Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate Change and Heavy Rainfall-Related Water Damage Insurance Claims and Losses in Ontario, Canada

The objective of this paper was to project possible impacts of climate change on heavy rainfall-related water damage insurance claims and incurred losses for four selected cites (Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa, and Toronto) located at Ontario, Canada. To achieve this goal, the future climate change scenarios and rainfall simulations, at local scale, were needed. A statistical downscaling method was used to downscale five global climate model (GCM) scenarios to selected weather stations. The downscaled meteorological variables included surface and upper-air hourly temperature, dew point, west-east and south-north winds, air pressure, and total cloud cover. These variables are necessary to project future daily rainfall quantities using within-weather-type rainfall simulation models. A model result verification process has been built into the whole exercise, including rainfall simulation modeling and the development of downscaling transfer functions. The results of the verification, based on historical observations of the outcome variables simulated by the models, showed a very good agreement. To effectively evaluate heavy rainfall-related water damage insurance claims and incurred losses, a rainfall index was developed considering rainfall intensity and duration. The index was evaluated to link with insurance data as to determination of a critical threshold of the rainfall index for triggering high numbers of rainfall-related water damage insurance claims and incurred losses. The relationship between rainfall index and insurance data was used with future rainfall simulations to project changes in future heavy rainfall-related sewer flood risks in terms of water damage insurance claims and incurred losses. The modeled results showed that, averaged over the five GCM scenarios and across the study area, both the monthly total number of rainfall-related water damage claims and incurred losses could increase by about 13%, 20% and 30% for the periods 2016-2035, 2046-2065, and 2081-2100, respectively (from the four-city seasonal average of 12 ± 1.7 thousand claims and $88 ± $21 million during April-September 1992-2002). Within the context of this study, increases in the future number of insurance claims and incurred losses in the study area are driven by only increases in future heavy rainfall events.
Sea-salt aerosol response to climate change: Last Glacial Maximum, preindustrial, and doubled carbon dioxide climates

Sea-salt aerosols represent a significant fraction of the aerosol optical depth over the oceans, and thus their response to changes in climate represents an important potential feedback on climate. Model results for sea-salt aerosols in the Community Atmospheric Model (CAM3) show good agreement with observations for the current climate. Additionally, the current climate model simulations presented here are not sensitive to the sea surface temperature boundary conditions or model resolution. We show model results for the response of sea-salt aerosols to climate change for the Last Glacial Maximum, preindustrial, current, and doubled carbon dioxide climate model simulations. Our model results suggest that globally averaged sea-salt sources, deposition, and loading are not very sensitive to climate change and change <5% for these disparate climates. Regional differences are much larger, with differences in zonally averaged concentrations as large as 40% seen between the current climate and a doubled carbon dioxide climate. While ice core studies show twofold to fivefold changes in sea-salt fluxes between Last Glacial Maximum and the current climate, our simulations cannot reproduce these changes, even after including a proposed sea ice source of sea salts.
Thermal maturity assessment of the Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic Nampo Group, mid‐west Korea: Reconstruction of thermal history

Abstract Thermal maturity of the Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic Nampo Group, a sediment‐fill of the Chungnam Basin located in the central western part of South Korea, was assessed by illite crystallinity measurement and sandstone microtexture analysis. The Nampo Group consists of a fluvio‐lacustrine deposit bearing meta‐anthracitic coals and was over‐thrusted by the basement rocks. Sandstones are characterized by down sequence increasing illite crystallinity, from anchizone to epizone, which is strongly suggestive of burial heating. Deep‐burial diagenesis and deformation are evidenced by well‐developed pressure solution textures, whose intensity tends to increase down sequence, and by ductile deformation in the lowermost strata. On the basis of the result of illite crystallinity measurement, the maximum paleo‐temperature and total burial depth of the Nampo Group are estimated to be ca 340°C and 10 km, respectively; these conditions are in good agreement with the observed ductile deformation features. The absence of strata younger than the Nampo Group in and around the Chungnam Basin suggests that deep burial of the Nampo Group was caused by tectonic crustal loading. The tectonic overload was because of basement over‐thrusting that occurred during the Jurassic Daebo orogeny, which is closely related to the orthogonal subduction of the Izanagi Plate beneath the East Asian continent. Subsequent hydrothermal alteration disturbed the thermal maturity pattern, resulting in anomalously high illite crystallinity and meta‐anthracitization.
Comparative study of bow shock models using Wind and Geotail observations

