Space–time variability of the Plata plume inferred from ocean color

Satellite ocean color and surface salinity data are used to characterize the space–time variability of the Río de la Plata plume. River outflow and satellite wind data are also used to assess their combined effect on the plume spreading over the Southwestern South Atlantic continental shelf. Over the continental shelf satellite-derived surface chlorophyll-a (CSAT) estimated by the OC4v4 SeaWiFS retrieval algorithm is a good indicator of surface salinity. The log (CSAT) distribution over the shelf presents three distinct modes, each associated to: Subantarctic Shelf Water, Subtropical Shelf Water and Plata Plume water. The log (CSAT) 0.4–0.8 range is associated with a sharp surface salinity transition across the offshore edge of the Plata plume from 28.5 to 32.5. Waters of surface salinity <31, derived from mixtures of Plata waters with continental shelf waters, are associated to log (CSAT)>0.5. In austral winter CSAT maxima extend northeastward from the Plata estuary beyond 30°S. In summer the high CSAT waters along the southern Brazil shelf retreat to 32°S and extend south of the estuary to about 37.5°S, only exceeding this latitude during extraordinary events. The seasonal CSAT variations northeast of the estuary are primarily controlled by reversals of the along-shore wind stress and surface currents. Along-shore wind stress and CSAT variations in the inner and mid-shelves are in phase north of the estuary and 180° out of phase south of the estuary. At interannual time scales northernmost Plata plume penetrations in winter (∼1200 km from the estuary) are associated with more intense and persistent northeastward wind stress, which in the period 2000–2003, prevailed over the shelf south of 26°S. In contrast, in winter 1999, 2004 and 2005, characterized by weaker northeastward wind stress, the plume only reached between 650 and 900 km. Intense southwestward plume extensions beyond 38°S are dominated by interannual time scales and appear to be related to the magnitude of the river outflow. The plume response to large river outflow fluctuations observed at interannual time scales is moderate, except offshore from the estuary mouth, where outflow variations lead CSAT variations by about 2 months.     

Estimating the distribution of snow water equivalent using remotely sensed snow cover data and a spatially distributed snowmelt model: A multi-resolution,multi-sensor comparison

Time series of fractional snow covered area (SCA) estimates from Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data were combined with a spatially distributed snowmelt model to reconstruct snow water equivalent (SWE) in the Rio Grande headwaters (3419 km²). In this reconstruction approach, modeled snowmelt over each pixel is integrated during the period of satellite-observed snow cover to estimate SWE. Due to underestimates in snow cover detection, maximum basin-wide mean SWE using MODIS and AVHRR were, respectively, 45% and 68% lower than SWE estimates obtained using ETM+ data. The mean absolute error (MAE) of SWE estimated at 100-m resolution using ETM+ data was 23% relative to observed SWE from intensive field campaigns. Model performance deteriorated when MODIS (MAE = 50%) and AVHRR (MAE = 89%) SCA data were used. Relative to differences in the SCA products, model output was less sensitive to spatial resolution (MAE = 39% and 73% for ETM+ and MODIS simulations run at 1 km resolution, respectively), indicating that SWE reconstructions at the scale of MODIS acquisitions may be tractable provided the SCA product is improved. When considering tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution of different sensors, our results indicate that higher spatial resolution products such as ETM+ remain more accurate despite the lower frequency of acquisition. This motivates continued efforts to improve MODIS snow cover products.     

地理国情野外调绘核查系统设计与实现

地理国情野外调绘核查系统是地理国情监测生产技术体系的重要组成部分。地理国情野外调绘、核查、样本采集等工作的独特性,使用户对野外调绘核查系统产品的轻便实用、高效易用、成本低廉等方面有着强烈要求。该文介绍了作者对该类产品研发的设计思考,给出了一套野外信息快速采集和数据实时入库的产品解决方案。在多个省市的应用实践表明,该产品非常适用于各地地理国情野外调绘核查工作。     

地震作用下非对称结构平动-扭转耦合振动的半主动控制

本文采用半主动控制方法对非对称结构在地震作用下的平动-扭转耦合振动控制进行了研究。首先建立了非对称结构的平动-扭转耦合振动方程和状态空间方程;然后以磁流变(MR)阻尼器为控制装置,结合线性二次型最优控制、最优控制算法和限幅控制策略,提出了基于MR阻尼器的半主动控制方法;最后对半主动控制方法对非对称结构地震反应的控制效果进行了计算分析。结果表明,半主动控制方法可以对非对称结构的水平位移、扭转位移和加速度反应都产生明显的控制效果,适当下调控制力需求时,不会导致控制效果的等比下降,降低MR阻尼器可调控制力上限后,可以减小阻尼器尺寸,便于其在工程实际中的应用。     

Equation of state and bulk modulus under the effect of high pressure–high temperature

