A comparison of results from geomorphological diversity evaluation methods in the Polish Lowland (Toruń Basin and Chełmno Lakeland)

Geomorphological diversity is part of geodiversity. Study and evaluation of geodiversity, including geomorphological diversity, is often conducted in uplands and mountains, despite the fact that lowland areas are of equal importance. This paper evaluates geomorphological diversity in a small area of the Polish Lowland, using a variety of methods that have been applied in recent times for evaluating geodiversity, and presents the results on maps. By comparing these maps and analyzing the correlation coefficients of the results obtained, it was possible to identify the two methods that were best suited to indicating areas with the greatest geomorphological diversity in the lowlands. These two methods are least affected by the choice of elementary fields and data classification methods applied. The study identified the two areas with the greatest relief diversity and showed that they distinctly differ from one another. They demonstrate the major influence of processes, not only on the topographic parameters and landform types, but above all on identifying and defining total geomorphological diversity. These methods, which can be used to identify the areas with the greatest total geomorphological diversity, could readily be used in applied studies relating to abiotic ecosystem services and landscape management.     

Numerical modeling and neural networks to identify model parameters from piezocone tests: II. Multi‐parameter identification from piezocone data

This paper completes the study presented in the accompanying paper, and demonstrates a numerical algorithm for parameter prediction from the piezocone test (CPTU) data. This part deals with a development of neural network (NN) models which are able to map multi‐variable input data onto typical geotechnical characteristics and constitutive parameters of the modified Cam clay model, which has been applied in this study. The identification procedure is designed for the coupled hydro‐mechanical boundary value problem in normally‐and lightly overconsolidated clayey soils including partially drained conditions that may appear during cone penetration. The NN models are trained with pseudo‐experimental measurements derived with the aid of the numerical model of the piezocone test, presented in the accompanying paper. Different input configurations containing CPTU measurements and some complementary data are studied with respect to the accuracy of predicted parameter values. Finally, the performance of the developed NN predictors is tested with field CPTU data which are derived from three well‐documented characterization sites, and the obtained predictions are compared with benchmark laboratory results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nonlinearity of Nonradial Modes in Evolved Stars

We show that in evolved stars, even at relatively low surfaceamplitudes, nonradial modes become strongly nonlinear in thehydrogen shell source, where the Brunt-Väisälä frequency hasits absolute maximum. The measure of nonlinearity is the productof horizontal displacement times the radial wavenumber, . It becomes large already in evolved -Scuti stars.This nonlinearity presents a major problem for interpretations ofamplitude modulation in RR Lyrae stars in terms of nonradial modeexcitation.     

Diversity and conservation status of large branchiopods (Crustacea) in ponds of western Poland

A survey on temporary ponds has been conducted in search for large branchiopod crustaceans (Anostraca, Notostraca, Spinicaudata and Laevicaudata) in Wielkopolska province (western Poland). 728 pools have been studied and large branchiopods have been found in 221 of them. Seven species have been recorded, including three anostracans: Branchipus schaefferi, Chirocephalus shadini and Eubranchipus grubii; two notostracans: Lepidurus apus and Triops cancriformis; one spinicaudatan, Cyzicus tetracerus and one laevicaudatan, Lynceus brachyurus. According to the analysis of co-occurrence, the species form three groups, differing in habitat preferences and conservation status. The number of species shows that the diversity of globally threatened large branchiopods is still relatively high in the region. On the other hand, their conservation status is highly diverse and in most species unfavourable. Distribution of all species is highly clustered: large branchiopods have been generally found in 33 UTM squares (10 × 10 km) of 96 squares studied. However, only two species, i.e. E. grubii and L. apus occurred in more than five such squares and could be assessed as moderately widespread. Most water bodies inhabited by large branchiopods occur in groups forming patches of suitable habitats which are dispersed among prevailing seemingly unsuitable areas. Sustaining the existence of large metapopulations seems, therefore, to be essential for conservation of branchiopod species diversity. Field observations also bring some examples of human activities unintentionally supporting the branchiopod conservation.     

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Extractable Compounds Composition and Emission Rate of Volatile Terpenes from Larch Needle Litter

A combination of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography can be successfully used both for establishing the qualitative composition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by leaf litter and for determining their emission rates. Taking as an example European larch litter, it is shown that dead plant material contains considerable amounts of volatile components as well as non-volatile compounds that can be VOC precursors formed as a result of enzymatic reactions. It is proposed to include the determination of extractable compounds into the methodology of studying litter as a source of atmospheric VOC. Some data on litter mass are reported and it is concluded that this data may be included into special models for emission evaluation. In this work the distribution coefficients of monoterpene hydrocarbons between the gas phase and polydimethylsiloxane fiber coating necessary for quantitative determinations in SPME were estimated.     

Study on reliable GNSS positioning with intense TEC fluctuations at high latitudes

GPS Solutions - The study presents the influence of strong total electron content (TEC) fluctuations occurring at high latitudes on rapid static positioning. The authors propose an algorithm...     

Meteorological study of the first observation of red sprites from Poland

The first red sprite events scientifically observed from Poland on 20/21 July 2007, during the two-week SPARTAN Sprite-Watch 2007 campaign, are analysed in the context of the meteorological conditions over Poland and the Czech Republic at that time. The phenomena were detected and recorded from the IMWM High-Mountain Meteorological Observatory at Mount Śnieżka using a low-light television CCD camera. Meteorological conditions over the south-west Poland were monitored on the basis of information from the Polish and Czech meteorological radar and lightning detection systems and also from satellite infra-red difference images, indicating the development of thunderstorm clouds over central Europe. Four sprite events detected in the night-time of 20/21 July indicate that in this region sprites are produced by massive storm cells built on warm fronts which are supplied by warm and humid tropical air masses during local summer thunderstorm season.