Source subtraction for the extended Very Small Array and 33-GHz source count estimates

We describe the source subtraction strategy and observations for the extended Very Small Array (VSA), a cosmic microwave background interferometer operating at 33 GHz. A total of 453 sources were monitored at 33 GHz using a dedicated source subtraction baseline. 131 sources brighter than 20 mJy were directly subtracted from the VSA visibility data. Some characteristics of the subtracted sources, such as spectra and variability, are discussed. The 33-GHz source counts are estimated from a sample selected at 15 GHz. The selection of VSA fields in order to avoid bright sources introduces a bias into the observed counts. This bias is corrected and the resulting source count is estimated to be complete in the flux-density range 20–114 mJy. The 33-GHz source counts are used to calculate a correction to the VSA power spectrum for sources below the subtraction limit.     

Linking pattern to process in reef sediment dynamics at Lady Musgrave Island,southern Great Barrier Reef

Linking surficial sediment patterns in reef environments to the processes that underlie their depositional dynamics enables predictions to be made of how environmental changes will influence reef‐associated sedimentary landforms, such as islands and beaches. Geomorphic linkages between sediment deposition patterns and the biophysical processes that drive them are often poorly resolved, particularly at broad landscape scales where tangible statements can be made about structural changes to landforms. The present study applies geospatial techniques to link patterns in reef sediment dynamics at Lady Musgrave Island to the underlying processes driving them. In situ calcification is characterized by developing a high resolution map of the surficial calcium carbonate producing communities inhabiting the reef platform, and associated sediments across the reef flat are analysed for grain size, kurtosis, sorting and threshold bed shear stress to explore transport pathways across the reef flat and lagoon. Wave energy is modelled across the entire reef platform as a potential driver of sediment dynamics, and morphometric linkages are empirically defined between wave energy and grain size. Findings indicate that carbonate sediments are primarily sourced from calcifying communities colonizing the outer periphery of the reef platform and that sediment grain size can be reliably linked to wave energy by virtue of a linear model.     

Impact of extreme waves on a vertical wall

This study addresses the impact of nonlinear wave evolution on the resulting wave force values on a vertical wall. To this end, the problem of interaction between non-breaking water waves and a vertical wall over constant depth is investigated. The investigation is performed using a two-dimensional wave flume model which is based on the high-order spectral method. Wave generation is simulated at the flume entrance by means of the additional potential concept. This model enables to preserve full dispersivity. Therefore, the model enables to examine the role of nonlinear evolution in the formation of extreme wave force values on a vertical wall for a wide range of water depths. The results for the force exerted on a vertical wall are presented for shallow and deep water conditions. In shallow water, extreme wave force values occur due to the formation of an undular bore. In deep water, extreme wave forces have been obtained as a result of disintegration process of incident wave groups into envelope solitons. Multiple maximum force values have been detected for each of the highest run-up peaks. This phenomenon has been introduced in shallow water conditions and is extended here for deep water conditions.     

Predicting coffee yield based on agroclimatic data and machine learning

Theoretical and Applied Climatology - Climate directly and indirectly influences agriculture, being the main responsible for low and high yields. Prior knowledge on yield helps coffee farmers in...     

Modelling of the groundwater hydrological behaviour of the Langueyú creek basin by using N‐way multivariate methods

