Seismic site effects by an optimized 2D BE/FE method I. Theory, numerical optimization and application to topographical irregularities

This paper deals with the evaluation of seismic site effects due to the local topographical and geotechnical characteristics. The amplification of surface motions is calculated by a numerical method combining finite elements in the near field and boundary elements in the far field (FEM/BEM). The numerical technique is improved by time truncation. In the first part of this article, the accuracy and the relevance of this optimized method are presented. Moreover, parametric studies are done on slopes, ridges and canyons to characterize topographical site effects. The second part deals with sedimentary valleys. The complexity of the combination of geometrical and sedimentary effects is underlined. Extensive parametrical studies are done to discriminate the topographical and geotechnical effects on seismic ground movement amplifications in two-dimensional irregular configurations. Characteristic coefficients are defined to predict the amplifications of horizontal displacements. The accuracy of this quantitative evaluation technique is tested and discussed.     

Spreading of warm water from the Kuroshio Extension into the Perturbed Area

The path of the Kuroshio Extension describes two stationary meanders with crests at approximately 144°E and 150°E. The short-term meridional fluctuations of the warm water spreading northward from the first crest at the surface and its vertical structure were analyzed by using 5-day-mean surface temperature maps published by JAFIC, montly 100-m-depth temperature maps edited by the JMA, and CTD data obtained by the R.Vs.Kofu-Maru, Hakuho-Maru andTansei-Maru cruises from 1990 to 1994. A Northern Boundary of the Spreak Kuroshio Water (NBSKW) and a Southern Boundary of the Spread Kuroshio Water (SBSKW) at the surface were defined as the northern and southern boundary of the pronounced meriodional temperature gradients, respectively. The vertical structure of the Spread Kuroshio Water was analyzed in terms of its T-S properties. The location of the NBSKW at the surface corresponds well with the northern boundary of the subsurface high salinity water that represents the Spread Kuroshio Water. The short-term meridional fluctuations of the northern and southern boundary of the Spread Kuroshio Water at the surface were studied through the spectral analysis of the maximum latitude of the two lines defined. We obtained the following results: (1) the meridional fluctuations of the NBSKW and SBSKW at the first creast have major periods between 16 and 38 days; (2) the 50 day running mean of the SBSKW at the first crest, for the purpòse of this study, can be generally used as indicative of the location of the Kuroshio axis; and (3) the northward extent of the Spread Kuroshio Water and the velocity of the meridional shift suggest seasonal variability that could be related with their vertical structure.     

On A Low Cloud Phenomenon At The Breidamerkurjökull Glacier, Iceland

An impressive cloud wall has frequently been observed on the southern slopes of the Vatnajökull ice sheet, which is located in south-eastern Iceland. Its optical and dynamic features suggest a delicate balance of the atmospheric agents involved. This has been confirmed by a thorough analysis of a well documented event and by statistics covering a whole summer season. As an exemplary event, the regional development of the associated cloud has basically been documented with synchronous surface data along a suitable transect of the glacier. Data from tethered balloons, radiosoundings and routine synoptic data have also been exploited extensively. Cloud development was generally aided by a high moisture potential because of proximity to the open seas and the remnants of a frontal system. Furthermore the occurrence of the cloud phenomenon was associated with onshore (southerly) surface winds, assisting advection and lifting of the associated air masses above the slopes of the ice sheet. Northward protrusion of the associated cloud was apparently opposed by continuous katabatic winds and topographically induced lee effects.     

Der Einfluß des Bibers (Castor fiber albicus) auf die Fauna (Odonata, Mollusca, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Diptera) von Mittelgebirgsbächen in Hessen (Deutschland)

Due to the return of the beaver an increasing number of brooks become restored to a natural condition. It is characterized by an alternation of flowing and standing sectors. In the summer of 1995, different groups of organisms (Odonata, Mollusca, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Diptera) of two brooks in the Spessart mountains (Hesse, Germany) were studied to compare the composition of invertebrates in beaver homeranges and in the non-influenced sectors above. The new living conditions resulted in the disappearance of some species (Drusus anulatus, Trich., Sericostoma personatum, Trich., Radix peregra, Gastr.). Nevertheless the beaver homeranges accommodate a significant higher number of species of dragon flies and damsel flies, molluscs and caddis flies than the brooks above the homeranges. The heterogeneity of natural river systems make a coexistence of running water and silent water organisms possible. The examinations result in a significant higher group dominance of ephemeras (i.p. Cloeon dipterum) in a beaver pond than in lenitic sectors conditioned by the gradient without beaver influence. Here the dominance of chironomids was much higher. High current sectors with their characteristic organisms are also present in the beaver homeranges. The higher number of insects is the basis of nourishment for predatory insects and fishes. The potential effects of beaver ponds on fishes are discussed.     

Hydrodynamic loads on subsea robots

Free floating subsea robots are often subjected to complex hydrodynamic loads due to waves/currents and wakes from nearby structures. This makes control extremely difficult. Good hydrodynamics data might counteract this. This paper presents hydrodynamics data for two configurations undergoing various combinations of steady translation and approximately steady rotation. The two configurations are: a spherical body with a single fixed link arm and a two link arm without a body. For both configurations neural networks were found to provide a reasonable fit to the data. We believe that such fits could be used to improve control.     

Dynamic pressures on inclined cylinders due to freak waves

The dynamic pressure distribution around a cylinder tilted along and against the principal wave direction is measured. The cylinder was exposed to the action of random waves in the presence and absence of extreme waves. Six inclinations from the vertical plane, three along and three against the wave direction, were considered. The cylinder in upright position was also studied. The variation of dimensionless peak pressure (pressure maximum/average highest one-third wave height, H_1/3) with the relative wave height (maximum wave height/H_1/3) for locations facing the wave and at the rear of the cylinder for different angles of inclinations of the cylinder are reported for the two kinds of waves mentioned earlier. The statistical properties of the different asymmetries in the pressure traces are also discussed.     

Stability analysis of the heave motion of marine cable-body systems

The dynamic stability of the heave motion of marine cable-body systems operating in alternating taut–slack conditions is considered, based upon a single-degree-of-freedom model. In this model the fluid damping is linearised and the cable is replaced by a spring of bi-linear stiffness. The period-one Poincare map is derived, and its stability is analysed by examining its Jacobian matrix. Numerical simulations are also carried out to show the transition from a periodic response to a chaotic one through period doubling.     

新疆平原沙漠区湖泊干缩生态效应初探

50年代至80年代初,新疆平原沙漠区湖泊普遍处于退缩状态,一些湖泊干涸或基本干涸,这是湖泊所在流域上、中游地区灌溉事业发展的必然结果。到目前为止,湖泊干缩所引起生态环境的变化,其范围主要限于湖周有限区域;变化的幅度尚未达到对人类生活和生湖泊及湖周有限区域生态环境的恶化中,人类不正确的活动方式占了很大比重。     

利用多源城市数据划定地铁站点吸引范围

随着时代的发展,世界城市规模不断扩大,各大城市的交通需求陡然增加,而地面出行所带来的堵塞和环保问题导致政府部门把目光转向地下交通发展,其中地铁是地下交通发展中最重要的交通工具.准确划定地铁站点吸引范围,分析影响地铁站点吸引范围主要因素,不仅对于优化地铁交通服务和规划地铁周边建成环境具有重要意义,同时对于新建地铁站点设施...