Dynamic response of twin circular tunnels due to incident SH-waves

The steady-state solution for two parallel under ground tunnels of circular cross-section subjected to incident plane harmonic SH-waves is obtained in closed form, by using the method of wave function expansion. The image technique is employed to account for the reflection of waves at the ground surface. Numerical studies are carried out to determine the influence of spacing between the tunnels on the shear stresses in concrete and steel linings.     

Neutron and electromagnetic emissions during the 1990 May 24 solar flare

In this paper, we are primarily concerned with the solar neutron emission during the 1990 May 24 flare, utilizing the counting rate of the Climax neutron monitor and the time profiles of hard X-rays and γ-rays obtained with the GRANAT satellite (Pelaezet al., 1992; Talonet al., 1993; Terekhovet al., 1993). We compare the derived neutron injection function with macroscopic parameters of the flare region as obtained from theHα and microwave observations made at the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, respectively. Our results are summarized as follows: (1) to explain the neutron monitor counting rate and 57.5–110 MeV and 2.2 MeV γ-ray time profiles, we consider a two-component neutron injection function,Q(E, t), with the form $$Q(E,t) = N_f {\text{ exp[}} - E/E_f - t/T_f ] + N_s {\text{ exp[}} - E/E_s - t/T_s ],$$ whereN _f(s),E _f(s), andT _f(s) denote number, energy, and decay time of the fast (slow) injection component, respectively. By comparing the calculated neutron counting rate with the observations from the Climax neutron monitor we derive the best-fit parameters asT _f ≈ 20 s,E _f ≈ 310 MeV,T _s ≈ 260 s,E _s ≈ 80 MeV, andN _f (E > 100 MeV)/N _s (E > 100 MeV) ≈ 0.2. (2) From the Hα observations, we find a relatively small loop of length ≈ 2 × 10⁴ km, which may be regarded as the source for the fast-decaying component of γ-rays (57.5–110 MeV) and for the fast component of neutron emission. From microwave visibility and the microwave total power spectrum we postulate the presence of a rather big loop (≈ 2 × 10⁵ km), which we regard as being responsible for the slow-decaying component of the high-energy emission. We show how the neutron and γ-ray emission data can be explained in terms of the macroscopic parameters derived from the Hα and microwave observations. (3) The Hα observations also reveal the presence of a fast mode MHD shock (the Moreton wave) which precedes the microwave peak by 20–30 s and the peak of γ-ray intensity by 40–50 s. From this relative timing and the single-pulsed time profiles of both radiations, we can attribute the whole event as due to a prompt acceleration of both electrons and protons by the shock and subsequent deceleration of the trapped particles while they propagate inside the magnetic loops.     

Capacity evaluation of statnamic tested long piles

A procedure that uses the structural damping (SD) concept for estimating the capacity of a pile based on the Statnamic (STN) pile load test results, formerly used by the authors for short piles, is extended in this paper for the STN tested long piles. Similar to segmental unloading point method procedures for long piles, the shaft length is divided into several segments and each segment is assumed to behave as a mass of a single degree of freedom. The SD concept is then applied to each segment to consider the displacement related soil damping instead of the velocity dependent damping. Instrumented strain gauge data at different levels of the shaft are required for the interpretation method. Three case studies are presented in this paper to study the validity and applicability of the present method. The predicted results are also compared to the available test or analytical data.     

Radiaxial fibrous calcites as low-magnesian calcite cement precipitated in a marine-meteoric mixing zone

Abstract Radiaxial fibrous calcite (RFC) has previously been interpreted as a marine or replacive cement. Study of the Dongjeom Formation (Early Ordovician), Korea, shows that RFC can form in marine‐meteoric mixing zones as a low‐magnesian calcite (LMC) cement. RFC in the shallow‐marine Dongjeom Formation occurs in arenaceous limestones at the top of a transgressive facies overlying a regressive facies. It shows well‐developed growth zonation, and lighter oxygen isotope values and more radiogenic strontium isotope ratios than those of Early Ordovician marine calcite. Such petrographic and chemical evidence indicates that the RFC was precipitated as a primary LMC cement in a marine and meteoric mixing zone. Owing to the unique environment of formation, the Dongjeom RFC is characterized by growth zonal fabric comprising alternating subzones, which may indicate precipitation from varying fluids. In addition, this study documents the importance of substrate for development of RFC. Early ‘nucleation’ for RFC occurred mainly on microcrystalline skeletal grains and internal sediments, whereas on homogeneously altered substrates, thin‐coated banding structure developed, ultimately forming coarse crystalline spar. This suggests that microcrystalline substrates are preferred sites for nucleation of RFC.     

