A laboratory discharge lamp source for the O2 atmospheric bands and OI 5577 Å and 6300 Å lines of a known line width

A laboratory discharge lamp is described which strongly emits the forbidden OI 5577 and 6300 Å lines and the O₂ (0?0) atmospheric band. Experimental measurements confirm that these atomic and molecular species are in thermal equilibrium with one another, so that a rotational temperature measurement of the O₂ atmospheric band allows one to deduce the line widths of the 5577 and 6300 Å emissions. This thus provides a useful calibration source for interferometric measurements of these emissions.     

Fluid inclusion study of the bournac polymetallic (Sb-As-Pb-Zn-Fe-Cu...) vein deposit (montagne noire,France)

Mineralogical studies demonstrate that the Hercynian polymetallic antimony-rich deposit of Bournac can be described by four stages of ore deposition and one of partial ore remobilization. Fluid inclusion data permit calculation of the composition and temperature of the fluids associated with each stage of hydrothermal mineralization and concomitant wall-rock alteration. Stages I and II (Fe-As and Zn) are represented by moderate-salinity H₂O-CO₂-(NaCl) inclusions which correlate closely with early carbonate deposition. Stage III fluids which are responsible for the deposition of Pb-Sb ores are characterized by low-salinity H₂O-(NaCl) inclusions. During the final stage of mineralization (IV), corresponding to the main phase of stibnite deposition, abundant aqueous inclusions confirm the continued involvement of low-salinity fluids and the intense development of potassic clays and secondary silica in the wall rocks. Homogenization temperatures suggest that the whole cycle of mineralization took place during a gradual decrease in fluid temperature of 380°–140°C. Stibnite deposition is restricted to the interval of 230°–140°C thus confirming an essentially epithermal environment. Stage V (partial remobilization) is distinguished by the presence of high-salinity CaCl₂-rich inclusions which are tentatively related to Triassic barite mineralization in the region and therefore postdate the Bournac antimony ores. Homogenization temperatures for this stage range 140°–60°C.     

Twelve years of ground-tilt measurements on the Soufriere of St. Vincent, 1977–1989

Five ground-tilt stations were established on the flanks of the Soufriere of St. Vincent; two in 1977, two in 1980, and one in 1983. Four of these stations have survived; two consist of lines oriented radially to the volcano, and the other two consist of cross-shaped arrays. Collectively, this network showed that the volcano inflated gradually before the eruption of 1979 and then deflated rapidly during the eruption and for about a year after it had ended. The volcano then reinflated during much of 1981 and inflated only slightly, if at all, during the 7-year period 1982–1989. The measured amount of ground tilt from 1977 to 1989 was relatively small; the maximum recorded change of radial tilt at a station 6.5 km from the summit of the volcano totaled about 20 rad. Local seismicity correlates well with measured ground deformation: numerous earthquakes accompanied the 1979–1981 deflation/inflation cycle; relatively few earthquakes occurred during the 1982–1989 period of little or no ground deformation. In the hope that the experience we have gained might be of use to others who are considering a program of ground-tilt monitoring on volcanoes elsewhere in the humid tropics, we describe many practical aspects of our program that have evolved over the years. For example: (1) stainless steel bench marks cemented into solid bedrock appear to be stable for at least 12 years, (2) bench marks can be located in concrete-filled drums where bedrock is absent, (3) bench marks should be concealed to protect them from vandalism, (4) care must be exercised where sight lines graze the ground (<0.5 m), and (5) automatic levels are preferable because of their efficiency of operation, especially with inexperienced personnel.     

Spatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall in a data-scarce region: case of Kinshasa and Bas-Congo in Democratic Republic of Congo

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present paper was to improve understanding of the rainfall dynamics in Bas-Congo and Kinshasa provinces, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The first objective of the study was achieved by analysing the spatial correlations of monthly, seasonal, annual and individual monthly rainfall amounts of Kinshasa and Bas-Congo. The second objective was achieved through investigating and quantifying the temporal trends and their spatial variations. The results demonstrated notably high average inter-station correlation of +0.63 for dry season series, followed by monthly rainfall series with an average inter-station correlation of +0.58. However, there was no station with a stable monthly rainfall regime, i.e. with mean precipitation concentration index lower than 10% (it varies between 14.2 and 21.9%). Moreover, Kinshasa experienced an increase of rainfall with an average annual rate of change of +4.59 mm/year for the period 1961–2006. The results will be helpful for efficient water resources management and for mitigating the adverse impacts of future extreme drought or flood occurrences.

Editor M.C. Acreman Associate editor N. Verhoest     

Seismicity and seismic intensities in Jamaica,West Indies: A problem in risk assessment

A review of the history of earthquake observations in Jamaica is presented; there have been several high-intensity earthquakes in the last 300 years. The observed seismicity of the Jamaica region is discussed in the context of what is known of regional tectonics, and possible source regions of earthquakes are identified but a comparison between instrumentally determined seismicity and macroseismicity shows that the instrumental data are of insufficient quantity or quality to permit direct assessment of earthquake risk by conventional techniques. An alternative approach has been adopted; consideration of the macroseismic record suggests that the peak acceleration in rock with 90 per cent probability of not being exceeded in any 50-year period is of order 0.3 g but that there are very significant local variations caused by near-surface geology. Especially this applies to the capital, Kingston, and envelope response spectra are derived for shallow, intermediate and deep thickness of sediments under the city to demonstate the possibility that localized amplification may occur. A current apparent decline in the seismicity of the Jamaica region is noted but it is shown that the decline in the number of earthquakes of engineering interest is not yet statistically significant.     

