A new concept in Euler deconvolution of isolated gravity anomalies

Euler's homogeneity equation has been used to develop a new technique to interpret the gravity anomalies over some simple geometrical sources, namely a finite horizontal line/vertical line, a finite vertical ribbon, a semicircular dome/basin and an isosceles triangle approximating an anticline/syncline. A linear over-determined system of equations has been solved to compute the depth, the horizontal location and the structural index, all treated as free parameters. The concept of a variable structural index provides better depth estimates and helps to identify the source geometry. Nomograms have been prepared to compute an additional model parameter, namely the horizontal/vertical extent of a line, the vertical extent of a ribbon and the radius of a dome/basin. The efficacy of the proposed method has been evaluated using two real field examples.     

A Photogravitational Hill Problem and Radiation Effects on Hill Stability of Orbits

We introduce a photogravitational version of Hill's problem to include the effect of radiation of the primaries, and discuss its equilibrium points and zero velocity curves. As a first application we use this model to study Hill stability of orbits around the small primary. The estimates obtained for the maximum distance of Hill stable orbits are compared to the predicted maximum sizes of accretion disks in binary stars according to recent theories based on periodic orbits as streamlines of the disks. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Spatial Modeling for Base-Metal Mineral Exploration Through Integration of Geological Data Sets

This study involves the integration of information interpreted from data sets such as LandsatTM, Airborne magnetic, geochemical, geological, and ground-based data of Rajpura—Dariba,Rajasthan, India through GIS with the help of (1) Bayesian statistics based on the weights ofevidence method and (2) a fuzzy logic algorithm to derive spatial models to target potentialbase-metal mineralized areas for future exploration. Of the 24 layers considered, five layers(graphite mica schist (GMS), calc-silicate marble (CALC), NE-SW lineament 0–2000 mcorridor (L4-NESW), Cu 200–250 ppm, and Pb 200–250 ppm) have been identified from theBayesian approach on the basis of contrast. Thus, unique conditions were formed based onthe presence and absence of these five map patterns, which are converted to estimate posteriorprobabilities. The final map, based on the same data used to determine the relationships, showsfour classes of potential zones of sulfide mineralization on the basis of posterior probability.In the fuzzy set approach, membership functions of the layers such as CALC, GMS, NE-SWlineament corridor maps, Pb, and Cu geochemical maps have been integrated to obtain thefinal potential map showing four classes of favorability index.     

On large-scale flow structures in a gravel-bed river

Previous studies have suggested the presence of large-scale flow structures in gravel-bed rivers. These structures are pictured as intermittent high-speed wedges separated by regions of lower velocity. However, the characteristics of these structures have not been examined in detail through either visualisation techniques or detailed field measurements. This paper confirms the presence of large-scale flow structures in gravel bed rivers, pictures their sequence and patterns and characterises their mean and individual properties. The analysis relies on a new technique for displaying velocity fluctuations in a space–time matrix that allows one to see the structures as they pass an array of current meters. Streamwise and vertical velocities were measured simultaneously with an array of three electromagnetic current meters. The sampling frequency was 20 Hz. Five velocity profiles of up to 13 1-min series of measurements and one profile of three 20-min measurements were sampled. These data suggest the presence of large wedges of faster fluid joined by regions of slower fluid. Space–time correlation analysis confirmed the presence of vertical coherence of the flow. The average angle of the front of the wedges is 36°. Although individual structures are variable in size and shape, a new detection technique using all three velocity signals simultaneously showed that their average frequency is nine events per minute and their duration is more than 2 s. The high-speed wedges display a complex organisation and do not show a preferred sequence of events as was postulated by previous studies. Because of their duration and size, these high-speed wedges are likely to play a major role in bedload sediment transport.     

