Contributions to the spectral theory of seismic sources and determination of the parameters of earthquake foci

A spectral theory of seismic sources is developed which treats earthquake foci as band-pass filters. This concept is applied to focal mechanisms of the type double-couple with moment, and the obtained spectral function of the source is compared with those obtained by other authors. Finally some formulae for the determination of geometric and dynamic source parameters from the bandpass parameters are presented.     

The influence of climate on gravitational processes within the Jiu river valley: G.I.S. applications

The dynamics of gravitational processes (e.g. landslides) is altered due to variation in climatic parameters. We have recorded an increasing number of such events which affect human settlements. The most important aspect that has to be emphasized is the way gravitational processes change and condition land utilization. Due to these circumstances, the analysis of these processes has great importance within the middle sector of the Jiu Valley. In order to correlate the occurrence of gravitational processes with climatic data, we have been collecting data within this valley sector during the last 15 years. The aim of this study is to describe the succession and dynamics of present processes, which should act as an alarm signal for local authorities to take adequate mitigating measures. We observe an increase in the mean annual temperature and the mean amplitude (by approximately 1?C), in addition to the frequency and severity of dry years (1992, 2000), and the frequency of rain showers. We correlate these data with knowledge of the lithology, morphometry, and piezometric levels in order to identify areas with a high potential for gravitational processes using a Geographical Information System (G.I.S.). This analysis allows us to draw a map rendering each layer separately — lithology, pedology, slope, vegetation etc. We present a map that emphasizes the areas with high potential for the development of gravitational processes in the region of the Jiu valley.     

Retrieval of the boundary layer height from active and passive remote sensors. Comparison with a NWP model

In this study, we used boundary layer heights derived from lidar in Romania to validate the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model improved by ARIA Technologies SA in the framework of ROMAIR LIFE project. Lidar retrievals were also compared to the retrievals from meteorological data, both modeled (Global Data Assimilation System; GDAS) and measured (microwave radiometry). Both the gradient and the wavelet covariance methods were used to compute the boundary layer height (BLH) from the range corrected lidar signal, and their equivalence was shown. The analysis was performed on 102 datasets, spread over all seasons and 3 years (2009–2011). A good agreement was found for the remote sensors (lidar and microwave radiometer) which are co-located and measure simultaneously. The correlation of the measured boundary layer height and the modelled one was 0.66 for the entire dataset, and 0.73 when considering daytime data, i.e., for a well defined boundary layer. A systematic underestimation of the boundary layer height by the WRF during non-convective periods (nocturne, stable atmosphere) was found.     

The dynamics of the snow avalanche affected areas in Piatra Mica mountains (Romania)

This article is intended to explain the snow avalanche occurrence, as a natural phenomenon directly influenced by the local natural conditions, for the well-delimited area represented by the Piatra Mica massif, belonging to the Piatra Craiului mountain range (southern Carpathians). In this respect, depending on the factors that may trigger or encourage the avalanches, some vulnerable areas with avalanche occurring conditions have been identified, based on the analysis of the relationships among the factors controlling the avalanche vulnerability in the study area. These factors are mainly represented by the slope aspect, which induces from the very beginning some specific features for each type of slope (north-, east-, south and west-facing slopes), the geological structure, slope gradient and topography. At the same time, the general climatic and biological features have been taken into account, from the point of view of their importance for avalanche occurrence and distribution. Depending on the microrelief exhibited by the avalanche chutes, one can establish distinct dynamical features for each of the four major slopes of the massif. It is worth mentioning that for this study area, this is the first paper dealing with avalanche phenomenon, vulnerable space, control factors and landscape dynamics. In accomplishing this demarche, we used detailed mappings in the field in several stages, the processing of satellite images, analytical (declivities, the exposure of slopes, etc.) and synthetic maps from which the dynamic of sectors with avalanches resulted. The findings of this investigation may further be employed for solving the problems raised by avalanche-prone areas, as well as for devising a better strategy for the effective management of the mountain realm.     

