An improved method for delineating source protection zones for karst springs based on analysis of recession curve data

A standard method for delineating source protection zones, particularly for karst and carbonate springs, has been improved. The method, based on recession curve analysis, defines four vulnerability scenarios with an evaluation of the appropriate dimensions of the protection areas, accommodating situations where field-test data are not available. The new approach makes it easier to separate the components of the spring discharge hydrograph. The objective is to achieve simplification, and an effective, more rigorous, procedure in the determination of the parameters used by Mangin’s model—Mangin A (1975) Contribution a l’étude hydrodynamique des aquifères karstiques-Troisieme partie: Constitution et fonctionnement des aquifères karstiques (Contribution to the hydrodynamic study of karst aquifers, part 3: formation and work of karst aquifers). Ann Speleol 30(1):21–124. The original procedure, plus the lack of sufficient data, was open to subjective interpretation. With the aid of modern technology, a very large quantity of data is now available and it is necessary to process it using denoise type computer-based filters before passing to interpretation. Working with discharge data series, a statistical approach is proposed to give an analytical solution for determining the values of fundamental parameters of the recession curve model. The new procedure is defined and compared with the original methodology. The new approach has been tested and applied to a number of karst springs in Italy. A case history for a spring located in the Piedmont region of the Maritime Alps, is presented. The proposed new procedure can be utilised to mark the limits of the protection zones of tapped groundwater supplied for potable use, as required by European and local legislation.     

Flood risk management in Central Viet Nam: challenges and potentials

This article explores the impacts of floods on the economy, environment, and society and tries to clarify the rural community’s coping mechanism to flood disasters in Central Viet Nam. It focuses on the social aspects of flood risk perception that shapes the responses to floods. The research findings revealed that flooding is an essential element for a coastal population, whose livelihood depend on productive functions of cyclical floods. The findings also revealed that floods, causing losses and damages, often inhibited economic development. The surveyed communities appeared to have evolved coping mechanisms to reduce the negative impacts of the floods, yet these coping mechanisms are under pressure due to environmental degradation. Integrated flood risk management is considered as a suitable paradigm for coping with flood disasters.

Active faulting and seismicity along the Siculo–Calabrian Rift Zone (Southern Italy)

Southern Italy is dominated by extensional tectonics that in the Calabrian arc and Eastern Sicily produced the development of the Siculo–Calabrian Rift Zone (SCRZ). This zone is represented by a ≈ 370 km-long fault belt consisting of 10 to 50 km long distinct fault segments which extend both offshore and on land being also responsible of the crustal seismicity of this region. The geological and morphological observations indicate that the active normal faults of the SCRZ are characterized by throw-rates ranging from 0.7 to 3.1 mm/a. They accommodate an almost uniform horizontal extension-rate of about 3.0 mm/a along a WNW–ESE regional extension direction. Based on our field observations and following empirical relationships between magnitude and surface rupture length connections between large crustal earthquakes and distinct fault segments of the SCRZ have been also tentatively tested. Our data indicate moreover that the magnitudes (M) of the historical and instrumental earthquakes are consistent with the estimated values and that the geometry and kinematics of the fault segments and the related different crustal features of the SCRZ control the different seismic behaviours of adjacent portions of the active rift zone.     

Comment on Non‐unique stratal geometries: implications for sequence stratigraphic interpretations,by: P.M. Burgess and G.D. Prince,Basin Research (2015) 27, 351–365

The non‐unique variability highlighted by Burgess & Prince (Basin Res. 2015, 27 , 351) (i.e. the origin and timing of maximum flooding surfaces, maximum regressive surfaces and subaerial unconformities; the process of topset aggradation in relation with the various types of shoreline trajectory; and the multiple controls that may affect the progradation and retrogradation of a shoreline) is irrelevant to the workflow of sequence stratigraphy. What is relevant is the observation of the unique stratal geometries that are diagnostic to the definition of all units and surfaces of sequence stratigraphy. In downstream‐controlled settings, these unique stratal stacking patterns relate to the forced regressive, normal regressive and transgressive shoreline trajectories. Multiple controls interplay during the formation of each type of stacking pattern, including accommodation, sediment supply and the energy of the sediment‐transport agents. This interplay explains the non‐unique variability, but does not change the unique criteria that afford a consistent application of sequence stratigraphy. Failure to rationalize the non‐unique variability within the context of unique stratal geometries is counterproductive, and obscures the simple workflow of sequence stratigraphy.     

