Numerical model of local scour considering the unsteady sediment inflow and sediment sorting: Application to scour upstream of slit weir

The current study proposes a novel framework for the numerical model for estimating the temporal scour considering unsteady sediment inflow and the sediment sorting process. The framework was applied to local scour upstream of a slit weir. The scour model is based on an ordinary nonlinear differential equation derived from sediment continuity and scour rate equations. A one-dimensional(1-D)Boussinesq-type model coupled with nonequilibrium sediment transport was incorporated in the scour model to...     

Phytoplankton community variations in tropical coastal area affected where submarine groundwater occurs

The influence of subterranean water discharge on phytoplankton was studied at two localities (Progreso and Dzilam) on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Hydrographic and phytoplankton samples were taken monthly between September 1998 and August 1999. High concentration of silicate (>65 μmol L⁻¹) and nitrate (>80 μmol L⁻¹) and low salinity showed the influence of submerged groundwater discharge (SGD) in the area. In Dzilam, hydrological conditions shows low salinity and high concentration of nitrate and silicate favored from the SGD. Meanwhile, high concentrations of ammonium, nitrite, and phosphate at Progreso (>150 000 inhabitants) suggest mixing of SGD and domestic waste waters. Thick-valve pennate diatoms dominated at Dzilam while dinoflagellates dominated in Progreso. Hydrological differences in both study zones suggest that local forcings, and interaction between coastal water masses and SGD plays an important role in hydrological conditions and primary productivity in the coastal zone of Yucatan. The anthropogenic modified SGD in Progreso may affect the nutrient regime and phytoplankton community structure, and may be used as indicator of eutrophication.     

Effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on turbulence induced by an oscillating grid

In wetlands wind-induced turbulence significantly affects the bottom boundary, and the interaction between turbulence and plant canopies is therefore particularly important. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of the impact of this interaction in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)¹ on vertical mixing in a fluid dominated by turbulence. Wind-generated turbulence was simulated in the laboratory using an oscillating grid. We quantify the vertical distribution of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE)² above and within different types of vegetation, measured by an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. Experimental conditions are analysed in two canopy models (rigid and semi-rigid) with seven solid plant fractions (SPFs)³, three stem diameters (d)⁴ and three oscillation grid frequencies (f)⁵ and four natural SAVs (Cladium mariscus, Potamogeton nodosus, Myriophyllum verticillatum and Ruppia maritima).     

基于图像测速的薄壁堰流表面流场测量方法

针对薄壁堰流水面落差大、流速沿程变化剧烈的特点,提出一种测量堰流表面三维流场的有效方法。该方法基于双相机共面法重构水面形态（无需对相机进行复杂的内外参数标定）和大尺度粒子图像测速技术（LSPIV）测量二维流场,通过相机像平面与水面之间的空间映射关系,将像平面的二维流场数据逆投影至世界坐标系下已知坐标点的切平面上,解算出三维表面流场。该方法应用于薄壁堰流试验,有效重构了堰流三维表面形态及流场,其初步结果表明,堰流的流向速度在自由泄流长度范围内先增加后减小,转折点大致在自由泄流长度中间位置;在该位置之后,垂向流速占主导;同时该方法可行,计算结果合理。     

Support for the Giant Wave Hypothesis: evidence from submerged terraces off Lanai,Hawaii

The origin of subaerial coral conglomerate deposits on the Hawaiian islands of Lanai and Molokai is controversial, primarily because these deposits are difficult to interpret and the vertical motion of these islands is poorly constrained. Based on bathymetry, dive observations, sedimentary and radiocarbon data from coralline algal dominated deposits from two submerged terraces at −150 and −230 m off Lanai, Lanai has experienced relatively little vertical movement over the last 30 ka. Using internally consistent age versus depth relationships, paleowater depths, and published sea level data, we estimate that Lanai has experienced maximum rates of uplift of 0.1 m/kyr or subsidence of 0.4 m/kyr over this period. Our analysis of possible uplift mechanisms, published geophysical, numerical modelling, and recent tide data suggests that this is also the maximum uplift rate for the last several hundred thousand years. Taken together these data support the interpretation that coral conglomerates at elevations higher than +35 m on Lanai are tsunami deposits with a minimum wave run up > 170 m, rather than shoreline deposits formed during the last two interglacials, then uplifted to their present elevations.     

The next frontiers in research on submerged prehistoric sites and landscapes on the continental shelf

Submerged prehistory has emerged as a key topic within archaeology over the last decade. During this period the broader academic community has become aware of its potential for revolutionising our understanding of the past. With recent technological and scientific developments has come an opportunity to investigate larger areas and learn more than previously thought possible. When charting the future of the subject, however, it is also necessary to consider its historical trajectory. This sense of opportunity and optimism has been experienced before, but not sustained. As such, our greatest challenge lies not in adopting technological developments, but in maintaining momentum.     

