Marine boundary layer simulation and verification during BOBMEX-Pilot using NCMRWF model

A global spectral model (T80L18) that is operational at NCMRWF is utilized to study the structure of the marine boundary layer over the Bay of Bengal during the BOBMEX-Pilot period. The vertical profiles of various meteorological parameters within the boundary layer are studied and verified against the available observations. The diurnal variation of various surface fields are also studied. The impact of non-local closure scheme for the boundary layer parameterisation is seen in simulation of the flow pattern as well as on the boundary layer structure over the oceanic region.     

Nonlinear Dynamics of Kinetic Alfvén and Whistler Waves in the Solar Wind

In this article we investigate the nonlinear dynamics of 3D kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) and quasi-transverse weak whistler waves in a magnetized plasma. We have studied the problem numerically to examine the transient evolution of localized structures of 3D KAWs and whistler waves. The nonlinearity arises as a result of ponderomotive effects associated with 3D KAWs; consequently, the background density modifies. The weak whistler waves propagating in this modified density are localized and amplified. To improve our insight into the basic physics behind the formation of these localized structures, we have also solved the system semi-analytically. The power spectra show a Kolmogorov scaling (with a power of \(-5/3\)) in the inertial range that lies above the ion gyroradius. Below this scale, dispersive effects start to appear, and the power spectrum follows a steeper scaling (?2 to ?4). Our results show the important role that KAWs and whistler waves play in the energy cascading from larger to smaller scales. The results are consistent with the solar wind observations by the Cluster spacecraft.     

Statistical approach to triple systems in three-dimensional motion

This paper considers disruption of triple close approaches with low initial velocities and equal masses in the framework of statistical escape theory in a three-dimensional space. The statistical escape theory is based on the assumption that the phase trajectory of a triple system is quasi-ergodic. This system is described by allowing for both energy and angular momentum conservation in the phase space. In this paper, “possibility of escape” is derived with the formation of a binary on the basis of relative distances of the participating bodies. The complete statistical solutions (i.e. the semi-major axis \(a\), the distributions of eccentricity \(e\) of the binary, binary energy \({E}_{{b}}\), escape energy \({E}_{{s}}\) of escaper, and its escape velocity \({v}_{{s}}\)) of the system are derived from the allowable phase space volumes and are in good agreement with the numerical results in the range of perturbing velocities \({v}_{{i}}\)(\(10^{ - 1} \le {v}_{{i}} \le 10^{ - 10}\)) and directions of \({v}_{{i}}(0 \le \alpha _{{i}},\beta _{{i}},\gamma _{{i}} \le \pi )\), \({i} = 1,2,3\). In this paper, the double limit process has been applied to approximate the escape probability. Through this process, it is observed that the perturbing velocity \({v}_{{i}} \to 0^{ +} \), as the product of the semi-major axis \(a\) of the final binary and the square of the escape velocity \({v}_{{s}}\) approach 2/3, i.e. \({a} {v}_{{s}}^{2} \to 2 / 3\), whatever direction of \(\mathbf{v}_{{i}}\) may be.     

Sub‐sample time shift and horizontal displacement measurements using phase‐correlation method in time‐lapse seismic

Hydrocarbon production and fluid injection affect the level of subsurface stress and physical properties of the subsurface, and can cause reservoir‐related issues, such as compaction and subsidence. Monitoring of oil and gas reservoirs is therefore crucial. Time‐lapse seismic is used to monitor reservoirs and provide evidence of saturation and pressure changes within the reservoir. However, relative to background velocities and reflector depths, the time‐lapse changes in velocity and geomechanical properties are typically small between consecutive surveys. These changes can be measured by using apparent displacement between migrated images obtained from recorded data of multiple time‐lapse surveys. Apparent displacement measurements by using the classical cross‐correlation method are poorly resolved. Here, we propose the use of a phase‐correlation method, which has been developed in satellite imaging for sub‐pixel registration of the images, to overcome the limitations of cross‐correlation. Phase correlation provides both vertical and horizontal displacements with a much better resolution. After testing the method on synthetic data, we apply it to a real dataset from the Norne oil field and show that the phase‐correlation method can indeed provide better resolution.     

