An Approach to a Visual Language for Convective Fluid Flows: Visualization of Geophysical Simulations

It was known that deep within numbers and binary data from simulations of geophysical convective flows resided various patterns. Two models of convective fluid flows were being considered. One was a model of two-dimensional (768 × 256) air convection with finite Prandtl number of one and Rayleigh number of 10⁸−10¹⁰, and another was a model of three-dimensional (up to 120 × 120 × 90) mantle convection with infinite Prandtl number and Rayleigh number of 10⁶−10⁸. Clearly, phenomena existed which superceded each individual dimensionless computer model to provide a piece of information regarding actual fluid flows. The problem was how to find, prove, and communicate these patterns and phenomena for convection simulations with gigabytes of data. In a search for such an analytical and communicative tool, the alternative of visualization was considered. The need for visualization was recognized and discussed. Then, utilizing both two- and three-dimensional models of high Rayleigh number convection, basic techniques of style and content were developed. Applications of the visualization techniques were designed utilizing IBM’s Data Explorer in order to create communicative images and movies, and after the applications, the problems of data storage and transfer became apparent. Throughout the process though, it became clear how important the language of vision actually could be in the geophysics community. In a field in which words such as plumes and internal waves have in ways replaced mathematics as the basic language for science, there is a need for another resource, another language-the visualization of convective fluid flows.     

Multi-objective autocalibration of SWAT model for improved low flow performance for a small snowfed catchment

ABSTRACT

A reliable modelling framework needs to ensure that the model is simulating reality with limited uncertainty, thus enhancing its predictive ability. In the literature, hydrological model assessment using one or more metrics is reported to be inadequate when the river flow regime is required to be reproduced comprehensively. This research is aimed to: (a) calibrate the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) based on the concept of multi-objective optimization by applying the Borg multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA); (b) apply hydrological signatures as objective functions; and (c) adopt a multi-metric approach for model evaluation. The SWAT model was coupled with a relatively newer and powerful Borg MOEA. The inclusion of hydrological signatures as objective functions along with the conventional statistical functions assisted in improving the performance for low flows by 135% in terms of volume efficiency and 65% for flow time series simulation.     

Eigendecomposition of the two-point correlation tensor for optimal characterization of mantle convection

The two-point correlation tensor provides complete information on mantle convection accurate up to second-order statistics. Unfortunately, the two-point spatial correlation tensor is in general a data-intensive quantity. In the case of mantle convection, a simplified representation of the two-point spatial correlation tensor can be obtained by using spherical symmetry. The two-point correlation can be expressed in terms of a planar correlation tensor, which reduces the correlation's dependence to only three independent variables: the radial locations of the two points and their angular separation. The eigendecomposition of the planar correlation tensor provides a rational methodology for further representing the second-order statistics contained within the two-point correlation in a compact manner. As an illustration, results on the planar correlation are presented for the thermal anomaly obtained from the tomographic model of Su, Woodward & Dziewonski (1994 ) and the corresponding velocity field obtained from a simple constant-viscosity convection model Zhang & Christensen 1993 ). The first 10 most energetic eigensolutions of the planar correlation, which constitute an almost three orders of magnitude reduction in the data, capture the two-point correlation to 97 per cent accuracy. Furthermore, the energetic eigenfunctions efficiently characterize the thermal and flow structures of the mantle. The signature of the transition zone is clearly evident in the most energetic temperature eigenfunction, which clearly shows a reversal of thermal fluctuations at a depth of around 830  km. In addition, a local peak in the thermal fluctuations can be observed around a depth of 600  km. In contrast, due to the simplicity of the convection model employed, the velocity eigenfunctions exhibit a simple cellular structure that extends over the entire depth of the mantle and do not exhibit transition-zone signatures.     

Assessment of genotoxic and humoral immune system alterations in silica exposed workers from pottery industries in South India

Chemicals, especially silica, have been suspected to cause genetic alterations in pottery industry workers. The present study aims to analyze the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronucleus (MN) and DNA damage (comet assay) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes and the immunological alterations workers chronically exposed to silica and in control subjects. In our study, 50 silica exposed workers and 35 control subjects were recruited and silica level was measured by respirable dust and respirable quartz concentrations of badge dosimeter. The serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, and IgA) of all the subjects were measured by using ELISA method. The individuals exposed to silica have a significant increase in the frequency of CA, MN and the total DNA damage (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin elevation on silica exposed workers was statistically significant (p < 0.05) on comparison with their respective controls. Investigation of the smoking and alcohol habitats coupled with silica exposure in exposed and control subjects represents alcohol consumption and smoking as additional risk factors and must be avoided. Multiple linear regression analysis obtained for CA, MN and comet assay confirm these tests as biomarkers for silica exposed pottery workers. Some confounding factors also showed significant influence on exposed subjects. These results indicate the mutagenic risk in the working environment has a high probability of association with the silica dust exposure in pottery industries. Nevertheless, the present study will create awareness and public concern not only among the silica exposed workers but also to the welfare of their progeny.     

Particle image velocimetry evaluation of flow-altering countermeasures for local scour around a submerged circular cylinder

The effect of scour countermeasures on the mechanism of local scour around a cylinder requires clarification in order to develop design methodology for use in practice. Previous investigations on countermeasure performance, though useful, have not provided adequate measurements to support this understanding. In the present investigation, particle image velocimetry(PIV) measurements were acquired at several streamwise-vertical planes in the flow field surrounding a submerged circular cylinder wit...