suite, in which one basic, three dolerite sills and four felsic volcanic units and a mineralised package of massive sulphides are identified with ages which range from the late Famennian to the late Visean; (3) flysch succession (Mértola Formation) composed of shale and greywacke dated as late Visean to early Serpukhovian. Precise biostratigraphic dating of the sedimentrary host rocks of massive sulphide mineralisation constrains the age of the latter to the late Strunian (354.8–354.0 Ma). Three stratigraphic hiatuses, corresponding to early/middle Strunian, Tournaisian and early Visean respectively and a south-westward progressive unconformity were also recognised. Sequences 1 and 2 are related to extensional episodes while sequence 3 marks the beginning of compressive tectonic inversion which gave rise to south-westward flysch progradation in close relation to a foreland basin development. Our results lead to the reinterpretation of the tectonic structure of the Neves Corvo mine, with implications for the interpretation of the regional basin dynamics and metal exploration.Editorial handling: F. Tornos     

Cosmological Parameter Estimation with the Galaxy Cluster Abundance

Clusters of galaxies are the most massive virialized structures in the Universe. Given that the mass function of large-scale structures decreases exponentially at the high-mass end, galaxy clusters are a sensitive probe of its normalization and redshift evolution, and hence of the cosmological parameters that most influence it. It will be discussed to what extent these cosmological parameters, namely the present amplitude of density perturbations, the matter density and a possible cosmological constant, can be constrained using observational data on the present and past abundance of galaxy clusters. Results will be presented based on the available data, as well as expected constraints from the X-ray Cluster Survey (XCS).     

Homogenization estimates for texture evolution in halite

In this work, the recently developed “second-order” self-consistent method [Liu, Y., Ponte Castañeda, P., 2004a. Second-order estimates for the effective behavior and field fluctuations in viscoplastic polycrystals. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 52 467–495] is used to simulate texture evolution in halite polycrystals. This method makes use of a suitably optimized linear comparison polycrystal and has the distinguishing property of being exact to second order in the heterogeneity contrast. The second-order model takes into consideration the effects of hardening and of the evolution of both crystallographic and morphological texture to yield reliable predictions for the macroscopic behavior of the polycrystal. Comparisons of these predictions with full-field numerical simulations [Lebensohn, R.A., Dawson, P.R., Kern, H.M., Wenk, H.R., 2003. Heterogeneous deformation and texture development in halite polycrystals: comparison of different modeling approaches and experimental data. Tectonophysics 370 287–311], as well as with predictions resulting from the earlier “variational” and “tangent” self-consistent models, included here for comparison purposes, provide insight into how the underlying assumptions of the various models affect slip in the grains, and therefore the texture predictions in highly anisotropic and nonlinear polycrystalline materials. The “second-order” self-consistent method, while giving a softer stress-strain response than the corresponding full-field results, predicts a pattern of texture evolution that is not captured by the other homogenization models and that agrees reasonably well with the full-field predictions and with the experimental measures.     

Groundwater irrigation and its implications for water policy in semiarid countries: the Spanish experience

Over the last decades, groundwater irrigation has become commonplace in many arid and semiarid regions worldwide, including Spain. This is largely a consequence of the advances in drilling and pumping technologies, and of the development of Hydrogeology. Compared with traditional surface water irrigation systems, groundwater irrigation offers more reliable supplies, lesser vulnerability to droughts, and ready accessibility for individual users. Economic forces influence the groundwater irrigation sector and its development. In Spain's Mediterranean regions, abstraction costs often amount to a very small fraction of the value of crops. In the inner areas, groundwater irrigation supports a more stable flow of farm income than rainfed agriculture. The social (jobs/m³) and economic (€/m³) value of groundwater irrigation generally exceeds that of surface water irrigation systems. However, poor groundwater management and legal controversies are currently at the base of Spain's social disputes over water. A thorough and transparent assessment of the relative socio-economic value of groundwater in relation to surface water irrigation might contribute to mitigate or avoid potential future conflicts. Enforcement of the European Union's Water Framework Directive may deliver better groundwater governance and a more sustainable use.

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Resumen Durante las últimas décadas, la irrigación con agua subterránea se ha vuelto común en muchas regiones áridas y semiáridas alrededor del mundo, incluyendo a España. Ésta es en gran medida una consecuencia de los adelantos en las tecnologías de perforación y bombeo, y del desarrollo de la Hidrogeología. Comparada con los sistemas tradicionales de irrigación con agua superficial, la irrigación con agua subterránea ofrece suministros más fiables, la vulnerabilidad es menor a las sequías, y posee accesibilidad inmediata para los usuarios individuales. Las fuerzas económicas influyen el sector de irrigación con agua subterránea y su desarrollo. En las regiones mediterráneas de España, los costos de extracción suman a menudo una parte muy pequeña del valor de las cosechas. En las áreas internas, la irrigación con agua subterránea constituye un flujo más estable de ingresos para la granja, que la agricultura dependiente del agua lluvia. El valor social (empleos/m³) y económico (€/m³) de la irrigación con agua subterránea, generalmente excede a aquél con sistemas de irrigación de agua superficial. Sin embargo, la gestión pobre del agua subterránea y las controversias legales están actualmente en la base de las disputas sociales en España acerca del agua. Una evaluación completa y transparente del valor socio-económico relativo de agua subterránea respecto a la irrigación con agua superficial, podría contribuir mitigar o evitar los conflictos potenciales del futuro. La entrada en vigor del Marco Reglamentario de Agua de la Unión Europea, puede conllevar a una administración mejor del agua subterránea y a un uso más sostenible.

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Résumé Depuis les dernières décennies, l’irrigation avec l’eau souterraine est devenue commune dans plusieurs régions arides et semi-arides, incluant l’Espagne. Ceci est largement une conséquence due à l’avancement aux technologies de forages et des pompages, et au développement de l’Hydrogéologie. Comparé avec des systèmes traditionnels d’irrigation utilisant l’eau de surface, l’irrigation avec l’eau souterraine offre une technique d’alimentation plus fiable, une vulnérabilité à la sécheresse moins grande, et une accessibilité plus aisée pour chaque utilisateur. Les forces économiques influencent le secteur de l’irrigation par l’eau souterraine et son développement. Dans les régions de l’Espagne Méditerranéenne, les coûts d’exploitation représentent toujours une petite fraction de la valeur des cultures. Dans les régions intérieures, l’irrigation par l’eau souterraine supporte une agriculture plus stable et continue qu’une agriculture reposant sur l’eau de pluie. La valeur sociale (emploi/m³) et économique (€/m³) de l’irrigation avec l’eau souterraine, excède généralement celle des systèmes d’irrigation avec l’eau de surface. Néanmoins, des gestions pauvres de l’eau souterraine et des controverses légales sont couramment à la base de disputes sociales sur l’eau. Un bilan transparent et minutieux des valeurs relatives socio-économiques de l’eau souterraine en relation avec l’eau de surface d’irrigation, devrait contribuer à éviter de potentiels et futurs conflits. Un renforcement de la Directive Cadre de l’Union Européenne devrait apporter une meilleure gouvernance et un usage plus durable.