Parallelism in seismic computing

This paper describes a vectorized and parallelized implementation of a two-dimensional pseudo-spectralseismic elastic model and of a (frequency-domain)seismic migration algorithm on the (tightly-coupled) vector multiprocessor IBM 3090 VF. Performance data of alternative parallel implementations on an LCAP (loosely coupled system of array processors FPS 164) are also given.The paper reports additionally performance data of a vector/parallel implementation on the IBM 3090 of some characteristicseismic velocity estimation algorithms. The three problems chosen are representative of a wide class of geophysical computations and the results summarized in this paper show their suitability to efficient implementation on the IBM 3090 vector multiprocessor: combined vector/parallel speedups in the range 15–30 are in fact observed.     

Investigating the Effects of Local Contact Loss on the Earth Pressure Distribution on Rigid Pipes

In this paper, the earth pressure distribution acting on a buried pipe with localized support loss is investigated experimentally and numerically in this study. A laboratory setup has been designed to facilitate the simulation of the local wall separation and to track the changes in earth pressure at selected locations along the pipe circumference. Validated by the experimental results, two-dimensional finite element analysis has been conducted to examine the role of soil-pipe interaction on the pressure distribution around the pipe before and after the contact loss is introduced. Experimental and numerical results revealed that the presence of a gap between the pipe wall and the surrounding backfill can lead to significant changes in contact pressure and bending moment in the pipe wall in the immediate vicinity of the gap. This study suggests that efforts to detect and repair areas experiencing support loss should be made before significant changes in pressure develop causing stress concentration in the pipe wall as it may lead to pipe damage.     

Hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater in an irrigated land in Central Tunisia

Detailed hydrogeochemical investigation has provided new information concerning the major factors and mechanisms controlling the groundwater chemistry of Chougafiya basin. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwaters comprise three main types: Cl–SO₄–Ca, Cl–SO₄–Na and Cl–Na. Hydrochemical characteristics based on the bivariate diagrams of major (Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^?, HCO₃ ^?, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺) and some trace (Br^? and Sr²⁺) ions, mineral saturation indices and hierarchical cluster analysis indicate different origins of groundwater mineralization. The water–rock interaction (dissolution of evaporitic minerals), followed by cation exchange reactions with clay minerals, constitute the main processes that control groundwater salinization. However, the chemical composition of brackish groundwater in the central and southern parts of the study area is influenced by a mixing process with Sabkhas salt groundwater. The mixing proportions inferred from chloride mass balance prove that the contribution of Sabkhas groundwater to Quaternary aquifer ranges between 2.7 and 9.1 %. These intrusion rates reflect the progress of the saltwater–freshwater interface, which is mainly controlled by the piezometric level variation and the distance to the Sabkhas.     

Marine Sr (Ca) input in Quaternary volcanic rock weathering profiles from the Mediterranean coast of Morocco: Sr isotopic approach

Carbonate commonly accumulates in weathering profiles developed on noncalcareous parent material under arid and semiarid climatic conditions. Such weathering profile types are widespread in Morocco, making it critical to know the sources of the calcium in order to understand the genesis of carbonate-rich soils. In this study, we use ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr as a geochemical tracer of the Ca sources in weathering profiles developed on volcanic rocks (basalt, tuff, andesite and latite) in the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. The results show that the most of the Sr, and hence Ca, is of an external origin, derived from (i) sea-water for the profiles located near to the coast or (ii) sea-water plus Liassic carbonate outcropping in the catchment for the profiles more distant from the coastline. The contribution of the host rock is small, being less than 25%. The ratio of the Sr (Ca) from the parent material to that from the external sources is controlled by the degree of porosity developed in the profile.     

The elimination of short-periodic terms in a Uranus-Neptune general planetary theory by von Zeipel's method

We eliminate by the method of von Zeipel the short-period terms in a first order-with respect to planetary masses—general planetary Uranus-Neptune theory. We exclude in the expansion terms of eccentricities and sines of inclinations higher than the third power.Our variables are the Poincaré canonical variables. We use the Jacobi-Radau set of origins, and we refer the planes of the osculating ellipses to a common fixed plane, the longitudes to a common origin. The short-periodic terms arising from the indirect and principal parts of the disturbing functions, are eliminated separately. The Fourier series of the principal part of the disturbing function, is reduced to the sum of only the first three terms.     

Placing Venus in an orbit similar to that of the Earth

Motivated by the recent proposals of A. Abian, we introduce the physical and dynamical considerations for producing a second Earth-like planet on which life sustaining conditions may exist, and hence we acquire multiplication of the cosmic resources of the human race. We investigate the perturbations in our solar system after alteration, through a third order Hamiltonian planetary theory for the eight principal planets. The Hori-Lie theorem, the Jacobi-Radau coordinates, and the canonical variables of H. Poincaré are adopted.     

Expansion formulae in canonical transformations depending on a small parameter

The theory of perturbation based on Lie transforms is considered. Deprit's equation is reduced to a form which enables us to generate simplified general recursion formulae. These expansions are then modified to speed up the implementation of such perturbation theory in the computerized symbolic manipulation.     

A note on the Hori-Lie perturbation technique

In this paper we describe how to avoid the introduction of Hori's pseudo time in general planetary theory in the case of two planets.     

Expansion of the mutual distance between two planets raised to any negative power

An expression for ^–s in terms of the Poincaré variablesL, , H, K, P. Q has been evaluated. The inclinations of the two planets are referred to a common fixed plane. We neglect in the final formula powers higher than the third of the Poincaré variables.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evolution of water in the Complexe Terminal aquifer in the Algerian Sahara

The hydrogeochemical and isotopic evolution of groundwaters in the Mio–Pliocene sands of the Complexe Terminal (CT) aquifer in central Algeria are described. The CT aquifer is located in the large sedimentary basin of the Great Oriental Erg. Down-gradient groundwater evolution is considered along the main representative aquifer cross section (south–north), from the southern recharge area (Tinrhert Plateau and Great Oriental Erg) over about 700 km. Groundwater mineralisation increases along the flow line, from 1.5 to 8 g l^?1, primarily as a result of dissolution of evaporite minerals, as shown by Br/Cl and strontium isotope ratios. Trends in both major and trace elements demonstrate a progressive evolution along the flow path. Redox reactions are important and the persistence of oxidising conditions favours the increase in some trace elements (e.g. Cr) and also NO₃ ^?, which reaches concentrations of 16.8 mg l^?1 NO₃-N. The range in ¹⁴C, 0–8.4 pmc in the deeper groundwaters, corresponds with late Pleistocene recharge, although there then follows a hiatus in the data with no results in the range 10–20 pmc, interpreted as a gap in recharge coincident with hyper-arid but cool conditions across the Sahara; groundwater in the range 24.7–38.9 pmc signifies a distinct period of Holocene recharge. All δ¹⁸O compositions are enriched relative to deuterium and are considered to be derived by evaporative enrichment from a parent rainfall around ?11‰ δ¹⁸O, signifying cooler conditions in the late Pleistocene and possibly heavy monsoon rains during the Holocene.