A three-dimensional modeling of multidirectional random wave diffraction by rectangular submarine pits

A three-dimensional modeling of multidirectional random-wave diffraction by a group of rectangular submarine pits is presented in this paper. The fluid domain is divided into N interior regions representing the pit area and an overall exterior region separated by the imaginary pit boundaries. In the interior region, the analytical expressions of the Fourier series expansion for velocity potentials in the pit regions have been derived with the unknown coefficients determined from a series of Green's function based boundary integral equations. The boundary integral approach has also been applied to obtain the velocity potential and free-surface elevation in the exterior region. The Pierson–Moskowitz (P–M) frequency spectrum was selected for the random wave simulation using the superposition of solutions of a finite number of decomposed wave components. Numerical results for the cases of regular waves and random waves are presented to examine the influences of the pit geometry and incident wave condition on the overall wave field. The general diffraction pattern of alternate bands of increase and decrease of relative wave height in front of the pit system can be observed. It is found that, in the shadow region, the relative wave height is reduced. As the number of pit increases, the effectiveness of reducing the relative wave height behind the multiple-pit system increases. However, the relative wave height within the pit area and in front of the leading pit shows increasing trend. It is noticed that under the random-wave condition, the level of increase and decrease of the relative wave height due to the existence of submarine pits is less pronounced than that observed from results in regular-wave condition.     

General patterns of circulation, sediment fluxes and ecology of the Palamós (La Fonera) submarine canyon, northwestern Mediterranean

Currents, particle fluxes and ecology were studied in the Palamós submarine canyon (also known as the Fonera canyon), located in the northwestern Mediterranean. Seven mooring arrays equipped with current meters and sediment traps were deployed along the main canyon axis, on the canyon walls and on the adjacent slope. Additionally, local and regional hydrographic cruises were carried out. Current data showed that mean near surface and mid-depth currents were oriented along the mean flow direction (NE–SW), although at 400 and 1200 m depth within the canyon current reversals were significant, indicating a more closed circulation inside the canyon. Mean near-bottom currents were constrained by the local bathymetry, especially at the canyon head. The most significant frequency at all levels was the inertial frequency. A second frequency of about three days, attributed to a topographic wave, was observed at all depths, suggesting that this wave was probably not trapped near the bottom. The current field observed during the most complete survey revealed a meandering pattern with cyclonic vorticity just upstream from and within the canyon. The associated vertical velocity ranged between 10 and 20 m/day and was constrained to the upper 300 m. This latter feature, together with other computations, suggests that during this survey the meander was not induced by the canyon but by some kind of instability of the mean flow.In the canyon, suspended sediment concentration, downward particle fluxes, chlorophyll and particulate C and N were significantly higher up-canyon from about 1200 m depth than offshore, defining, along with the different hydrodynamics, two canyon domains: one from the canyon head to about 1200 m depth more affected by the canyon confinement and the other deeper than 1200 m depth more controlled by the mean flow and the shelf-slope front. The higher near-bottom downward total mass fluxes were recorded in the canyon axis at 1200 m depth along with sharp turbidity increases and are related to sediment gravity flows. During the deployment period, the increase in downward particle fluxes occurred by mid-November, when a severe storm took place. On the canyon walls at 1200 m depth, suspended sediment concentrations, downward particle fluxes, chlorophyll and particulate C and N were higher on the southern wall than on the northern wall inversely to the current’s energy. This could be caused by an upward water supply on the southern canyon wall and/or the mean flow interacting with the canyon bathymetry. In the swimmers collected by the sediment traps, the dominant species was an elasipod holothurian, which has not been recorded in other canyons or elsewhere in the Mediterranean, indicating particular speciation.     

Non-linear wave-induced transient response of soil around a trenched pipeline

Submarine pipelines are always trenched within a seabed for reducing wave loads and thereby enhancing their stability. Based on Biot's poroelastic theory, a two-dimensional finite element model is developed to investigate non-linear wave-induced responses of soil around a trenched pipeline, which is verified with the flume test results by Sudhan et al. [Sudhan, C.M., Sundar, V., Rao, S.N., 2002. Wave induced forces around buried pipeline. Ocean Engineering, 29, 533–544] and Turcotte et al. [Turcotte, B.R., Liu, P.L.F., Kulhawy, F.H., 1984. Laboratory evaluation of wave tank parameters for wave-sediment interaction. Joseph H. Defree Hydraulic Laboratory Report 84-1, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University]. Non-linear wave-induced transient pore pressure around pipeline at various phases of wave loading is examined firstly. Unlike most previous investigations, in which only a single sediment layer and linear wave loading were concerned, in this study, the influences of the non-linearity of wave loading, the physical properties of backfill materials and the geometry profile of trenches on the excess pore pressures within the soil around pipeline, respectively, were explored, taking into account the in situ conditions of buried pipeline in the shallow ocean zones. Based on the parametric study, it is concluded that the shear modulus and permeability of backfill soils significantly affect the wave-induced excess pore pressures around trenched pipeline, and that the effect of wave non-linearity becomes more pronounced and comparable with that of trench depth, especially at high wave steepness in shallow water.     