Optical remote sensing of submerged aquatic vegetation: Opportunities for shallow clearwater streams

Remote sensing has rarely been used as a tool to map and monitor submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in rivers, due to a combination of insufficient spatial resolution of available image data and strong attenuation of light in water through absorption and scattering. The latter process reduces the possibility to use spectral reflectance information to accurately classify submerged species. However, increasing availability of very high resolution (VHR) image data may enable the use of shape and texture features to help discriminate between species by taking an object based image analysis (OBIA) approach, and overcome some of the present limitations.This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using optical remote sensing for the detection and mapping of SAV. It firstly looked at the possibilities to discriminate submerged macrophyte species based on spectral information only. Reflectance spectra of three macrophyte species were measured in situ across a range of submergence depths. The results showed that water depth will be a limiting factor for the classification of species from remote sensing images. Only Spiked Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was indicated as spectrally distinct through ANOVA analysis, but subsequent Jeffries–Matusita distance analysis did not confirm this. In particular Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus fluitans) and Pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) could not be discriminated at 95% significance level. Spectral separability of these two species was also not possible without the effect of an overlying water column.Secondly, the possibility to improve species discrimination, using spatial and textural information was investigated for the same SAV species. VHR image data was acquired with a Near Infrared (NIR) sensitive DSLR camera from four different heights including a telescopic pole and a Helikite UAS. The results show that shape and texture information can improve the detection of the spectrally similar Pondweed and Water Crowfoot from VHR image data. The best performing feature ‘length/width ratio of sub-objects’ was obtained through expert knowledge. All of the shape and texture based features performed better at species differentiation than the spectrally based features.In conclusion this study has shown that there is considerable potential for the combination of VHR data and OBIA to map SAV in shallow stream environments, which can benefit species monitoring and management.     

Numerical simulation of interaction between internal solitary waves and submerged ridges

Direct numerical simulations are performed to study the transformation of internal solitary waves (ISWs) of depression type propagating over an underwater ridge in a two-layer fluid system. Bottom ridges with relatively smooth vertex are employed to represent sills in natural lakes and oceans. Consistent with previous experiments, three interaction types (weak, moderate and strong) are observed to be based on the energy loss. In addition, the moderate interaction are found to be categorized into transmitted and reflected type according to their distinct transformation process. General flow characteristics for ISW–ridge interaction in the benthic boundary layer and in the pycnocline is monitored and analysed. A modified degree of blocking B_m considering both the nonlinear effect of incident ISWs and the blockage effect of the submerged ridge is proposed. Different ISW–ridge interactions are discovered to be linked with B_m. Maximum wave-induced velocities, wave energy losses, reflected and transmitted wave amplitudes are found to have a self-similar feature with B_m. The maximum energy loss is up to 35% and the maximum wave-induced velocity can reach 1.8 times of the phase speed of the incident ISW. Empirical equations are obtained based on the data fitting to predict some useful physical parameters during ISW–ridge interaction.     

Mapping Submerged Aquatic Vegetation with GIS in the Caloosahatchee Estuary: Evaluation of Different Interpolation Methods

This article evaluates different spatial interpolation methods for mapping submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida. Data used for interpolation were collected by the Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Early Warning System (SAVEWS). The system consists of hydro-acoustic equipment, which operates from a slow-moving boat and records bottom depth, seagrass height, and seagrass density. This information is coupled with geographic location coordinates from a Global Positioning System (GPS) and stored together in digital files, representing SAV status at points along transect lines. Adequate spatial interpolation is needed to present the SAV information, including density, height, and water depth, as spatially continuous data for mapping and for comparison between seasons and years. Interpolation methods examined in this study include ordinary kriging with five different semivariance models combined with a variable number of neighboring points, the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method with different parameters, and the triangulated irregular network (TIN) method with linear and quintic options. Interpolation results were compared with survey data at selected calibration transects to examine the suitability of different interpolation methods. Suitability was quantified by the determination coefficient (R2) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between interpolated and observed values. The most suitable interpolation method was identified as the one yielding the highest R2 value and/or the lowest RMSE value. For different geographic conditions, seasons, and SAV parameters, different interpolation methods were recommended. This study identified that kriging was more suitable than the IDW or TIN method for spatial interpolation of all SAV parameters measured. It also suggested that transect data with irregular spatial distribution patterns such as SAV parameters are sensitive to interpolation methods. An inappropriate interpolation method such as TIN can lead to erroneous spatial representation of the SAV status. With a functional geographic system and adequate computing power, the evaluation and selection of interpolation methods can be automated and quantitative, leading to a more efficient and accurate decision.     

螺类牧食损害对沉水植物群落结构的调节

提要在受控实验条件下,采用实验生态学的方法,研究了螺类(椭圆萝卜螺)牧食损害对人工构建的沉水植物群落结构的影响。结果表明,螺类牧食损害降低了沉水植物的相对生长率及人工构建的群落生物量,且植物的生长率及群落的生物量与螺密度间有显著的负相关关系。牧食损害使沉水植物群落结构发生了显著变化,随着牧食强度的加大,群落中马来眼子菜与苦草的综合优势比迅速下降,而轮叶黑藻与伊乐藻则稳步上升。作者对调节沉水植物群落结构的影响因素进行了探讨,认为植物种类的生长特性使伊乐藻与轮叶黑藻在与苦草及马来眼子菜的竞争中占优势,椭圆萝卜螺的牧食损害则加速了这种优势地位的取得。