Straw Blankets Sewn With Recycled Plastic Threads for Erosion and Urban Sediments Control

Soil erosion, transport and deposition of sediments represent invisible threats that along time can affect negatively the existing infrastructure of roads and dams, and the quality of air and water resources. In the last decades, a great number of researches were devoted to study erosion and sediments transportation processes. However, they addressed mostly areas of agriculture, water impoundments for dams, and land conservation. A lack of studies for erosion processes in urban areas is evident, in special those aiming to diminish the deposition of sediments originated from urban areas into the rivers and air, in special as airborne particulate. Traditionally, the costs associated in controlling erosion and sediments in urban areas are high and in some case, out of the range for most developing countries. Factors responsible for those high prices are the use of heavy equipments for soil grading and transportation, the use of costly building materials, and the need for employing more specialized personnel. In the case of gullies in urban areas, another concern is to ensure proper equipment access to the area for remediation operations. Hereby, it is presented a cost-effective method to recover an extensive gully erosion area of about 11,000 m² located in urban area. Estimated sediments released from this area to the water resources and air were estimated on about 66,000,000 tons. In this study area, bioengineering works were performed in 60 days, with hardly any sediment generated outside the work area resulting from bioengineering operations. A combination of bioengineering techniques were chosen for this study area, which was a mixture of rigid and biological products including biologs, silt fence, biodegradable straw blankets sewn with plastic threads derived from recycled PET bottles, among others. An efficient drainage system was implemented for preventing upland flow, sub-seepage and seepage. Biologs were used aiming to fulfill a double role, the first as barrier to soil sediments flow, and the second as filler for empty spaces, avoiding expensive grading operations. All engineering works were concluded in about 60 days at a cost of US0.89/m < sup > 2 < /sup > . This price is cost-effective if compared with the traditional engineering cost of approximately US 0.89/m². This price is cost-effective if compared with the traditional engineering cost of approximately US 2.92/m² because it includes extensive use of grading and soil transportation. An environmental advantage of the bioengineering method is the immediate reduction of airborne particulates. Furthermore, the overall visual aesthetics improved shortly after the implementation of the works because the bare ground was substituted by native vegetation. After 6 months the vegetation in the gully erosion area was totally established. Monitoring was performed after 12 months and no erosion and sediment transport was visually noticed. The ease implementation of this technique without the need for specialized workers in combination with low prices makes this method a model for developing countries.     

Effects on runoff caused by changes in land cover in a Brazilian southeast basin: evaluation by HEC-HMS and HEC-GEOHMS

The Southeast Region of Brazil has undergone major changes in land cover, especially after the eighteenth century. It is currently the most populous region of the country, highly urbanized, with a high degree of industrial and agricultural development. Extensive areas of native vegetation have been replaced by pastures, crops and urban areas, which have increased runoff, causing environmental, economic and social problems related to flooding. The objective of this study was to analyze effects of land cover changes in a basin with rural and urban characteristics on the flow of its main river. Hydrological data, orbital images, soils and topographical maps were used for this purpose. Based on the land cover maps for the years of 1989, 2001 and 2015, and on the hydrological modeling performed using the Hec-HMS 4.1 software, scenarios were simulated and showed that the land cover changes in this basin significantly affect the flow behavior of the main river. The simulated runoff was calibrated using the data observed in the field during 2001, and validation was performed using data from 1989. After the calibration and validation processes, a scenario was simulated where the rainiest month of the whole series measured by the rainfall station (during December 1989) acted on the land cover of 2015. There was an increase in pasture areas and impermeable spaces in the basin, which caused a decrease in infiltration and an increase in surface runoff, and also an increase in the flow peaks and a reduction in the time of concentration. The hydrological modeling was satisfactory, since the uncertainties related to the simulation were low.     

Stable isotope mass fragmentography: identification and hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies of eight Murchison meteorite amino acids

The concentration of eight protein amino acids found in extracts of the Murchison carbonaceous chondrite has been measured by quadrupole mass fragmentography. This result was obtained by using deuterated amino acids as internal standards. In addition, hydrogendeuterium exchange in amino acids was studied by two methods. First, nondeuterated amino acids were added to the meteorite and the amount of deuterium incorporated after extraction with deuterium oxide was determined. Second, deuterated amino acids were added to the dry meteorite and the loss of deuterium after extraction with H₂O was measured. It was observed that the degree of hydrogen-deuterium exchange increased with increasing severity of extraction conditions. This exchange resulted in some racemization, presumably catalyzed by constituents of the meteorite. The degree of racemization for each amino acid was determined by gas chromatography of the corresponding N-trifluoroacetyl-O-( + )-2-butyl esters.     