机载LiDAR技术在地质灾害监测中的应用研究

利用成熟的技术路线和地质灾害监测点激光点云的特征,以及地裂缝的地形深度急剧变化规律,采取一种改进Morove算子的兴趣点提取方法,根据高程变化特征提取地裂缝;根据滑坡体的地形非连续性,在三角形生长算法基础上,采用异变点不参与构网的方法,使滑坡体与原山体地形分离,监测出山体滑坡地质灾害点,为地质灾害的监测提供新的思路和方法。     

Contrasting compositions of Mariana Trough fallout tephra and Mariana Island arc volcanics: a fractional crystallization link

Discrete Quaternary (<400 ka) tephra fallout layers (mostly <1 cm thick) within the siliceous oozes of the central Mariana Trough at 18°N are characterized by medium-K to high-K subalkalic volcanic glasses (K₂O=0.8–3.2 wt.%) with high large-ion lithophile elements (LILE)/high-field-strength elements (HFSE) ratios and Nb depletion (Ba/La35; Ba/Zr3.5; La/Nb4) typical for convergent margin volcanic rocks. Compositional zoning within layers ranges from basaltic to dacitic (SiO₂=48–71 wt.%; MgO=0.7–6.5 wt.%); all layers contain basaltic andesites. The tephra layers are interpreted as single explosive eruptive events tapping chemically zoned reservoirs, the sources being the Mariana arc volcanoes (MAV) due to their proximity (100–400 km) and similar element ratios (MAV: Ba/La=36±7; Ba/Zr=3.5±0.9). The glasses investigated, however, contrast with the contemporaneous basaltic to dacitic lavas of the MAV by being more enriched in TiO₂ (1.2 wt.%; MAV0.8 wt.%), FeO^* (10 wt.%, MAV8–9 wt.%), K₂O (1.1 wt.%; MAV0.8 wt.%) and P₂O₅ (0.4 wt.%; MAV0.2 wt.%). (Semi-)Incompatible trace elements (including Rare Earth Elements (REE)) of the basaltic-andesitic and dacitic glasses match those of the dacitic MAV lavas, which became enriched by fractional crystallization. Moreover, the glasses follow a tholeiitic trend of fractionation in contrast to MAV transitional trends and have a characteristic P₂O₅ trend that reaches a maximum of 0.6 wt.% P₂O₅ at 57 wt.% SiO₂, whereas MAV lavas increase linearly in P₂O₅ from 0.1 to 0.3 wt.% with increasing silica. Both explosive and effusive series are interpreted to have evolved in common magma reservoirs by convective fractionation. Similar parental magmas are suggested to have separated into coexisting Si-andesitic to dacitic and basaltic melts by in situ crystallization. The differentiated melt is interstitial in an apatite-saturated crystalline mush of plag+px±ox±ol at the cooler chamber margins in contrast to the less differentiated basaltic to basaltic-andesitic magmas, which are not yet saturated in apatite and occupy the chamber interior. Reinjection of interstitial melt into the chamber interior and mixing with larger melt fractions of the interior liquid (mixing ratios about 1: 8–9) can explain the paradoxical behavior of apatite-controlled P and MREE variation in the basaltic andesite glasses and their MAV dacite-like fractionation patterns. The process may also account for the exclusively tholeiitic trend of fractionation of the glass shard series, but in situ crystallization alone cannot cause their absolute enrichment in (semi-)incompatible elements. The newly mixed melt is suggested to form the basaltic end member of the glass shard series. However, it must have become physically separated from the main MAV magma body (possibly by density-driven convective fractionation) in order to allow for further evolution of the contrasting geochemical paths as well as differentiation.     

Breccias of the Adnet Formation: indicators of a Mid-Liassic tectonic event in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Salzburg/Austria)