The groundwater hydrochemical behaviour of the Langueyú creek basin (Argentina) has been evaluated through a systematic survey, followed by application of hydrological and chemometric multivariate techniques. Ten physicochemical parameters were determined in groundwater samples collected from 26 wells during four sampling campaigns (June 2010; October 2010; February 2011 and June 2011), originating a tridimensional experimental dataset X . Univariate statistical and graphical hydrochemical tools (contour maps and Piper diagrams) applied to individual campaigns, allowed to reach some preliminary conclusions. However, a best visualization of the aquifer behaviour was achieved by applying Principal Component Analysis (MA‐PCA) and N‐way PCA procedures, Parallel Factor Analysis and Tucker3. Results were consistent with two‐term models, being Tucker3 [2 2 1] the most adequate, explaining a large amount of the dataset variance (50.7%) with a low complexity. The first Tucker3 [1 1 1] interaction (38.2% of variance) is related with (i) calcium/magnesium versus sodium/potassium ion exchange processes; (ii) an increase of ionic concentration and (iii) a decrease of nitrate pollution, all processes along the direction of the groundwater flow. The second [2 2 1] interaction (12.5% of variance), accounts for the predominant role played by conductivity, bicarbonate and magnesium in the dataset. The seasonal variations are closely related to concentration/dilution phenomena originated by the variations of the phreatic levels, although this point will require additional sampling to establish a definitive hydrochemical model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An assessment of the non-market value of the ecosystem services provided by the Catalan coastal zone,Spain

A spatial value transfer analysis was performed to generate baseline estimates of the value of ecosystem services in the coastal zone of Catalonia, Spain. The study used the best available conceptual frameworks, data sources, and analytical techniques to generate non-market monetary value estimates that can be used to identify scarce ecosystem services among competing coastal uses. The approach focused on natural and seminatural, terrestrial and marine systems, which provide essential services that are not considered in current economic markets. Results show that in 2004 a substantial economic value of $3,195 million USD/yr was delivered to local citizens by surrounding ecosystems. In a spatially explicit manner, the approach illustrates the contribution made by natural environmental systems to the well being of communities in the coastal zone of Catalonia. It is hoped that this study will highlight the need to consider these coastal systems in future management strategies to ensure their proper maintenance and conservation.     

Determination of internal wave properties from X-Band radar observations

The application of nautical X-Band radars to measure internal wave (IW) properties is investigated. A methodology based on the use of Radon transform (RT) techniques to detect internal wave related features from backscatter image sequences is introduced to compute properties such as direction of propagation, non-linear velocity (c₀), distance between solitons (L_cc) and number of solitons per packet. The proposed methodology was applied to several events recorded by a ship-mounted X-Band radar system (WaMoS) during the NLIWI experiment in 2006. Results from the comparisons to simultaneous measurements taken at neighboring oceanographic moorings indicated that c₀ can be estimated with a RMS error of 0.06 m s⁻¹, which corresponds to a mean relative error of −1.4%. Similarly, L_cc can be estimated with a RMS error of 98 m, which is associated with a mean relative error of 14.6%. This latter error estimate however is likely to be overestimated, because it reflects strongly the separation between sampling stations as L_cc was shown to be highly dependent on propagation distance. The accuracy of the results shows that X-Band systems are well suited to measure internal wave properties offering some advantages over SAR and other in situ devices.     

A RANS-VoF Numerical Model to Analyze the Output Power of An OWC-WEC Equipped with Wells and Impulse Turbines in A Hypothetical Sea-State

China Ocean Engineering - Wave energy is a renewable source with significant amount in relation to the global demand. A good concept of a device applied to extract this type of energy is the...     

First integrals for the Kepler problem with linear drag

In this work we consider the Kepler problem with linear drag, and prove the existence of a continuous vector-valued first integral, obtained taking the limit as \(t\rightarrow +\infty \) of the Runge–Lenz vector. The norm of this first integral can be interpreted as an asymptotic eccentricity \(e_{\infty }\) with \(0\le e_{\infty } \le 1\). The orbits satisfying \(e_{\infty } <1\) approach the singularity by an elliptic spiral and the corresponding solutions \(x(t)=r(t)e^{i\theta (t)}\) have a norm r(t) that goes to zero like a negative exponential and an argument \(\theta (t)\) that goes to infinity like a positive exponential. In particular, the difference between consecutive times of passage through the pericenter, say \(T_{n+1} -T_n\), goes to zero as \(\frac{1}{n}\).