Showing papers in "Acta Geophysica in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, Clauset, Shalizi, and Newman have proposed a systematic method to find over which range (if any) a certain distribution behaves as a power law, but their method has been found to fail, in the sense that true (simulated) power-law tails are not recognized as such in some instances, and then the power law hypothesis is rejected.
Abstract: Recently, Clauset, Shalizi, and Newman have proposed a systematic method to find over which range (if any) a certain distribution behaves as a power law. However, their method has been found to fail, in the sense that true (simulated) power-law tails are not recognized as such in some instances, and then the power-law hypothesis is rejected. Moreover, the method does not work well when extended to power-law distributions with an upper truncation. We explain in detail a similar but alternative procedure, valid for truncated as well as for non-truncated power-law distributions, based in maximum likelihood estimation, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test, and Monte Carlo simulations. An overview of the main concepts as well as a recipe for their practical implementation is provided. The performance of our method is put to test on several empirical data which were previously analyzed with less systematic approaches. We find the functioning of the method very satisfactory.
152 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors note that igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks contain defects which, upon stressing, release defect electrons in the oxygen anion sublattice, known as positive holes.
Abstract: Most destructive earthquakes nucleate at between 5–7 km and about 35–40 km depth. Before earthquakes, rocks are subjected to increasing stress. Not every stress increase leads to rupture. To understand pre-earthquake phenomena we note that igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks contain defects which, upon stressing, release defect electrons in the oxygen anion sublattice, known as positive holes. These charge carriers are highly mobile, able to flow out of stressed rocks into surrounding unstressed rocks. They form electric currents, which emit electromagnetic radiation, sometimes in pulses, sometimes sustained. The arrival of positive holes at the ground-air interface can lead to air ionization, often exclusively positive. Ionized air rising upward can lead to cloud condensation. The upward flow of positive ions can lead to instabilities in the mesosphere, to mesospheric lightning, to changes in the Total Electron Content (TEC) at the lower edge of the ionosphere, and electric field turbulences. Advances in deciphering the earthquake process can only be achieved in a broadly multidisciplinary spirit.
74 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors aimed to project future low flow conditions in the five largest river basins in Germany, and to account for the projections uncertainties by using the eco-hydrological model SWIM.
Abstract: The present study is aimed to: (a) project future low flow conditions in the five largest river basins in Germany, and (b) to account for the projections uncertainties. The eco-hydrological model SWIM was driven by different regional climate models (REMO, CCLM, and Wettreg) to simulate daily river discharges in each study basin. The 50-year low flow was estimated for the period 1961 to 2000, and its return period was assessed for two scenario periods, 2021–2060 and 2061–2100, using the generalized extreme value distribution. The 50-year low flow is likely to occur more frequently in western, southern, and parts of central Germany after 2061, as suggested by more than or equal to 80% of the model runs. The current low flow period (from August to September) may be extended until late autumn at the end of this century. The return period of 50-year deficit volume shows a similar temporal and spatial pattern of change as for the low flow, indicating slightly less severe conditions with lower confidence. When compared with flood projections for the same area using the same models, the severer low flows projected in this study appear more pronounced, consistent, and have lower uncertainty.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the propagation of Love waves in fiber-reinforced layer lying over a gravitating anisotropic porous half-space was studied and the closed form of dispersion equation has been derived for the Love wave in terms of Whittaker function and its derivative, which are further expanded asymptotically, retaining the terms up to second degree.
Abstract: This paper aims to study the propagation of Love waves in fiber-reinforced layer lying over a gravitating anisotropic porous half-space. The closed form of dispersion equation has been derived for the Love waves in terms of Whittaker function and its derivative, which are further expanded asymptotically, retaining the terms up to second degree. The frequency equation shows that the transverse and longitudinal rigidity of reinforced material, as well as gravity and porosity of the porous halfspace have significant effect on the propagation of Love waves. The study reveals that the increment in width of reinforced layer decreases the phase velocity. For a particular width of the reinforced layer, it is also observed that the phase velocity increases with increasing porosity of the half-space, but it decreases with increasing gravity.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that climate change is one main driver responsible for the increasing number of floods in Germany and that growing trends in flood prone circulation pattern and heavy precipitation are significant in many regions of Germany over a multidecade interval and this can be translated into the rise of flood hazard and flood risk.
