The Momentum 4-Vector Imparted by Gravitational Waves in Bianchi-Type Metrics

Considering the Møller, Weinberg and Qadir-Sharif's definitions in general relativity, we find the momentum 4-vector of the closed universe based on the Bianchi-type metrics. The momentum 4-vector (due to matter plus fields) is found to be zero. This result supports the viewpoints of Albrow and Tryon and extends the previous works by Cooperstock–Israelit, Rosen, Johri et al., Banerjee–Sen and Vargas who investigated the problem of the energy in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe and Salt?-Havare who studied the problem of the energy-momentum of the viscous Kasner-type space-times.     

Usage of strain and vorticity analyses to interpret large‐scale fold mechanisms along the Sanandaj–Sirjan HP‐LT metamorphic belt,SW Iran

3D finite strain analyses and kinematic vorticity measurements were carried out on the Loghon Anticline within the HP‐LT Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic belt (Neyriz area, SW Iran). Rƒ/φ and Fry methods were used on the strain markers (e.g. deformed fossils) to interpret geometric relationships between the fold axis, strain ellipsoid axes and shear zone boundaries. The results indicate the predominance of prolate strain in the anticline. Quantitative kinematic analyses show that the W_k parameter is 0. 67 ± 0. 06 (i.e. pure‐shear dominated non‐coaxial flow). This study quantitatively supports the establishment of a dextral transpressive system, which is responsible for the development of the large‐scale right‐lateral shear zones that strike sub‐parallel to the major folds. Flexural shear combined with regional dextral‐shear is suggested to be the most common mechanism of folding in this area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Morphological characteristics and development of coastal nabkhas, north-east Kuwait

The coastal aeolian nabkhas, in Kuwait, are mostly elongated, with an average length of about 10 m, an average width of 3.7 m, and an average height of 0.65 m. The horizontal component of the nabkha dune (HC: the mean of the length and width of nabkha dune), developed around Nitraria retusa, was measured and compared with the height of the shrub. A second-polynomial function was found to best fit the set of data. The fitting identified three trends of the development of the nabkhas. Initially, as the height of shrubs (H) increases, the HC increases linearly until it reaches approximately 10 m. When H exceeds 2 m, the effect of shrub height becomes ineffective in trapping more sediments; that is, reaching an equilibrium condition, before a decrease in shrub height effectiveness occurs. Sediments of the nabkha crest and wings, left and right sides, are subjected to high energy winds, and therefore, they are generally coarser and better sorted than those of the tail or the nose. Minor differences are noted in the textural characteristics and the mineral composition of nabkha sediments and those of other aeolian landforms found in upwind nabkha field; this indicates that the sediments were derived from the nearby sources.     

Shear Wave Splitting Analysis to Estimate Fracture Orientation and Frequency Dependent Anisotropy

Shear wave splitting is a well-known method for indication of orientation, radius, and length of fractures in subsurface layers. In this paper, a three component near offset VSP data acquired from a fractured sandstone reservoir in southern part of Iran was used to analyse shear wave splitting and frequency-dependent anisotropy assessment. Polarization angle obtained by performing rotation on radial and transverse components of VSP data was used to determine the direction of polarization of fast shear wave which corresponds to direction of fractures. It was shown that correct implementation of shear wave splitting analysis can be used for determination of fracture direction. During frequencydependent anisotropy analysis, it was found that the time delays in shearwaves decrease as the frequency increases. It was clearly demonstrated throughout this study that anisotropy may have an inverse relationship with frequency. The analysis presented in this paper complements the studied conducted by other researchers in this field of research.     

Geography of contamination: The location of industrial waste dumps in Catalonia

The handling of the solid industrial waste (SIW) generated in Catalonia is one of the main problems of industrial and territorial policy confronting the public bodies controlling this area of activity. The most recent estimates in this regard indicate that the annual production of SIW is 1,700,000 tons and that only 300,000 tons are treated.In this situation it is usual for a large number of industries to eliminate their SIW furtively, it is common practice to dump waste in various unprepared areas. In this article we present a series of hypotheses which we believe allow us to understand the logic that guides the siting of a large number of these dumps.In the first place we demonstrate the importance of a series of conditions derived from the same industrial logic, to wit, a) the cost of transporting the SIW to the dumps, b) the industrial decentralization process and the metropolitan development of Catalonia, c) vertical integration and the appearance of companies especially dedicated to the elimination of waste and, d) the development of land use through revaluation of the land and greater possibilities for control forces furtive dumps to be sited in more and more distant areas.Secondly, we examine the role of public bodies in this process, concentrating on the characteristics of the legal system and the real effectiveness of urban controls. Finally, in third place, an explanation is given of research carried out in the Barcelona area which shows the importance of the conditions examined above.     