Amphibole-bearing basalts from the submarine volcano Kick’em-Jenny in the lesser antilles Island arc

An oceanographic survey by H.M.S. Hecla of the 1974 active submarine volcano (12°18′N and 61°38′W) revealed a crater at 190 m below sea level and bottom-sampling yielded fresh olivine basalt pyroclastics with phenocrysts of olivine, plagioclase and clinopyroxene. Megacrysts of amphilbole, up to 16 modal percent, are subsilicic and nepheline-normative ferroan pargasites. The mineral assemblage Ol+Cpx+Pl+Amph appears to have been in equilibrium in the Kick’em-Jenny melt prior to eruption, although published experimental studies on hydrous (H₂O-saturated) or anhydrous alkali basaltic compositions have not yielded this mineral assemblage at any pressure. Interpolation between the experimentally determined phase relationships for dry and water-saturated alkali basaltic liquids indicates, however, that in an isobaric section at 5 kb the observed assemblage can exist in the water-undersaturated region. The Kick’em-Jenny olivine basalts belong to a suite of variably undersaturated basaltic rocks including alkali picrites and basanites, common in Grenada and the southern Grenadines, but although the available evidence indicates the importance of the presence of water in the genesis of these melts, their origin seems most likely to be associated with partial melting of upper mantle material rather than melting of amphibolite in an underthrust lithospheric slab.     

Evidence of urban-induced precipitation variability in arid climate regimes

The study employs a 108-year precipitation historical data record, global climate observing network observations and satellite data to identify possible anomalies in rainfall in and around two major arid urban areas, Phoenix, Arizona and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The analysis reveals that during the monsoon season, locations in northeastern suburbs and exurbs of the Phoenix metropolitan area have experienced statistically significant increases in mean precipitation of 12–14% from a pre-urban (1895–1949) to post-urban (1950–2003) period. Further analysis of satellite-based rainfall rates suggests the existence of the anomaly region (AR) over a 7-year period. The anomaly cannot simply be attributed to maximum topographic relief and is hypothesized to be related to urban-topographic interactions and possibly irrigation moisture. Temperature records suggest that Riyadh has experienced an adjustment in mean temperature in response to the growth of urban surfaces (e.g. the so-called urban heat island effect). While ground-based precipitation records also indicate an upward trend in mean and total precipitation in and around Riyadh in the last 10–15 years, it is difficult to attribute the increase to urbanization because other less urbanized stations in Saudi Arabia also show a similar increase. Recent satellite-based precipitation estimates indicate an AR 50–100 km north of Riyadh, but this study is not robust enough to conclusively link it to urbanization although certain climate-regime attributes suggests that it might be.     

Learning with Local Help: Expanding the Dialogue on Climate Change and Water Management in the Okanagan Region, British Columbia, Canada

The research activity described in this report is a comprehensive regional assessment of the impacts of climate change on water resources and options for adaptation in the Okanagan Basin. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop integrated climate change and water resource scenarios to stimulate a multistakeholder discussion on the implications of climate change for water management in the region. The paper describes two main objectives: (a) providing a set of research products that will be of relevance to regional interests in the Okanagan, and (b) establishing a methodology for participatory integrated assessment of regional climate change impacts and adaptation that could be applied to climate-related concerns in Canada and other countries. This collaborative study has relied on field research, computer-based models, and dialogue exercises to generate an assessment of future implications, and to learn about regional views on the prospects for adaptation. Along the way, it has benefited from strong partnerships with governments, researchers, local water practitioners, and user groups. Building on the scenario-based study components, and a series of interviews and surveys undertaken for the water management and adaptation case study components, a set of stakeholder dialogue sessions were organized which focused on identifying preferred adaptation options and processes for their implementation. Rather than seeking consensus on the “best” option or process, regional interests were asked to consider a range of available options as part of an adaptation portfolio that could address both supply side and demand side aspects of water resources management in the Okanagan. The Canadian Crown reserves the right to retain a non-exclusive, royalty free licence in and to any copyright.     

Preliminary investigations of the tsunami hazard of Kick'em Jenny submarine volcano

Kick'em Jenny is a submarine volcano situated 9 kilometres north of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. A preliminary study suggests that the volcano is a prime candidate for tsunamigenic eruptions on a potentially hazardous scale, possibly affecting the whole of the Eastern Caribbean region. The uniqueness of individual volcanic eruptions means that attempts to generalise tsunamigenic mechanisms are extremely tentative. However, the theory of underwater explosion generated water waves is applicable to submarine volcanoes to model explosive eruptions. Using this theory, initial maximum ocean surface displacements are calculated for Kick'em Jenny hydroeruptions, corresponding to various event magnitudes (up to a worst-case scenario eruption on the scale of Krakatau, 1883). Wave propagation theories are then applied to the resulting tsunami wave dispersion, before beach shoaling equations are used to estimate the maximum tsunami run-up at adjacent coastal areas. Maps of the region have been prepared showing the paths of the wave-fronts (ray-tracing), travel times and maximum wave run-up amplitudes along coastlines. Finally, an attempt is made to assess how great a hazard the volcano represents, by considering the probability of each magnitude event occurring.