COMPARISON OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN SURFACE SEDIMENT OF TANJUNG PIAI WETLAND WITH OTHER SITES RECEIVING ANTHROPOGENIC INPUTS ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERN COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

1 INTRODUCTIONOur sampling trip to Tanjung Piai wetland in2002 showed that the site had not been developed andrecognized yet as a wetland of international importance(Ramsar). Recently, our field trip in January 2005to the same site to collect sediment sam…     

Time-spectra of chromospheric activity of old solar-type stars: detection of rotational signals from double wavelet analysis

We introduce a novel technique, called the double wavelet analysis (DWA), for the determination of stellar rotation periods from time serial data. This first paper aims narrowly at the discussion, introduction and application of the DWA technique to records of surface magnetism in solar-type (relatively old) lower main sequence stars that are obtained by the Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) HK Project. The technique takes a series of careful steps that seek to optimize wavelet parameters and normalization schemes, ultimately allowing fine-tuned, arguably more accurate, estimates of rotation-modulated signals (with, e.g., periods of days to months) in records that contain longer periodicities such as stellar magnetic activity cycles (with, e.g., period of years). The apparent rotation periods estimated from the DWA technique are generally consistent with results from both “first-pass” (i.e., ordinary) global wavelet spectrum and earlier classical periodogram analyses. But there are surprises as well. For example, the rotation period of the ancient subdwarf Goombridge 1830 (HD 103095), previously identified as ≈31 days, suggests under the DWA technique a significantly slower period of 60 days. DWA spectra also generally reveal a shift in the cycle period toward high frequencies (hence shorter periods) compared to the first-pass wavelet spectrum. For solar-type stars analyzed here, the character of the DWA spectrum and slope of the first-pass global wavelet spectrum produce a classification scheme that allows a star's record to be placed into one of three categories.     

Anharmonicity of Stellar Cycles: A Wavelet Quantification

Two quantitative measures for the anharmonicity of stellar cycles, as recorded in the Ca II H and K chromospheric activity data as well as in simple dynamo models, are presented and discussed.     

Wave loads on large vertical cylinders: A design method

The finite element method based on linear diffraction theory proposed by Zienkiewicz and Bettess (1977) has been used to compute wave loads and moments about the bed of surface piercing cylinders of circular, square, rectangular and elliptical sections for different angles of wave incidence. On the basis of the results obtained, a design method is presented in the form of simple design charts for estimating wave forces and moments on large cylinders of arbitrary sections. The numerical solutions obtained have been checked for their validity by comparing with other theoretical solutions and experimental data. Further the application of the design method to a case study shows good correlation with experimental and other theoretical solutions.     

A seismic survey to detect natural gas hydrate in the East Sea of Korea

Recently, several countries have conducted projects to explore and develop natural gas hydrate, which is one of the new alternative energy resources for the future. In Korea, a five-year national research project was initiated in 2000. As part of this project, a seismic survey was performed in the East Sea of Korea to quantify the potential magnitude and distribution of natural gas hydrates. Multi-channel seismic data and core samples have been acquired and recovered in the survey area. Analysis of seismic data show clear bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs), seismic blank zones (or wipe-out zones) with velocity pull-up structure, and pock-marks. In this study, we present the results of seismic surveys which indicate the existence of natural gas hydrates in Korean offshore areas. These results will be applied to select areas for coring (or drilling) and detailed exploration such as 2D seismic survey with long offset or 3D seismic in the future.     

Effects of environmental and biological conditions on the recruitment and growth of the Manila clam <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ruditapes philippinarum</Emphasis> on the west coast of Korea

The distribution of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum, which is often dominant in intertidal zones, is influenced by both environmental and biological conditions. However, there have been few comprehensive studies on the interactive effects of these two groups of factors. The present study examined the environmental and biological parameters determining the population dynamics of the clams that is a dominant component of the intertidal communities of Euhangri and Padori on the west coast of Korean peninsula. We collected R. philippinarum and other members of the macrobenthos (> 1 mm long) monthly from 0.25 m² quadrats deployed in the intertidal zones at Euhangri, Taean, and Padori during the period from August 2013 to January 2015. Physicochemical parameters of the water and sediment were measured at the same time. Water temperature and salinity is high and low in the summer to winter, respectively. While mean grain size of the sediment was higher at Euhangri than at Padori, total mean density of R. philippinarum was higher at Euhangri (325 ind./ 0.25 m² at Padori vs. 194 ind./0.25 m² at Euhangri). Settled spat (< 10 mm in length) density was much higher at Euhangri than at Padori (132 vs. 12 individuals/0.25m², respectively). R. philippinarum spats settled down on the sediment at Euhangri in October and grew continually until the following May, when they reached adult size. Spats that settled down at Padori between March and April were not able to reach the adult stage. As the density of the adult population increased, the condition index of individual clams decreased, but as the population density of the spat increased the body condition index increased. The chlorophyll a content of the sediments at Padori exceeded that at Euhangri and decreased as the population of R. philippinarum increased. The shapes of R. philippinarum shells at Euhangri were more prolate than those at Padori, and the condition index at Euhangri exceeded that at Padori, indicating better growth conditions at Euhangri. The condition index and density of R. philippinarum were affected by the amount of chlorophyll a in the water column and in the sediment. The recruitment success of spats was negatively influenced by spat density. We suggest that regulation of habitat conditions for R. philippinarum, including the food supply, will optimize production of these commercial clams.