On the errors on Ω0: Monte Carlo simulations of the EMSS cluster sample

We perform Monte Carlo simulations of synthetic EMSS cluster samples, to quantify the systematic errors and the statistical uncertainties on the estimate of Ω₀ derived from fits to the cluster number density evolution and to the X-ray temperature distribution up to z =0.83 . We identify the scatter around the relation between cluster X-ray luminosity and temperature to be a source of systematic error, of the order of Δ_systΩ₀=0.09 , if not properly taken into account in the modelling. After correcting for this bias, our best Ω₀ is 0.66. The uncertainties on the shape and normalization of the power spectrum of matter fluctuations imply relatively large uncertainties on this estimate of Ω₀, of the order of Δ_statΩ₀=0.1 at the 1 σ level. On the other hand, the statistical uncertainties due to the finite size of the high-redshift sample are twice as small. Therefore, what is needed in order to improve the accuracy of Ω₀ estimates based on cluster number density evolution is a more reliable measure of the local temperature function and a better understanding of the cluster observed properties both in the local Universe and at high redshift, that is the relation between cluster mass, temperature and luminosity. This requires detailed observations of X-ray selected cluster samples, in comparison with hydrodynamic simulations including refined physics.     

Three-dimensional hydrogeological modeling to assess the elevated-water-table technique for controlling acid generation from an abandoned tailings site in Quebec,Canada

The Manitou Mine sulphidic-tailings storage facility No. 2, near Val D’Or, Canada, was reclaimed in 2009 by elevating the water table and applying a monolayer cover made of tailings from nearby Goldex Mine. Previous studies showed that production of acid mine drainage can be controlled by lowering the oxygen flux through Manitou tailings with a water table maintained at the interface between the cover and reactive tailings. Simulations of different scenarios were performed using numerical hydrogeological modeling to evaluate the capacity of the reclamation works to maintain the phreatic surface at this interface. A large-scale numerical model was constructed and calibrated using 3 years of field measurements. This model reproduced the field measurements, including the existence of a western zone on the site where the phreatic level targeted is not always met during the summer. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the response of the model to varying saturated hydraulic conductivities, porosities, and grain-size distributions. Higher variations of the hydraulic heads, with respect to the calibrated scenario results, were observed when simulating a looser or coarser cover material. Long-term responses were simulated using: the normal climatic data, data for a normal climate with a 2-month dry spell, and a simplified climate-change case. Environmental quality targets were reached less frequently during summer for the dry spell simulation as well as for the simplified climate-change scenario. This study illustrates how numerical simulations can be used as a key tool to assess the eventual performance of various mine-site reclamation scenarios.

     

Influence of bioturbation by the polychaete Nereis diversicolor on the structure of bacterial communities in oil contaminated coastal sediments

Patterns of change in the structure of bacterial communities monitored by ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) in oil contaminated sediments inhabited or not by the marine polychaete Nereis diversicolor were studied during 45 days under laboratory conditions. Results supported by principal component analysis showed a marked response of the bacterial communities to the oil contamination and to the presence of N. diversicolor. Phylogenetic affiliation of specific RISA bands showed that, in the contaminated sediments, the presence of the marine polychaetes favoured the development of bacteria which may play an active role in natural bioremediation processes of oil polluted environments.     

Analyse multi-échelles de la variabilité spatiale de l’équivalent en eau de la neige (EEN) sur le territoire de l’Est du Canada

La présente étude a pour objectif d’analyser la variabilité spatiale multi-échelles de l’équivalent en eau de la neige (EEN). Dans un premier temps, la variabilité spatiale de l’EEN par rapport à la latitude et à la longitude a été analysée. Des indices locaux ont été utilisés pour caractériser les différentes structures spatiales. Par la suite, les structures spatiales homogènes ont été délimitées à l’aide de l’approche de segmentation spatiale multi-résolutions en utilisant des méta-variables physiographiques. La segmentation a été validée à l’aide du test non paramétrique de Kruskal-Wallis appliqué aux données de l’EEN de chaque paire de zones adjacentes. À l’échelle régionale, la segmentation spatiale a permis d’identifier six zones géographiques différenciées par leur position par rapport aux modes de circulations atmosphériques et la disposition du relief. À l’échelle locale, la segmentation spatiale montre le rôle de la pente, de la courbure, etc. dans la variabilité spatiale du couvert nival.

Editeur Z. W. Kundzewicz; Editeur associé E. Gargouri