Integration of spatial data in vector and raster formats in a geographic information system environment

This paper examines the common methods for converting spatial data sets between vector and raster formats and presents the results of extensive benchmark testing of these procedures. The tests performed are unique in this field since: (1) they used both synthetic and real test data sets; (2) they measured conversion quality, accuracy and efficiency, not just how fast the procedure operated; and (3) they were conducted in a generic geographic information system (GIS) environment without the aid of specialized computer hardware. The results show that the best overall techniques are the ones which take advantage of spatial relationships inherent in the data sets. These were the Scan Line algorithm for vector to raster conversions and the Boundary Linking algorithm for raster to vector conversions.     

A comparative analysis of DEM‐based models to estimate the solar radiation in mountainous terrain

Daily solar radiation estimates of four up‐to‐date solar radiation models (Solar Analyst, r.sun, SRAD and Solei‐32), based on a digital elevation model (DEM), have been evaluated and compared in a Mediterranean environment characterized by a complex topography. The models' estimates were evaluated against 40 days of radiometric data collected in 14 stations. Analyzed sky conditions ranged from completely overcast conditions to clear skies. Additionally, the role of the spatial resolution of the DEM has been evaluated through the use of two different resolutions: 20 and 100 m. Results showed that, under clear‐sky conditions, the daily solar radiation variability in the study area may be reasonably estimated with mean bias errors under 10% and root mean square error values of around 15%. On the other hand, results proved that the reliability of the estimates substantially decreases under overcast conditions for some of the solar radiation models. Regarding the role of the DEM spatial resolution, results suggested that the reliability of the estimates for complex topography areas under clear‐sky conditions improves using a higher spatial resolution.     

Measuring the significance of a divide to local drainage patterns

This article presents a framework for estimating a new topographic attribute derived from digital elevation models (DEMs) called maximum branch length (B _max). Branch length is defined as the distance travelled along a flow path initiated at one grid cell to the confluence with the flow path passing through a second cell. B _max is the longest branch length measured for a grid cell and its eight neighbours. The index provides a physically meaningful method for assessing the relative significance of drainage divides to the dispersion of materials and energy across a landscape, that is, it is a measure of ‘divide size’. B _max is particularly useful for studying divide network structure, for mapping drainage divides, and in landform classification applications. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of estimates of B _max to the algorithm used to estimate flow lengths and the prevalence of edge effects resulting from inadequate DEM extent. The findings suggest that the index is insensitive to the specific flow algorithm used but that edge effects can result in significant underestimation along major divides. Edge contamination can, however, be avoided by using an appropriately extensive DEM.     

缓变地形下β效应的Rossby代数孤立波

正压流体中,从准地转位涡方程出发采用摄动方法和时空伸长变换推导了在缓变地形下β效应的Rossby代数孤立波方程,得到Rossby波振幅满足带有缓变地形非齐次Benjamin-Davis-Ono(BDO)方程的结论.通过分析孤立Rossby波振幅的演变,指出了β效应、地形效应是诱导Rossby孤立波产生的重要因素,说明了在缓变地形强迫效应和非线性作用相平衡的假定下,Rossby孤立波振幅的演变满足非齐次BDO方程,给出在切变基本气流下缓变地形和正压流体中Rossby波的相互作用.     

Reducing the non-axisymmetry of a planetary dynamo and an application to saturn

Abstract

If a conducting fluid shell is undergoing spin-axisymmetric differential rotation and overlies the dynamo generating region of a planet then it is capable of greatly reducing the non-spin-axisymmetric components of the generated field, provided the appropriate magnetic Reynolds number is large. The model, closely related to the electromagnetic skin effect, is quantified and applied to Saturn. The observed small dipole tilt (～ 1°) of Saturn's magnetic field can be explained because of the presence of a stably stratified conducting layer overlying the dynamo region. This layer is a predicted consequence of the thermal evolution, arises because of the limited solubility of helium in metallic hydrogen (Stevenson, 1980), and appears to be required by the Voyager infrared observations indicating depletion of helium from Saturn's atmosphere. The much larger dipole tilt angles of Jupiter and the Earth indicate the absence of any such stable, differentially rotating layer with a large magnetic Reynolds number.     

Dangerous deformations of subgrade and methods of their calculation

The main reasons for a breach of trouble-free operation of the subgrade are the different kinds of deformation, such as train load impact on subgrade surface, loss of stability to subgrade slope, weight of embankment on the base, and partial or complete failure of the railway track due to frost heaving. This paper gives a summary of deformation analysis methods being developed in Russia to estimate the operating conditions of the railway subgrade.     

