Geomorphic Effects of the Extreme Rainfall Event of 20–21 July, 2004 in the Latnjavagge Catchment, Northern Swedish Lapland

Mass transfers triggered by a rare rainfall event on 20–21 July, 2004, with 58.4 mm of rain within 24 h and 71.7 mm of rain within 48 h in the Latnjavagge catchment (9 km² , 950–1440 m a.s.l.; 68°20'N, 18°30'E) in the higher Abisko mountain region (Swedish Lapland), are quantified and analysed in direct comparison with mean annual mass transfers in this drainage basin. In years without rare rainfall events the Latnjavagge catchment is characterized by restricted sediment availability resulting in low mechanical denudation and mass transfers. During the rare rainfall event of 20–21 July, 2004, major stability thresholds on the slope systems (triggering debris flows and slides) and in the channel systems (break‐up of channel debris pavements and step–pool systems) in the Latnjavagge catchment were passed and mass transfers by debris flows, slides and fluvial debris transport in creeks and channels were several times higher than the mean annual mass transfers in Latnjavagge. In the calculation of longer‐term mass transfers and sediment budgets, rare events like the 20–21 July, 2004 rainfall event have to be considered as essential components. A reliable estimation of the recurrence intervals of such rare events is especially problematic. The general problem of defining an adequate length of process monitoring programmes is pointed out.     

The Retreat of Tien Shan Glaciers (Kyrgyzstan) Since the Little Ice Age Estimated from Aerial Photographs, Lichenometric and Historical Data

The retreat of 293 glaciers in the Tien Shan Mountains (Kyrgyz Republic) from their maximum extent during the Little Ice Age (LIA) is estimated using aerial photographs from 1980 to 1985 and maps at a scale of 1:25000, constructed during period 1956–1990. Two indices of changes are used: the linear distance from the glacier terminus to its Little Ice Age moraine and the difference in absolute elevation of the terminus and the moraine. Historical information about the front positions of glaciers in the 1880s to the 1930s was used as an indirect control of remote sensing data. The age of moraines in key regions was estimated by lichenometry. On average, Tien Shan glaciers have retreated by 989 ± 540 m since the LIA maximum. Their front elevations (dh) rose by 151 ± 105 m. These changes are similar to changes observed in the Alps and western Norway, Pamir‐Alay and Koryak plateau, but greater than in east Siberia over the same interval. Differences between four regions in Tien Shan (northern, western, inner, central) are generally small, though in the northern Tien Shan the glacier retreat and frontal rise are more prominent (1065 ± 479 m and 215 ± 140 m, respectively).     

Comments about the drag laws used in hail growth simulations

The values of the drag coefficient (C_D), experimentally obtained by different authors for graupels and hailstones, are carefully analyzed, in order to investigate how the numerical simulations of hail trajectories, which markedly depend on the C_D values assigned to the growing particle, can be improved. It is found that new measurements of C_D should be performed in the whole range of the Reynolds number (Re) of the cloud ice particles. These measurements should be carried out applying the same criterion to define the characteristic variables (particle cross section and dimensions) used to calculate C_D and Re. Furthermore, it is found that the C_D fitting curves should be expressed as a function not only of Re but also of other parameters which represent the particle surface roughness and the departure from the spherical form. Based on this finding, a plausible definition of these variables and the way to introduce them in a hail trajectory calculation are proposed.     

Haute cuisine versus healthy nutrition: cultural gradients in Europe and the geography of baby food

The article deals with the problem, how the geography of baby food in Europe may be explained by cultural patterns, differences in healthcare systems and standards of living. A survey, conducted in 12 European countries, revealed differences and similarities in gastronomic preferences and healthcare attitudes. National food markets and dietary targets reflect the pressure of internationalization on cultural traditions. Special attention is paid to the adaptation strategies of multinationals, operating in different cultural environments. The requirements to the qualities of baby food (the emphasis on being healthy or rather tasty, the choice of producers, etc.) reflect the whole variety of lifestyles in European countries, their economic opportunities, stability of cultural traditions, innovative potential.     

Modeling of rapid variability in the spectral line profiles of Wolf-Rayet stars

Profiles of variable emission lines in the spectra of Wolf-Rayet stars are calculated using a stochastic cloud model for the inhomogeneous atmospheres of early-type stars. The model assumes that most of the line flux is formed in cold, dense condensations (clouds) that move through a rarified inter-cloud medium whose density monotonically decreases outwards. The formation of clouds is taken to be stochastic. Wavelet analysis is used to estimate the parameters of cloud ensembles. The model can reproduce the general pattern of line-profile variability observed in the spectra of Wolf-Rayet stars.     

Composition,properties and radiocarbon age of humus in paleosols

The paper presents methods for the study of the organic matter content (OM) of Pleistocene and Holocene paleosols. Paleosols of various age from the Russian Plain and Western Siberia were studied for their humus composition and physico-chemical properties. The permanent features of humus in paleosols useful for paleogeographical reconstruction and geoecological monitoring are separated from those criteria which are typical of the natural evolution of OM on the geological timescale.     

Thermodynamic data for phases in the FeO-MgO-SiO2 system and phase relations in the mantle transition zone

Based on the available experimental data on phase equilibria in the FeO -MgO -SiO₂ system the mixing properties of the solid solutions (olivine, β- and γ-spinel, pyroxene, majorite, ilmenite and perovskite and magnesiowustite), the enthalpies of FeO and fictive FeSiO₃ phases with ilmenite and majorite structures have been assessed. The entropies, temperature dependance of heat capacities for fictive FeSiO₃ end-members were estimated from structural analogies. The calculated phase diagrams for Mg₂SiO₄-Fe₂SiO₄ and MgSiO₃ — FeSiO₃ systems at pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures between 1000 and 2100 K are quite consistent with the available experimental determinations except for the fine features of the phase diagram at 2073 K.     

Debris flows triggered from non-stationary glacier lake outbursts: the case of the Teztor Lake complex (Northern Tian Shan,Kyrgyzstan)

One of the most far-reaching glacier-related hazards in the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan is glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and related debris flows. An improved understanding of the formation and evolution of glacial lakes and debris flow susceptibility is therefore essential to assess and mitigate potential hazards and risks. Non-stationary glacier lakes may fill periodically and quickly; the potential for them to outburst increases as water volume may change dramatically over very short periods of time. After the outburst or drainage of a lake, the entire process may start again, and thus these non-stationary lakes are of particular importance in the region. In this work, the Teztor lake complex, located in Northern Kyrgyzstan, was selected for the analysis of outburst mechanisms of non-stationary glacial lakes, their formation, as well as the triggering of flows and development of debris flows and floods downstream of the lakes. The different Teztor lakes are filled with water periodically, and according to field observations, they tend to outburst every 9–10 years on average. The most important event in the area dates back to 1953, and another important event occurred on July 31, 2012. Other smaller outbursts have been recorded as well. Our study shows that the recent GLOF in 2012 was caused by a combination of intense precipitation during the days preceding the event and a rapid rise in air temperatures. Analyses of features in the entrainment and depositional zones point to a total debris flow volume of about 200,000 m³, with discharge ranging from 145 to 340 m³ s^?1 and flow velocities between 5 and 7 m s^?1. Results of this study are key for a better design of sound river corridor planning and for the assessment and mitigation of potential GLOF hazards and risks in the region.