Impacts of land-use and climate changes on surface runoff in a tropical forest watershed (Brazil)

ABSTRACT

Surface runoff generation capacity can be modified by land-use and climate changes. Annual runoff volumes have been evaluated in a small watershed of tropical forest (Brazil), using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Firstly, the accuracy of SWAT in runoff predictions has been assessed by default input parameters and improved by automatic calibration, using 20-year observations. Then, the hydrological response under land uses (cropland, pasture and deforested soil) alternative to tropical forest and climate change scenarios has been simulated. SWAT application has showed that, if forest was replaced by crops or pasture, the watershed’s hydrological response would not significantly be affected. Conversely, a complete deforestation would slightly increase its runoff generation capacity. Under forecasted climate scenarios, the runoff generation capacity of the watershed will tend to decrease and will not be noticeably different among the representative concentration pathways. Pasture and bare soil will give the lowest and highest runoff coefficients, respectively.     

Definition of geochemical patterns on the soil of Paul de Arzila using correspondence analysis

The aim of this study is to define geochemical and geological patterns, not only inside of Paul de Arzila natural reserve but in the surrounding area. The Correspondence Analysis was used as a discriminate technique to separate previously identified groups, in this case three types of soils (cambisols + luvisols + fluvisols). The purpose was to identify the main chemical association representative for the local types of soils. The results allow us to separate the chemical elements that are related to natural sources from the anthropogenic sources.     

Lower Aptian Subbetic organic-rich facies, radiolarites, and associated deposits: the local expression of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (Carbonero Formation, southern Spain)

The Carbonero Formation represents a scarce, well documented example of Aptian anoxic facies in the Betic Cordillera. Generally, the Aptian record in the pelagic Subbetic basin is both very discontinuous and affected by frequent hiatuses, but in some subsident areas controlled by extensional faults (as in the Carbonero trough) an interesting record is preserved. The Carbonero Formation is characterised by a thick pelagic succession composed of marls with intercalations of calcareous turbidites and a thick interval of anoxic facies. This interval, dated as early Aptian, most likely represents the local expression of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a in the Subbetic basin. A multidisciplinary study including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and sedimentology has been carried out in the Carbonero Formation, with special attention to the anoxic interval. A collection of facies and sedimentary features has been characterised and interpreted, including barite concretions, calcareous concretions, black shales, siliceous marls and radiolarites, and calcareous turbidites. All these facies seem to have been deposited under oxygen-depleted conditions on a fault-bounded depression with a high subsidence rate. The accumulation and burial of sediments and the preservation of organic matter were controlled by both local and regional factors, such as the physiography of the basin and tectonic setting, as well as by global factors, such as palaeoceanographic and climatic changes.     

Correction of TRMM 3B43 monthly precipitation data over the mountainous areas of Peru during the period 1998–2007

In an attempt to estimate the spatial and temporal behaviour of rainfall over the mountainous areas of the Peruvian Andes, a new in situ monthly rainfall dataset has been collected (1998–2007) and compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43 monthly precipitation data for regions located above 3000 m. The reliability of the TRMM 3B43 data varies depending on the root mean squared error ratio (%RMSE) and correlation coefficient. Because of the discrepancy between the two datasets, the use of additive and multiplicative correction models is proposed for the TRMM 3B43 data. In the Peruvian mountain ranges, these correction models better approximate TRMM rainfall monthly values, as already verified for annual values. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic sensitivity analysis of the common structural components of Nepalese Pagoda temples

Nepal is located in a highly active tectonic region of the Himalayan belt, one of the most severe earthquake prone areas of the world. Nepal is lying between the Indian and the Eurasian plate, which are moving continuously, resulting in frequent devastating earthquakes. Moreover, different authors state that the accumulated slip deficit (central seismic gap) is likely to produce large earthquakes in the future. Cultural heritage buildings and monuments are, therefore, at risk, and the eventual cultural loss in the consequence of an earthquake is incalculable. Post-seismic surveys of past earthquakes have shown the potential damage that unreinforced masonry structures, particularly Pagoda temples, may suffer in future earthquakes. Most of the Nepalese Pagoda temples, erected during XIV century, are considered non-engineered constructions that follow very simple rules and construction detailing in respect to seismic resistance requirements and, in some cases, without any concern for seismic action. Presently, conservation and restoration of Nepalese temples is one of the major concerns, since they are considered world heritage with universal value. The present paper is devoted to outline particular building characteristics of the UNESCO classified Nepalese Pagoda temples and the common structural fragilities, which may affect their seismic performance. Moreover, based on a parametric sensitivity analysis, structural weaknesses and fragilities of Pagoda temples were identified associated to the local and traditional construction techniques, detailing and common damages.