Twenty years of Belgian North Sea aerial surveillance: a quantitative analysis of results confirms effectiveness of international oil pollution legislation

Over the years many policy measures have been taken to prevent illegal oil discharges from ships, like the MARPOL 73/78 Convention (1983) and the Bonn Agreement (1969/1983). However, the number of discharges remained high, leading to chronic oiling of seabirds and sensitive coastlines, therefore further measures were taken. The aim of this study is to quantify the effectiveness of two key legislative regulations: the IMO-designation of the North Sea as MARPOL Special Area which took effect in 1999, and the adoption of the EU Directive on Port Reception Facilities in 2000. Under study is the heavily navigated Belgian Surveillance Area, monitored since 1991, characterised by shallow waters with ecologically important sandbanks. The aerial surveillance data from 1991 to 2010 show a stepwise decrease in ship-source oil pollution. Three time periods can be distinguished with two turning points coinciding with the actual implementation of these key legislative measures, confirming their effectiveness.     

Temporal and spatial variation of infilling processes in a landslide scar in a steep mountainous region,Japan

The duration of the soil‐depth recovery needed for reoccurrence of shallow colluvial landslides at a given site in humid regions is much longer than the return period of rainfall needed to generate sufficient pore water pressure to initiate a landslide. Knowledge of the rate of change in soil depth in landslide scars is therefore necessary to evaluate return intervals of landslides. Spatial variation in sediment transport at the Kumanodaira landslide scar in central Japan was investigated by field observations. Spatial distribution of the rate of change in soil depth was estimated using sediment transport data and geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Observations revealed that the timing of sediment transport differed for shallow and deep soil layers. Near‐surface sediment transport (mostly dry ravel and some shallow soil creep at depths ≤0·05 m) measured in sediment traps was active in winter and early spring and was affected by freezing–thawing; soil creep of subsoil (i.e. >0·05 m), monitored by strain probes, was active in summer and autumn when precipitation was abundant. Near‐surface sediment flux was estimated by a power law function of slope gradient. Deeper soil creep was more affected by relative location to the landslide scar, which influences soil depth, than by slope gradient. Our study indicated that the rate of soil‐depth recovery is high just below the head scarp of the landslide. Abrupt changes in the longitudinal slope topography immediately above, within and just below the head scarp became smoother with time due to degradation proximate to the landslide head scarp and flanks, as well as aggradation just below the head scarp. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于测井、VSP和地面地震数据最佳拟合的子波估计(英文)

本文提出了基于测井、VSP和地震数据拟合的子波估计方法,从输入输出都包含随机噪声的统计模型出发,采用相关性拟合技术来提取子波。拟合度和误差分析为整个过程提供了定量的质量控制手段,可以评估数据拟合和子波估计的可靠性。实际数据试算表明,该方法在含有噪声的实际数据中稳定而有效,在地震频带内的子波估计和数据拟合是可靠的。该方法无需对子波相位和振幅谱进行任何假设,其主要优点在于确定相位的能力。     

Soil Carbon and Nutrient Accumulation under Forest Plantations in Jharkhand State of India

The decrease and degradation of the tropical forests affect not only the production of timber but also the global environment in a large scale. The ability of soil to sustain and its supply of nutrients to a growing forest are controlled by a complex of biogeochemical processes. The purpose of the present study aims to assess the degraded forest fringe areas, to promote plantations of various types and to evaluate their impacts on the soil nutrients and carbon content accumulation. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient content were evaluated and compared between plantations of mixed native species (MNS), some native tree species as Shorea robusta, Dalbergia sissoo, Dendrocalamus spp., certain agro‐forestry species and some exotic varieties. The impacts of the plantations on the SOC and the nutrients were firstly analyzed through comprehensive chemical analyses and the results were compared with the soil samples collected prior to plantation forestry. Significant changes were observed in SOC content, in nutrients, and in amounts of exchangeable cations. Soil carbon levels were highest under the MNS, Dendrocalamus and Tectona grandis stands and lowest under D. sissoo and Terminalia arjuna. Total N showed highest levels under Dendrocalamus and Pongamia pinnata and significantly higher in stands of native species; lowest total N level was observed in D. sissoo plantations. The C/N ratios of the soil varied between 9.2 and 13.5 among the exchangeable cations. Ca²⁺ recorded the maximum levels and Na⁺ showed the lowest levels.