Abstract: Since several destructive floods have occurred in Germany in the last decades, it is of considerable interest and relevance (e.g., when undertaking flood defense design) to take a closer look at the climatic factors driving the changes in flood hazard in Germany. Even if there also exist non-climatic factors controlling the flood hazard, the present paper demonstrates that climate change is one main driver responsible for the increasing number of floods. Increasing trends in temperature have been found to be ubiquitous in Germany, with impact on air humidity and changes in (intense) precipitation. Growing trends in flood prone circulation pattern and heavy precipitation are significant in many regions of Germany over a multi-decade interval and this can be translated into the rise of flood hazard and flood risk.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the effects of stepped gabion weirs on flow pattern and on the scour hole occurring downstream, and found that the flow regime deeply influences scour process and evolves much more rapidly when a Skimming Flow regime takes place.
Abstract: Rock and stepped gabion weirs are peculiar hydraulic structures that received relatively little attention in technical literature. Nevertheless, they can be successfully used for river restoration instead of traditional hydraulic structures. They have the advantage of being elastic structures and to preserve the natural environment. They can easily adapt to the in situ conditions and can be effortlessly modified according to the different hydraulic or geometric conditions which can occur in a natural river. The present study aims to analyze the effects of their presence on flow pattern and on the scour hole occurring downstream. The analysis involved scour processes, hydraulic jump types, stilling basin morphology and flow patterns. Two different hydraulic jump types were distinguished and classified. It was shown that the flow regime deeply influences the scour process, which evolves much more rapidly when a Skimming Flow regime takes place. Empirical relationships are proposed to evaluate maximum scour depth, maximum axial length, and non dimensional axial profiles.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present analyses of hydrological drought periods on the basis of hydrologogical drought index (HDI) for selected Nysa Klodzka study basin (SW part of Poland).
Abstract: The occurrence of drought is one of the characteristic features of Polish climate. Drought usually lasts for many weeks and covers considerable area causing economic and social losses. Due to the influence which drought has on environment, economy and society, more and more research and implementation works are devoted to issues concerning its occurrence, risk assessment, monitoring, and forecasting. Literature indicates that hydrological droughts are most often associated with low flow periods on rivers. The paper presents analyses of hydrological drought periods on the basis of hydrological drought index (HDI) for selected Nysa Klodzka study basin (SW part of Poland). Analyses were carried out in relation to the Maximum Credible Hydrological Drought (MCHD). In addition, attempts were taken to assess the hydrological drought based on atmospheric drought focused on application in ungauged basins in terms of hydrological monitoring.
34 citations
TL;DR: The aim of this paper is performance assessment of the ionospheric model NeQuick, adopted by the European GNSS Galileo for single frequency receivers, and the analysis is performed in measurements domain.
Abstract: The ionosphere is the main error source in GNSS measurements and in extreme cases can degrade the positioning significantly, with errors exceeding 100 m; therefore, modelling and predicting of this type of error is crucial and critical. The ionospheric effect can be reduced using different techniques, such as dual-frequency receiver or suitable augmentation system (DGPS, SBAS); the aforesaid approaches involve the use of expensive devices and/or complex architectures. Single frequency stand-alone receivers are the cheapest and most widespread GNSS devices; they can estimate and partially correct the error due to the ionosphere, through adequate algorithms, which use parameters broadcasted by the navigation message. The aim of this paper is performance assessment of the ionospheric model NeQuick, adopted by the European GNSS Galileo for single frequency receivers. The analysis is performed in measurements domain and the data are collected in different geographical locations and in various geomagnetic conditions.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a new approach to 3D spit simulation using differential synthetic aperture interferometry (DInSAR) was presented, which is implemented with phase unwrapping technique.
Abstract: This work presents a new approach to 3D spit simulation using differential synthetic aperture interferometry (DInSAR). In doing so, conventional DInSAR procedures are implemented to three repeat passes of RADARSAT-1 SAR fine mode data (F1). Further, a new application of using fuzzy B-spline algorithm is implemented with phase unwrapping technique. The study shows that the performance of DInSAR method using fuzzy B-spline is better than the DInSAR technique, which is validated by the coefficient of determination r 2 of 0.96, probability p of 0.002, and accuracy (RMSE) of ± 0.034 m, with 90% confidence intervals. In conclusion, integration of fuzzy B-spline with phase unwrapping produces an accurate 3D coastal geomorphology reconstruction.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated approach of geoelectrical and hydrochemical investigation surveys was proposed for indicating contact regions between saline and fresh groundwater in the Khanasser valley region, northern Syria.
