Use of Systematic, Palaeoflood and Historical Data for the Improvement of Flood Risk Estimation. Review of Scientific Methods

The catastrophic floods recently occurring in Europe warn of the critical need forhydrologic data on floods over long-time scales. Palaeoflood techniques provideinformation on hydrologic variability and extreme floods over long-time intervals(100 to 10,000 yr) and may be used in combination with historical flood data (last1,000 yr) and the gauge record (last 30–50 yr). In this paper, advantages anduncertainties related to the reconstruction of palaeofloods in different geomorphologicalsettings and historical floods using different documentary sources are described.Systematic and non-systematic data can be combined in the flood frequency analysisusing different methods for the adjustment of distribution functions. Technical toolsintegrating multidisciplinary approaches (geologic, historical, hydraulic and statistical)on extreme flood risk assessment are discussed. A discussion on the potential theoreticalbases for solving the problem of dealing with non-systematic and non-stationary data ispresented. This methodology is being developed using new methodological approachesapplied to European countries as a part of a European Commission funded project (SPHERE).     

Secular Climatic Oscillations as Indicated by Catastrophic Floods in the Spanish Mediterranean Coastal Area (14th–19th Centuries)

Historical documentation describing events on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula allows us to reconstruct the record of catastrophic floods. Through this information, it is possible to identify and to date three climatic oscillations within the so-called Little Ice Age: 1570–1630, 1760–1800 and 1830–1870, which coincide with advances in some Alps glaciers.     

Anomalous soil CO2 degassing in relation to faults and eruptive fissures on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy)

 The relationships between soil gas emissions and both tectonic and volcano-tectonic structures on Mt. Etna have been studied. The investigation consisted of soil CO₂ flux measurements along traverses orthogonal to the main faults and eruptive fissures of the volcano. Anomalous levels of soil degassing were found mainly in coincidence with faults, whereas only 49% of the eruptive fissures were found to produce elevated CO₂ soil fluxes. This result suggests that only zones of strain are able to channel deep gases to the surface. According to this hypothesis, several previously unknown structures are suggested. Based on our geochemical data, new structural maps of different areas of Etna are proposed. The soil CO₂ fluxes observed in this study are higher than those measured in a 1987 study, and they are consistent with the higher level of volcanic unrest during the current study. Received: 20 March 1998 / Accepted: 17 June 1998     

Structure and late cenozoic evolution of the upper lithosphere in Southwest Tuscany (Italy)

Geological and geophysical data on southwest Tuscany are reviewed in order to define the structure and evolution of the upper lithosphere from the Miocene to the Quaternary. Petrologic studies reveal the existence, below all of Tuscany, of Hercynian and older polyphased metamorphic rocks and of Hercynian granite, whose top is an important seismic reflecting horizon. The basement is characterized by NE-SW trending structures, in contrast with the main NW-SE “Alpine” structures of the uppermost levels. The heat flow map shows two broad areas with values higher than 80 mW/m², reaching maximum values of 10.5 and 15 H.F.U. in the geothermal areas, which are also characterized by negative Bouguer anomalies. A Landsat study revealed a NE-SW band of subcircular structures passing through Larderello and coinciding with a regional fault system and a steep rise in the Moho. Petrologic, geochemical and radiometric data on the Tuscan igneous rocks show that partial melting took place in the Tuscan crust at different levels and to varying degrees from the Miocene to Quaternary, producing a continuous “Alpine” granitic layer. The known Tuscan intrusive bodies and two batholiths below the Larderello and Mt. Amiata geothermal fields represent culminations of the “Alpine” granite. The rise of the Tuscan magmas was closely correlated to a post-Tortonian tensional tectonics and followed its N-E migration. Tensional tectonics started after the last compressional phase (10–11 Ma B.P.) as a consequence of the anticlockwise rotation of Italy, the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the swelling of the mantle below southwest Tuscany.     

Fluid circulation at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) from self-potential and CO2 surveys