A prefetching technique for prediction of porous media flows

In many applications in flows through porous media, one needs to determine the properties of subsurface to detect, monitor, or predict the actions of natural or induced forces. Here, we focus on two important subsurface properties: rock permeability and porosity. A Bayesian approach using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is well suited for reconstructing the spatial distribution of permeability and porosity, and quantifying associated uncertainty in these properties. A crucial step in this approach is the computation of a likelihood function, which involves solving a possibly nonlinear system of partial differential equations. The computation time for the likelihood function limits the number of MCMC iterations that can be performed in a practical period of time. This affects the consistency of the posterior distribution of permeability and porosity obtained by MCMC exploration. To speed-up the posterior exploration, we can use a prefetching technique, which relies on the fact that multiple likelihoods of possible states into the future in an MCMC chain can be computed ahead of time. In this paper, we show that the prefetching technique implemented on multiple processors can make the Bayesian approach computationally tractable for subsurface characterization and prediction of porous media flows.     

Tectonic evolution of the deep crust: Variscan reactivation by extension and thrusting of Precambrian basement in the Bragança and Morais massifs (Tras-os-Montes,NE Portugal)

Abstract

The Braganca amd Morais Massifs (NE Portugal) comprise a pile of four nappes on lop of the Autochthon of the Central-Iberian Zone : a Parautochthon (PTC), a Lower Allochthon (LATC), an Ophiolitic Complex (OTC) and an Upper Allochton (UATC). This article focuses on the tectonic evolution of the prc-Variscan basement preserved in the Upper Allochthonous Thrust Complex. (1) In the Morais Massif, the UATC is mainly composed of orthogneisscs, micaschists and high-grade melamorphic rocks restricted to a small duplex between the orthogneisses and the ophiolitic complex. The orthogneisses are pervasively deformed by D6 (Variscan D1). characterized by NNW-SSE stretching lineation, C-S structures, and sense of shear to the SSE. The high-grade melamorphic rocks show at least three ductile deformation phases older than the gneisses deformation. The micaschists and the orthogneisses are cut by mafic sills and dykes transformed into amphibolites by the Variscan tec-tonometamorphic evolution. In a restricted domain where dykes arc less deformed, two deformation events can be recognized and arc considered to be pre-Variscan. The walls of the dykes show a N-S stretching and mineral lineation interpreted as resulting from D6 (Variscan D1). (2) In the Braganca Massif, the UATC comprises mafic to ultrainafic igneous and high-grade melamorphic rocks, and paragncisses with ky-eclogite lenses. Six ductile deformation phases are recognized. The D1 to D4 events may correspond to a complete pre-Variscan orogenic cycle, from subduction (D1) to collision (D2-DS) and thrusting of the high-grade metamorphic rocks to upper levels in the crust (D3-D4); D5 may result from the Lower Palaeozoic extensional event that marks the begining of the Variscan Wilson cycle; D6 is interpreted as the first Variscan orogenic event with southward movement. The UATC of the Cabo Ortegal anil Braganca Massifs comprise mainly upper mantle/lower erustal rocks. By contrast, the UATC of the Ordenes and Morais Massifs is mainly composed of middle to upper erustal rocks. Vic propose that this is the result of a regional ductile normal fault (extensional event) that was active prior to the Variscan orogeny, in Lower Palaeozoic times, and affected a Precambrian basement.     

Evaluation of susceptibility for terrain collapse and subsidence in karst areas,municipality of Iraquara,Chapada Diamantina (BA), Brazil

The morphological evolution of the karstic systems is associated with a set of physical and chemical processes, triggered by the dissolution of the rocks, related to percolation of groundwater and surface water, which consequently open underground voids and carve out peculiar forms of relief. Due to environmental and geotechnical aspects, this system is naturally more fragile and vulnerable than other natural systems and, therefore, has increasingly received the attention of the scientific community over the past decades. The objective of the study was to delimit zones with varying degrees of susceptibility for collapses and subsidence of sinkholes in the municipality of Iraquara, Chapada Diamantina (BA), Brazil, and to understand their geological and morphological determinant factors. Geological data, karst phenomenon map, and visual analysis in the field were used to categorize zones with different types of susceptibilities to the nucleation of new sinkholes based on a Hazard Index. This index was defined from the sum of geological hazard factors, lineament density, and sinkhole density. The areas that presented the highest susceptibility for terrain collapse and subsidence corresponded to regions where carbonate rocks outcrop, with high density of photolineaments and 2.62 sinkholes/km². Processes associated with terrain collapse and subsidence in karst areas consisted of a combination of various factors, hindering precise predictions. However, zones of different types of susceptibilities to terrain collapse and subsidence can be delimited when the relationships between these processes and their factors are understood. The Hazard Index proposed does not provide quantitative values for the probability of hazard susceptibility, but rather indicates areas that are more susceptible to terrain subsidence and collapse.     