Abstract: An integrated approach of geoelectrical and hydrochemical investigation surveys was proposed for indicating contact regions between saline and fresh groundwater in the Khanasser valley region, northern Syria. The qualitative and quantitative interpretations of 34 vertical electrical soundings (VES) enable to characterize the salt water intrusion laterally and vertically. The established iso-apparent resistivity maps for different AB/2 spacings obviously indicate the presence of a lowresistivity (less than 4 Ohm·m) zone related to the salt water intrusion in the Quaternary and Paleogene deposits. The different hydrochemical and geophysical parameters, such as electrical resistivity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and major ions concentrations used to characterize the salt water intrusion gave almost similar results in locating and mapping the different boundaries of the groundwater salinity. The proposed approach is useful for mapping the interface between different groundwater qualities, and can be therefore used to successfully characterize the salt water intrusion phenomenon in other semi-arid regions. The application of such an approach is a powerful tool and can be used for water resource management in the water scarce areas.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the radon flux and soil gas radon concentration have been measured along and around the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in Uttarkashi district of Garhwal Himalaya, India, by using Scintillation Radon Monitor (SRM) and RAD7 devices, respectively.
Abstract: Radon in the Earth’s crust or soil matrix is free to move only if its atoms find their way into pores or capillaries of the matrix. 222Rn atoms from solid mineral grains get into air, filling pores through emanation process. Then 222Rn enters into the atmosphere from air-filled pores by exhalation process. The estimation of radon flux from soil surface is an important parameter for determining the source term for radon concentration modeling. In the present investigation, radon fluxes and soil-gas radon concentration have been measured along and around the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in Uttarkashi district of Garhwal Himalaya, India, by using Scintillation Radon Monitor (SRM) and RAD7 devices, respectively. The soil radon gas concentration measured by RAD7 with soil probe at the constant depth was found to vary from 12 ± 3 to 2330 ± 48 Bq·m−3 with geometrical mean value of 302 ± 84 Bq·m−3. Th significance of this work is its usefulness from radiation protection point of view.
TL;DR: In this paper, first-arrival traveltime tomography was applied to high-resolution seismic data acquired over a known quick-clay landslide scar near the Gota River in southwest Sweden in order to reveal the geometry and physical properties of clay-related normally consolidated sediments.
Abstract: First-arrival traveltime tomography was applied to high-resolution seismic data acquired over a known quick-clay landslide scar near the Gota River in southwest Sweden in order to reveal the geometry and physical properties of clay-related normally consolidated sediments. Investigated area proved to be a challenging environment for tomographic imaging because of large P-wave velocity variations, ranging from 500 to 6000 m/s, and relatively steeply-dipping bedrock. Despite these challenges, P-wave velocity models were obtained down to ca. 150 m for two key 2D seismic profiles (each about 500-m long) intersecting over the landslide scar. The models portrait the sandwich-like structure of marine clays and coarse-grained consolidated sediments, but the estimated resolution (20 m) is too small to distinguish thin layers within this structure. Modelled velocity structures match well the results of reflection seismic processing and resistivity tomography available along the same profiles.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the behavior of J-Hook vanes as a grade-control structure in straight rivers and found that the densimetric Froude number, the drop height, and the height of the structure are the key parameters to form and classify the scour.
Abstract: J-Hook vanes are grade control structures used to stabilize the riverbed. This paper aims to investigate the behaviour of J-Hook vanes as a grade-control structure in straight rivers. Scour downstream of J-Hook vane structures like other grade-control structures depends on the shape of the structure and the river hydraulic conditions. The purpose of this study is classifying the scour geometry and predicting the main scour parameters such as the scour depth, length, width, and the ridge height and length downstream of the J-Hook vanes in straight rivers. Experiments were carried out in a horizontal channel. For each length of the structure, three heights in different hydraulic conditions, including densimetric Froude numbers, water drops, and opening ratios, were tested. Results show that the densimetric Froude number, the drop height, and the height of the structure are the key parameters to form and classify the scour. Equations have been derived using dimensional analysis and experimental data to predict the maximum scour depth, the maximum length of the scour, the maximum scour width, and the maximum height and length of the dune. All the experiments were conducted in clear water conditions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a numerical modeling of flood wave propagation following the hypothetical breaks of the embankments of the Bielkowo hydro-power plant storage reservoir (Kolbudy II Reservoir) on the Radunia River in Poland has been presented.