This work addresses the study of fluid circulation of the Stromboli island using a dense coverage of self-potential (SP) and soil CO₂ data. A marked difference exists between the northern flank and the other flanks of the island. The northern flank exhibits (1) a typical negative SP/altitude gradient not observed on the other flanks, and (2) higher levels of CO₂. The general SP pattern suggests that the northern flank is composed of porous layers through which vadose water flows down to a basal water table, in contrast to the other flanks where impermeable layers impede the vertical flow of vadose water. In the Sciara del Fuoco and Rina Grande–Le Schicciole landslide complexes, breccias of shallow gliding planes may constitute such impermeable layers whereas elsewhere, poorly permeable, fine-grained pyroclastites or altered lava flows may be present. This general model of the flanks also explains the main CO₂ patterns: concentration of CO₂ at the surface is high on the porous north flank and lower on the other flanks where impermeable layers can block the upward CO₂ flux. The active upper part of the island is underlain by a well-defined hydrothermal system bounded by short-wavelength negative SP anomalies and high peaks of CO₂. These boundaries coincide with faults limiting ancient collapses of calderas, craters and flank landslides. The hydrothermal system is not homogeneous but composed of three main subsystems and of a fourth minor one and is not centered on the active craters. The latter are located near its border. This divergence between the location of the active craters and the extent of the hydrothermal system suggests that the internal heat sources may not be limited to sources below the active craters. If the heat source strictly corresponds to intrusions at depth around the active conduits, the geometry of the hydrothermal subsystems must be strongly controlled by heterogeneities within the edifice such as craters, caldera walls or gliding planes of flank collapse, as suggested by the correspondence between SP–CO₂ anomalies and structural limits. The inner zone of the hydrothermal subsystems is characterized by positive SP anomalies, indicating upward movements of fluids, and by very low values of CO₂ emanation. This pattern suggests that the hydrothermal zone becomes self-sealed at depth, thus creating a barrier to the CO₂ flux. In this hypothesis, the observed hydrothermal system is a shallow one and it involves mostly convection of infiltrated meteoric water above the sealed zone. Finally, on the base of CO₂ degassing measurements, we present evidence for the presence of two regional faults, oriented N41° and N64°, and decoupled from the volcanic structures.     

Integration and influence of paleoseismic and geologic data for the seismic hazard evaluation in the Catalan coastal ranges, Spain

In this study, the influence of paleoseismic and geologic data in the seismic hazard estimation for the Catalan coastal ranges is analysed. We computed the probabilistic seismic hazard using area seismic sources with a Poissonian assumption for the earthquake occurrence. For the computations, a previously published attenuation relationship based on European strong motion data was applied. The resulting hazard estimates show similarities to the previous assessments in the region. These results were then used as a reference for comparison with other new models. In order to analyse the influence of the paleoseismic data three different models were tested. Since the number of faults that are investigated in detail are few, the same area sources that were used in the Poissonian assumption were kept in all three new models. In addition, the new paleoseismic data with faults expressed as line sources were used. In this case, a cyclic earthquake occurrence was assumed. The three models were based on the paleoseismic data with different assumptions on the time elapsed since last event. The time elapsed was set to 0, 10 and 85% of the recurrence interval in each model. The results are presented as maps showing the difference between the three models and the reference model with the Poissonian assumption. The results are given in horizontal peak ground acceleration contour maps for different return periods, also taking into account large return periods as high as 25,000 years. This is done to demonstrate the effect of large recurrence intervals found for some of the active faults. In general, we observe that for short return periods (<1000 years), the Poissonian assumption of earthquake occurrence is probably sufficient and provides a robust estimate of the hazard. However, for longer return periods (>5000 years) the effects of the paleoseismic data become increasingly significant. In order to estimate the true seismic hazard potential of this apparently low seismicity area, long-term behaviour of the possible active faults in the region needs to be investigated systematically.     

Layered amphibolite sequence in NE Sardinia,Italy: remnant of a pre-Variscan mafic silicic layered intrusion?

