Assimilation of simulated float data in Lagrangian coordinates

We implement an approach for the accurate assimilation of Lagrangian data into regional general ocean circulation models. The forward model is expressed in Lagrangian coordinates and simulated float data are incorporated into the model via four-dimensional variational data assimilation. We show that forward solutions computed in Lagrangian coordinates are reliable for time periods of up to 100 days with phase speeds of 1 m/s and deformation radius of 35 km. The position and depth of simulated floats are assimilated into the viscous, Lagrangian shallow water equations. The weights for the errors in the model and data are varied and the assimilation results react appropriately. We show the effect of different spatial and temporal samplings of float data on all Lagrangian trajectories in the computational domain. At the end of the assimilation period, results from the Lagrangian shallow water equations could be interpolated and used as initial and boundary conditions in an Eulerian general ocean circulation model.     

Environmental Geotechnical Problems in the Taiwan Strait Area

This article presents general information on environmental geotechnical problems along the Taiwan Strait Tunnel (TST) route including sea-floor characteristics. The term apparent sea-floor is introduced. This layer is due to land erosion washing down and settling in the Taiwan Strait. The depth of ocean water along the Taiwan Strait is estimated. Various soil, and rock types and marine sediments along the coastline of mainland, Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan Islands are presented. Foundation problems under adverse marine environments are discussed.     

浅海声反射损失的实验研究

本文介绍在水深40—90米的浅海海域中三种类型沉积层海底上,用爆炸声源进行的海底反射损失的实验研究结果。实验结果与按均匀半空间底模型计算所得海底反射损失的理论曲线作了比较。结果表明:反射损失值明显地与底的类型有关,细砂底的反射损失较小,粉砂质泥次之,而粉砂质粘土的反射损失较大;对于同类型的海底,孔隙度大者反射损失也较大。此外,还讨论了沉积物中场速的两种经验公式的适用性。     

Carbon and oxygen isotopes of Maastrichtian–Danian shallow marine carbonates: Yacoraite Formation, northwestern Argentina

The Maastrichtian–Danian limestones of the Yacoraite Formation (northwestern Argentina) show carbon and oxygen isotopic values consistent with shallow marine conditions. The members of the formation respond to different sedimentary environments and are characterised by distinctive stable isotopes and geochemistry. The basal Amblayo Member is composed of high-energy dolomitic limestones and limestones with positive isotopic values (+2‰ δ¹³C, +2‰ δ¹⁸O). The top of the member reveals an isotopic shift of δ¹³C (−5‰) and δ¹⁸O (−10‰), probably related to a descent in the sea level. The sandy Güemes Member has isotopically negative (−2‰ δ¹³C, −1‰ δ¹⁸O) limestones, principally controlled by water mixing, decreased organic productivity, and compositional changes in the carbonates. The isotopically lighter limestones are calcitic, with a greater terrigenous contribution and different geochemical composition (high Si–Mn–Fe–Na, low Ca–Mg–Sr). These isotopic and lithological changes relate to the Cretaceous–Palaeogene transition. The Alemanía Member, composed of dolomitic limestones and pelites, represents a return to marine conditions and shows a gradual increase in isotopic values, reaching values similar to those of the Amblayo Member. The Juramento Member, composed of stromatolite limestones, shows isotopic variations that can be correlated with the two well-defined, shallowing-upward sequences of the member.     

Water-chemistry transfer functions for epiphytic diatoms in standing freshwaters and a comparison with models based on littoral sediment assemblages (Flanders, Belgium)