Abstract: The numerical modeling of flood wave propagation following the hypothetical breaks of the embankments of the Bielkowo hydro-power plant storage reservoir (Kolbudy II Reservoir) on the Radunia River in Poland has been presented. The results of computations were used to estimate the parameters of the flood waves, which are indispensable for the flood zone determination and mapping and then for the flood risk analysis. When estimating the reach and area of the inundation, related to the embankments failures, digital terrain model, and mathematical model of flood wave propagation are necessary. For the numerical simulations of flood, the mathematical model of free surface, two-dimensional unsteady water flow was applied. Four locations of potential breaks of the reservoir embankments were considered. The computed flood zones were presented on the flood hazard maps. The maps have been used by the local authorities and the dam owner to manage the flood risk related to hydro-power plants operations on the Radunia River. This type of research has been done for the first time for the water plant managed by the ENERGA Elektrownie Straszyn.
TL;DR: In this paper, the locations of two aquifers are determined by their depth and thickness on the basis of resistivity and seismic velocity values which were proved by stratifications of three boreholes to 40-60 m of depth on the study area.
Abstract: Geophysical methods were applied for hydrogeological targets in many countries including Vietnam. This paper presents results of using complex geophysical techniques as well as 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), vertical electrical sounding (VES), very low frequency (VLF), and seismic refraction for geological structure investigation for locating the aquifers and assessing the hydrogeological conditions for groundwater potential in industrial zones of North Hanoi, Vietnam. The locations of two aquifers are determined by their depth and thickness on the basis of resistivity and seismic velocity values which were proved by stratifications of three boreholes to 40–60 m of depth on the study area. There are connections from surface water to shallow aquifer by hydraulic windows, as follows from VLF data. The deeper aquifer can be considered as a potential groundwater supply, but the water level is descending in time, as shown by hydrological monitoring. However, with careful use and by reducing sources of pollution, groundwater can continue to be an important natural resource for future.
TL;DR: Inversion of such a system can lead to an ill-conditioned system of equations as discussed by the authors, which leads to the inversion of the entire system, leading to the Earth's gravity field.
Abstract: Determination of spherical harmonic coefficients of the Earth's gravity field is often an ill-posed problem and leads to solving an ill-conditioned system of equations. Inversion of such a system i ...
TL;DR: In this article, a 3D Parker inversion from residual gravity anomaly that is obtained by removing the gravity effects of seafloor and Pre-Cenozoic sediment basement topographies from the free air anomaly is derived.
Abstract: The Moho depth, crustal thickness and fault systems of the East Vietnam Sea (EVS) are determined by 3D interpretation of satellite gravity. The Moho depth is calculated by 3D Parker inversion from residual gravity anomaly that is obtained by removing the gravity effects of seafloor and Pre-Cenozoic sediment basement topographies from the free air anomaly. The 3D inversion solution is constrained by power density spectrum of gravity anomaly and seismic data. The calculated Moho depths in the EVS vary from 30–31 km near the coast to 9 km in the Central Basin. A map of the lithosphere extension factor in the Cenozoic is constructed from Moho and Pre-Cenozoic sediment basement depths. The fault systems constructed by the maximum horizontal gradient approach include NE-SW, NW-SE, and N-S oriented faults. Based on the interpretation results, the EVS is sub-divided into five structural zones which demonstrated the different characteristics of the crustal structure.
TL;DR: In this article, the activity concentrations of 226Ra and 228Ac in weathered Japanese soils from two selected prefectures have been measured using a γ-ray spectroscopy system with high purity germanium detector.
Abstract: The activity concentrations of 226Ra and 228Ac in weathered Japanese soils from two selected prefectures have been measured using a γ-ray spectroscopy system with high purity germanium detector. The uranium, thorium, and rare earth elements (REEs) concentrations were determined from the same soil samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For example, granitic rocks contain higher amounts of U, Th, and light REEs compared to other igneous rocks such as basalt and andesites. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the interaction between REEs and nature of soils since soils are complex heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic solids, water, and gases. In this paper, we will discuss about distribution pattern of 238U and 232Th along with REEs in soil samples of weathered acid rock (granite) collected from two prefectures of Japan: Hiroshima and Miyagi.