A banded amphibolite sequence of alternating ultramafic, mafic (amphibolite) and silicic layers, tectonically enclosed within Variscan migmatites, outcrops at Monte Plebi (NE Sardinia) and shows similarities with leptyno-amphibolite complexes. The ultramafic layers consist of amphibole (75–98%), garnet (0–20%), opaque minerals (1–5%) and biotite (0–3%). The mafic rocks are made up of amphibole (65–80%), plagioclase (15–30%), quartz (0–15%), opaque minerals (2–3%) and biotite (0–2%). The silicic layers consist of plagioclase (60–75%), amphibole (15–30%) and quartz (10–15%). Alteration, metasomatic, metamorphic and hydrothermal processes did not significantly modify the original protolith chemistry, as proved by a lack of K₂O-enrichment, Rb-enrichment, CaO-depletion, MgO-depletion and by no shift in the rare earth element (REE) patterns. Field, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that ultramafic, mafic and silicic layers represent repeated sequences of cumulates, basic and acidic rocks similar to macrorhythmic units of mafic silicic layered intrusions. The ultramafic layers recall the evolved cumulates of Skaergaard and Pleasant Bay mafic silicic layered intrusions. Mafic layers resemble Thingmuli tholeiites and chilled Pleasant Bay mafic rocks. Silicic layers with Na₂O: 4–6 wt%, SiO₂: 67–71 wt% were likely oligoclase-rich adcumulates common in many mafic silicic layered intrusions. Some amphibolite showing a strong Ti-, P-depletion and REE-depletion are interpreted as early cumulates nearly devoid of ilmenite and phosphates. All Monte Plebi rocks have extremely low Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf content and high LILE/HFSE ratios, a feature inherited from the original mantle sources. The mafic and ultramafic layers show slight and strong LREE enrichment respectively. Most mafic layer samples plot in the field of continental tholeiites in the TiO₂–K₂O–P₂O₅ diagram and are completely different from N-MORB, E-MORB and T-MORB as regards REE patterns and Nd, Sr isotope ratios but show analogies with Siberian, Deccan and proto-Atlantic rift tholeiites. Comparisons with Thingmuli, Skaergaard and Kiglapait rocks and with experimental data suggest that the Monte Plebi intrusion was an open-to-oxygen system with fO₂ FMQ. Mafic and ultramafic samples yielded _Nd(460)=+0.79 /+3.06 and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.702934–0.703426, and four silicic samples _Nd(460)=–0.53/–1.13; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.703239–0.703653. Significant differences in Nd isotope ratios between mafic and silicic rocks prove that both groups evolved separately in deeper magma chambers, from different mantle sources, with negligible interaction with crustal material, and were later repeatedly injected within a shallower magma chamber. The spectrum of Sr and Nd isotope data is consistent with a slightly enriched mantle metasomatized during an event earlier than 460 Ma. The metasomatising component was represented by alkali-Th-rich fluids of crustal origin rather than by sedimentary materials, able to modify alkali and Sr–Nd isotope systematics. Monte Plebi layered amphibolites might represent the first example of a strongly metamorphosed fragment of an early Paleozoic mafic silicic layered intrusion emplaced in a thinning continental crust and then tectonically dismembered by Variscan orogeny.     

The effect of Southwestern Atlantic burrowing crabs on habitat use and foraging activity of migratory shorebirds

Southwestern Atlantic estuaries (Southern Brazil to Northern Patagonia, Argentina) are characterized by the presence of an intertidal burrowing crab Chasmagnathus granulata. This crab species is an important bioturbator which lives in large assemblages and excavates semi-permanent burrows that affect sediment characteristics. Our observations showed that distribution of the crabs in the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Argentina (37°45′S, 57°26′W) affected habitat use and feeding success of migratory shorebirds. During the migratory season the two-banded plover (Charadrius falklandicus) foraged more frequently inside crab beds, and yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes and T. melanoleuca) fed more freqeuntly outside crab beds. Focal observations on the feeding behavior of the white-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and the two-banded plover inside and outside crab beds showed that the plover was a visual searcher and captured more prey inside crab beds, and the white-rumped sandpiper was a tactile feeder. Although consumption rates (prey min^?1) did not differ between sites, their efficiency (prey probe^?1) inside crab beds was less. These differences were probably related to changes in sediment characteristics and prey behavior, which vary with crab activity. Burrowing crabs alter the suitability of intertidal habitats used by shorebirds in southwestern Atlantic estuaries. We believe that the same process could be occurring with other burrowing curstaceans such as thalassinidean shrimps in other estuaries of the world and could have important implications for management of flats for shorebirds. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY090 00007     

The harmonic and sideband structure of the kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations in Sco X-1

We use data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer to search for harmonics and sidebands of the two simultaneous kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs) in Sco X-1. We do not detect any of these harmonics or sidebands, with 95 per cent confidence upper limits to their power between ∼1 and ∼10 per cent of the power of the upper kHz QPO. The oscillations produced at these frequencies may be attenuated in a scattering corona around the neutron star. We find that upper limits to the unattenuated power of some of the strongest theoretically predicted harmonics and sidebands are as low as ∼2 per cent of the unattenuated power of the high-frequency QPO in Sco X-1.     

Terrain data compression using wavelet-tiled pyramids for online 3D terrain visualization

Last years have witnessed the widespread use of online terrain visualization applications. However, the significant improvements achieved in sensing technologies have allowed an increasing size of the terrain databases. These increasing sizes represent a serious drawback when terrain data must be transmitted and rendered at interactive rates. In this paper, we propose a novel wavelet-tiled pyramid for compressing terrain data that replaces the traditional multiresolution pyramid usually used in wavelet compression schemes. The new wavelet-tiled pyramid modifies the wavelet analysis and synthesis processes, allowing an efficient transmission and reconstruction of terrain data in those applications based on multiresolution tiled pyramids. A comparative performance evaluation with the currently existing techniques shows that the proposed scheme obtains a better compression ratio of the terrain data, reducing the storage space and transmission bandwidth required, and achieving a better visual quality of the virtual terrain reconstructed after data decompression.