On the magnetic field diffusion in mhd modeling of the inner coma of comet halley

Abstract

Some approaches of one-dimensional time-dependent magneto-hydrodynamic modeling of the structure of the inner coma of comet Halley are considered. The influence of the magnetic field diffusion on this structure is studied. The solution of Cravens (1989) approach containing classic magnetic diffusion is compared with an approach containing a specific diffusion, caused by non-instantaneous mass-loading of new ions. A case with no magnetic field is also considered. Common features of all the solutions are obtained. Special attention is paid to the sharp velocity jump, synchronized with a local density pick. Some differences between two types of magnetic field diffusion are discussed. A possible connection is supposed between this consideration and the large-scale shock fitting modeling of the solar plasma-comet interaction.     

Accounting for sparsely observed rainfall space—time variability in a rainfall—runoff model of a semiarid Tunisian basin/Prise en compte d'observations peu denses de la variabilité spatiotemporelle de la pluie dans une modélisation pluie—débit d'un bassin semi-aride Tunisien

Abstract

The management of water excesses and deficits is a major task in semiarid Mediterranean regions, where the variability of rainfall inputs is high at different time and space scales. Thus intense hydrometeorological events, which generate both potential resource and hazards, are of major interest. A simple method is proposed, with the example of the Skhira basin (192 km²) in central Tunisia, to account for the event space–time variability of rainfall in a rainfall–runoff model, in order to check its influence on the shape, magnitude and timing of resulting hydrographs. The transfer function used is a geomorphology-based unit hydrograph with an explicit territorial significance. Simulations made for highly variable events show the relevance of this method, seen as the first step of a downward approach, and its robustness with respect to the quality and the density of rainfall data.     

Application of linear and nonlinear techniques in river flow forecasting in the Kilombero River basin,Tanzania / Application de techniques linéaires et non-linéaires à la prévision des débits dans le bassin de la Rivière Kilombero,en Tanzanie

Abstract

Modelling of the rainfall–runoff transformation process and routing of river flows in the Kilombero River basin and its five sub-catchments within the Rufiji River basin in Tanzania was undertaken using three system (black-box) models—a simple linear model, a linear perturbation model and a linear varying gain factor model—in their linear transfer function forms. A lumped conceptual model—the soil moisture accounting and routing model—was also applied to the sub-catchments and the basin. The HEC-HMS model, which is a distributed model, was applied only to the entire Kilombero River basin. River discharge, rainfall and potential evaporation data were used as inputs to the appropriate models and it was observed that sometimes the system models performed better than complex hydrological models, especially in large catchments, illustrating the usefulness of using simple black-box models in datascarce situations.     

基于应变积累释放模型研究鄂尔多斯块体地震活动特征

利用1970年以来积累的仪器记录地震目录资料,基于G-R关系的应变积累释放模型,研究了鄂尔多斯块体周缘的应变积累释放分期特征及其所处的应变状态。结果表明,块体周缘的应变积累释放具有明显的两阶段分期特征,其周缘整体的应变释放和积累的分界线大致在公元2000年左右。块体周缘以及块体北缘、东缘、西缘目前均处于应变积累状态,应变积累时间均超过10年,未来将进入应变释放阶段,应变释放强度最大的为块体北缘、其次是块体的东缘和西缘;释放的应变量分别相当于6.5级和6.0级左右地震强度。南缘仍处于应变积累释放的起伏阶段。     

“区域-时间-长度算法”用于甘肃及邻近地区中强地震预测的回溯性检验

应用蒋海昆等改进后的"区域-时间-长度算法"研究了甘肃及邻近地区的中强震地震活动前兆特征。结果表明,该方法在地震预测回溯性检验中效果较好,可作为检测本区的地震活动性异常的一种手段。36次M_s≥5.0中强以上地震震例中,检测出RTL值异常的地震达24次,占研究总数的66.7%,出现异常的时间距离主震的时间间隔集中在10~37个月。     

青藏高原东北缘M_s≥6.0强震活动特征及未来形势研究

2013年7月22日甘肃岷县漳县6.6级地震打破了青藏高原东北缘地区自2003年以来近十年的6级平静,该地震的意义及该区未来震情发展受到了地震学家的关注.本文运用Morlet小波变换分析了1875-2013年青藏高原东北缘MS≥6.0强震活动的周期特征,结果表明该区强震存在2～3年、8～10年、25～30年等尺度的显著周期;1977年以来青藏高原东北缘地区强震活动频度虽然正常但活动强度处于一个相对较低的阶段.在讨论了岷县漳县6.6级地震的发震背景基础上,认为该地震在青藏高原东北缘强震活动长时间较弱的背景下发生,可能是该区强震活动强弱的一个拐点,未来该区强震活动的频度与强度有增加的趋势.研究结果对该区震情跟踪工作有一定的参考价值.     