TL;DR: In this article, results of deep basement study by electromagnetic methods performed in Poland since the mid-1960s are presented, and several hundred long-period soundings have been executed providing an assessment of the electric conductivity distribution in the crust and upper mantle.
Abstract: The marginal zone of the East European Platform, an area of key importance for our understanding of the geotectonic history of Europe, has been a challenge for geophysicists for many years. The basic research method is seismic survey, but many important data on physical properties and structure of the lithosphere may also be provided by the electromagnetic methods. In this paper, results of deep basement study by electromagnetic methods performed in Poland since the mid-1960s are presented. Over this time, several hundred long-period soundings have been executed providing an assessment of the electric conductivity distribution in the crust and upper mantle. Numerous 1D, 2D, and pseudo-3D electric conductivity models were constructed, and a new interpretation method based on Horizontal Magnetic Tensor analysis has been applied recently. The results show that the contact zone is of lithospheric discontinuity character and there are distinct differences in geoelectric structures between the Precambrian Platform, transitional zone (TESZ), and the Paleozoic Platform. The wide-spread conducting complexes in the crust with integral conductivity values reaching 10 000 S at 20–30 km depths are most spectacular. They are most likely consequences of geological processes related to Caledonian and Variscan orogenesis. The upper mantle conductivity is also variable, the thickness of high-resistive lithospheric plates ranging from 120–140 km under the Paleozoic Platform to 220–240 km under the East European Platform.
TL;DR: A synthesis of the problems is given and a practical guide to the calibration and validation of rainfall-runoff models is proposed, with a focus on the conceptual HBV model.
Abstract: Despite the development of new measuring techniques, monitoring systems and advances in computer technology, rainfall-flow modelling is still a challenge. The reasons are multiple and fairly well known. They include the distributed, heterogeneous nature of the environmental variables affecting flow from the catchment. These are precipitation, evapotranspiration and in some seasons and catchments in Poland, snow melt also. This paper presents a review of work done on the calibration and validation of rainfall-runoff modelling, with a focus on the conceptual HBV model. We give a synthesis of the problems and propose a practical guide to the calibration and validation of rainfall-runoff models.
TL;DR: A new regional VTEC model is presented based on the IRI 2007 and global positioning system (GPS) observations from Iranian Permanent GPS Network and an unknown correction term is expanded in terms of B-spline functions.
Abstract: Dual-frequency global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) observations provide most of the input data for development of global ionosphere map (GIM) of vertical total electron content (VTEC). The international GNSS service (IGS) develops different ionosphere products. The IGS tracking network stations are not homogeneously distributed around the world. The large gaps of this network in Middle East, e.g., Iran plateau, reduce the accuracy of the IGS GIMs over this region. Empirical ionosphere models, such as international reference ionosphere (IRI), also provide coarse forecasts of the VTEC values. This paper presents a new regional VTEC model based on the IRI 2007 and global positioning system (GPS) observations from Iranian Permanent GPS Network. The model consists of a given reference part from IRI model and an unknown correction term. Compactly supported base functions are more appropriate than spherical harmonics in regional ionosphere modeling. Therefore, an unknown correction term was expanded in terms of B-spline functions. The obtained results are validated through comparison with the observed VTEC derived from GPS observations.
TL;DR: In this paper, a general constitutive equation for viscoelastic behavior of rocks and minerals with fractional-order derivative is investigated based on differential geometry and thermodynamics of rheology, and the fractional order of derivative represents the degree of time delay.
Abstract: A general constitutive equation for viscoelastic behaviour of rocks and minerals with fractional-order derivative is investigated. This constitutive law is derived based on differential geometry and thermodynamics of rheology, and the fractional order of derivative represents the degree of time delay. Analyzing some laboratory experimental data of high temperature deformation of rocks and minerals such as halite, marble and orthopyroxene, we propose how to determine the orders of fractional derivative for viscoelastic behaviours of rocks and minerals. The order is related to the exponents for the temporal scaling in the relaxation modulus and the stress power-law of strain rate, i.e., the non-Newtonian flow law, and considered as an indicator representing the macroscopic behaviour and microscopic dynamics of rocks.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors quantify the impact of these disturbances on quantities derived from such data, as the K index of magnetic activity and the induction arrow used in the geomagnetic deep sounding method to indicate lateral contrasts of electric conductivity in the solid earth.
