A new approach for measuring surface hydrological connectivity

The development of surface hydrological connectivity is a key determinant of flood magnitude in drylands. Thresholds in runoff response may be reached when isolated runoff-generating areas connect with each other to form continuous links to river channels, enabling these areas to contribute to flood hydrographs. Such threshold behaviour explains observed nonlinearities and scale dependencies of dryland rainfall–runoff relationships and complicates attempts at flood prediction. However, field methods for measuring the propensity of a surface to transmit water downslope are lacking, and conventional techniques of infiltration measurement are often inappropriate for use on non-agricultural drylands. Here, we argue for a reconceptualization of the dryland surface runoff process, suggesting that the downslope transfer of water should be considered alongside surface infiltration; that is, there is a need for the “aggregated” measurement of infiltration and overland flow hydraulics. Surface application of a set volume of water at a standardized rate generates runoff that travels downslope; the distance it travels downslope is determined by infiltration along the flow, integration of flow paths, and flow resistance. We demonstrate the potential of such a combined measurement system coupled with structure-from-motion photogrammetry to identify surface controls on runoff generation and transfer on dryland hillslopes, with vegetation, slope, surface stone cover, and surface roughness all having a significant effect. The measurement system has been used on slopes up to 37° compared with the flat surface typically required for infiltration methods. On average, the field workflow takes ~10–15 min, considerably quicker than rainfall simulation. A wider variety of surfaces can be sampled with relative ease, as the method is not restricted to stone and vegetation-free land. We argue that this aggregated measurement represents surface connectivity and dryland runoff response better than standard hydrological approaches and can be applied on a much greater variety of dryland surfaces.     

Dynamic adaptive pathways in downscaled climate change scenarios

The parallel scenario process enables characterization of climate-related risks and response options to climate change under different socio-economic futures and development prospects. The process is based on representative concentration pathways, shared socio-economic pathways, and shared policy assumptions. Although this scenario architecture is a powerful tool for evaluating the intersection of climate and society at the regional and global level, more specific context is needed to explore and understand risks, drivers, and enablers of change at the national and local level. We discuss the need for a stronger recognition of such national-scale characteristics to make climate change scenarios more relevant at the national and local scale, and propose ways to enrich the scenario architecture with locally relevant details that enhance salience, legitimacy, and credibility for stakeholders. Dynamic adaptive pathways are introduced as useful tools to draw out which elements of a potentially infinite scenario space connect with decision-relevant aspects of particular climate-related and non-climate-related risks and response options. Reviewing adaptation pathways for New Zealand case studies, we demonstrate how this approach could bring the global-scale scenario architecture within reach of local-scale decision-making. Such a process would enhance the utility of scenarios for mapping climate-related risks and adaptation options at the local scale, involving appropriate stakeholder involvement.     

Crop modelling: towards locally relevant and climate-informed adaptation

A gap between the potential and practical realisation of adaptation exists: adaptation strategies need to be both climate-informed and locally relevant to be viable. Place-based approaches study local and contemporary dynamics of the agricultural system, whereas climate impact modelling simulates climate-crop interactions across temporal and spatial scales. Crop-climate modelling and place-based research on adaptation were strategically reviewed and analysed to identify areas of commonality, differences, and potential learning opportunities to enhance the relevance of both disciplines through interdisciplinary approaches. Crop-modelling studies have projected a 7–15% mean yield change with adaptation compared to a non-adaptation baseline (Nature Climate Change 4:1–5, 2014). Of the 17 types of adaptation strategy identified in this study as place-based adaptations occurring within Central America, only five were represented in crop-climate modelling literature, and these were as follows: fertiliser, irrigation, change in planting date, change in cultivar and area cultivated. The breath and agency of real-life adaptation compared to its representation in modelling studies is a source of error in climate impact simulations. Conversely, adaptation research that omits assessment of future climate variability and impact does not enable to provide sustainable adaptation strategies to local communities so risk maladaptation. Integrated and participatory methods can identify and reduce these sources of uncertainty, for example, stakeholder’s engagement can identify locally relevant adaptation pathways. We propose a research agenda that uses methodological approaches from both the modelling and place-based approaches to work towards climate-informed locally relevant adaptation.     

