Modelling the Asian summer monsoon using CCAM

A ten-year mean (1989–1998) climatology of the Asian summer monsoon is studied using the CSIRO Conformal-Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) to downscale NCEP reanalyses. The aim of the current study is to validate the model results against previous work on this topic, in order to identify model strengths and weaknesses in simulating the Asian summer monsoon. The model results are compared with available observations and are presented in two parts. In the first part, the mean summer rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures and winds are compared with the observations. The second part focuses on validation of the monsoon onset. The model captures the mean characteristics such as the cross-equatorial flow of low-level winds over the Indian Ocean and near the Somali coast, rainfall patterns, onset indices, northward movements, active-break and revival periods.     

Urban malaria in Africa: an environmental and socio-economic modelling approach for Yaoundé, Cameroon

Most of the existing predictive malaria risks spatial models use very broad spatial scales, and they are usually built-up for continental or national outlines. These models usually do not account for the complexity of socio-economic variables intervening into the malaria transmission process as well malaria prevention strategies. These spatial and thematic shortcomings are particularly interesting when looking at urban environments. This paper explains why a focus on urban malaria overcomes these shortcomings. A set of environmental variables derived from remotely sensed and ground climate station sources was used to build-up an ecological model. An original data collection process based on GPS measurements and retrospective interviews was introduced for the creation of various geoepidemiological and geosocial variables. Multinomial logistic models were used to predict and evaluate the contribution of various thematically separated groups of variables to malaria risk. Finally, it was possible to statistically and spatially evaluate the contribution of ecologic, socio-ecologic, socio-economic and behavioural characteristics of these groups of variables to malaria risks.     

Threatened archaeological,historic, and cultural resources of the Georgia Coast: Identification,prioritization and management using GIS technology

Archaeological sites in beach and estuarine environments are continually threatened by diverse natural marine processes. Shoreline erosion, bluff retreat, and sea level rise all present potential for site destruction. Using historic maps, aerial imagery, and field survey methods in a GIS, 21 potentially significant archaeological sites on Georgia barrier islands were selected for determination of site‐specific rates of shoreline change using a powerful, new, moving‐boundary GIS analysis tool. A prioritized list of sites, based on the order of site loss from erosion, was generated to assist coastal managers in identifying and documenting sites most at risk. From the original selection of 21 sites, 11 sites were eroding, 8 shorelines were stable, and 2 shorelines were accreting. The methodology outlined here produces critical information on archaeological site loss rates and provides a straightforward means of prioritizing sites for detailed documentation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

New indices and calibrations derived from the distribution of crenarchaeal isoprenoid tetraether lipids: Implications for past sea surface temperature reconstructions

Several studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between the distribution of crenarchaeotal isoprenoid glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) and sea surface temperature (SST). Based on this, a ratio of certain GDGTs, called TEX₈₆ (TetraEther indeX of tetraethers consisting of 86 carbon atoms), was developed as a SST proxy. In this study, we determined the distribution of crenarchaeotal isoprenoid GDGTs in 116 core-top sediments mostly from (sub)polar oceans and combined these data with previously published core-top data. Using this extended global core-top dataset (n = 426), we re-assessed the relationship of crenarchaeal isoprenoid GDGTs with SST. We excluded data from the Red Sea from the global core-top dataset to define new indices and calibration models, as the Red Sea with its elevated salinity appeared to behave differently compared to other parts of the oceans. We tested our new indices and calibration models on three different paleo datasets, representing different temperature ranges. Our results indicate that the crenarchaeol regio-isomer plays a more important role for temperature adaptation in (sub)tropical oceans than in (sub)polar oceans, suggesting that there may be differences in membrane adaptation of the resident crenarchaeotal communities at different temperatures. We, therefore, suggest to apply two different calibration models. For the whole calibration temperature range (−3 to 30 °C), a modified version of TEX₈₆ with a logarithmic function which does not include the crenarchaeol regio-isomer, called , is shown to correlate best with SST: (r² = 0.86, n=396, p <0.0001). Application of on sediments from the subpolar Southern Ocean results in realistic absolute SST estimates and a similar SST trend compared to a diatom SST record from the same core. , which is defined as the logarithmic function of TEX₈₆, yields the best correlation with SST, when the data from the (sub)polar oceans are removed: (r² = 00.87, n = 255, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, gives the best correlation for mescosm data with temperatures ranging between 10 and 46 °C. For Quaternary sediments from the tropical Arabian Sea, both and yield similar trends and SST estimates. However, the extrapolation of calibration on a sediment record from a greenhouse world ocean predicts more reliable absolute SST estimates and relative SST changes in agreement with estimates based on the δ¹⁸O of planktonic foraminifera. Based on the comparison of and derived SSTs using the core top data, we recommend applying above 15 °C and below 15 °C. In cases where paleorecords encompass temperatures both below and above 15 °C, we suggest to use .     

