Response spectral relationships for rock sites derived from the component attenuation model

The seismological model was developed initially from the fundamental relationship between earthquake ground motion properties and the seismic moment generated at the source of the earthquake. Following two decades of continuous seismological research in the United States, seismological models which realistically account for both the source and path effects on the seismic shear waves have been developed and their accuracy rigorously verified (particularly in the long and medium period ranges). An important finding from the seismological research by Atkinson and Boore and their co‐investigators is the similarity of the average frequency characteristics of seismic waves generated at the source between the seemingly very different seismic environments of Eastern and Western North America (ENA and WNA, respectively). A generic definition of the average source properties of earthquakes has therefore been postulated, referred to herein as the generic source model. Further, the generic ‘hard rock’ crustal model which is characteristic of ENA and the generic ‘rock’ crustal model characteristic of WNA have been developed to combine with the generic source model, hence enabling simulations to be made of the important path‐related modifications to ground motions arising from different types of crustal rock materials. It has been found that the anelastic contribution to whole path attenuation is consistent between the ENA and WNA models, for earthquake ground motions (response spectral velocities and displacements) in the near and medium fields, indicating that differences in the ENA and WNA motions arise principally from the other forms of path‐related modifications, namely the mid‐crust amplification and the combined effect of the upper‐crust amplification and attenuation, both of which are significant only for the generic WNA ‘rock’ earthquake ground motions. This paper aims to demonstrate the effective utilization of the latest seismological model, comprising the generic source and crustal models, to develop a response spectral attenuation model for direct engineering applications. The developed attenuation model also comprises a source factor and several crustal (wave‐path modification) component factors, and thus has also been termed herein the component attenuation model (CAM). Generic attenuation relationships in CAM, which embrace both ENA and WNA conditions, have been developed using stochastic simulations. The crustal classification of a region outside North America can be based upon regional seismological and geological information. CAM is particularly useful for areas where local strong motion data are lacking for satisfactory empirical modelling. In the companion paper entitled ‘response spectrum modelling for rock sites in low and moderate seismicity regions combining velocity, displacement and acceleration predictions’, the CAM procedure has been incorporated into a response spectrum model which can be used to effectively define the seismic hazard of bedrock sites in low and moderate seismicity regions. This paper and the companion paper constitute the basis of a long‐term objective of the authors, to develop and effectively utilize the seismological model for engineering applications worldwide.     

The measurement and modelling of rill erosion at angle of repose slopes in mine spoil

The process of rill erosion causes significant amounts of sediment to be moved in both undisturbed and disturbed environments and can be a significant issue for agriculture as well as mining lands. Rills also often develop very quickly (from a single rainfall event to a season) and can develop into gullies if sufficient runoff is available to continue their development. This study examines the ability of a terrestrial laser scanner to quantify rills that have developed on fresh and homogeneous mine spoil on an angle of repose slope. It also examines the ability of the SIBERIA erosion model to simulate the rill's spatial and temporal behaviour. While there has been considerable work done examining rill erosion on rehabilitated mine sites and agricultural fields, little work has been done to examine rill development at angle of repose sites. Results show that while the overall hillslope morphology was captured by the laser scanner, with the morphology of the rills being broadly captured, the characteristics of the rills were not well defined. The digital elevation model created by the laser scanner failed to capture the rill thalwegs and tops of the banks, therefore delineating a series of ill defined longitudinal downslope depressions. These results demonstrate that an even greater density of points is needed to capture sufficient rill morphology. Nevertheless, SIBERIA simulations of the hillslope demonstrated that the model was able to capture rill behaviour in both space and time when correct model parameters were used. This result provides confidence in the SIBERIA model and its parameterization. The results demonstrate the sensitivity of the model to changes in parameters and the importance of the calibration process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reducing systematic dome errors in digital elevation models through better UAV flight design

