ON THE NECESSITY OF APPLYING A ROTATION TO INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS IN RIVER FLOWS

In studies on river channel flow turbulence, it is often the case that the measured mean vertical velocity is different from zero, indicating that the frame of reference of the current meter is not parallel to the flow streamline. This situation affects the estimate of Reynolds shear stress in the streamwise and vertical planes and consequently the analysis of the flow turbulent structure. One way to solve this problem is to correct data by applying a rotation and this is reviewed in the first part of the paper. However, in fluvial geomorphology, the studied flow is often complex and streamlines may exhibit significant changes from one point of measurement to the other. In this context, applying a rotation complicates the situation more than it simplifies it. The second part of this paper examines the question of velocity data correction in complex flows using a field example of the turbulent boundary layer over a very rough gravel bed and a laboratory example taken from flow at a river channel confluence. In both cases, velocity vectors are spatially variable. In the first case, errors in the Reynolds shear stress estimates are relatively low (ranging from −13 to 7 per cent/deg) while in the second case, they are much larger (−200 to 164 per cent/deg). The significance of these errors on the interpretation of turbulence statistics in river channel flows is discussed. We propose that corrections should be applied in all clear cases of sensor misalignment and when the frame of reference changes spatially and temporally. However, no corrections should be used where different flow velocity vector orientations, not sensor misalignment, are responsible for the mean vertical velocity differing from zero.     

Nonlinear convection in an imposed horizontal magnetic field

Abstract

Nonlinear two-dimensional magnetoconvection, with a Boussinesq fluid driven across the field-lines, is taken as a model for giant-cell convection in the sun and late-type stars. A series of numerical experiments shows the sensitivity of the horizontal scale of convection to the applied field and to the Rayleigh number R. Overstable oscillations occur in cells as broad as they are deep, but increasing R leads to steady motions of much greater wavelength. Purely geometrical effects can cause oscillation: this work implies that strong horizontal field will in general lead to time-dependent convection.     

Structure of an active foreland fold and thrust belt,Papua New Guinea

Geological structure of the active foreland fold and thrust belt of Papua New Guinea has been interpreted using high-quality seismic-reflection data. Three en échelon anticlines, the Strickland, Cecilia and Wai Asi, are located along the frontal margin of the Papuan Fold Belt. All three are foreland-vergent and cut by hinterland-dipping thrust faults that sole into a common detachment beneath the Oligocene to Miocene Darai Limestone. Two of the anticlines are linked by a right-lateral transfer zone. Folding occurs primarily in the upper 2000 m of strata, which consist of Darai Limestone overlain by Miocene to Quaternary siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. Beneath the Darai Limestone lies the less-competent shaly Ieru Formation, which exhibits disharmonic folding and variable bed thickness. Seismic-reflection data clearly show that the Plio-Pleistocene upper Era Beds are deformed to the same extent as the underlying Darai Limestone, demonstrating that most of the observed deformation has occurred during the Late Pliocene and Pleistocene.     

Evolution of non-linear α 2-dynamos and taylor's constraint

A key non-linear mechanism in a strong-field geodynamo is that a finite amplitude magnetic field drives a flow through the Lorentz force in the momentum equation and this flow feeds back on the field-generation process in the magnetic induction equation, equilibrating the field. We make use of a simpler non-linear?α?²-dynamo to investigate this mechanism in a rapidly rotating fluid spherical shell. Neglecting inertia, we use a pseudo-spectral time-stepping procedure to solve the induction equation and the momentum equation with no-slip velocity boundary conditions for a finitely conducting inner core and an insulating mantle. We present calculations for Ekman numbers (E) in the range 2.5× 10^?3 to 5.0× 10^?5, for?α?=α ₀cos?θ?sin?π?(r?r_i ) (which vanishes on both inner and outer boundaries). Solutions are steady except at lower E and higher values of?α?₀. Then they are periodic with a reversing field and a characteristic rapid increase then equally rapid decrease in magnetic energy. We have investigated the mechanism for this and shown the influence of Taylor's constraint. We comment on the application of our findings to numerical hydrodynamic dynamos.     

Logical data modelling for geographical applications

Abstract.

