Testing linear models of sea-floor topography

Stochastic models can generate profiles that resemble topography by taking uncorrelated, zero-average noise as input, introducing some correlation in the time series of noise, and integrating the resulting correlated noise. The output profile will depict a nonstationary, randomly rough surface. Two models have been chosen for comparison: a fractal model, in which the noise is correlated even at large distances, and an autoregressive model of order 1, in which the correlation of the noise decays rapidly. Both models have as an end-member a random walk, which is the integration of uncorrelated noise. The models have been fitted to profiles of submarine topography, and the sample autocorrelation, power spectrum and variogram have been compared to the theoretical predictions. The results suggest that a linear system approach is a viable method to model and classify sea-floor topography. The comparison does not show substantial disagreement of the data with either the autoregressive or the fractal model, although a fractal model seems to give a better fit. However, the amplitudes predicted by a nonstationary fractal model for long wavelengths (of the order of 1000 km) are unreasonably large. When viewed through a large window, ocean floor topography is likely to have an expected value determined by isostasy, and to be stationary. Nonstationary models are best applied to wavelengths of the order of 100 km or less.     

Tidal circulation and energy dissipation in a shallow, sinuous estuary

The tidal dynamics in a pristine, mesotidal (>2 m range), marsh-dominated estuary are examined using moored and moving vessel field observations. Analysis focuses on the structure of the M ₂ tide that accounts for approximately 80% of the observed tidal energy, and indicates a transition in character from a near standing wave on the continental shelf to a more progressive wave within the estuary. A slight maximum in water level (WL) occurs in the estuary 10–20 km from the mouth. M ₂ WL amplitude decreases at 0.015 m/km landward of this point, implying head of tide approximately 75 km from the mouth. In contrast, tidal currents in the main channel 25 km inland are twice those at the estuary mouth. Analysis suggests the tidal character is consistent with a strongly convergent estuarine geometry controlling the tidal response in the estuary. First harmonic (M ₄) current amplitude follows the M ₂ WL distribution, peaking at mid-estuary, whereas M ₄ WL is greatest farther inland. The major axis current amplitude is strongly influenced by local bathymetry and topography. On most bends a momentum core shifts from the inside to outside of the bend moving seaward, similar to that seen in unidirectional river flow but with point bars shifted seaward of the bends. Dissipation rate estimates, based on changes in energy flux, are 0.18–1.65 W m⁻² or 40–175 μW kg^–1. A strong (0.1 m/s), depth-averaged residual flow is produced at the bends, which resembles flow around headlands, forming counter-rotating eddies that meet at the apex of the bends. A large sub-basin in the estuary exhibits remarkably different tidal characteristics and may be resonant at a harmonic of the M ₂ tide.     

Wave equation analyses of tapered FRP–concrete piles in dense sand

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP)–concrete composites provide an attractive alternative to conventional pile materials such as steel, concrete and wood by improving the durability of deep foundations. In the current study, FRP tubes with different taper angles are filled with self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and driven into dense sand that is enclosed in a large pressurized soil chamber. Driving tests are conducted on FRP–SCC composite piles to determine how the pile material and geometric configuration affect its driving performance. Dynamic data is employed to determine the soil parameters in the TNO model (i.e., soil quake and damping constant) using the DLTWAVE signal-matching program. The driveability of FRP–SCC and traditional pile materials is compared using the wave equation analysis program PDPWAVE. The experimental data and the wave equation analyses indicate that the taper shape has a favourable effect on the driveability and static resistance of piles. It is also found that the driveability of FRP–SCC composite piles is similar to that of conventional prestressed concrete and steel piles. However, empty FRP tubes required a much higher driving energy. Their low flexural resistance along with risk of buckling can hinder their driveability in different soil conditions.     