Quantitative inference models for water-chemistry variables are derived from epiphytic diatom assemblages in 186 lentic and mostly shallow freshwaters in lower Belgium (Flanders). When the complete pH range is considered (pH 3.4–9.3), robust transfer functions are obtained for median pH (jack-knifed r ² = 0.88, RMSEP = 0.38 pH units or 6.4% of the observed range) and dissolved inorganic carbon concentration (jack-knifed r ² = 0.86, RMSEP = 0.194 log₁₀ mg DIC l⁻¹ or 10.2% of the observed range) by means of weighted-averaging partial least squares regression (WA-PLS). For these variables, the calibration models are as reliable as those based on sedimentary diatom assemblages. Inferences of pH may be improved by combining estimates from epiphytic and sediment assemblages. In circumneutral and alkaline conditions, WA-PLS calibration of maximum or median total phosphorus is possible (log-transformed; jack-knifed r ² = 0.64 or 0.66 and RMSEP = 14% or 12.3% of the observed range, respectively). It makes little difference if taxa showing no response to TP are taken into consideration or not. These models considerably expand the prospects of using historical herbarium materials to hindcast environmental conditions and also allow more accurate interpretation of current compositional changes in epiphytic communities. Compared to littoral sediment assemblages, fewer water-column variables can be inferred reliably from epiphyton. This probably results from differences between the effective gradients in both habitats, together with lower in situ species diversity and less effective spatial integration (i.e. lower recruitment of phytoplankton) in the epiphyton. A comparison of the HOF response-model types and WA-optima of diatom taxa for epiphytic and sediment assemblages shows that the relationship to individual variables, and in particular to those related to trophic status, may differ with habitat. Thus, the combination of samples from both habitat types in the same calibration model is not recommended. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available and is accessible for authorised users in the online version of this article at     

Fluctuant bearing capacity of shallow foundations during earthquakes

A limit equilibrium method to compute both dynamic bearing capacity and earthquake-induced settlements of foundations on soils using a log spiral potential failure surface is presented in this paper. The method is limited to soil materials that conform to the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. Time-varying inertia forces can be applied directly to the building. The procedure is capable of estimating vertical displacements and foundation tilting by integrating the differential equation developed from equilibrium of acting and resisting moments. The reliability of the method is assessed by comparing calculated and observed permanent movements of foundations for the September 1985 Earthquake in the soft ground area of Mexico City. The position of the failure surface is obtained by a minimization process at every time increment during the shaking. Results show that when an earthquake occurs the potential failure surface, obtained from static load, moves upwards and its length shortens as the seismic accelerations increase, reducing the bearing capacity and thus increasing its seismic risk. In this paper, the influence of earthquake acceleration on the time-varying positions of the potential failure is shown graphically.     

Estimating near-shore wave statistics from regional hindcasts using downscaling techniques

Several downscaling techniques, comprising fully dynamical and statistical–dynamical methods applied to near-shore local wave climate, are tested and assessed in terms of wave statistics with respect to the added value that can be achieved compared to larger scale data. The techniques are applied for the example of Helgoland, a small island in the German Bight. It was found that an improved representation could generally be obtained from all downscaling techniques by comparing the near-shore wave climate. Based on a balance between the required computer resources and the improvements achieved, it is suggested, to this end, that a dynamical–statistical approach based on high-resolution coastal wave modeling and linear regression provides the optimal choice.     

电磁波层析成像在钻孔灌注桩质量检测中的应用

桩基质量检测，特别是桩体完整性及损伤程度的评估，一直是岩土工程界十分重要的问题，目前常规物探方法难以取得良好的成像效果。采用电磁波层析成像技术(EWCT)进行钻孔灌注桩质量检测是一个新的手段。该方法是通过分析桩体缺陷的二维图像分布，实现桩基质量检测。本文设计并测试了适合桩基质量检测应用的电磁波层析成像的观测系统、数据采集技术以及资料处理方法等问题，并结合一个成功的工程实例说明该方法的应用效果。在该工程中，作者将CT反演结果加以钻孔资料验证。分析结果表明，电磁波层析成像技术(EWCT)具有较高的精度和可信度。当桩体存在多层各类缺陷时，该方法能有效、精确的反演出井间桩体的不均匀分布，成像层次清晰，异常分布明显直观，结合相关工程资料，可对桩体混凝土的内部结构与质量作出准确的评价。     

厦门同安湾滩槽演变趋势的遥感分析

利用多时相遥感图像判释厦门同安湾入海河流分布、海岸类型及浅海滩槽地貌,并根据海水表层流场特征和浑水带(悬浮泥沙)分布扩散特征及不同时期的海图,对同安湾泥沙供应现状和运移规律以及浅海滩槽冲淤变化、演变趋势进行了分析研究。结果表明,厦门同安湾海岸类型已由类型较齐全的天然海岸演变成单一的人工海岸,泥沙运移走向在平面上展示了逆时针泥沙水平环流特征,潮汐通道和局部海域出现了冲淤变化,部分潮滩处于缓慢淤积状态中。演变的动力因素主要是潮流,其次是径流,人工海岸形成后,陆源泥沙对海域基本不产生影响。