Deuterium enrichments in chondritic macromolecular material—Implications for the origin and evolution of organics, water and asteroids

Here we report the elemental and isotopic compositions of the insoluble organic material (IOM) isolated from several previously unanalyzed meteorites, as well as the reanalyses of H isotopic compositions of some previously measured samples (Alexander et al., 2007). The IOM in ordinary chondrites (OCs) has very large D enrichments that increase with increasing metamorphism and decreasing H/C, the most extreme δD value measured being almost 12,000‰. We propose that such large isotopic fractionations could be produced in the OC parent bodies through the loss of isotopically very light H₂ generated when Fe was oxidized by water at low temperatures (<200 °C). We suggest that similar isotopic fractionations were not generated in the IOM of CV and CO chondrites with similar metamorphic grades and IOM H/C ratios because proportionately less water was consumed during metamorphism, and the remaining water buffered the H isotopic composition of the IOM even a H was being lost from it.Hydrogen would also have been generated during the alteration of CI, CM and CR carbonaceous chondrites. The IOM in these meteorites exhibit a considerable range in isotopic compositions, but all are enriched in D, as well as ¹⁵N, relative to terrestrial values. We explore whether these enrichments could also have been produced by the loss of H₂, but conclude that the most isotopically anomalous IOM compositions in meteorites from these groups are probably closest to their primordial values. The less isotopically anomalous IOM has probably been modified by parent body processes. The response of IOM to these processes was complex and varied, presumably reflecting differences in conditions within and between parent bodies.The D enrichments associated with H₂ generation, along with exchange between D-rich IOM and water in the parent bodies, means that it is unlikely that any chondrites retain the primordial H isotopic composition of the water ice that they accreted. The H isotopic compositions of the most water-rich chondrites, the CMs and CIs, are probably the least modified and their compositions (δD ? −25‰) suggest that their water did not form at large radial distances from the Sun where ice is predicted to be very D-rich. Yet models to explain the O isotopic composition of inner Solar System bodies require that large amounts of ice were transported from the outer to the inner Solar System.     

Source components of the Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) shield stage magmas: evidence from olivine composition and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes

The Canary Island primitive basaltic magmas are thought to be derived from an HIMU-type upwelling mantle containing isotopically depleted (NMORB)-type component having interacted with an enriched (EM)-type component, the origin of which is still a subject of debate. We studied the relationships between Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations in olivine phenocrysts (85.6–90.0 mol.% Fo, 1,722–3,915 ppm Ni, 1,085–1,552 ppm Mn, 1,222–3,002 ppm Ca) from the most primitive subaerial and ODP Leg 157 high-silica (picritic to olivine basaltic) lavas with their bulk rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70315–0.70331, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51288–0.51292, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.55–19.93, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60–15.63, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.31–39.69). Our data point toward the presence of both a peridotitic and a pyroxenitic component in the magma source. Using the model (Sobolev et al. in: Science 316:412–417, 2007) in which the reaction of Si-rich melts originated during partial melting of eclogite (a high pressure product of subducted oceanic crust) with ambient peridotitic mantle forms olivine-free reaction pyroxenite, we obtain an end member composition for peridotite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70337, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51291, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.36, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.61 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.07 (EM-type end member), and pyroxenite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70309, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51289, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 20.03, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.84 (HIMU-type end member). Mixing of melts from these end members in proportions ranging from 70% peridotite and 30% pyroxenite to 28% peridotite and 72% pyroxenite derived melt fractions can generate the compositions of the most primitive Gran Canaria shield stage lavas. Combining our results with those from the low-silica rocks from the western Canary Islands (Gurenko et al. EPSL 277:514–524, 2009), at least four distinct components are required. We propose that they are (1) HIMU-type pyroxenitic component (representing recycled ocean crust of intermediate age) from the plume center, (2) HIMU-type peridotitic component (ancient recycled ocean crust stirred into the ambient mantle) from the plume margin, (3) depleted, MORB-type pyroxenitic component (young recycled oceanic crust) in the upper mantle entrained by the plume, and (4) EM-type peridotitic component from the asthenosphere or lithosphere above the plume center.     

Formation of basins and mountain ranges in Attica (Greece): The role of Miocene to Recent low-angle normal detachment faults