Abstract: Geomagnetic variation data from the observatories in Belsk (BEL, Poland) and Lviv (LVV, Ukraine) significantly suffer from disturbances caused by direct current (DC) electric railways. The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of these disturbances on quantities derived from such data, as the K index of magnetic activity and the induction arrow used in the geomagnetic deep sounding method to indicate lateral contrasts of electric conductivity in the solid earth. Therefore, undisturbed data have been reconstructed by means of a frequency-domain transfer function that relates the horizontal magnetic field components of the observatory to the ones synchronously recorded at a noise-free reference station. The comparison of the K index derived from original and reconstructed data shows an increase of quiet time segments by 29% for LVV and by 14% for BEL due to our noise removal procedure. Furthermore, the distribution of the corrected K indices agrees well with the one from the Niemegk observatory in Germany.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used H-k stacking method on receiver functions of teleseismic earthquakes recorded at 16 broadband seismological stations to estimate the crustal thickness and Poisson's ratios across the northwest (NW) Himalaya and eastern Ladakh.
Abstract: Crustal thickness and Poisson’s ratios are estimated across the northwest (NW) Himalaya and eastern Ladakh applying H-k stacking method on receiver functions of teleseismic earthquakes recorded at 16 broadband seismological stations. The results show significant lateral variation of crustal thickness from the Lesser and Higher Himalaya (∼50 km thick) to Ladakh (∼80 km thick) through the Indus Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ). The Indian Moho is continuously traceable across the ITSZ which is consistent with the underthrusting of the Indian plate beyond the surface collision boundary. The estimated Poisson’s ratios in the Lesser and Higher Himalaya are low (0.249–0.253), suggesting felsic composition of the crust. The Poisson’s ratio is intermediate in the Tethyan Himalaya (0.269–0.273) and high beneath Ladakh (0.280–0.303), indicating the effect of aqueous fluid/partial melt present in the crust.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the effects of non-spherical gravitation on the radar altimetric satellite of China, and compared the performance of three space geodetic techniques (DORIS, SLR, and satellite-borne GPS) to achieve the precision better than 10 cm.
Abstract: As the first radar altimetric satellite of China, HY-2 requires the precise orbit determination with a higher accuracy than that of other satellites. In order to achieve the designed radial orbit with the accuracy better than 10 cm for HY-2, the methods of precise orbit determination for HY-2 with the centimeter-level accuracy based on space geodetic techniques (DORIS, SLR, and satellite-borne GPS) are studied in this paper. Perturbations on HY-2 orbit are analyzed, in particular those due to the non-spherical gravitation of the earth, ocean tide, solid earth tide, solar and earth radiation, and atmospheric drag. Space geodetic data of HY-2 are simulated with the designed HY-2 orbit parameters based on the orbit dynamics theory to optimize the approaches and strategies of precise orbit determination of HY-2 with the dynamic and reduced-dynamic methods, respectively. Different methods based on different techniques are analyzed and compared. The experiment results show that the nonspherical perturbation modeled by GGM02C causes a maximum perturbation, and errors caused by the imperfect modeling of atmospheric drag have an increasing trend on T direction, but errors are relatively stable on the other two directions; besides, the methods with three space geodetic techniques achieve the radial orbit with the precision better than 10 cm.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used ground motion database from the region of Żelazny Most tailings pond, the largest in Europe ore-flotation waste repository, to identify ground motion prediction equations (GMPE-s) for peak horizontal and peak vertical acceleration.
Abstract: Ground motion database from the region of Żelazny Most tailings pond, the largest in Europe ore-flotation waste repository, is used to identify ground motion prediction equations (GMPE-s) for peak horizontal and peak vertical acceleration. A GMPE model including both geometrical spreading and anelastic damping terms cannot be correctly identified and the model with only spreading term is accepted. The analysis of variance of this model’s residuals with station location as grouping variable indicates that station locations contribute significantly to the observed ground motion variability. Therefore, a site specific GMPE model with relative site amplifications is assessed. Despite short distances among stations, the amplification considerably vary from point to point, up to 1.8 times for the horizontal and 3.5 times for the vertical peak amplitude. The model including site effects enhances GMPE-s fit to observations, explains more than 60% dependent variables variability and correctly accounts for site effects.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the near-surface rock structure that covers an abandoned marl mine nearby the village of Montevecchia (Italy) through a combination of seismic surveys.