The effect of the geomagnetic activity to the hourly variations of ionospheric foF2 values at low latitudes

In this study, the relationship between the hourly changes of the ionospheric critic frequency values of F2 layers in low latitudes and geomagnetic activity is examined by using statistical methods. The ionospheric critical frequency data has been taken from the Manila (121.1° E, 14.7° N) ionosonde station. In order to investigate the effect of sun activity on ionospheric critical frequency, the data of 1981 when the sun was active and of 1985 when the sun was less active has been used. According to the Granger causality test results, on 5 % significance level, a causality relationship from disturbance storm time (Dst) index values to ionospheric critical frequency values direction has been observed. However, a causality relationship from ionospheric critical frequency values to Dst values has not been observed. From the results of cause-and-effect analysis, it is evaluated that the effect of a shockwave occurring in geomagnetic activity on ionospheric critical frequency continues along 72 h, that is, geomagnetic activity has a long-term effect on ionospheric critical frequency. The response of ionospheric critical frequency to geomagnetic activity substantially depends on seasons. This response is more observed especially in equinox period when the sun is active and in winter months. The increase in geomagnetic activity causes ionospheric critical frequency to decrease in night hours and increase in day hours. The same relationship has not been observed exactly, though observed very little in winter months, for 1985 when the sun was less active.     

Quantitative Analysis and Efficiency Assessment of Floodwater Harvesting System in Arid Region: Case of Touzouz ephemeral stream—Mzab Valley

Water Resources - The Mzab Valley is characterized by an arid climate with limited amounts of rainfall. In the context of water scarcity, the Mzab water management system recovers floodwater for...     

A study of aerosol properties over Lahore (Pakistan) by using AERONET data

It is well established that aerosols affect the climate in a variety of ways. In order to understand these effects, we require an insight into the properties of aerosols. In this paper we present a study of aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) over mega city of Lahore (Pakistan). The data from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) have been used for the period December 2009 to October 2011. The seasonal average values of AOD, asymmetry parameter (ASY) and volume size distribution in coarse mode were observed to be highest in summer. On the other hand, the average values of Angstrom exponent (AE) and imaginary part of refractive index (RI) were found to be maximum in winter. The average value of real part of RI was found to be higher in spring than in all other seasons. The SSA exhibited an increasing trend with wavelength in the range 440 nm–1020 nm in spring, summer and fall indicating the dominance of coarse particles (usually dust). However, a decreasing trend was found in winter in the range 675 nm–1020 nm pointing towards the dominance of biomass and urban/industrial aerosols. As far as aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) is concerned, we have found that during the spring season ARF was lowest at the surface of Earth and highest at top of the atmosphere (TOA). This indicates that the atmosphere was warmer in spring than in all the remaining seasons.     

基于FTIR和MODIS数据估算新疆沙漠宽波段地表比辐射率

基于FTIR和MODIS数据,建立了新疆沙漠宽波段（8～13.5 μm）地表比辐射率的最优估算模型。首先,利用傅立叶变换热红外光谱仪观测的塔克拉玛干沙漠地表比辐射率光谱数据,结合同期MODIS温度/比辐射率产品MOD11A1的29、31和32波段比辐射率值和MOD09A1的第7波段反射率值,建立宽波段地表比辐射率估算模型,并分别采用观测数据和光谱库数据验证了模型的精度,估算结果的均方根误差分别为0.0041和0.0081。其次,选择最优估算模型,利用MODIS数据,估算了新疆4个沙漠的宽波段地表比辐射率,得到了沙漠地表比辐射率的空间分布特征。结果表明：塔克拉玛干沙漠和库鲁克库姆沙漠气候干燥稳定,地表比辐射率分布较为均匀,范围为0.850～0.915;古尔班通古特沙漠受到植被和地表水分的影响,比辐射率空间分布不均匀,范围为0.890～0.915;库木塔格沙漠的地表比辐射率分布与其羽状地表类似,范围为0.860～0.910。