卫星遥感结合地面资料对区域表面动量粗糙度的估算

利用地面湍流观测资料估算了黑河实验区几个典型下垫面的局地地表动量粗糙度，与卫星观测Landsat TM资料相结合得到了由标准化差值植被指数(NDVI)计算地表动量粗糙度的经验关系式，进而估算了实验区夏季和近冬季的地表粗糙度的区域分布，并对所得关系式进行了合理性检验。     

Geomaterials related to photovoltaics: a nanostructured Fe-bearing kuramite,Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>SnS<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The successful synthesis of nanoparticles of Fe-bearing kuramite, (Cu,Fe)₃SnS₄, is reported in this study. Nanocrystalline powders were obtained through a mild, environmentally friendly and scalable solvothermal approach, in a single run. The sample was the object of a multidisciplinary investigation, including X-ray diffraction and absorption, scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, diffuse reflectance and Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as SQUID magnetometry. The nanoparticles consist of pure Fe-bearing kuramite, exhibiting tetragonal structure. The valence state of the metal cations was assessed to be Cu⁺, Sn⁴⁺ and Fe³⁺. The material presents a band gap value of 1.6 eV, which is fully compatible with solar cell applications. The uptake of Fe by nanokuramite opens a compositional field where the physical properties can be tuned. We thus foster the application of Fe-bearing nanokuramite for photovoltaics and energy storage purposes.     

Laser-Triangulation Optical-Correlation Sensor for ROV Slow Motion Estimation

A laser-triangulation optical-correlation sensor for estimating the motion of underwater vehicles at low speed in the proximity of the seabed is described. Experimental results, obtained by processing image sequences acquired by the instrument mounted below the Romeo remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in operating conditions, are presented     

The Lago di Varano: Hydrologic Characteristics and Sediment Composition

Abstract. The Lago di Varano is situated on the north side of the Gargano National Park (southeast Italy) and covers a surface area of about 65 km². It communicates with the Adriatic Sea through two artificial canals (Foce Capoiale and Foce Varano) located at the two ends of a long and narrow coastal dune. This work presents preliminary results of four seasonal surveys (1999–2000) carried out to measure chemical and physical parameters of the water column (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH) and to analyse a number of biogeochemical characteristics of surface sediments (organic matter, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and total Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni content). Water analysis indicated poor exchange between the coastal pond and the open sea, limited to autumn and winter. Surface sediments were rich in organic matter, whose distribution was influenced by chemical-physical and hydrodynamic variations in the water column. At the sediment level, the highest values of Cd were found in the central zone of the basin, while the highest Cr values were measured in the central and southeastern areas. With the exception of Cd and Pb, the metal content did not indicate anthropogenic pollution, in particular when compared with the Venice Lagoon and the Central Adriatic Sea.     

The State of the Adriatic Sea Centered on the Small Pelagic Fish Populations

Abstract. The paper provides an overview of the state of the small pelagic fish in the Adriatic Sea. The North Adriatic is reviewed for the 1976–1998 period and the South Adriatic for the 1987–1998 period. First the fluctuations in time and in space of the pelagic biomass, as a whole and per species, are presented. Then the dramatic collapse of anchovy stock and its apparent association with the decrease of surface temperature is discussed. Finally the changes of the anchovy and sardine catches are compared and analysed with respect to their abundances in the sea. The conclusion is that acoustic and satellite methods are able to provide a large amount of information on the variability in the pelagic populations; this is essential for an appropriate management of these resources. There is still a need, however, to refine the methods and to integrate this kind of information with further environmental data (including natural predators).