Formation of Coherent Structures and Impact on Turbulence Scaling in Solar-Wind Plasma

The governing dynamical equations of the right-handed circularly polarized dispersive Alfvén wave (DAW), which becomes dispersive owing to the finite frequency of the wave, and the slow Alfvén wave have been obtained using a two-fluid model. The wave localization at different instants of time and its power spectrum have been investigated. The ponderomotive force associated with the pump wave results in intense localized structures. The steepening of spectra is observed from the inertial range to the dispersive range. The results imply that the DAW may play a significant role in solar-wind turbulence. In addition, the formation of DAW localized structures is further examined considering two primary approaches, parametric instability (filamentation) and the reconnection-based model, to study the impact on the turbulent spectrum in more detail.     

Physical Habitat Assessment of River Denwa Using GIS Techniques

Physical habitat of any aquatic ecosystem is an integral part upon which the biological structures of resident communities are built. Degradation of the physical habitat has serious consequences on aquatic communities and is among the leading causes of stream impairment worldwide. Therefore, a sound habitat assessment approach is necessary to assess the condition of running water and to determine if habitat degradation is responsible for any degradation in biological condition. The present study was focused on Physical Habitat Assessment of Denwa River, a sub tributary of river Narmada in central India, for generating a Habitat Suitability map. The Denwa River originates from Satpura ranges in central India and flows through entire Pachmarhi plateau supporting a diversity of habitats for aquatic flora and fauna. A survey was carried out to assess the physical characteristic of Denwa river (84 kms) from its origin to the confluence point of Tawa Denwa river. Six reaches have been identified in study area on the basis of their physiographic conditions. For Habitat Assessment measurement, Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Stream and Wadeable rivers by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 841-B-99-002) have been used. Seven parameters from this protocol have been chosen for physical characterization. GIS techniques have been used to develop a Habitat Suitability Map of the study area based on scores to illustrate its suitability to support aquatic life. The present paper discusses in detail the suitability of the different reaches of the River Denwa for supporting the aquatic biodiversity.     

Plane SH‐waves at a corrugated interface between two dissimilar perfectly conducting self‐reinforced elastic half‐spaces

In this paper, we have attempted a problem of reflection and refraction of plane harmonic SH‐wave at a corrugated interface between two different perfectly conducting self‐reinforced elastic half‐spaces. Rayleigh's method is employed to find out the expressions of reflection and refraction coefficients for first‐ and second‐order approximation of the corrugation. The expressions of these coefficients show that they depend on the properties of half‐spaces, angle of incidence, frequency of the incident wave and are strongly influenced by the corrugation of the interface. Numerical computations are performed for a particular model having special type of interface and the variation of these coefficients are depicted graphically against the angles of incidence, frequency parameter, corrugation parameter at different values of reinforcement parameters. Results of some earlier works are reduced as a particular case of this formulation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Integrated Use of LANDSAT 8, ALOS-PALSAR,SRTM DEM and Ground GPR Data in Delineating Different Segments of Alluvial Fan System in Mahananda and Tista Rivers,West Bengal,India

In this study, visible near infrared, shortwave infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 satellite sensor, two polarisation channel of L band ALOS-PALASAR sensor, SRTM-DEM derived digital elevation data were processed to delineate different geomorphic components of alluvial fans of Tista-Mahanada fan complex. We found image composite of independent components, principal components of Landsat 8 bands were effective in delineating proximal and distal fan segments. Fused images of Landsat 8 and ALOS data were used for enhancing incised distributaries and paleochannels. Field data on depositional sequence of fans, were used to substantiate the image based delineation. Topographic breaks along selected longitudinal profiles (identified with the changes in land use and drainage pattern) of digital elevation data were conjugately analysed using Landsat false colour composites. GPR survey along selected transect highlights the vertical dislocation in the recently deposited sequences of alluvial fan regime indicative of post depositional disturbances.