A 3-D coastal tidal rectification process: observations, theory and experiments

In homogeneous rotating fluid, when there is an oscillating forcing in the interior fluid with a period long enough for an Ekman layer to develop, there is an interaction between the oscillatory Ekman layer and the vertical wall, since the latter imposes an alternating adjustment flow confined near the wall. As a result, this coastal rectification process leads to a Lagrangian transport along the coast. The Ekman number, the Rossby number and the temporal Rossby number of the forcing flow are the governing parameters of that mechanism which can be described by a simplified analytical model taking into account both the vertical time-dependent structure of the current and the presence of the wall. The model shows that the residual (rectified) current flowing with the coast to its right results from the strong nonlinear interaction between along- and cross-shore tidal currents leading to asymmetrical momentum exchanges between the Ekman bottom layer and the coastal boundary layer. The model provides simple scaling laws for the maximum intensity and width of the residual current. The latter is significantly larger than the friction (Stokes) lateral boundary layer of the forcing flow. A comprehensive set of experiments is performed in the 13 m diameter rotating tank by oscillating an 8 m×2 m horizontal plate and vertical wall in a homogeneous fluid at rest in solid-body rotation and measuring the two horizontal components of the current at several locations and depths above the central part of the plate. The predicted and experimentally measured maximum intensity and width of the residual current are in very good agreement, within the range of validity of the model, i.e. when the Ekman number is sufficiently small. However experiments also show that the residual current still occurs when the Ekman layer thickness is of the same order as the fluid depth, but it is then confined to a narrower band along the vertical wall. The flow structure found experimentally is also correctly described by a numerical model developed by Zhang et al. (1994). Current measurements in the Eastern part of the English Channel near the French coast reveal a significant coastal residual current flowing Northward and the coastal rectification process described here may account for part of it.     

Sources, sinks and resuspension of suspended particulate matter in the eastern English Channel

Seasonal observations on the nature and concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) are presented for a cross-section of the English Channel, between the Isle of Wight (UK) and Cotentin peninsula (France) i.e. the western boundary of the eastern English Channel. The highest concentrations of suspended material are found adjacent to the English coastline, whereas the offshore waters are associated with low concentrations. Seasonal variations in the concentration and nature of suspended material are identified, with highest concentrations in winter. At this time, the suspended particles are characterised generally by peaked grain size spectra and an enrichment in coarse silt particles; in summer, the distributions are generally flat. The diatom communities found within the suspended matter indicate that material resuspended in the coastal zone and the estuarine environments is transported offshore. SPM fluxes (based upon the observed SPM concentrations and the output from a 2-D hydrodynamic model) from the western Channel through the Wight–Cotentin Section, ranged between 2 and 71×10⁶ t a⁻¹ with a mean of around 20×10⁶ t a⁻¹ over the period of the observations (1994–1995). These fluxes are comparable to the order of magnitude and mean value reported as output through the Dover Strait. Therefore, it is possible that the eastern English Channel may be characterised as an area of fine-grained sediment ‘bypass'. This interpretation is corroborated by: (a) the absence of fine-grained sediment deposits over the area; and (b) correlation between the potential resuspension time of the fine particles and the seabed sediment distribution.     

Fluxes and seasonal changes in composition of organic matter in the English Channel

Dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) have been investigated along a transect between Cherbourg and the Isle of Wight. In addition, the relative contribution of different sources of POM have been assessed by the use of lipid biomarkers (e.g. fatty acids). Seawater samples were collected at two depths (subsurface and above the bottom) at five stations located on the transect during five cruises (from September 1994 to July 1995). Particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations vary between 30–530 μg l⁻¹ and 0.5–2.7 mg l⁻¹, respectively, for all the cruises. Fluxes of POM and DOM have been estimated at 0.6×10¹² g yr⁻¹ and 6.5×10¹² g yr⁻¹ of carbon, respectively. General fluxes of water and therefore of DOC and POC are oriented eastward. However, around the Isle of Wight a westward oriented flux exists due to a gyre located in the area. The major DOC and POC fluxes occur in the central part of the Channel where the water column is deepest. Seasonal variations of different sources of POM (algal, bacterial and terrigenous) have been examined for the five cruises. The fresh algal organic fraction is relatively important in September in coastal waters with a predominance of diatom species on the English side, whereas it has a low or undetectable contribution during winter months. The bacterial fraction generally varies in concert with the algal component. It is low during the winter period and more important in bloom or post-bloom conditions, as for example in May. Terrestrial organic matter is restricted to coastal areas in September, and is present at low levels in May and July. Nevertheless, in November and February, terrigenous inputs have been clearly identified for the whole transect even in central waters.     

利用影视资料进行英语口语教学

影视资料在英语口语教学中，特别是在调动学生兴趣和积极性并创造一个更为真实的语言和文化环境方面有着积极的作用。充分利用影视资料进行英语口语教学，引导学生参加各项活动，使学生有机会通过影视语言和图像全方位的感受所学语言和文化，将有助于学生英语口语水平和学习兴趣的提高。     

大学英语成绩测试的信度与效度关系探析

信度和效度是第二代语言测试体系提出的两个不同的概念,处理好两者之间的关系,有利于教师正确把握大学英语测试的科学性。以第二代语言测试体系理论为基础,利用Gitest数据统计软件,进行一项针对大学英语成绩测试的信度与效度分析时发现,测试信度的实现以效度为代价,严重影响了测试的质量。而信度与效度的平衡关键在于测试目的的明确和测试方式的灵活处理。     

等效理论框架下的航海英语翻译

结合航海英语具有专业术语多、重复少、多长句,复合句和被动语态的特点,选用典型实例从词汇内涵、句式表达、语篇分析3个语言层面阐述等效翻译理论在航海英语翻译中的应用,为规范译员在航海英语资料翻译和口译过程中的原则和行为提供有益启示,进一步提高国内外海员的交流与合作层次。     

英语介词语义范畴转换研究

英语介词数量较大,用法灵活,长期以来一直是TEFL教学的一项重要内容。英语介词的语义及其语义范畴不是固定的、一成不变的,在不同的语言环境下,它们的语义范畴会呈现不同的类型特征,从语言学的角度来看,英语介词语义范畴转换具有自身的规律和特点。充分了解和掌握英语介词语义范畴转换有助于学习者更加全面、准确地理解和使用英语介词。     

英文版海上避碰规则中句子成份的间隔和省略

从实例出发,分析了避碰规则中经常出现的间隔和省略语法现象,如主语与谓语的间隔,谓语两个组成部分的分隔,以及长句中名词、介词短语和动词的省略等,旨在对航海英语教学和航海英语学习者有所启示。     

源于汉语的英语词汇分析

在分析英语中源于汉语的词汇的形成特点基础上,详细地探讨了英语中汉语词汇的借入方式,汉语词汇进入英语的跨文化交际背景以及汉语词汇在英语中的同化程度。