In seismically active regions, active low-angle detachment faults are probably more frequent as is commonly thought and may play an important but still underestimated role in the evolution of landforms and basins. We investigate the tectonically active region of Attica (Greece) in the Aegean back arc as a model region to show how basins and mountain ranges commonly thought to be formed by movements on high-angle normal faults in fact reflect the surface expression of displacements on yet undetected, deep-seated, active low-angle normal detachment faults. Inferences are made based on an integrated study of Attica linking the petrology of clastic sediments with geomorphology and structures, and including few new palynological data. From the Miocene to Recent, three sets of normal detachment fault systems were successively active. Shear zones of the 1st (Early Miocene) stage emplaced rocks of the Attic Cycladic high-P metamorphic belt (AC-HP-belt) from depth corresponding to greeschist facies conditions in the brittle, upper crust. In the 2nd stage the WNW dipping Attica low-angle normal detachment fault system between the AC-HP-belt and the un- or weakly metamorphosed rocks of the sub-Pelagonian Zone (SPZ) was active. Clastic sedimentation started in the Late Miocene, during the 2nd stage. Late Miocene and Early Pliocene clastic sediments reveal that during the 2nd stage many areas that presently expose the AC-HP-belt were still covered by the overlying SPZ. Also, now uplifted areas such as the Parnitha mountain range that currently undergo strong erosion were then the sites of sedimentary sinks. The 3rd stage (Late Pliocene through Recent) is associated with dramatic changes in the morphology and recurring steepening of the relief. Reversal of the Parnitha area from the site of deposition into the site of erosion is associated with deposition of coarse conglomerates to the SE of the Parnitha Mt. and S of the Penteli Mt. Sediments of the 3rd stage reflect activity of the here newly described, SSE-dipping Penteli—Athens low-angle detachment fault (PADF) system formed at a high angle to the Attica detachment fault. The outcome of this study is that the present-day geomorphology is to a high degree related to the operation of the PADF system. Steep fault bounding the Athens and Mesogea basins as well as the mountain ranges (Parnitha, Penteli, Hymittos mounts) belongs to its breakaway zone or root into the PADF. Ongoing tectonic movements related to this fault system were responsible for the 1999 Athens (Mw = 6.0) earthquake. We particularly discuss how the PADF may continue into greater depth, the translation magnitude, and how the PADF fits into the wider kinematic framework of the Aegean region.     

Novel solvent systems for in situ extraterrestrial sample analysis

The life marker chip (LMC) is being designed to test for the chemical signature of life in the soil and rocks of Mars. It will use an antibody array as part of its detection and characterisation system and aims to detect both polar and non-polar molecules at the sub-ppm to tens of ppb level. It is necessary to use a solvent to transfer organic compounds from the Martian samples to the LMC itself, but organic solvents such as dichloromethane or hexane, commonly used to dissolve non-polar molecules, are incompatible with the LMC antibodies. Hence, an aqueous-based solvent capable of dissolving the biomarkers that might exist in the soil or rocks of Mars is required. Solvent extractions of a Martian soil analogue, JSC Mars-1, spiked with a range of standards show that a 20:80 (vol:vol) mixture of methanol and water is incapable of extracting compounds insoluble in water. However, addition of 1.5 mg ml⁻¹ of the surfactant polysorbate 80 produces extraction efficiencies of the aliphatic standards, hexadecane and phytane, equal to 25-30% of those produced by the common organic solvent mixture 93:7 (vol:vol) dichloromethane:methanol. Extraction of squalene and stigmasterol using the polysorbate solution is less efficient but still successful, at 5-10% of the efficiency of 93:7 dichloromethane:methanol. Such aliphatic compounds with occasional functional groups represent the compound classes to which most fossil organic biomarkers belong. The polysorbate solution did not extract the aromatic compounds pyrene and anthracene with great efficiency. A solvent of 20:80 methanol:water with 1.5 mg ml⁻¹ polysorbate 80 is therefore capable of selectively extracting aliphatic biomarkers from Martian samples and transferring them to the antibody sites on the life marker chip.     

Simple monitoring method for precaution of landslides watching tilting and water contents on slopes surface

A low-cost and simple monitoring method for early warning of landslides is proposed. To detect abnormal deformation of a slope, this method employs a tilt sensor in place of an extensometer on the slope surface. In order to examine the relevance of measuring rotation angle on a slope surface by tilt sensor, model tests were conducted, and rotation on the slope surface was observed together with slide displacement along the surface. The rotation data responded 30 min before failure in a model test, which could be useful as a signal for early warning. However, the behavior of rotation before failure varies from case to case, and thus, criteria to issue warning should be defined more carefully. For a model slope made of uniform loose sand, measurement of slide displacement along the slope surface is sensitive to failure at the toe, while the measurement of rotation on the slope surface is useful to detect the development of progressive failure upward along the slope. Wireless sensor units with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tilt sensor and volumetric water content sensor were also examined on a real slope in Kobe City, and a long-term monitoring was attempted. A simple but possible way to define the criteria of judgment to issue warning can be proposed based on combination of data obtained by the tilt sensors and volumetric water content sensors.     

The impact of spatial resolution on area burned and fire occurrence projections in Portugal under climate change

In this study, we investigated the impact of future climate change on fire activity in 12 districts across Portugal. Using historical relationships and the HIRHAM (High Resolution Hamburg Model) 12 and 25 km climate simulations, we assessed the fire weather and subsequent fire activity under a 2 × CO₂ scenario. We found that the fire activity prediction was not affected by the spatial resolution of the climate model used (12 vs. 25 km). Future area burned is predicted to increase 478% for Portugal as a whole, which equates to an increase from 1.4% to 7.8% of the available burnable area burning annually. Fire occurrence will also see a dramatic increase (279%) for all of Portugal. There is significant spatial variation within these results; the north and central districts of the country generally will see larger increases in fire activity.