High-resolution numerical modelling of convective precipitation over Northern Italy

Summary A number of forecast experiments were performed in order to assess the capability of reproducing, by means of a limited-area numerical model, the highly structured mesoscale circulations occurring in the Po Valley of Northern Italy during a north-westerly cold front passage across the Alpine chain, with particular attention to the modelling of the effects of organized convection. The case-study occurred during summer 1987 and the model used throughout was the 1989 version of the UB/NMC Limited Area Model (University of Belgrade, National Meteorological Centre of Washington). The model was integrated both with eta, , and sigma, , as vertical coordinates and ECMWF initialized analyses were always used as initial conditions. ECMWF initialized analysis or operational forecast fields were also used for updating in time the lateral boundary conditions. Experiments show qualitative and quantitative agreement with observations, both in upper-air geopotential height fields, in MSLP and in cumulated precipitation. Several modelling issues were also investigated, e.g. sensitivity of the results to horizontal and vertical model resolution and to the influence of the lateral boundaries poitioning, finding large effects of the latter on quantitative precipitation fields. Difficulties in modelling very localized mesoscale phenomena, e.g. organized convective thunderstorms in the Po Valley and Alpine North Foehn in the Milan area, were generally encounted.     

Deformation at Stromboli volcano (Italy) revealed by rock mechanics and structural geology

We approach the reconstruction of the recent structural evolution of Stromboli volcano (Italy) and the analysis of the interplay between tectonics, gravity and volcanic deformation. By tying together structural, lithostratigraphic and rock mechanics data, we establish that since 100 ka BP, the edifice has faulted and jointed mainly along NE-striking planes. Faults mostly dip to the NW with normal displacement. Taking also into account the presence of a NW-trending regional least principal stress and of tectonic earthquake hypocenters inside the cone, we suggest that this fracturing can be related to the transmission of tectonic forces from the basement to the cone. Dyking concentrated along a main NE-trending weakness zone (NEZ) across the volcano summit, resembling a volcanic rift, whose geometry is governed by the tectonic field. In the past 13 ka, Stromboli experienced a reorganisation of the strain field, which was linked with the development of four sector collapses affecting the NW flank, alternating with growth phases. The tectonic strain field interplayed with dyking and fracturing related to unbuttressing along the collapse shoulders. We propose that tectonics control the geometry of dykes inside the cone and that these, in turn, contribute to destabilise the cone flanks.     

Major changes in volcano behaviour after a sector collapse: insights from Stromboli, Italy

In recent years, increasing numbers of volcanoes are being recognized as having undergone large sector collapses. How far such events can change the succeeding behaviour of the volcano is poorly known, despite the importance for natural hazards and economic applications. By analysing the last 100‐kyr geological history of Stromboli (Italy), which has involved multiple collapses, this paper illuminates the feedback effect between sector collapse and magma upwelling and emplacement. The collapsed zone of Stromboli is episodically unbuttressed, draining magma preferentially with formation of eruptive centres in the collapse amphitheatre and dyking along the collapse shoulders. After a collapse, there were no further linear eruptions across the cone on opposing middle–lower slopes, but these occurred again after rebuilding of the cone. The time‐averaged eruption rate increased immediately before the first collapse and remained higher during the succeeding period of frequent collapses.     

Evidence for discrete subpopulations of sea perch (Helicolenus ercoides) across four fjords in Fiordland,New Zealand

In coastal populations of invertebrates and fishes, the distribution of discrete subpopulations is influenced by adult and larval dispersal, as well as by the effects of habitat heterogeneity on site fidelity or connectivity. Here, we examine evidence for spatial structure of sea perch, Helicolenus percoides, populations among four fjords in the Fiordland region of southwestern New Zealand. We examine patterns in adult morphology, length-at-age, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of muscle tissue, and trace elemental composition of whole otoliths as proxies for population isolation among the four inner fjord regions. A multivariate analysis of morphometrics reveals significant differences among populations from each of the four sites, suggesting existence of four distinct subpopulations. These patterns are consistent with observed differences in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, and length-at-age estimates among the four subpopulations. Differences in whole otolith concentrations of Sr, Ba, Mg and Li, and high classification scores based on the whole otolith elemental fingerprint are also consistent with significant subdivision among areas. Patterns across all four markers are consistent with discrete subpopulation structure of adult sea perch among the four study sites. These data indicate that the newly implemented network of marine protected areas in Fiordland is likely to contain discrete populations of sea perch.     