Stratigraphy, lithology and depositional structures of Liassic red limestone-breccias of the Adnet Formation, including the Adnet Scheck, were studied at several outcrops of the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) south-east of Salzburg. A four-fold lithostratigraphic division is proposed for the Adnet Formation of the Osterhorn Mountains: the hemipelagic Schmiedwirt (Sinemurian) and Kehlbach (Carixian) members are separated from the pelagic Saubach Member (Toarcian) by a layer of amalgamated breccias (Scheck Member, probably Domerian to early Toarcian). Several other breccia beds occur locally from the base of the Kehlbach Member up to the lower Saubach Member. Although the sediments overlying the Scheck Member breccias are of coeval age, the ages of the underlying strata are very different. This can be explained by submarine Liassic erosion during a period of resedimentation from the middle Carixian until the early Toarcian. At least 10–15 m of partly lithified sediments were eroded by gravity flows. The entire Kehlbach Member and up to two-thirds of the Schmiedwirt Member were removed at Adnet. The breccias originated from submarine debris flows. Repeated flows over a long period and the depositional setting exclude a triggering by sea-level fluctuations. Most probably they arose from tectonically triggered slumps and slides of superficial sediments. The Scheck was initiated on the steep upper slope of the drowned Triassic Adnet reef and flowed to the north-east. The Pliensbachian to early Toarcian period of tectonic activity indicated by the breccias was the most important during the Liassic in the Osterhorn Mountains and other parts of the NCA. From the large-scale regional distribution of the breccias and in accord with published data, a roughly northeast trending strike-slip fault zone is proposed, crossing the NCA south of the Osterhorn block, with a peaking activity during the Pliensbachian to early Toarcian as the cause of the tectonic movements.     

台湾海峡西部表层沉积地球化学元素分布及砂矿成矿显示

本文研究了台湾海峡西部海底表层沉积物中的２０种微量元素分布特征，划分４种组合类型。Ｚｒ、Ｌａ、Ｙ、Ｎｂ、Ｔｉ元素高含量区具有海底锆、钛砂矿可能成矿的良好显示，为海底砂矿找矿提供地球化学依据。     

High-resolution seismic-reflection investigation of the northern Gulf of Mexico gas-hydrate-stability zone

We recorded high-resolution seismic-reflection data in the northern Gulf of Mexico to study gas and gas-hydrate distribution and their relation to seafloor slides. Gas hydrate is widely reported near the seafloor, but is described at only one deep drill site. Our data show high-reflectivity zones (HRZs) near faults, diapirs, and gas vents and interbedded within sedimentary sections at shallow depth (<1 km). The HRZs lie below the gas-hydrate-stability zone (GHSZ) as well as within the zone (less common), and they coincide with zones of shallow water-flows. Bottom simulating reflections are rare in the Gulf, and not documented in our data.We infer HRZs result largely from free gas in sandy beds, with gas hydrate within the GHSZ. Our estimates for the base BHSZ correlate reasonably with the top of HRZs in some thick well-layered basin sections, but poorly where shallow sediments are thin and strongly deformed. The equivocal correlation results from large natural variability of parameters that are used to calculate the base of the GHSZ. The HRZs may, however, be potential indicators of nearby gas hydrate. The HRZs also lie at the base of at least two large seafloor slides (e.g. up to 250 km²) that may be actively moving along decollement faults that sole within the GHSZ or close to the estimated base of the GHSZ. We suspect that water/gas flow along these and other faults such as ‘chimney’ features provide gas to permit crystallization of gas hydrate in the GHSZ. Such flows weaken sediment that slide down salt-oversteepened slopes when triggered by earthquakes.     

Shelf-slope exchanges by frontal variability in a steep submarine canyon

We study the dynamics of a frontal jet and its short-timescale variability generated by the interaction with a submarine canyon using a limited-area fine-resolution three-dimensional coastal ocean model. The focus is on the steep and narrow Palamós Canyon located off the northeast Catalan coast (northwestern Mediterranean) that is characterized by the presence of a permanent along-slope density-driven current. First, we analyse the stationary circulation induced with different jet locations and show a deflection of the flow in the vicinity of the canyon. Significant vertical motions develop as a result of these current adjustments; the general pattern such as downwelling upstream of the canyon and upwelling downstream are always observed. Second, we analyse the circulation and exchanges associated with an onshore displacement of the jet; thus produces a meander propagating with the flow that interacts with the canyon. We find that the resulting three-dimensional patterns present an oscillation characterized by an intense downwelling followed by upwelling. As a result of this interaction, shelf-slope exchanges and vertical motions are enhanced in the area compared with the passing of a meander above a shelf that is not indented by a submarine canyon. The resulting horizontal transports through the Palamós canyon represent up to 10% of the along-shore fluxes on the shelf and appear to be sufficient to exchange the shelf water of the Gulf of Lions and Catalan sea in 2.5 years. Considering the number of canyons existing in the area, we can estimate an exchange of all the shelf waters in less than 3 months.     

A conceptual design of an underwater missile launcher

The paper presents a conceptual design of an underwater missile launcher, which will be more difficult to detect by the enemy than conventional surface missile launchers which are currently being used.The paper suggests that the material of construction should be a composite and not a metal, as use of the latter for a large deep diving underwater vessel will result in such a structure sinking like a stone, due to the fact that it will have no reserve buoyancy. The paper also shows that composites have better sound absorption characteristics, thereby making the underwater structure difficult to detect through sonar equipment. It is proposed that this launcher should operate up to a depth of 5000 m, as at this depth, some 60% of the oceans' bottoms can be reached.The author shows that current technology can be used to construct and operate such a vessel.