Geographical indications and the South Africa–European Union free trade agreement

Geographical indications, as a form of intellectual property, are becoming increasingly important in global trade. In South Africa's trade and cooperation agreement with the European Union, problems over the use of names such as 'port' and 'sherry' provided an important obstacle to the conclusion of the trade deal. This paper argues that the conflict over geographical indications in this trade agreement must be seen in the context of broader initiatives to establish a system of protecting this form of intellectual property through the World Trade Organisation.     

The use of minicomputers in geography teaching — Some prognostications

The effects of wide availability of small, cheap, portable minicomputers on geography teaching and on the content of geography syllabuses in higher education are considered. Simulation, visual display, and computer aided instruction are identified as the features of minicomputers that are most likely to affect teaching methods, while the need to appreciate and to use computers will lead to a greater emphasis on training geography students in the skills required. Four simple examples of the use of the minicomputer in geography teaching are given, and the final section of the paper contains some recommendations for future developments.     

Size-Resolved Characterisation of Soluble Ions in the Particles in the Tropospheric Plume of Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua: Origins and Plume Processing

We present the first application of a multi-stage impactor to study volcanic particle emissions to the troposphere from Masaya volcano, Nicaragua. Concentrations of soluble SO₄ ^2–,Cl^–, F^–, NO₃ ^–, K⁺, Na⁺,NH₄ ⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were determined in 11 size bins from 0.07 m to >25.5 m. The near-source size distributions showed major modes at 0.5m (SO₄ ^2–, H⁺,NH₄ ⁺); 0.2 m and 5.0 m (Cl^–) and 2.0–5.0 m(F^–). K⁺ and Na⁺ mirrored the SO₄ ^2– size-resolvedconcentrations closely, suggesting that these were transported primarily asK₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄ in acidic solution, while Mg²⁺ andCa²⁺ presented modes in both <1 m and >1 m particles. Changes in relative humidity were studied by comparing daytime (transparent plume) and night-time (condensed plume) results. Enhanced particle growth rates were observed in the night-time plume as well as preferential scavenging of soluble gases, such as HCl, by condensed water. Neutralisation of the acidic aerosol by background ammonia was observed at the crater rim and to a greater extent approximately 15 km downwind of the active crater. We report measurements of re-suspended near-source volcanic dust, which may form a component of the plume downwind. Elevated levels ofSO₄ ^2–, Cl^–, F^–,H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺ were observed around the 10 m particle diameter in this dust. The volcanic SO₄ ^2– flux leaving the craterwas 0.07 kg s^–1.     

Karst hydrogeology and origin of thermal waters in the Codru Moma Mountains, Romania

 Two karst areas within Permian and Triassic carbonate rocks of the Codru Moma Mountains in the northwestern part of Romania yield thermal waters. Major karst springs occur where groundwater flow is intercepted by hydraulic barriers, which also results in the movement of water from deeper levels. At Moneasa, thermal groundwater rises along faults and fractures associated with a thrust, and at Vascau Town, water rises along faults marginal to the Beius Basin. Geochemistry suggests that the thermal component of the Moneasa groundwaters is derived from dolomites and that at least a proportion of the Vascau thermal waters originates from deeply buried Permian sandstones. Received, August 1999 / Revised, March 2000 / Accepted, March 2000