A formal, yet practical, GeoRelational Data Model (GRDM) is presented for the logical database design phase of the development of spatial information systems. Geographic applications are viewed in the context of information systems development. The generic needs of modelling spatial data are analyzed; it is concluded that they are not served satisfactorily by existing data models, so specifications of modelling tools for spatial application design are given. GRDM provides a set of representational constructs (relations and layers for the logical schema; virtual layers, object classes and spatial constraints for the user views) on top of well-established models. It constitutes part of a full, easily automated application design methodology. Extensive examples demonstrate the relevance, and ease-of-use of the platform-independent GRDM.     

Evolution of a small intraplate basaltic lava field: Jerrabattgulla Creek,upper Shoalhaven River catchment,southeast New South Wales

The Jerrabattgulla Creek basalts are in the upper catchment of the Shoalhaven River of southeastern New South Wales. The basalts erupted into a narrow, north-draining valley and modified the local drainage system, re-routing the paleo-Jerrabattgulla Creek, preserving a series of sub-basaltic quartzose gravels with silcretes in the paleovalley. The paleovalley indicates that a north-flowing drainage existed in this place in the Miocene. The high-relief, narrow valley has preserved a volcanic stratigraphy allowing the magmatic evolution of this small lava field to be determined. The lavas have a large compositional range from olivine nephelinite through to quartz tholeiite, which is unusual in such a small lava field. They represent three distinct magma batches, most likely from an amphibole–apatite metasomatised sub-continental lithospheric mantle, and underwent fractional crystallisation of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase and assimilated upper crust. The lava field underwent temporal change from dominantly alkaline, to mixed alkaline and subalkaline, to dominantly alkaline magmatism over the course of its evolution.     

RESISTIVITY PROSPECTING IN A UNITED NATIONS GROUNDWATER PROJECT OF WESTERN ARGENTINA*

Resistivity surveys including surface measurements and electric well logging are at present carried out as routine techniques by a Groundwater Project of the United Nations Special Fund in arid valleys of the Argentine eastern Andes. The aims of the Project are the evaluation of ground water supplies in 5 pilot areas and the training of Argentine professionals in modern techniques of groundwater investigation. In Zonda and Tulüm Valleys, one of the five pilot areas, the groundwater body is essentially represented by alluvium of San Juan River and upper Tertiary gravels lying upon impervious clayey Tertiary sediments. Profiles of electrical soundings—spread in the valleys normal to the structural trends—were completed as a broad reconnaissance type investigation. In the outwash plain, a thick clayey overburden sometimes covered by saline material produces a masking effect on the deep sands and gravels and makes the evaluation of true resistivities difficult. Under certain conditions, appropriate use of electric well logging results helps solving the ambiguities found in the interpretation of the electrical soundings. Two examples are discussed. Also a typical development of surface resistivity interpretation as a whole is presented. Emphasis is placed upon the significance of the transverse resistance values to better interpret the hydrogeological picture. The last stage in data processing, presented on a map of the resistive fill and the conductive basement, provides evidence of the strong structural control of the valleys and shows the main variations in the ground water body constitution.     

USING SPECTRAL ANALYSIS TO DETECT SENSOR NOISE AND CORRECT TURBULENCE INTENSITY AND SHEAR STRESS ESTIMATES FROM EMCM FLOW RECORDS

Electromagnetic current meters (EMCMs) are frequently used to gather turbulent velocity records in rivers and estuaries. Experience has shown that, on occasion, the output of these sensors can be affected by contamination from various noise sources. These noises may be limited to narrow bands of frequencies and thus fail to produce conspicuous increases in observed signal variance. Such ‘narrow-band’ noises can be difficult to identify from simple inspection of signal traces or variance levels, yet degrade estimates of turbulence statistics, in particular covariances (used to calculate Reynolds shear stress). This paper demonstrates the usefulness of spectral analysis to detect and characterize narrow-band noise components in turbulent flow records. Statistical principles underlying the use of spectral analysis for noise detection are briefly reviewed. Examples of u and v velocity spectra and cospectra are then presented from actual EMCM velocity records from flume and field deployments that were found to be contaminated by such noises. The sensitivity of the shear stress estimates to even minor noise levels is demonstrated. The use of spectral analysis to correct variance (turbulence intensity) and covariance (shear stress) estimates obtained from records contaminated by narrow-band noise is also illustrated.