Structural characteristics of zooplankton of the Shardarinskoe Reservoir and their use in water quality assessment

Data on the Shardarinskoe Reservoir are used to assess the indicator role of zooplankton community under unstable hydrological regime. The structural characteristics of zooplankton featured significant seasonal variations. The averaged indices characterized reservoir water quality at the level of mesotrophic and eutrophic water bodies. The possible use of cyclopidas to characterize toxic pollution of water is discussed.     

Fault structures and their geoelectric parameters in the epicentral zone of the 27 September 2003 Chuya earthquake (Gorny Altai) from resistivity data

This paper presents an integrated measurement technique based on DC methods (vertical electrical sounding, electrical resistivity tomography) which was used to identify faults and determine their geoelectric parameters in the western part of the Chuya basin. New information on the structure of the Chagan River valley located in the zone of the disastrous 27 September 2003 Chuya earthquake has been obtained from the results of these methods. Geoelectric cross-sections of the sedimentary sequence and the upper part of the basement were obtained from VES data, showing the block structure of the study area. Electrical resistivity tomography sections confirm the presence of a major fault between basement blocks of different heights and indicate the presence of faults bounding the valley on its right side and in the southwestern part.     

A sedimentation model of the maikop deposits of the Tuapse Basin in the Black Sea according to the results of 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys and field works in the Western Caucasus and Crimea

This work is based on the results of 2-D and 3-D surveys in the Tuapse Basin and field works in the Crimea-Caucasus region. Seven zones were outlined in the model of sedimentation starting from the eroded mountain structure of the Greater Caucasus down to deep water sediments of the Tuapse Basin. The slope and deep-water sediments of channels and fan complexes are characterized. Volume models of the sedimentation system in the Black Sea are shown for the first time.     

Optimal instrumentation of structures on flexible base for system identification

A criterion previously developed by Heredia-Zavoni and Esteva for selecting optimal sensor locations is used to analyse the optimal instrumentation of structures on soft soils. The stochastic response of a linear structural system on a flexible base is formulated for use of the criterion. The case of MDOF shear systems on flexible base, with uncertain lateral stiffness and subjected to random earthquake ground motions, is studied. The optimal location of accelerometers, the reduction of prior uncertainty on the lateral stiffness, the effects of the base flexibility, the relative influence of translation and rocking of the base, and the influence of recording noise are assessed and discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Specifying the mesoscale numerical forecast of heavy showers

Actual surface fields of meteorological variables 1–3 hours before the heavy showers are analyzed in detail for the purpose of their specification with WRF-ARW model. The complex of hygrothermodynamic characteristics needed for this purpose is discovered. The detailed satellite, radar, and synoptic data are also considered.     

Engineering problems associated with expansive clays from Romania

Engineering problems associated with expansive clay formations, which have a large swelling and shrinking potential, exist in different regions of Romania.In the general framework of the study of the behaviour of expansive clays, the present paper describes some particular aspects connected with the swelling and shrinkage processes and their engineering effects in Romania.The differences between swelling potential relationships, obtained by two different methods are presented and discussed. Swelling pressure tests were accomplished using the available standard techniques, as well as a specially developed cell pressure equipment.Attention is drawn to the stages of the shrinkage process as related to soil structure. It was found that, in a general case, there are three distinct?tages: initial, normal and residual shrinkage.Laboratory investigations have shown that in soils with an anisotropic structure, the directional variation of shrinkage strains is elliptical in shape, with the maximum shrinkage normal to particle orientation.The engineering aspects of the results are discussed.