Influence of a Drought Event on Hydrological Characteristics of a Small Estuary on the Amazon Mangrove Coast

The effects of atypical climatic conditions, such as those of a drought event, are remarkably accentuated in minor estuaries filled with sediments and with reduced or sporadic freshwater input, where the salinity intrusion is pronounced. To understand these effects, hydrological and hydrodynamic parameters were evaluated during a drought period in a small estuary located on the eastern Amazon coast in northern Brazil. Five campaigns were conducted between June 2012 and June 2013. Samples were collected from the surface and bottom layer every 3 h over a 25-h period at three stations of the Taperaçu Estuary. To compare drought and post-drought periods, in terms of salinity and chlorophyll-a, data was recorded until June 2015. Taperaçu is a relatively shallow estuary of the Amazon coastal zone, which is characterized by the absence of any direct fluvial discharge, although it does receive freshwater input from adjacent wetlands, as well as less saline waters from the Caeté Estuary through the Taici Creek. Hydrological variables were controlled by rainfall levels and the tidal range, and the water became more saline and more oxygenated, with reduced dissolved nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations when precipitation decreased. A significant variation was found between the months of June 2012 (most intense drought) and 2013 (less intense drought). The connection to the neighboring Caeté Estuary and adjacent mangroves and wetlands contributed to the influx of nutrient-enriched waters. Overall, then, it is hoped that the results of this study can contribute to the understanding of the effects of drought events in other minor estuaries on the highly indented Amazon coast, as well as in other areas of the equatorial zone with similar environmental characteristics.     

Management of non-structural measures in the prevention of flash floods: a case study in the city of Duque de Caxias,state of Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

In the last years, natural hazards related to flash floods have caused serious damage and losses to the population of the state of Rio de Janeiro. This research discusses the importance of implementing a methodology for the prevention of flash floods, by comparing the methods applied since 2013 in the city of Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the major prevention actions suggested by the Flash Flood Early Warning System Reference Guide from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, questioning civil defense professionals about the importance of each method to vulnerable communities. Even without the occurrence of an extreme event that proves the effectiveness of the method between 2014 and 2016, the population will certainly be better prepared to face the risks of disasters in the city in the future. In addition, the study also underscores an approach of approximation between academic studies and operational activities, which is still very incipient in Brazil.     

Arsenic in the groundwater of Ouro Preto (Brazil): its temporal behavior as influenced by the hydric regime and hydrogeology

In the city of Ouro Preto (MG), water catchment for public supply originates from superficial drainage, springs, old abandoned mines and some driven wells. In the rocks of the region, As is originally found in gold-enriched sulphide-bearing mineral deposits. The weathering process introduces As into the hydrological system by dissolution of this element into the leachate. Measurement of the As content in the groundwater of some catchments was carried out during 1 year and these measurements demonstrated high As content—up to 224 μg L⁻¹ of As(V)—during the rainy season (the maximum concentration limit according to World Health Organization is 10 μg L⁻¹). Lower values were observed during the dry season and in some sampling stations, As was not even detected. The As concentration variability during 1 year shows a strict and direct relationship to seasonal and hydrological conditions. For city authorities, responsible for public water supply, it is necessary to perform a complete inventory of the water sources used and constantly monitor the As content in the water.     

Radiation balance at the surface in the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil: diurnal and seasonal variations

The main goal of this work is to describe the diurnal and seasonal variations of the radiation balance components at the surface in the city of S?o Paulo based on observations carried out during 2004. Monthly average hourly values indicate that the amplitudes of the diurnal cycles of net radiation (Q*), downwelling and upwelling shortwave radiation (SW_DW, SW_UP), and longwave radiations (LW_DW, LW_UP) in February were, respectively, 37%, 14%, 19%, 11%, and 5% larger than they were in August. The monthly average daily values indicate a variation of 60% for Q*, with a minimum in June and a maximum in December; 45% for SW_DW, with a minimum in May and a maximum in September; 50% for SW_UP, with a minimum in June and a maximum in September; 13% for LW_DW, with a minimum in July and a maximum in January; and 9% for LW_UP, with a minimum in July and a maximum in February. It was verified that the atmospheric broadband transmissivity varied from 0.36 to 0.57; the effective albedo of the surface varied from 0.08 to 0.10; and the atmospheric effective emissivity varied from 0.79 to 0.92. The surface effective emissivity remained approximately constant and equal to 0.96. The albedo and surface effective emissivity for S?o Paulo agreed with those reported for urban areas in Europe and North America cities. This indicates that material and geometric effects on albedo and surface emissivity in S?o Paulo are similar to ones observed in typical middle latitudes cities. On the other hand, it was found that S?o Paulo city induces an urban heat island with daytime maximum intensity varying from 2.6°C in July (16:00 LT) to 5.5°C in September (15:00 LT). The analysis of the radiometric properties carried out here indicate that this daytime maximum is a primary response to the seasonal variation of daily values of net solar radiation at the surface.