Abstract: The near-surface rock structure that covers an abandoned marl mine nearby the village of Montevecchia (Italy) was investigated through a combination of seismic surveys. The methods selected for these investigations were refraction seismics and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). A sort of transillumination experiment was also attempted. All the methods were successful and gave complementary information. Refraction seismics was used to characterize the upper low velocity layer and the second layer of the near-surface structure. The MASW method was necessary to assess the existence of a velocity inversion revealing the presence of a low velocity layer between the 2nd layer and a 4th high velocity layer covering the upper mine gallery. The transillumination experiment validated the presence of the 4th layer and gave an estimate of the average velocity that represents a lower boundary for the P-wave velocity within this layer. Both the refraction and transillumination data were analysed to derive average estimates of attenuation level and rock quality factor.
TL;DR: In this paper, a solution of a 2D nonlinear diffusive wave equation in a partially dry and wet domain is considered, where the splitting technique which allows to reduce 2D problem into the sequence of one-dimensional problems is applied.
Abstract: In the paper a solution of two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear diffusive wave equation in a partially dry and wet domain is considered. The splitting technique which allows to reduce 2D problem into the sequence of one-dimensional (1D) problems is applied. The obtained 1D equations with regard to x and y are spatially discretized using the modified finite element method with the linear shape functions. The applied modification referring to the procedure of spatial integration leads to a more general algorithm involving a weighting parameter. Time integration is carried out using a two-level difference scheme with the weighting parameter as well. The resulting tri-diagonal systems of nonlinear algebraic equations are solved using the Picard iterative method. For particular sets of the weighting parameters, the proposed method takes the form of a standard finite element method and various schemes of the finite difference method. On the other hand, for the linear version of the governing equation, the proper values of the weighting parameters ensure an approximation of 3rd order. Since the diffusive wave equation can be solved no matter whether the area is dry or wet, the numerical computations can be carried out over entire domain of solution without distinguishing a current position of the shoreline which is obtained as a result of solution.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the time dynamics of monthly rainfall series intermittently recorded on seven climatic stations in northern Lebanon from 1939 to 2010 using the detrending fluctuation analysis (DFA) and the Fisher-Shannon (FS) method.
Abstract: We investigate the time dynamics of monthly rainfall series intermittently recorded on seven climatic stations in northern Lebanon from 1939 to 2010 using the detrending fluctuation analysis (DFA) and the Fisher-Shannon (FS) method. The DFA is employed to study the scaling properties of the series, while the FS method to analyze their order/organization structure. The obtained results indicate that most all the stations show a significant persistent behavior, suggesting that the dynamics of the rainfall series is governed by positive feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, we found that the Fisher Information Measure (the Shannon entropy power) seems to decrease (increase) with the height of the rain gauge; this indicates that the rainfall series appear less organized and less regular for higher-located stations. Such findings could be useful for a better comprehension of the climatic regimes governing northern Lebanon.
TL;DR: In this paper, a brief review of the research carried out to develop multi-parametric gas-geochemical monitoring facilities dedicated to earthquake prediction research in India by installing a network of seismo-Geochemical monitoring observatories at different regions of the country is presented.
Abstract: Present paper deals with a brief review of the research carried out to develop multi-parametric gas-geochemical monitoring facilities dedicated to earthquake prediction research in India by installing a network of seismo-geochemical monitoring observatories at different regions of the country. In an attempt to detect earthquake precursors, the concentrations of helium, argon, nitrogen, methane, radon-222 (222Rn), polonium-218 (218Po), and polonium-214 (214Po) emanating from hydrothermal systems are monitored continuously and round the clock at these observatories. In this paper, we make a cross correlation study of a number of geochemical anomalies recorded at these observatories. With the data received from each of the above observatories we attempt to make a time series analysis to relate magnitude and epicentral distance locations through statistical methods, empirical formulations that relate the area of influence to earthquake scale. Application of the linear and nonlinear statistical techniques in the recorded geochemical data sets reveal a clear signature of long-range correlation in the data sets.