Application of horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) Fourier spectral ratio for analysis of site effect on rock (NEHRP-class B) sites in Taiwan

The frequency-dependent amplification for rock (NEHRP-class B) sites was studied using earthquake ground-motion database collected in Taiwan during implementation of the Taiwan Strong Motion Instrumentation Program. The database used includes several hundred records from earthquakes of M_L 4.0–7.3 occurred between 1993 and 2004. The characteristics of amplification were evaluated using the well-known technique of horizontal-to-vertical Fourier spectral ratio (H/V) of the S-wave phase [Lermo J, Chavez-Garcia FJ. Site effect evaluation using spectral ratios with only one station. Bull Seism Soc Am 1993;83:1574–94]. The study allows us to analyze peculiarities of rock sites amplification in Northern and Eastern Taiwan. It was suggested to divide the NEHRP-class B site amplification into four types based on frequency of maximum amplification and the shape of amplification function. The applicability of the technique was also checked for a few stiff and soft soil sites (NEHRP-classes D and E).     

Impact of Doppler Radar Wind in Simulating the Intensity and Propagation of Rainbands Associated with Mesoscale Convective Complexes Using MM5-3DVAR System

Pre-monsoon rainfall around Kolkata (northeastern part of India) is mostly of convective origin as 80% of the seasonal rainfall is produced by Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS). Accurate prediction of the intensity and structure of these convective cloud clusters becomes challenging, mostly because the convective clouds within these clusters are short lived and the inaccuracy in the models initial state to represent the mesoscale details of the true atmospheric state. Besides the role in observing the internal structure of the precipitating systems, Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) provides an important data source for mesoscale and microscale weather analysis and forecasting. An attempt has been made to initialize the storm-scale numerical model using retrieved wind fields from single Doppler radar. In the present study, Doppler wind velocities from the Kolkata Doppler weather radar are assimilated into a mesoscale model, MM5 model using the three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system for the prediction of intense convective events that occurred during 0600 UTC on 5 May and 0000 UTC on 7 May, 2005. In order to evaluate the impact of the DWR wind data in simulating these severe storms, three experiments were carried out. The results show that assimilation of Doppler radar wind data has a positive impact on the prediction of intensity, organization and propagation of rain bands associated with these mesoscale convective systems. The assimilation system has to be modified further to incorporate the radar reflectivity data so that simulation of the microphysical and thermodynamic structure of these convective storms can be improved.     

An equal area conversion model for rasterization of vector polygons

Vector-raster conversion is one of the classic research topics in the field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The algorithms commonly used in GIS are devoted to maintaining the vector polygons' shape characteristics, but neglect the gain and loss of a polygon's area, which is another important attribute. This paper proposes an equal-area conversion model based on an area compensation optimization principle. According to the topological relationship among polygons and boundary grids, a neighborhood compensation principle was adopted to assign the attributes of boundary grids and a global optimization algorithm was developed to minimize area distortion in the whole data set. Two experiments were designed and the results indicated that this algorithm not only guaranteed the area error is as small as possible, but also has the advantage as being adaptive to polygon shape and spatial structure.     

Scalar advection schemes for ocean modelling on unstructured triangular grids

Several schemes for scalar advection on unstructured triangular grids are assessed for possible use in ocean modelling applications. Finite element, finite volume and finite volume–element approaches are evaluated. A series of tests, including a numerical order of convergence analysis, idealized rotating cone and cylinder experiments, and transport of a tracer through the Stommel Gyre representation of ocean basin-scale circulation, are carried out. Volume element Eulerian–Lagrangian and third-order Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin schemes are recommended for use in tracer studies. Taylor–Galerkin and second-order Runge–Kutta discontinuous Galerkin are found to be robust and accurate second-order schemes. When positivity is required, a fluctuation redistribution scheme was found to be an easily implemented, accurate, and computationally efficient approach. Responsible editor: Phil Dyke     

Evolution of the variability of surface temperature and vegetation density in the great plains

This study focuses on how the variability of land surface temperature and vegetation density at the SGP ARM-CART site changes over episodic (day to day) and seasonal time scales using AVHRR satellite data. Four drying periods throughout the year are analyzed. Land surface temperature had an erratic relationship with time exhibiting no deterministic pattern from day-to-day or season-to-season. Furthermore, it did not exhibit spatial pattern persistence. On the other hand, vegetation density had a consistent spatial pattern and temporal decay during average length drying periods (less than 7 days) as well as within a season. However, there were distinct differences in the seasonal pattern of variation between winter and growing seasons. In addition, the paper highlights a methodology to quantify the relationships that exist at the land surface between the primary parameter of interest and the controlling variables.     

The effect of interpolation methods in surface definition: an experimental study

Mappings of the earth surface and their representation in 3D (three‐dimensional) models are commonly used in most recent research. Modeling research, which starts with classical surveying methods, acquires new dimensions matching the modern technologies. 3D models of any object or earth surface can be used in much visual and scientific research. A digital model of the landscape is an important part within creation of geo‐information systems used in the public administration and in the commercial sphere. It is an important tool in applications such as geomorphology, hydrology, geology, cartography, ecology, mining etc. Values of volume in terrains that do not have regular geometric structure can be obtained more accurately by using 3D models of surfaces with respect to developing technology. Basic data of 3D models must indicate 3D coordinates of the surveyed object in the reference frame. Distribution and intensity of points are important factors in modeling earth surfaces. A minimum number of points is desired in defining an object in 3D. Interpolation methods employing different mathematical models are used to obtain 3D models of terrain surfaces. In this study, the effect of interpolation methods in defining a terrain surface is investigated. For this purpose, a uniform surface, hill‐shaped artificial object with a known volume is employed. The 3D surface and volume are calculated by using 12 different interpolation methods. Point distribution, point intensity and accuracy of point measurements are not considered. The same data set was used for all the interpolation methods. The interpolation methods are compared and evaluated based on the results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于SICAD／Open空间拓扑结构的地籍空间实体图形变更处理

简要介绍了一种GIS平台SICAD/Open，详细描述了SICAD/Open空间拓扑结构，给出了基于SICAD/Open空间拓扑结构的地籍空间实体图形变更处理方法，为在地籍信息系统中利用地理信息系统技术实现地籍空间实体图形变更提供了一种切实可行的操作方法。文中描述的处理方法已成功应用于上海市地籍管理信息系统中。     

空间数据仓库研究综述

论述了空间数据仓库的定义、基本特征；着重叙述了目前国内外空间数据仓库在学术研究、产品研制和实际应用方面的发展现状；设计出了空间数据仓库的体系结构，说明了空间数据仓库和应用系统的区别与联系；最后得出结论，为支持我国空间数据基础设施建设，研制空间数据仓库十分必要。     

GMS—5多通道高温差的高度分布特征

本文从GMS－5红外通道探测原理出发，得到多通道亮温差DT12，DT1W随高度的分布特征，分析结果表明，所得的DT12，DT1W的高度分布特征具有明确的物理意义，它们与局地降雨概率及强度还存在一定的相关关系。     

服务于PDA的矢量数据分块存储数据结构的研究

数据结构、数据模型是GIS领域中一个比较重要的研究方向，目前GIS中较成熟的数据结构均是针对个人PC机或工作站硬件环境，并不适合以掌上电脑为平台的移动GIS系统。针对以掌上电脑为代表的智能移动终端，提出了一种矢量数据分块数据结构模型。该数据结构适用于以PDA智能终端为硬件平台的移动GIS系统，是实现矢量图形数据存储与快速显示的技术关键。