It is well established that digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images and processed by structure from motion may contain important systematic vertical errors arising from limitations in camera geometry modelling. Even when significant, such ‘dome’-shaped errors can often remain unnoticed unless specific checks are conducted. Previous methods used to reduce these errors have involved: the addition of convergent images to supplement traditional vertical datasets, the usage of a higher number of ground control points, precise direct georeferencing techniques (RTK/PPK) or more refined camera pre-calibration. This study confirms that specific UAV flight designs can significantly reduce dome errors, particularly those that have a higher number of tie points connecting distant images, and hence contribute to a strengthened photogrammetric network. A total of 22 flight designs were tested, including vertical, convergent, point of interest (POI), multiscale and mixed imagery. Flights were carried out over a 300 × 70 m² flat test field area, where 143 ground points were accurately established. Three different UAVs and two commercial software packages were trialled, totalling 396 different tests. POI flight designs generated the smallest systematic errors. In contrast, vertical flight designs suffered from larger dome errors; unfortunately, a configuration that is ubiquitous and most often used. By using the POI flight design, the accuracy of DEMs will improve without the need to use more ground control or expensive RTK/PPK systems. Over flat terrain, the improvement is especially important in self-calibration projects without (or with just a few) ground control points. Some improvement will also be observed on those projects using camera pre-calibration or with stronger ground control. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Abundance estimates of an isolated population of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in Walvis Bay,Namibia, 2008–2012

The coastal population of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus found in Namibia is regionally isolated and unique. This population faces several potential anthropogenic threats, especially in Walvis Bay, including boat-based tourism, a commercial harbour undergoing expansion, and aquaculture for oysters and mussels. Between 2008 and 2012, 238 boat-based surveys were conducted, resulting in 170 encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Overall, group sizes varied from 1 to 45 individuals (mean 10.7). Encounter rates, group sizes and total numbers of animals identified were higher in winter than in summer field seasons. The number, and survival and immigration parameters, of bottlenose dolphins using Walvis Bay was investigated using robust design and Huggins closed-population mark-recapture models. The highest numbers estimated were in the first and last years of the study, with estimates of 74–82 in 2008 and 76–77 in 2012 (numbers identified and upper 95% confidence limits). The only previously available data, from an incomplete study in the early 1990s, suggested that the population was between 100 and 150 individuals at the time. Although no linear trend in population size was obvious during the current study, the clear evidence of isolation, small population size, low annual birth rate, and potential long-term decrease in numbers since the early 1990s is concerning. Further work to collect data on demographic parameters is urgently recommended with a view to obtaining increased protection for this species.     

Rainfall modelling using Poisson-cluster processes: a review of developments

 Over a decade ago, point rainfall models based upon Poisson cluster processes were developed by Rodriguez-Iturbe, Cox and Isham. Two types of point process models were envisaged: the Bartlett–Lewis and the Neyman–Scott rectangular pulse models. Recent developments are reviewed here, including a number of empirical studies. The parameter estimation problem is addressed for both types of Poisson-cluster based models. The multiplicity of parameters which can be obtained for a given data set using the method of moments is illustrated and two approaches to finding a best set of parameters are presented. The use of a proper fitting method will allow for the problems encountered in regionalisation to be adequately dealt with. Applications of the point process model to flood design are discussed and finally, results for a model with dependent cell depth and duration are given. Taking into account the spatial features of rainfall, three multi-site models are presented and compared. They are all governed by a master Poisson process of storm origins and have a number of cell origins associated with each storm origin. The three models differ as to the type of dependence structure between the cell characteristics at different sites. Analytical properties are presented for these models and their ability to represent the spatial structure of a set of raingauge data in the South-West of England is examined. Continuous spatial-temporal models are currently being developed and results are presented for a model in which storm centres arrive in a homogeneous Poisson process in space-time, and cells follow them in time according to a Bartlett–Lewis type cluster. Examples of simulations using this model are shown and compared with radar data from the South-West of England. The paper concludes with a summary of the main areas in which further research is required.     

XXIst International Congress of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

The XXIst International Congress of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing was held at the Beijing International Convention Centre, China, from 3rd to 11th July 2008. Reports are given on the Congress as a whole, including the General Assembly, some Technical Commission activities and the Congress Exhibition. Papers from the Congress are published in Volume XXXVII of the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences.     