Physico-chemical and nutrient variable stratifications in the water column and in macroalgal thalli as a result of high biomass mats in a non-tidal shallow-water lagoon

A field study to check parameter stratification during high density growth of four opportunistic macroalgae was carried out in Orbetello lagoon (Italy). The effects of macroalgal masses were compared with a seagrass meadow and two lagoon areas with bare bottoms as controls for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nitrite, nitrate ammonium and orthophosphate. The nutrient content of thalli and sediment redox were measured. Macroalgae showed differences in stratification of thalli nutrient content. Mat with low density and high volume produced stratifications in the water column, but it did not produce nutrient release by sediment. In contrast, high density and low and high volume mats led to sharp falls in dissolved oxygen, with negative values of sediment Eh and anoxic trigger processes that presumably led to release of sediment nutrients. This depended on thallus type: heavy thalli compacted the mat and light ones distributed more widely in the water column.     

Decreasing trend of sediment transfer function of the Upper Yellow River,China, in response to human activity and climate change

Abstract

An index (F_s) for sediment transfer function is introduced, based on the sediment budget at the channel scale. The purpose of this study is two-fold: to gain a deeper insight into how F_s is influenced by natural and human factors, and to provide some new knowledge for decision making in the management of the Upper Yellow River, China. Since 1960, the F_s of the Lanzhou to Toudaoguai reach of the Upper Yellow River shows a decreasing trend. At the drainage basin level, the decreased F_s can be explained by changes in precipitation and air temperature, as well as by a number of variables describing human activity, such as reservoir regulation, water diversion, and soil and water conservation. The higher temperature reduces the transfer function, while the larger runoff coefficient increases it. At the channel level, the decreased F_s can be explained by a number of variables of flow and sediment input. Three countermeasures for restoration of the F_s are suggested.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz     

Prediction and modelling of rainfall–runoff during typhoon events using a physically-based and artificial neural network hybrid model

Abstract

The accurate prediction of hourly runoff discharge in a watershed during heavy rainfall events is of critical importance for flood control and management. This study predicts n-h-ahead runoff discharge in the Sandimen basin in southern Taiwan using a novel hybrid approach which combines a physically-based model (HEC-HMS) with an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Hourly runoff discharge data (1200 datasets) from seven heavy rainfall events were collected for the model calibration (training) and validation. Six statistical indicators (i.e. mean absolute error, root mean square error, coefficient of correlation, error of time to peak discharge, error of peak discharge and coefficient of efficiency) were employed to evaluate the performance. In comparison with the HEC-HMS model, the single ANN model, and the time series forecasting (ARMAX) model, the developed hybrid HEC-HMS–ANN model demonstrates improved accuracy in recursive n-h-ahead runoff discharge prediction, especially for peak flow discharge and time.     

Hydrological response characteristics of Mediterranean catchments at different time scales: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

This work examines 140 hydrological studies conducted in the Mediterranean region. It identifies key characteristics of the hydrological responses of Mediterranean catchments at various time scales and compares different methods and modelling approaches used for individual-catchment studies. The study area is divided into the northwestern (NWM), eastern (EM) and southern (SM) Mediterranean. The analysis indicates regional discrepancies in which the NWM shows the most extreme rainfall regime. A tendency for reduced water resources driven by both anthropogenic and climatic pressures and a more extreme rainfall regime are also noticeable. Catchments show very heterogeneous responses over time and space, resulting in limitations in hydrological modelling and large uncertainties in predictions. However, few models have been developed to address these issues. Additional studies are necessary to improve the knowledge of Mediterranean hydrological features and to account for regional specificities.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis Associate editor A. Efstratiadis