郴州市玛瑙山铁锰多金属矿床地质特征

玛瑙山铁锰多金属矿床产于棋梓桥组底部层位中，矿体呈似层状。除铁、锰、铅外，伴生有银、铟。由泥盆纪沉积期成岩成矿作用和燕山期岩浆热液叠加成矿作用所形成的沉积改造—岩浆热液叠加型铁锰多金属矿床。     

高度计资料监测日本以南黑潮主轴特性的变化

应用1993年至2001年TOPEX／Poseidon(以下简写为T／P)卫星高度计3条下行轨道的沿轨资料，计算分析了日本以南黑潮主轴的摆动特性，发现在1993年和2000—2001年010轨道上有2次空间尺度较大、持续时间较长的弯曲。黑潮处于平直路径时流速比较大；呈稳定弯曲状态时流速与多年平均值相差不大；而黑潮在两种稳态之间转换时，伴随着流速负距平的出现。     

Detection of mRNA sequences homologous to the human glutathione peroxidase and rat cytochrome P-450IVA1 genes in Mytilus edulis

In this study we have used cloned gene probes for human glutathione peroxidase (GPX), rat cytochrome P-450IVA1 and rat cytochrome P-450IIE1 to detect homologous sequences in RNA from the hepato-pancreas of Mytilus edulis. The presence of sequences hybridising to the GPX and P-450IVA1 probes, but not to the P-450IIE1 probe, confirms the ancient origin of the former genes and indicates that conserved-sequence DNA probes from higher organisms can be used to examine the structure and function of genes of environmental interest in marine organisms.     

南海海面温度的年际模态及其与季风强迫的关系

通过对COADS和OISST海洋气象资料的分析，以南海的海面温度异常(SSTA)为指示因子，在研究年际尺度上的南海与大尺度ENSO关系的基础上，进一步探讨了季风强迫下Ekman抽吸对SSTA年际变化的贡献。研究发现，南海SSTA滞后5个月时与：Nifio 3的SSTA相关系数最大，且其年际变化依方差贡献大小，分别有42．7月、25．6月及36．6个月的周期，这3个年际模态基本上能够描述海面温度的年际变异，为南海在大尺度ENSO背景下存在区域响应提供了重要的证据；应用Krause—Turner混合层温度方程对南海异常暖事件的研究表明，除了经向风应力异常，Ekman抽吸也是影响SSTA年际变异的主要因素，在某些异常年份甚至是主导因素，为南海SSTA年际变化的研究提供了重要的补充。     

Retrospective analysis: bile hydrocarbons and histopathology of demersal rockfish in Prince William Sound,Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Demersal rockfish are the only fish species that have been found dead in significant numbers after major oil spills, but the link between oil exposure and effect has not been well established. After the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska, several species of rockfish (Sebastes spp.) from oiled and reference sites were analyzed for hydrocarbon metabolites in bile (1989-1991) and for microscopic lesions (1990 and 1991). Biliary hydrocarbons consistent with exposure to Exxon Valdez oil were elevated in 1989, but not in 1990 or 1991. Significant microscopic findings included pigmented macrophage aggregates and hepatic megalocytosis, fibrosis, and lipid accumulation. Site differences in microscopic findings were significant with respect to previous oil exposure in 1991 (P=0.038), but not in 1990. However, differences in microscopic findings were highly significant with respect to age and species in both years (P<0.001). We conclude that demersal rockfish were exposed to Exxon Valdez oil in 1989, but differences in microscopic changes in 1990 and 1991 were related more to age and species differences than to previous oil exposure.     

Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Flexible Marine-Risers

A nonlinear dynamic analysis model is estabilished on the basis of "lumped mass" approach, which takes the influence of the fluid flow within the pipe into consideration. Numerical results are compared with the published works, and the effects of internal fluid flow, internal pressure, dyanmics as well as the nonlinear characteristics on the behavior of flexible risers are discussed. From this work, some useful conclusions are drawn.     

Computation of Wave, Tide and Wind Current for the South China Sea Under Tropical Cyclones

Based on the third-generation oceanic wave prediction model (WAVEWATCH Ⅲ) ,the third-generation nearshore wave calculation model (SWAN) and the mathematical tide, tidal current and cyclone current model, which have been improved, interconnected and expanded, a coupled model of offshore wave, tide and sea current under tropical cyclone surges in the South China Sea has been established. The coupled model is driven by the tropical cyclone field containing the background wind field. In order to test the hindcasting effect of the mathematical model, a comparison has been made between the calculated results and the observational results of waves of 15 cyclone cases, water levels and current velocities of the of 7 cyclones. The results of verification indicate that the calculated and observed results are basically identical.