Ground-penetrating radar investigation of active faults along the Dead Sea Transform and implications for seismic hazards within the city of Aqaba, Jordan

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used in an effort to locate a major active fault that traverses Aqaba City, Jordan. Measurements over an exposed (trenched) cross fault outside of the city identify a radar signature consisting of linear events and horizontal offset/flexured reflectors both showing a geometric correlation with two known faults at a control site. The asymmetric linear events are consistent with dipping planar reflectors matching the known direction of dip of the faults. However, other observations regarding this radar signature render the mechanism generating these events more complex and uncertain.GPR measurements in Aqaba City were limited to vacant lots. Seven GPR profiles were conducted approximately perpendicular to the assumed strike of the fault zone, based on regional geological evidence. A radar response very similar to that obtained over the cross fault was observed on five of the profiles in Aqaba City, although the response is weaker than that obtained at the control site. The positions of the identified responses form a near straight line with a strike of 45°. Although subsurface verification of the fault by trenching within the city is needed, the geophysical evidence for fault zone location is strong. The location of the interpreted fault zone relative to emergency services, military bases, commercial properties, and residential areas is defined to within a few meters. This study has significant implications for seismic hazard analysis in this tectonically active and heavily populated region.     

Interaction between groundwater quality and hydraulic head in an area around an underground LPG storage cavern,Korea

The interactive influence between groundwater flow and salinization that occurs in an underground LPG cavern site in Korea was investigated using chemical analysis data and cross-correlation analysis between hydraulic head and operating pressure data. The concentration of the major cations and anions showed a large difference between rainy and dry seasons due to the seasonal intrusion of highly saline water into the cavern area. However, the Cl/Br ratio and '¹⁸O-Cl relationship showed that two types of saline water (seawater and halite-dissolved solution) influenced the groundwater salinization of the study area. The cross-correlation results revealed that a positive relationship between hydraulic head and cavern operating pressure was far more conspicuous in the propane cavern area (89-91% of correlation coefficients), and tidal change influenced the head variation in the butane cavern area. That is, continuous intrusion of seawater near the South Sea could bring about a high concentration of major cations and anions in the butane seepage waters and groundwaters near the coastal area, and seasonal variation in the operating pressure at the propane cavern played an important driving force in fast infiltration of halite-dissolved solution from surface halite stock and a subsequent increase in Na and Cl concentration during the dry season.     

Geologic,geomorphic, and meteorological aspects of debris flows triggered by Hurricanes Frances and Ivan during September 2004 in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Macon County,North Carolina (southeastern USA)

In September 2004, rain from the remnants of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan triggered at least 155 landslides in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. At least 33 debris flows occurred in Macon County, causing 5 deaths, destroying 16 homes, and damaging infrastructure. We mapped debris flows and debris deposits using a light-detecting and ranging digital elevation model, remote imagery and field studies integrated in a geographic information system. Evidence of past debris flows was found at all recent debris flow sites. Orographic rainfall enhancement along topographic escarpments influenced debris flow frequency at higher elevations. A possible trigger for the Wayah and fatal Peeks Creek debris flows was a spiral rain band within Ivan that moved across the area with short duration rainfall rates of 150–230 mm/h. Intersecting bedrock structures in polydeformed metamorphic rock influence the formation of catchments within structural–geomorphic domains where debris flows originate.     

Investigating the Effects of Different LED Wavelengths on Aggregation and Swimming Behavior of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

Ocean Science Journal - Efficient fish aggregation systems are essential for catching chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), which is a major target of purse seine fisheries in South Korea. To aid the...