广东东莞地区中侏罗统塘厦组凝灰质沉积物的元素地球化学特征及构造背景

东莞地区中侏罗统塘厦组为富含凝灰质的湖泊沉积。对样品进行全岩分析和ICP-MS微量元素分析,并计算Sr/Ba、B/Ga和Ca/Mg比值,其比值变化与古盐度变化成正相关,特征显示塘厦组为咸水湖泊沉积,由下至上古盐度逐渐降低,水体深度也逐渐变浅。对样品进行ICP-MS稀土元素分析,计算各样品δCe值和(La/Yb)_N比值,δCe值介于0.83 ~ 1.31之间,(La/Yb)_N值均明显大于1或小于1,其特征反映湖泊沉积物沉积速率较低,只在塘厦组底部和上部出现相对高的沉积。元素P和Sr/Cu值反映其富集与迁移,受到气候的控制。元素P平均值在0.205×10^-2; Sr/Cu平均值大于4.0×10^-6,在中晚期出现最低值1.42×10^-6,这是塘厦组以干热气候为主,中晚期出现了短暂温湿气候所造成的。塘厦组为干热气候下缓慢沉积的咸水湖泊沉积。Zr-Th、La-Th-Sc判别图解、稀土元素特征及区域构造分析,显示中侏罗世东莞地区构造背景为活动大陆边缘的弧后盆地。受伸展作用影响,本区发育弧后裂谷型湖盆。泥岩La/Yb-∑REE源岩判别图解显示,源岩为玄武岩、花岗岩和沉积岩。     

Developing elasto‐plastic models without establishing any expression for the yield function

This paper presents a procedure for developing elasto‐plastic material models from a dissipation function and kinematic constraint that obviates the need to establish an expression for the yield function. This method could be applied to a wide range of different materials, but it is particularly suitable for testing new models of granular materials. This is because there is often a difficulty associated with finding an algebraic expression for the yield function for appropriate dissipation functions combined with realistic dilatancy rules. The procedure presented in this paper allows the approach to fulfill its potential for the easy incorporation of physical insight into the dissipation function and kinematic constraint without being hindered by algebraic complexity. The method is applied to the familiar von Mises model and also to a model for granular materials that incorporates a realistic dilatancy rule and extends into three dimensions a model presented in earlier work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Distribution of surface imperviousness in small urban catchments predicts runoff peak flows and stream flashiness

Urban growth is a global phenomenon, and the associated impacts on hydrology from land development are expected to increase, especially in peri‐urban catchments. It is well understood that greater peak flows and higher stream flashiness are associated with increased surface imperviousness and storm location. However, the effect of the distribution of impervious areas on runoff peak flow response and stream flashiness of peri‐urban catchments has not been well studied. In this study, a new geometric index, Relative Nearness of Imperviousness to the Catchment Outlet (RNICO), is defined to correlate imperviousness distribution of peri‐urban catchments with runoff peak flows and stream flashiness. Study sites include 21 suburban catchments in New York representing a range of drainage area from 5 to 189 km² and average imperviousness from 10% to 48%. On the basis of RNICO, all development patterns are divided into 3 classes: upstream, centralized, and downstream. Results showed an obvious increase in runoff peak flows and decrease in time to peak when moving from upstream to centralized and downstream urbanization classes. This indicates that RNICO is an effective tool for classifying urban development patterns and for macroscale understanding of the hydrologic behavior of small peri‐urban catchments, despite the complexity of urban drainage systems. We also found that the impact of impervious distribution on runoff peak flows and stream flashiness decreases with catchment scale. For small catchments (A < 40 km²), RNICO was strongly correlated with the average (R² = .95) and maximum (R² = .91) gaged peak flows due to the relatively efficient subsurface routing through stormwater and sewer networks. Furthermore, the Richards–Baker stream flashiness index in small catchments was positively correlated with fractional impervious area (R² = .84) and RNICO (R² = .87). For large catchments (A > 40 km²), the impact of impervious surface distribution on peak flows and stream flashiness was negligible due to the complex drainage network and great variability in travel times. This study emphasizes the need for greater monitoring of discharge in small peri‐urban catchments to support flood prediction at the local scale.     

Variability of interrill erosion at low slopes

Numerous models and risk assessments have been developed in order to estimate soil erosion from agricultural land, with some including estimates of nutrient and contaminant transfer. Many of these models have a slope term as a control over particle transfer, with increased transfer associated with increased slopes. This is based on data collected over a wide range of slopes and using relatively small soil flumes and physical principals, i.e. the role of gravity in splash transport and flow. This study uses laboratory rainfall simulation on a large soil flume to investigate interrill soil erosion of a silt loam under a rainfall intensity of 47 mm h^?1 on 3%, 6% and 9% slopes, which are representative of agricultural land in much of northwest Europe. The results show: (1) wide variation in runoff and sediment concentration data from replicate experiments, which indicates the complexities in interrill soil erosion processes; and (2) that at low slopes processes related to surface area connectivity, soil saturation, flow patterns and water depth may dominant over those related to gravity. Consequently, this questions the use of risk assessments and soil erosion models with a dominant slope term when assessing soil erosion from agricultural land at low slopes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.