 A simple theoretical method for the determination of equation of state and bulk modulus under the effect of pressure and temperature is investigated. The calculations are performed for MgO and Mg₂SiO₄ at different temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The results obtained are discussed in the light of recent research on minerals under the effect of high temperatures. A good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained. The method is also discussed to predict the equation of state and bulk modulus at different pressures along the isotherms 300, 1000, 1500 and 2000 K for MgO. The results are found to present a good agreement with the studies based on ab initio calculations at high pressures and high temperatures. Received: 26 May 1998 / Accepted: 22 April 2000     

Temperature fluctuations and current shear in Antarctic Bottom Water at the Vema Sill

The Vema Channel acts as a major conduit for the equatorward spreading of Antarctic Bottom Water between the Argentine and Brazil Basins. For almost two years the thermal stratification above its saddle depth (4660 m) – called Vema Sill – was recorded by moored thermistors and current meters. The lowest 490 m of the water column was instrumented to monitor the well-developed benthic boundary layer of Antarctic Bottom Water. The latter can be subdivided into Weddell Sea Deep Water on the sea bed and lower Circumpolar Deep Water above it. The data show fluctuations on various scales including periods, each about 1–2 weeks long, when the abyssal stratification virtually disappeared. Assuming a stable ratio between density and temperature, time series of bulk Richardson numbers are estimated from temperature and current shear data. The results suggest a potential for intermittent episodes of locally generated vertical mixing.     

The use of phytoplankton patterns of diversity for algal bloom management

Many biotic and abiotic processes contribute to variability in phytoplankton diversity in aquatic ecosystems. Depending on their intensity and on their frequency, these may drive non-equilibrium dynamics and enhance the species diversity. Different studies propose that biodiversity buffers ecosystem functioning against environmental fluctuations leading to more predictable aggregate community or ecosystem properties. Salto Grande reservoir is polymictic and eutrophic with recurrent summer cyanobacterial blooms. The aim of this study was to determine the key variable(s) related with phytoplankton diversity in order to predict the possible occurrence of an algal bloom at the ecosystem. A preliminary analysis of the data matrix suggested non-linear relationships between diversity and the selected variables: phytoplankton abundance and the vertical attenuation coefficient (Kd). The best function fitting of the scatter plot of phytoplankton diversity versus phytoplankton abundance was a rational function. The inflection point of phytoplankton diversity estimated by the second derivate of this function was 2.7 bit cell⁻¹ which corresponded to an abundance of 3000 cells ml⁻¹. The relationship of phytoplankton diversity and vertical attenuation coefficient values also show a humped distribution pattern (Gauss function). The inflection point of this function corresponded to a diversity value of 1.9 bit cell⁻¹ and 2.5 m⁻¹ for Kd. These inflection points were, respectively, related with the resource competition among the present species and the light limitation conditions. The showed patterns of diversity and the estimated threshold values could be integrated to construct a predictive model for the reservoir based on phytoplankton diversity and the probable ambient conditions of the reservoir.     

Diatoms from gut contents of museum specimens of an endangered minnow suggest long-term ecological changes in the Rio Grande (USA)

Diatoms consumed by Rio Grande silvery minnows (Hybognathus amarus) collected 104 years apart were used to deduce ecological requirements of this endangered species and to infer a possible cause of its decline based on environmental conditions in the Rio Grande. In 1874, foraged diatoms were largely motile, silt tolerant generalist and epipelic species (e.g. Navicula capitatoradiata, Navicula cryptotenella, Nitzschia palea, Sellaphora pupula) somewhat tolerant to pollution and indicative of eutrophic conditions, low dissolved oxygen, and high biological oxygen demand (BOD). In contrast, diatoms foraged in 1978 were mainly nonmotile epipsammic species (Fragilariaceae) sensitive to pollution and characteristic of low nutrient, oligotrophic conditions with high dissolved oxygen and low BOD. The large-scale difference in composition of the foraged diatom assemblages is consistent with a decline in nutrients and a shift in trophic state commonly associated with river regulation by dams. The results suggest that facilitating allochthonous input of detritus and nutrients into the Rio Grande ecosystem to meet foraging requirements for algivorous and detritivorous fish species such as H. amarus would be a good river restoration strategy.     

云南红河州石漠化演变过程及其综合治理成效

为了阐明云南红河州石漠化演变特点和综合治理成效,本文以2005年、2011年和2016年TM影像为基本数据源,以县市为单元,通过调查收集、实地验证、定位监测等手段,获得了云南省红河州3个时期石漠化演变及治理成效数据。结果发现:（1）12年间,红河州石漠化土地面积从2005年的3 267.49 km2减少到2016年的2 345.08 km2,生态环境持续好转,石漠化程度总体减轻;（2）红河州石漠化土地主要分布于中西北部的县市,各县市12年间不同监测时段石漠化演变存在差异性,极强度和强度石漠化土地面积急剧减少,中度和轻度石漠化有所增加;（3）2005—2011年石漠化减轻速率明显大于2011—2016年,石漠化土地面积减少比较明显;（4）研究区的石漠化综合治理成效明显,且12年间各县市石漠化演变方向和速率具有复杂性和多变性,治理效果短期之内并不一定明显,而是需要相对漫长的时间方能显现出来,若措施不当,极易重新发生并加剧演变。