测绘卫星的发展及技术现状

本文从卫星摄影测量应用的角度出发，针对国内外以光学传感器为有效载荷的遥感测绘卫星的起源、发展、现状和技术特点进行了较详细的叙述，重点对我国测绘卫星的发展进行了介绍，最后分析了不同类型测绘卫星的技术特点，提出了发展以三线阵相机为传感器的测绘卫星的建议。     

地形地貌对半山区土地利用动态变化影响分析——以天津市蓟县为例

以2001年和2011年2期TM图像为数据源,采用分类后比较法提取了10 a间天津市蓟县土地利用动态变化信息;利用空间分析算法生成地形起伏度和坡度2个地形因子,分析了不同地形特征上的土地利用类型分布及变化特征;从类型转换和动态度2个方面定量分析土地利用变化情况,并分析土地利用变化与地形起伏度和坡度的相关关系以及土地利用变化的影响因素。结果表明:地形地貌对土地利用的动态变化有显著的影响,在微缓起伏地形上,居民地增加最多,其次是水域,而林地减少最多;在低起伏和中起伏地形上,居民地增加最多;在山地起伏地形上,居民地有所增加;在高山起伏地形上,只有林地和未利用地有少量变化。该结果可以为天津市蓟县的生态保护以及半山区县土地利用规划提供科学依据。     

合成孔径声纳技术在海底管道探测中的应用进展

从合成孔径声纳的基本原理、研究进展、应用,以及实际应用中存在的问题等几个方面,探讨了该技术在海底管道探测方面的应用潜力。国内外一些海域开展的探索性应用显示,该技术可以对海底管道的埋设状态及其周边海域地形地貌和其他小目标清晰成像,并且能够获得管道状态和位置等的细节信息。然而,鉴于海洋水声环境的复杂性和特殊性,SAS在实际应用中仍存在一些问题,需要在信号处理方法、作业方式等方面进行更为深入的研究探索。     

Cross-twinning in a natural spinel from Sri Lanka

A modified cross-twinning growth mechanism is put forward to explain the anomalous morphology of a spinel multiple-twin from Sri Lanka, flattened crosswise the twin planes. Cross-twinning in spinel was found also in other specimens from Pegu (Myanmar), and the results were published in a previous paper. This particular type of twinning is derived from the combination of cyclic twinning with lamellar twinning, so that these samples may be thought of as partial fivelings (cubic cyclic {111} twins with five components sharing a common <110> pseudo-fivefold axis). In the present paper, the sample from Sri Lanka has been suitably cut with the aim of focusing the study on the cross-twinning region. The transformation matrices that link the orientation states of each couple of twin components have been determined by means of White Beam Synchrotron Radiation Topography. They showed that the specimen is made up of four twin components (A, B, C and D), with three twin planes: and They also showed that the cross-twinned individuals (B and D) actually are not twinned to each other, and that a simple crystallographic relationship holds between them. X-ray diffraction topography by conventional source allowed to image the crossing-region and to determine that the cross-twinned individuals are in contact through a semi-coherent boundary, with twinning dislocations contributing to relieve the coherency strains. Electron probe microanalyses with wave dispersive spectroscopy showed that the chemical composition is almost homogeneous, at least within the spatial resolution limit of this technique. The similar growth features observed in the spinel sample from Sri Lanka and in those from Myanmar are interpreted as growth marks, indicators of a similar origin: in both cases they are found in impure dolomitic marbles. In particular, the specimen from Sri Lanka results from the interaction of thermal and metasomatic effects due to contact metamorphism. An unusual stepped morphology of the face close to the twin boundary, possibly due to corrosion and re-growth processes acted preferentially at a re-entrant corner by metasomatic fluids, is interpreted as indicator of a metasomatic event that succeeded to the crystal growth, the latter occurred by thermal effect.

Emplacement of the 1907 Mauna Loa basalt flow as derived from precision topography and satellite imaging

An eruption in January of 1907, from the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa, produced a substantial lava flow field. Satellite images and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey data, along with observations and photographs from the field, are combined to provide a new perspective on the 1907 eruption. Boundaries of the flow field from the satellite data, combined with field measurements of flow thickness, indicate an area of 25.1 km² and a volume of 86.6 million m³. The eastern lobe of the flow field covers an area of 13.1 km², with a volume of 55.0 million m³, and was emplaced with an average effusion rate of 119 m³/s (at least, for the upper portion of the lobe). Ten DGPS topographic profiles across the eastern lobe aid in distinguishing the characteristics of, and transitions between, the zones identified during the emplacement of the 1984 Mauna Loa flow. Several subdivisions have been built directly on top of or adjacent to the 1907 lava flow. The strong likelihood of future eruptions from the Mauna Loa southwest rift zone makes these housing developments of particular importance for assessments of potential volcanic hazards.