Effects of mass transfer on an oscillating free-convection flow in the Stokes's problem past an infinite porous vertical limiting surface with heat sources and variable suction

An analysis of the effects of the mass transfer on the unsteady free-convection flow of a viscous incompressible fluid, past an impulsively started infinite porous vertical limiting surface with heat sources is presented, when the free-stream velocity and the suction velocity, are oscillating in the time about constant mean values. Approximate solutions for the coupled nonlinear equations are derived for the mean velocity, the mean temperature, the mean skin-friction, and the mean rate of heat transfer. All the above quantities are shown graphically followed, by a discussion.     

Tentative study of flow patterns in the North Aegean Sea using NOAA-AVHRR images and 2D model simulation

A statistical technique for image processing, the maximum cross correlation (MCC) method, was utilized on sequences of NOAA-AVHRR thermal data in order to explore the surface advective current dynamics at the discharge region of the Hellespont in the North Aegean Sea. A 2D numerical flow model was also used in order to simulate the barotropic flow pattern of the surface water layer. The model was forced with diurnal wind fields obtained for the same period as the satellite infrared images. The currents (magnitude and direction) derived from the two methods compare satisfactorily despite the fact that some model simplifications were made.     

A method of alternating characteristics with application to advection-dominated environmental systems

We present a numerical method for solving a class of systems of partial differential equations (PDEs) that arises in modeling environmental processes undergoing advection and biogeochemical reactions. The salient feature of these PDEs is that all partial derivatives appear in linear expressions. As a result, the system can be viewed as a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), albeit each one along a different characteristic. The method then consists of alternating between equations and integrating each one step-wise along its own characteristic, thus creating a customized grid on which solutions are computed. Since the solutions of such PDEs are generally smoother along their characteristics, the method offers the potential of using larger time steps while maintaining accuracy and reducing numerical dispersion. The advantages in efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated in two illustrative examples that simulate depth-resolved reactive transport and soil carbon cycling.     

Continuous,Direct Gas-Geochemical Monitoring in Hydrothermal Vents: Installation and Long-Term Operation on Nisyros Island (Greece)

In this paper the installation and long-term operation of a system for continuous monitoring of fumarolic gases is described. Several physicochemical and gas-geochemical parameters such as the concentration of CO₂, H₂S and CO in the fumarolic emissions, as well as the temperatures of the hydrothermal steam and soil in close vicinity of the fumarole and steam pressure are measured in short-time intervals (typically 15 seconds). Data are logged on-site and in parallel transferred to a remote station by digital telemetry. Specially developed software enables the real-time observation of the local conditions in the crater and full bidirectional control of the monitoring system. Fluctuations in the monitored parameters are also reported. From the data presented it can be concluded that environmental conditions (direction and strength of wind, precipitation) will interact with some of the parameters monitored. These influences can only be revealed by continuously operated monitoring systems.     

Development and validation of a novel-based combination operational air quality forecasting system in Greece

In the present work, a model combination is developed in order to provide the public, in north-western Greece, with the next day air quality forecast. Generally, the development and deployment of a real-time numerical air quality prediction system is technically challenging while even more in complex terrain. The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/research/tapm) is a hydrostatic prognostic mesoscale model. It has been calibrated for the area in recent studies and used in air quality assessments. In 2007, TAPM has started operating in a real-time operational mode for the prediction of next day’s weather forecast, particulate matter (PM₁₀ with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm) daily average concentration and Air Pollution Indexes. The model setup is a link up between TAPM and SKIRON modeling system (http://forecast.uoa.gr).     

Periodic orbits and escapes in dynamical systems

We study the periodic orbits and the escapes in two different dynamical systems, namely (1) a classical system of two coupled oscillators, and (2) the Manko-Novikov metric which is a perturbation of the Kerr metric (a general relativistic system). We find their simple periodic orbits, their characteristics and their stability. Then we find their ordered and chaotic domains. As the energy goes beyond the escape energy, most chaotic orbits escape. In the first case we consider escapes to infinity, while in the second case we emphasize escapes to the central ??bumpy?? black hole. When the energy reaches its escape value, a particular family of periodic orbits reaches an infinite period and then the family disappears (the orbit escapes). As this family approaches termination it undergoes an infinity of equal period and double period bifurcations at transitions from stability to instability and vice versa. The bifurcating families continue to exist beyond the escape energy. We study the forms of the phase space for various energies, and the statistics of the chaotic and escaping orbits. The proportion of these orbits increases abruptly as the energy goes beyond the escape energy.