Identifying rift zones on volcanoes: an example from La Réunion island,Indian Ocean

We describe a methodology for identifying complex rift zones on recent or active volcanoes, where structures hidden by recent deposits and logistical conditions might prevent carrying out detailed fieldwork. La Réunion island was chosen as a test-site. We used georeferenced topographic maps, aerial photos and digital terrain models to perform a statistical analysis of several morphometric parameters of pyroclastic cones. This provides a great deal of geometric information that can help in distinguishing the localisation and orientation of buried magma-feeding fractures, which constitute the surface expression of rift zones. It also allowed the construction of a complete GIS database of the pyroclastic cones. La Réunion is a perfect example where past and active volcanic rift zones are mostly expressed by clusters of monogenic centres. The data has been validated in the field and compared and integrated with the distribution and geometry of dyke swarms. Results show the presence of several main and secondary rift segments of different ages, locations and orientations, whose origin is discussed considering regional tectonics, local geomorphology, and volcano deformation.     

Indications of late medieval earthquakes in the Talas-Fergana Fault Zone,Tien Shan

A paleoseismological study in the Talas-Fergana Fault Zone of the Tien Shan was accompanied by age determination of ancient seismic events. The calibrated radiocarbon datings of recent and buried soils allowed us to recognize the fault segments reactivated during strong earthquakes that occurred in the 14th- 16th centuries A.D. The magnitude of the paleoseismological event in the 16th century was no lower than 7.0 and no lower than IX in seismic intensity.     

平均经圈环流在大气角动量和感热收支中的作用

本文研究相对座标系中近地表角动量的制造和自由大气中角动量的辐散之间的平衡机制,并与绝对参考系中的机制进行比较。 对1982年元月全球角动量和感热的收支分析证明,被激发的平均经圈环流具有下述特征:其下部水平支施加于大气的惯性矩与近地表角动量的制造相平衡,上部水平支反号的惯性矩与涡动角动量通量的辐合(散)相平衡;而其垂直支的绝热加热效应则平衡着自由大气中热通量的辐散和/或大气的非绝热加热。因而,无论动力上还是热力上,平均经圈环流在大气总环流中都起着重要的作用。     

The role of transcurrent intra-arc tectonics in the configuration of a volcanic arc

Field investigations show that Plio-Quaternary Mexican and Quaternary Ecuadorian volcanic arcs are coeval with intra-arc transcurrent or transtensional tectonics with motions along faults parallel or subparallel to the arc. This relationship can also be observed in the Quaternary Kamchatka arc. These arcs have an anomalously wide distribution of volcanic centres which cannot be explained simply by a low dip in the subducting lithosphere. Comparison with the intra-arc tectonics and geometry of other Quaternary arcs reveals that strike-slip fault zones, parallel to the arc, favour magma rising in a broad surficial zone and may channel magma feeding mainly huge stratovolcanoes.     

Riverine dominance of a nearshore marine demersal food web: evidence from stable isotope and C/N ratio analysis

The Thukela Bank, KwaZulu-Natal, supports a diverse ecosystem and South Africa’s only prawn fishery. Oceanographic studies suggest riverine input is not important for the biology of this system, whereas biological studies suggest the contrary, with prawn catches increasing with increased fluvial run-off. The aim of this study was to determine (i) the importance of riverine and marine organic matter for the Thukela Bank food web; and (ii) whether there are seasonal changes in the Thukela River stable isotope values, and, if so, whether these are reflected in the isotope values of demersal organisms. Estuarine organic matter, sediments and demersal organisms were collected from several sites across the bank in the wet and dry seasons of 2008, 2009 and 2010. Marine particulate organic matter was also collected in 2010 and analysed for δ13C and δ15N, as well as C/N ratios. There were strong seasonal changes in isotopic values of organic matter and fauna, especially faunal δ13C. There was an apparent time-lag in organisms assimilating riverine organic matter isotopic values, with the isotopic signature of demersal organisms reflecting that of riverine organic matter from the previous season, which is likely the result of tissue turnover time. In 2010, Thukela Bank sediment organic matter was of riverine origin and this maintained the demersal food web. We conclude that Thukela River organic matter is an important input to the food web of the Thukela Bank, indicating that any future damming of the catchment area could have serious consequences for this ecosystem.     

The role of sea ice in coastal and bottom dynamics in the Pechora Sea

This article deals with the morpho- and lithodynamic role of ice in shaping the Arctic coasts. Taking the Pechora Sea as an example, the direct and indirect impact of ice on the sea floor and shores is described. Active gouging by ice floes, ice-rafting of sedimentary material, formation of strudel scour depressions and frozen rocks on shallows are all direct impacts. The indirect impact of ice that arrests the coastal zone for most of the year is a considerable reduction of the overall energy of waves and currents. Based on the performed analysis, we plot a schematic zonation of the Pechora Sea according to the probable impact of ice on the shores and seafloor.