A large landslide event in a post‐glacial landscape: rethinking glacial legacy

Threlkeld Knotts (c. 500 m above sea level) in the English Lake District has hitherto been considered to be a glacially‐modified intrusion of microgranite. However, its surface features are incompatible with glacial modification; neither can these nor the subsurface structures revealed by ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) be explained by post‐glacial subaerial processes acting on a glacially‐modified microgranite intrusion. Here we re‐interpret Threlkeld Knotts as a very large post‐glacial landslide involving the microgranite, with an estimated volume of about 4 × 10⁷ m³. This interpretation is tested against published and recent information on the geology of the site, the glacial geomorphic history of the area and newly‐acquired GPR data. More than 60 large post‐Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) rock–slope failures have significantly modified the glaciated landscape of the Lake District; this is one of the largest. Recognition of this major landslide deposit in such a well‐studied environment highlights the need to continuously re‐examine landscapes in the light of increasing knowledge of geomorphic processes and with available technology in currently active or de‐glaciating environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of terrain attributes on snow-cover dynamics in parts of Chenab basin,western Himalayas

ABSTRACT

Terrain variables are the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of snow cover. This paper aims to find a relationship between snow-cover area (SCA) and topographic variables (elevation, slope and aspect), using MODIS Terra data (MOD09A1) in parts of the Chenab basin, western Himalayas. The inter-annual variability of SCA% for each month has been analysed for the years 2000 to 2011. The analysis reveals that mean annual SCA value was maximum (37.89%) in 2005 and minimum (32.07%) in 2001. The slope classes with maximum and minimum SCA% are 5°–10° and 30°–35°, respectively. Among the 16 aspect classes, the ESE-facing slope evinces maximum SCA%. During the snow accumulation period, the expanse at 3600–4300 m elevation, and in the depletion period, 4300–5000 m elevation are found to have maximum rate of change in SCA% per 100 m rise in elevation, i.e. 3.37% and 3.67%, respectively.

EDITOR Z.W. Kundzewicz; ASSOCIATE EDITOR not assigned     

不同厚度层状边坡动力响应的模型试验研究

采用振动台物理模拟试验方法,以4种不同覆土厚度的层状边坡模型为研究对象,水平输入振幅逐渐增大的正弦波加速度,分析了结构面上覆不同厚度土层对动力作用下边坡的稳定影响.研究了在动力作用下边坡的破坏位置和性质、破坏形式及最危险覆土厚度,验证了坡面放大效应与高程的关系,采用MIDAS/GTS软件对模型试验进行振型分析,分析了模型边坡的自振频率与覆土厚度的变化关系.试验结果表明：①模型破坏时最先出现的裂缝在边坡的中上部,且6 cm覆土厚度的模型对振动的响应最大,对应到实际工程中时12m厚度土层覆盖的边坡是最应该注意防护的.②不同厚度的土层破坏的形式不同：当土层厚度较薄时模型破坏较迅速,基本沿结构面发生整体滑动破坏,且滑动呈现一定的流体特性;当覆土较厚时裂缝先在模型中上部出现,随着振动的持续裂缝继续发展,最后发生整体性崩塌.③随着高程的增加峰值加速度总体呈放大趋势,但最大值出现在边坡中上部而非坡顶,说明不仅均质边坡有加速度的高程放大效应,层状边坡也具有加速度的高程放大效应.     

中高山地区滑坡发育地形地貌因子敏感性研究

为分析海拔高度大于1 300m的中高山地区地形地貌因子对滑坡发育的敏感性程度,运用基于因子综合贡献率的敏感性分析方法,研究黔东北中高山地区坡面形态、地形坡度、相对高差三类影响因子对滑坡发育的影响程度.在各类影响因子对滑坡发育频数、面积及体积分量贡献率的基础上,利用顺序赋值法量化各分量贡献率的贡献指数,并以各分量贡献指数的几何平均数构建敏感性系数,定量分析三类地形地貌影响因子对中高山地区滑坡发育的敏感性.研究结果表明,阶梯形和凸形坡面形态的斜坡中后部为地貌演化堆积区,能提供较大重力势能,属滑坡发育的敏感性坡面形态因子;地形坡度在18°～22°之间的较陡坡和相对高差在40～80m之间的矮坡常分布于受地表水强烈冲刷的地带,在一定重力势能和强烈地下水共同作用下,极易诱发浅层小规模滑坡;地形坡度大于27°的极陡坡和相对高差大于120m的高坡由于具备较大重力势能,常诱发深层大规模滑坡.