Non-parametric Bayesian networks for parameter estimation in reservoir simulation: a graphical take on the ensemble Kalman filter (part I)

Reservoir simulation models are used both in the development of new fields and in developed fields where production forecasts are needed for investment decisions. When simulating a reservoir, one must account for the physical and chemical processes taking place in the subsurface. Rock and fluid properties are crucial when describing the flow in porous media. In this paper, the authors are concerned with estimating the permeability field of a reservoir. The problem of estimating model parameters such as permeability is often referred to as a history-matching problem in reservoir engineering. Currently, one of the most widely used methodologies which address the history-matching problem is the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). EnKF is a Monte Carlo implementation of the Bayesian update problem. Nevertheless, the EnKF methodology has certain limitations that encourage the search for an alternative method.For this reason, a new approach based on graphical models is proposed and studied. In particular, the graphical model chosen for this purpose is a dynamic non-parametric Bayesian network (NPBN). This is the first attempt to approach a history-matching problem in reservoir simulation using a NPBN-based method. A two-phase, two-dimensional flow model was implemented for a synthetic reservoir simulation exercise, and initial results are shown. The methods’ performances are evaluated and compared. This paper features a completely novel approach to history matching and constitutes only the first part (part I) of a more detailed investigation. For these reasons (novelty and incompleteness), many questions are left open and a number of recommendations are formulated, to be investigated in part II of the same paper.     

Effects of seed particle size and composition on heterogeneous nucleation of n-nonane

Heterogeneous nucleation of supersaturated n-nonane vapour on seed particles of different size and composition has been investigated using a fast expansion chamber. Monodisperse seed particle sizes were ranging from about 4 nm up to about 24 nm in diameter. By using different types of particle generators WO_x, Ag and (NH₄)₂SO₄ particles were generated. For direct comparison between different particle compositions overlapping sizes have been generated for WO_x and Ag at about 7 nm particle diameter as well as for Ag and (NH₄)₂SO₄ at about 15 nm. Nucleation temperature was kept constant at about 278 K. Experimental data were compared to Kelvin equation and Fletcher theory including the effect of line tension. It was found that heterogeneous nucleation of n-nonane seems to be independent of seed particle composition and starts well below the Kelvin curve. Good agreement was achieved with Fletcher theory including the effect of line tension.     

On Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Suggested Resources and Considerations for Groundwater Professionals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a synthetic class of chemicals comprising thousands of compounds, are receiving increased attention over their presence in the environment, their potential effects on human health, and evolving regulation. This article summarizes suggested resources and key considerations for groundwater professionals wishing to familiarize themselves with this class of compounds. Background information, current groundwater-related regulations, risk considerations, comparison to other groundwater contaminants, and mitigation options are discussed, and a broad selection of references is supplied as a resource.     

Perception of flood risk in Danube Delta,Romania

For exposed and vulnerable communities, the perception of natural risk is an essential link in the analysis of man–environment coping relationship and also an important parameter in the quantification of complex vulnerability as a central predictive variable in the risk equation. The topic of flood risk in related perception is of considerable interest, as some recently published papers have proven (Messner and Meyer 2005, 2006; Raaijmakers et al. 2008). The aim of the current study is to reveal the conscious and unconscious attitudes towards the flood risk for the inhabitants of the Danube Delta/Romania. These attitudes, defined by different degrees of psychological vulnerability, represent the background for a series of psycho-behavioural patterns that generate certain adjustment mechanisms and strategies. Application of a specially designed questionnaire and the statistical analysis of the results revealed two psychological factors as essential in establishing the psychosocial vulnerability degree of the interviewed subjects: (i) an internal control factor and (ii) an external control factor. The persons characterized by inner control have a significantly reduced general anxiety level in comparison to individuals with the control factor placed externally. As confidence diminishes, it increases the tendency of the individual to rely on the external factors for support and security. The lack of resources (indicating lower resilience) and mistrust in the support given emphasizes non-adaptive behaviours.

Numerical experiments on the escape from non-isolated clusters and the formation of multiple stars

Isolated and non isolated clusters with a mass distribution have been studied by numerical techniques. The rates of escape of stars and of kinetic energy are compared with Hénon's theoretical expressions. Multiple encounters play a very important role in the escape phenomenon, at least for clusters with a small number of stars. This leads to a theoretical underestimate of the rates of escape when the stars have equal masses and to an overestimate when masses are unequal.For non isolated clusters, the tidal field of the Galaxy is responsible for one half of the rate of escape of the stars. The energy of a star escaping because of the tidal effect grown slowly while that of a star escaping after an encounter increases very rapidly. The stars escaping because of the tidal effect leave the cluster in the vicinity of the equilibrium points.Encounters and the tidal field are not efficient enought to explain why very old open clusters are not observed. Other escape mechanisms have to be considered.Very stable subsystems are formed which are not destroyed under the influence of the galactic tide. Separation between stars can be as low as 100 UA.