Simulation of broadband seismic ground motions at dam canyons by using a deterministic numerical approach

As a deterministic numerical approach for simulation of earthquake ground motions, the spectral element method (SEM) is applied to generate a broadband acceleration array for dam-canyons instead of the traditional empirical or stochastic methods. Specifically, the SEM analysis model with an extra fine mesh is used for the Pacoima Canyon to simulate the entire path starting from earthquake source rupture via the propagation medium to the local site. The source and the 3D earth model (velocity structure) are validated through the modeling of the Newhall earthquake on 28 October 2012 at a frequency of up to 8 Hz. Subsequently, the San Fernando earthquake records on 13 January 2001 are further used to study the effects of propagation path in simulation. Finally, the spatially varying ground motions at the Pacoima Canyon are obtained for different source mechanisms. The results show that the source mechanism and the local site topography significantly affect the distribution of the peak accelerations along the canyon.     

Application of SAR Imagery in Submarine Topography Surveys

An important research area in oceanographic surveying and mapping is to obtain submarine topography by remote sensing technique, especially by SAR imagery. In this article, problems related to SAR imagery are analyzed to provide references for the further research.     

青藏高原东部冬季降水对北极涛动异常的响应

基于1979—2015年中国区域CN05.1格点降水以及全球降水气候中心(GPCC)降水等数据资料,采用回归、合成分析等方法,分析了青藏高原东部(简称高原)冬季降水的南、北区域性差异及其年际变化对北极涛动(AO)异常的响应.结果表明:(1)高原北部和南部冬季降水都与AO异常存在密切关系,但降水的年际变化并不一致,对AO...     

Distribution of caesium-137 in soils across a hillslope hollow

The distribution of soil ¹³⁷Cs in relation to selected soil and landform properties was studied across a 16 ha hillslope hollow in the Hunter valley, New South Wales, Australia. The hillslope was used as grazing for cattle. Caesium-137 was not significantly related to the amount of sand, silt, or clay, the bulk density, the organic matter content, the slope angle or the relative distance downslope. However, ¹³⁷Cs was significantly related to the thickness of the soil A horizon. Spatial variations in ¹³⁷Cs were compared with topographic units and a six-element hillslope model, but there was little correspondence. It was thought that the effects of microtopography could have masked potential interrelationships between ¹³⁷Cs and broader scale landform parameters.     

北京地区短时强降水过程的多尺度环流特征

为了探讨不同天气尺度背景下,北京地区短时强降水过程的基本特征,利用2007-2014年6-8月北京地区自动气象站观测数据和ECMWF ERA-Interim（0.5°×0.5°）全球再分析数据,在对北京地区短时强降水日的大尺度环流特征进行分型的基础上,基于分型合成场和距平场分析了北京地区短时强降水天气过程的基本环流背景及相应的中尺度环流特征。结果表明：（1）造成北京地区出现短时强降水过程的天气系统,依据其出现的频次,大体可分为副热带高压（副高）与西来槽相互作用型、西风小槽型、东北冷涡型和黄淮低涡倒槽型等4类;从低层水汽来看,除东北冷涡型主要来自于渤海、黄海外,其他3型短时强降水过程的水汽主要来自中国南海或东海。（2）不同天气系统主导下的短时强降水时空分布存在较大差异：在空间分布上,黄淮低涡倒槽型短时强降水带分布从北京东南平原穿过城区至西北山前成东南-西北走向,其余3型大体上沿北京地形成西南-东北走向,其中,西南山前、城区和东北山前地区是3个短时强降水事件的多发中心;在时间分布上,东北低涡型造成的短时强降水过程主要发生在午后,副高与西来槽相互作用型主要集中在傍晚至前半夜,而西风小槽型和黄淮低涡倒槽型短时强降水表现出较强的夜雨特征。（3）从中尺度环流特征上看,副高与西来槽相互作用型短时强降水过程主要是低层冷空气从北京西部、北部进入,首先触发山区对流,与之对应的雷暴高压逐渐组织化,外侧辐散气流（冷池出流）和山前的偏南风暖湿气流辐合造成对流过程加强;西风小槽型主要是边界层内较强东南风在北京西北部山前受地形阻挡,向两边绕流,西南支气流在西部形成气旋性环流,造成城区西部的对流性天气,东北支气流在东北部山前形成地形辐合线,夜间随着东南气流中偏南分量显著加强,东北部山前地区的辐合上升运动加强,造成东北部山前对流性天气,因此在短时强降水落区上表现为两个分离的多发中心且具有夜发性;东北冷涡型主要是系统性的冷空气从北京北部或西部南下,在山前与低空偏东风形成辐合切变线,触发午后对流性天气;黄淮低涡倒槽型主要是黄淮低涡顶部的低层偏东气流在北京西部山前辐合抬升,触发对流,并逐步演变为中尺度气旋性环流,形成相对组织化的短时强降水。     

