B,V, and DDO photometric observations of red variable stars

Light curves of the red variables L₂ Puppis, R Carinae, and S Carinae in the region of the spectrum covered by theB, V, and DDO photometry are presented. The behavior of the DDO color indices and their meaning for this type of star are discussed. S Carinae shows a different behavior from the other two stars that seems to be due to a population effect.     

The rainfall intensity–duration control of shallow landslides and debris flows: an update

A global database of 2,626 rainfall events that have resulted in shallow landslides and debris flows was compiled through a thorough literature search. The rainfall and landslide information was used to update the dependency of the minimum level of rainfall duration and intensity likely to result in shallow landslides and debris flows established by Nel Caine in 1980. The rainfall intensity–duration (ID) values were plotted in logarithmic coordinates, and it was established that with increased rainfall duration, the minimum average intensity likely to trigger shallow slope failures decreases linearly, in the range of durations from 10 min to 35 days. The minimum ID for the possible initiation of shallow landslides and debris flows was determined. The threshold curve was obtained from the rainfall data using an objective statistical technique. To cope with differences in the intensity and duration of rainfall likely to result in shallow slope failures in different climatic regions, the rainfall information was normalized to the mean annual precipitation and the rainy-day normal. Climate information was obtained from the global climate dataset compiled by the Climate Research Unit of the East Anglia University. The obtained global ID thresholds are significantly lower than the threshold proposed by Caine (Geogr Ann A 62:23–27, 1980), and lower than other global thresholds proposed in the literature. The new global ID thresholds can be used in a worldwide operational landslide warning system based on global precipitation measurements where local and regional thresholds are not available..     

Sediment Nitrogen Fixation: a Call for Re-evaluating Coastal N Budgets

Coastal ocean primary productivity is often limited by nitrogen (N) availability, which is determined by the balance between N sources (e.g., N-fixation, groundwater, river inputs, etc.) and sinks (e.g., denitrification, sediment burial, etc.). Historically, heterotrophic N-fixation in sediments was excluded as a significant source of N in estuarine budgets, based on low, indirectly measured rates (e.g., acetylene reduction assay) and because it was unnecessary to achieve mass balance. Many recent studies using net N₂ flux measurements have shown that sediment N-fixation can equal or exceed N₂ loss. In an effort to quantify N₂ production and consumption simultaneously, we measured N-fixation and denitrification directly in sediment cores from a temperate estuary (Waquoit Bay, MA). N-fixation, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, and denitrification occurred simultaneously, and the net N₂ flux shifted from uptake (N-fixation) to efflux (denitrification) over the 120-h incubation. Evidence for N-fixation included net ²⁸N₂ and ³⁰N₂ uptake, ¹⁵NH₄ ⁺ production from ³⁰N₂ additions, ¹⁵N_{organic matter} production, and nifH expression. N-fixation from ³⁰N₂ was up to eight times higher than potential denitrification. However, N-fixation calculated from ¹⁵NO₃ ^? was one half of the measured fixation from ³⁰N₂, indicating that ¹⁵NO₃-isotope labeling calculations may underestimate N-fixation. These results highlight the dynamic nature of sediment N cycling and suggest that quantifying individual processes allows a greater understanding of what net N₂ fluxes signify and how that balance varies over time.     

Impact of the clouds of volcanic aerosols in Italy during the last 7 centuries

Intense natural pollution has occurred in the past in Italy corresponding to intense volcanic activity, which appears to have diminished somewhat in recent times. Between 1500 and 1900, Etna, Vesuvius, Vulcano and Stromboli, plus volcanoes outside Italy were very active and there are numerous, well documented episodes of atmospheric acidification which caused widespread damage, especially to the vegetation. Other than the acid rains, volcanic emissions also caused so calleddry fogs which consist of a more or less dense mist composed of foul smelling gases and aerosols, characterized by a reddish color, that could appear and persist when the relative humidity was low as shown by measurements taken on such occasions. This phenomenon appeared most frequently at the beginning of the hot season. In fact, volcanic clouds of gases and aerosols formed especially when the Tyrrhenian sea water was relatively cold giving rise to very stable atmospheric conditions locally and the summer anticyclone meant that the winds were calm. Under such conditions the emissions of Stromboli and Vulcano, especially those emitted at low levels, remained entrapped in the stable layer, which were then transported towards the land reaching Northern Italy at a distance on the order of 10³ km. Thedry fogs could persist for days or weeks. Harvests were seriously damaged and frequently the crops were subsequently attacked by parasites. The leaves of the vegetation became discoloured with numerous punctiform lesions or gangrene at the edges of the leaves. The phenomenon was so frequent that, in texts on agricultural meteorology of the 1800s, a distinction was made between the causticdry fogs which damaged the vegetation anddamp fogs which instead were good for it. The most important episode occurred in 1783 due to the activity of Laki Grímsvötn (Iceland) with the contribution of Italian volcanoes. This dry fog lasted many months and affected the greater part of the northern hemisphere including Europe and Asia, harming people, animals and vegetation. Apart from paroxysmal cases, from the 1300s up to today, some tens ofdry fogs have been noted, all of which have been sufficiently well documented. The frequency of these events culminated between the middle of the 1700s and the middle of the 1800s. There is reason to believe that this well documented phenomenon of the past, with sufficient volcanic activity, could recur on the meso and large scale; with present day activity the emissions continue to cause damage to vegetation, both in the Aspromonte mountains (Calabria, Southem Italy) as well as in other parts of Italy.     

Simplified seismic fragility analysis of structures with two types of friction devices

This paper presents a method and results of seismic fragility estimation of frame structures with friction devices and with friction devices and restrictors. The seismic intensity parameter, defined as the mean value of the pseudovelocity spectrum in a specified periods band, is proved to allow the use of linear regression analysis of the response parameters of the considered non‐linear structures on seismic intensity. A simplified method of fragility estimation is proposed, based on the concept of ‘mean seismic excitation’ and linear regression of the seismic response parameters on seismic intensity parameter. The key risk contributors for the system with friction devices and for the system with friction devices and restrictors are identified on the basis of the fragility analysis, and recommendations for improvement of the seismic response of the respective systems are derived. The results of the fragility study show that when the initial ‘bare’ frame is retrofitted by rigidly connected bracings the effect is much lower than in the case of connecting the bracings by friction devices and especially by friction devices and restrictors. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.