From noise correlation to resonant ultrasound spectroscopy in rock acoustics

This article introduces an alternative experimental procedure for measuring the elastic properties of a solid material at laboratory scale, using both the principles of passive seismic interferometry and resonance ultrasound spectroscopy. We generate noise into the studied sample with a pneumatic air blow gun, and we cross‐correlate the signals recorded with two passive piezoelectric sensors put in soft contact with the sample surface. Resonance phenomena are induced in the sample, but in contrast with conventional resonance ultrasound spectroscopy experiments, we have no control over the injected frequencies that are sent all together within the noise spectrum. The spectrum of the correlogram is a good approximation of the resonance spectrum of the vibrating sample and can be inverted in terms of the elastic moduli of the constituent material of the sample. The experimental procedure is validated on samples made of standard materials (here, aluminium and Plexiglas) by consistently comparing the inverted elastic velocities with the velocities independently measured with the conventional technique of ultrasonic pulse transmission. Moreover, we got similar positive results on dry rock samples, such as Vilhonneur limestone. These encouraging preliminary results open up promising prospects for monitoring fluid substitution in rock samples using the technique described in this paper.     

A flume experiment on wood storage and remobilization in braided river systems

This work investigates wood dynamics in braided streams through physical modelling in a mobile bed laboratory flume, with the specific objective to characterize wood storage and turnover as a function of wood input rate and of wood element type. Three parallel channels (1.7 m wide, 10 m long) filled with uniform sand were used to reproduce braided networks with constant water discharge and sediment feeding. Wood dowels with and without simplified root wads were regularly added at the upstream end of each flume at different input rates, with a 1:2:3 ratio between the three flumes. Temporal evolution of wood deposition patterns and remobilization rates were monitored by a series of vertical images that permitted the recognition of individual logs. Results show that wood tends to disperse in generally small accumulations (< 5 logs), with higher spatial density on top of sediment bars, and is frequently remobilized due to the intense morphological changes. The amount of wood stored in the channel depends on log input rate through a non‐linear relationship, and input rates exceeding approximately 100 logs/hour determine a sharp change in wood dynamics, with higher storage volume and augmented formation of large jams (> 10 elements) that are less prone to remobilization. Presence of root wads seems to play a minor role in wood deposition, but it reduces the average travel distance of logs. Turnover rates of logs were similar in the three flumes, independently of wood input rate and largely resembling the turnover rate of exposed bars. For the simulated conditions, significant effects of wood on bed morphology were not observed, suggesting that interactions with fine sediments and living vegetation are crucial to form large, stable wood jams able to bring about relevant morphological changes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Facilitating adaptation of biodiversity to climate change: a conceptual framework applied to the world’s largest Mediterranean-climate woodland

The importance of ecological management for reducing the vulnerability of biodiversity to climate change is increasingly recognized, yet frameworks to facilitate a structured approach to climate adaptation management are lacking. We developed a conceptual framework that can guide identification of climate change impacts and adaptive management options in a given region or biome. The framework focuses on potential points of early climate change impact, and organizes these along two main axes. First, it recognizes that climate change can act at a range of ecological scales. Secondly, it emphasizes that outcomes are dependent on two potentially interacting and countervailing forces: (1) changes to environmental parameters and ecological processes brought about by climate change, and (2) responses of component systems as determined by attributes of resistance and resilience. Through this structure, the framework draws together a broad range of ecological concepts, with a novel emphasis on attributes of resistance and resilience that can temper the response of species, ecosystems and landscapes to climate change. We applied the framework to the world’s largest remaining Mediterranean-climate woodland, the ‘Great Western Woodlands’ of south-western Australia. In this relatively intact region, maintaining inherent resistance and resilience by preventing anthropogenic degradation is of highest priority and lowest risk. Limited, higher risk options such as fire management, protection of refugia and translocation of adaptive genes may be justifiable under more extreme change, hence our capacity to predict the extent of change strongly impinges on such management decisions. These conclusions may contrast with similar analyses in degraded landscapes, where natural integrity is already compromised, and existing investment in restoration may facilitate experimentation with higher risk?options.     