Radius and limb topography of Mercury obtained from images acquired during the MESSENGER flybys

Analysis of images obtained by the MESSENGER spacecraft during its three flybys of Mercury yields a new estimate for the planet's mean radius of 2439.25±0.69 km, in agreement with results from Mariner 10 and Earth-based observations, as well as with MESSENGER altimeter and occultation data. The mean equatorial radius and polar radius are identical to within error, suggesting that rotational oblateness is negligible when compared with other sources of topography. This result is consistent with the small gravitational oblateness of the planet. Minor differences in radius obtained at different locations reflect regional variations in topography. Residual topography along three limb profiles has a dynamic range of 7.4 km and a root-mean-square roughness of 0.8 km over hemispherical scales. Following MESSENGER's entry into orbit about Mercury in March 2011, we expect considerable additional improvements to our knowledge of Mercury's size and shape.     

A laser altimeter for BepiColombo mission: Instrument design and performance model

This paper presents a definition study of a laser altimeter for the topographic exploration of Mercury. The reference scenario is the BepiColombo mission, a cornerstone mission of European Space Agency (ESA) planned for 2012. BepiColombo will offer the chance to make a remarkable new contribution to our knowledge of the Solar System, by venturing into the hot region near the Sun and exploring Mercury, the most enigmatic of the earth's sisters among the terrestrial planets. First images of Mercury surface were acquired by Mariner 10 in 1974 and 1975 offering a coverage and resolution comparable to Earth-based telescopic coverage of the Moon before spaceflight. BepiColombo mission can be very beneficial by using an optical rangefinder for Mercury exploration. In fact starting from the first missions in 1970s until today, laser altimeters have been demonstrating to be particularly appropriate as part of the scientific payload whenever the topography of earth, lunar and planetary surface is the scientific objective of a space mission.Our system design is compliant to Mercury Polar Orbiter (MPO) of the mission. System performance analysis is carried out simulating main hermean topographic features and the potential targets on the planet by means of analytical models and computer codes and several plot are presented to analyse the performance of the instrument.     

The nucleus of Comet Borrelly: a study of morphology and surface brightness

Stereo images obtained during the DS1 flyby were analyzed to derive a topographic model for the nucleus of Comet 19P/Borrelly for morphologic and photometric studies. The elongated nucleus has an overall concave shape, resembling a peanut, with the lower end tilted towards the camera. The bimodal character of surface-slopes and curvatures support the idea that the nucleus is a gravitational aggregate, consisting of two fragments in contact. Our photometric modeling suggests that topographic shading effects on Borrelly's surface are very minor (<10%) at the given resolution of the terrain model. Instead, albedo effects are thought to dominate Borrelly's large variations in surface brightness. With 90% of the visible surface having single scattering albedos between 0.008 and 0.024, Borrelly is confirmed to be among the darkest of the known Solar System objects. Photometrically corrected images emphasize that the nucleus has distinct, contiguous terrains covered with either bright or dark, smooth or mottled materials. Also, mapping of the changes in surface brightness with phase angle suggests that terrain roughness at subpixel scale is not uniform over the nucleus. High surface roughness is noted in particular near the transition between the upper and lower end of the nucleus, as well as near the presumed source region of Borrelly's main jets. Borrelly's surface is complex and characterized by distinct types of materials that have different compositional and/or physical properties.     

Laboratory studies of the effects of interrupted, sloping topography on intermediate depth boundary currents in linearly stratified fluids

Laboratory experiments are described which provide insight into the interaction of intermediate depth boundary currents (IDBCs) with interrupted sloping topography. Specifically, they contribute to the debate over meddy formation on the Iberian continental slope. The experiments were performed in a rectilinear rotating tank filled initially with a linearly-stratified fluid. A false bottom sloped away from the side-wall along which the current flowed, and was interrupted by a gap of variable length. The effects of varying gap length and rotation rate on the boundary current were observed.In the first of two sets of experiments, the current flowed above the slope, along the vertical sidewall. In the second, the current flowed along the sloping bottom. In the former, current nose speed was consistent with geostrophic predictions, but decreased in the presence of a gap in the topography. Kelvin wave radiation is postulated as a reason for this. The IDBCs exhibited vortical lateral intrusions at values of the Burger number Bu=(N₀/Ω)² at which counterpart flat-bottom studies had been stable, implying that the sloping topography had a de-stabilising effect. Energy measurements and qualitative observations suggest the intrusions were due to mixed barotropic/baroclinic instabilities, the latter dominating at higher rotation rates.In the second configuration, four distinct flows were observed, distinguished by the deformation radius:gap width ratio R_D/G^*. For a range of values of R_D/G^*, attached eddies formed at the upstream end of the gap. They remained at this position, unlike those in similar studies of surface boundary currents (Klinger, 1993). Their persistence and ability to move downstream – salient factors for meddy – formation were greater for a finite gap size than a permanent change from sloping to flat bottom.