Ocean-atmosphere Structure in the Tropical Indian Ocean during a Ship Cruise 1995/96

The structure of the upper ocean and surface atmospheric conditions are described during a ship cruise across the central Indian Ocean from December 1995 to January 1996. In situ data on currents, temperature, salinity and surface heat fluxes are described and compared with expected climatological values. Thermocline uplift in the 6-7°S latitude band is linked to the cyclonic shear of near-surface currents. A comparison of quiescent and windy periods demonstrates that evaporative fluxes become amplified near cyclonic vortices fed by southerly meridional winds. The ocean density structure is influenced by salinity gradients, driven by the precipitation-evaporation balance. Near the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), freshwater fluxes create a stable surface layer and helps to maintain the eastward equatorial counter-current. An analysis of the atmospheric boundary layer from NCEP re-analysis data seeks to place the in situ results into the context of weather conditions at the time of the cruise. Further studies of this kind will improve our understanding of relationships between the Indian Ocean monsoon and surrounding climates.     

Assessing physical vulnerability in large cities exposed to flash floods and debris flows: the case of Arequipa (Peru)

Understanding the physical vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure to natural hazards is an essential step in risk assessment for large cities. We have interpreted high spatial resolution images, conducted field surveys, and utilized numerical simulations, in order to assess vulnerability across Arequipa, south Peru, close to the active El Misti volcano. The emphasis of this study was on flash floods and volcanic or non-volcanic hyperconcentrated flows, which recur on average every 3.5 years across the city. We utilized a geographic information system to embed vulnerability and hazard maps as a step to calculate risk for buildings and bridges along the Río Chili valley and two tributaries. A survey of ~1,000 buildings from 46 city blocks, different in age, construction materials, and land usage, provided architectural and structural characteristics. A similar survey of twenty bridges across the three valleys was based on structural, hydraulic, and strategic parameters. Interpretation of high spatial resolution (HSR) satellite images, which allows for quick identification of approximately 69 % of the structural building types, effectively supplemented field data collection. Mapping vulnerability has led us to pinpoint strategic areas in case of future destructive floods or flows. Calculated vulnerability is high if we examine structural criteria alone. We further consider physical setting with the most vulnerable city blocks located on the lowermost terraces, perpendicular or oblique to the flow path. Statistical analysis conducted on 3,015 city blocks, considering nine criteria identified from HSR images, indicated that building-type heterogeneity and the shape of the city blocks, along with building and street network density, are the most discriminant parameters for assessing vulnerability.