Occurrence and spatial distribution of metals in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuarine system (Bahía Blanca,Argentina)

Intertidal sediments of the inner and middle zone from the Bahía Blanca estuary were sampled for geochemical and environmental assessment of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr and Fe). Results indicate that both the organic matter content and the sediment grain size plays an important role in controlling the differential concentrations of the metals found in sediments from both zones. For most of the elements (except Mn), sediment metal concentrations were greater in the middle zone, although the concentrations did not exceed the maximums for quality of marine sediments. In this sense, anthropogenic impact (i.e., sewage drain) appears to be a key factor in the distribution of metals within the estuarine system. Comparing the levels obtained with quality levels (LEL and SEL), except Cu that showed levels slightly above the LEL, the rest of the concentrations of metals were lower to those levels. The low metal concentrations obtained within this highly impacted estuarine system suggest that the great volume of water that flooding the extensive flats in each tidal cycle has much importance. Although the potential risks of metals to the estuarine environment were low, taking into account the toxicity of some of these metals, continuity of monitoring is highly recommended.     

Applicability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perinereis aibuhitensis</Emphasis> Grube for fish waste removal from fish cages in Sanggou Bay,P. R. China

The present study investigated the applicability of integrated polychaete-fish culture for fish waste removal to offset negative impact induced by organic benthic enrichment. A field study demonstrated that deposition rate was significantly higher underneath the fish farm than that in control area. The material settling under the farm was characterized by a high amount of fish feces (45%) and uneaten feed (27%). Both feeding rate (FR) and apparent digestibility rate (ADR) increased with decreasing body weight, as was indicated by significantly a higher rate observed for the groups containing smaller individuals in a lab study. The nutrient in fresh deposited material (De) was higher than that in sediments collected under the farm (Se), resulting in lower feces production but higher apparent digestibility rate for the De group as feeding rate was similar. Consequently, higher nutrient removal efficiency was observed in the De group. A mass balance approach indicated that approximately 400–500 individuals m?2 is required for removing all waste materials deposited underneath the fish farm, whereas abundance can be lower (about 300–350 individuals m^?2) when only the fish waste needs to be removed. The results showed that a significant amount of waste had been accumulated in the fish cages in Sanggou Bay. The integration of fish with P. aibuhitensis seems promising for preventing organic pollution in the sediment and therefore is an effective strategy for mitigating negative effect of fish farms. Thus such integration can become a new IMTA (integrated multi-trophic aquaculture) model in Sanggou Bay.     

Large in‐stream wood studies: a call for common metrics

During the past decade, research on large in‐stream wood has expanded beyond North America's Pacific Northwest to diverse environments and has shifted toward increasingly holistic perspectives that incorporate processes of wood recruitment, retention, and loss at scales from channel segments to entire watersheds. Syntheses of this rapidly expanding literature can be facilitated by agreement on primary variables and methods of measurement. In this paper we address these issues by listing the variables that we consider fundamental to studies of in‐stream wood, discussing the sources of variability in their measurement, and suggesting more consistency in future studies. We recommend 23 variables for all studies of in‐stream wood, as well as another 12 variables that we suggest for studies with more specific objectives. Each of these variables relates either to the size and characteristics of in‐stream wood, to the geomorphic features of the channel and valley, or to the ecological characteristics of the riparian zone adjacent to the study reach. The variables were derived from an overview of those cited in the literature and from our collective field experiences. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modal response analysis of multi‐support structures using a random vibration approach

A formulation is developed for modal response analysis of multi‐support structures using a random vibration approach. The spectral moments of the structural response are rigorously decomposed into contributions from spectral moments of uncoupled modal responses. An advantage of the proposed formulation is that the total dynamic response can be obtained on the basis of mode by mode uncoupled analyses. The contributions to the total response from modal responses under individual support ground motions and under cross‐correlated pairs of support ground motions can be recognized explicitly. The application and performance of the formulation is illustrated by means of an example using a well‐established coherency spectrum model and widely known power spectra models, such as white noise and Kanai–Tajimi. The first three spectral moments of displacement, shear, and bending moment responses are computed, showing that the formulation produces the same results as the exact solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.