Wind and Geotail observed bow shock (BS) crossings were selected from the 1998 to 2001 ISTP database. We analyzed 625 case events containing 4381 Geotail BS crossings and 130 case events containing 917 Wind BS crossings. The location of the BS crossings, in the aberrated GSE coordinate system, varied over a wide range from -85 Re to 45 Re along the X-GSE axis, up to 90 Re in the perpendicular direction. ACE, Wind, and Geotail measurements were used to determine the upstream solar wind conditions in the interplanetary medium. These conditions were determined for the BS crossings in each case event by using the delay time of direct solar wind propagation from an upstream monitor to the probe satellite (Wind or Geotail). The solar wind conditions for the BS crossings varied over a wide range of dynamic pressures Pd (from 0.02 nPa to 49 nPa), IMF Bzs (from -26 nT to 23 nT), thermal/magnetic pressure ratios beta (from 0.002 to 50), and magnetosonic Mach numbers M(ms) (from 1.02 to 29). Such a wide spatial and dynamic range of BS crossings permits us to consider the different parameters that control the BS size and shape, such as the radius of curvature of the magnetopause which depends on Pd and Bz, the Alfven, sonic, and magnetosonic Mach numbers, and the IMF orientation. To study the dependence on these parameters, we compared the accuracy of the BS models formulated by Peredo et al. [1995], Russell and Petrinec [1996], Verigin et al. [2001b], and Chao et al. [2002] for the prediction of selected BS crossings observed in different bow shock regions and with various upstream solar wind conditions. It was found that the Chao et al. [2002] model had the best capability for predicting the BS crossings. The solar wind dynamic pressure and magnetosonic Mach number were determined to be the most important parameters controlling the BS size and shape. The important role of the dawn-dusk asymmetry of the bow shock tail region is emphasized. The effect of the southward IMF influence on the dayside magnetosheath thickness is revealed and discussed.
A formal analysis of MCDC and RCDC test criteria

The Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC) test criterion is a mandatory requirement for the testing of avionics software as per the DO‐178B standard. This paper presents a formal analysis for the three different forms of MCDC. In addition, a recently proposed test criterion, Reinforced Condition Decision Coverage (RCDC), has also been investigated in comparison with MCDC. In contrast with the earlier analysis approaches that have been based on empirical and probabilistic models, the principles of Boolean ogic are used here to study the fault detection effectiveness of the MCDC and RCDC criteria. Based on the properties of Boolean specifications, the analysis identifies the detection conditions for six kinds of faults. The results allow the measurement of the effort required in testing and the effectiveness of generated test sets satisfying the MCDC and RCDC criteria. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Late Wisconsinan deglacial history of the east-central Taseko Lakes area, British Columbia

Late Wisconsinan Fraser Glaciation retreat-phase deposits and landforms in the east-central Taseko Lakes area, British Columbia, are used to demonstrate a four-phase model of deglaciation. During phase I, at the onset of ice retreat, the Cordilleran Ice Sheet occupied much of the study area, blocking southward drainage of Fraser River. Phase II was marked by the deglaciation of uplands and plateaux. Meltwater drainage patterns were controlled by stagnating glaciers confined to valleys. Phase III commenced as remnant ice in the Fraser Valley downwasted to between 850 and 760 m elevation. At this time, interlobate glacial lakes formed in hanging valleys east of Fraser River. Drainage of glacial lakes occurred subglacially, and was accompanied by disintegration of remnant ice and an increase in mass movements in valleys. These events were followed by decreased sedimentation rates, reflecting lower meltwater volumes and exhaustion of unstable glacial debris during phase IV. Postglaciation valley fill was subj.
Detection of fluid migration pathways in seismic data: implications for fault seal analysis

A new and efficient method for fault seal analysis using seismic data is presented. It uses multiple seismic attributes and neural networks to enhance fluid migration pathways, including subtle features that are not detectable using single attributes only. The method may be used as a first estimate of fault seal or to calibrate results from other techniques. The results provide information about which faults and fault segments are sealing or leaking. Fluid flow along individual faults appears to be focused along zones of weakness, and fault seal research should thus be focused on finding such weak locations within fault zones, a task that is best done using three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data. Under certain conditions, it is suggested that fluids migrate along fault planes by a diapiric fluid flow mechanism. The results assist in calibrating the bulk hydraulic properties of faults and rock formations and can be used in basin modelling.
Soil quality under different land uses in a subarctic environment in Alaska

As the demand for food, feed, fiber, and, most recently, bio-energy increases, more land may be converted from native conditions for arable uses. Our objective was to evaluate soil quality under native forest, arable land being used for continuous barley (Hordeum valgare L.) production and land that had been tilled and subsequently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for at least 18 years. Several physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators were measured and a soil deterioration index (DI) was calculated using forest soil as the reference. Results indicated that most organic matter under forest resided on soil surface and was not mixed with mineral soil due to lack of activities by large soil fauna (e.g., earthworms). Soil samples from disturbed areas had a higher organic matter content, which caused most soil quality indicators to be considered ‘improved’ and resulted in better DIs for agricultural and CRP land than for forest soils. This study emphasized the importance of choosing an appropriate reference point for soil quality assessments, especially when data representing one or more key soil processes are missing.
A unifying lithostratigraphy of late Cretaceous–early Tertiary fore-arc volcanic sequences on Alexander Island, Antarctica

Late Cretaceous–early Tertiary subduction-related fore-arc volcanic rocks are exposed in a north–south linear belt along the length of Alexander Island. The age and tectonic setting of these rocks is well understood; they are not considered to represent “normal” arc magmas but were generated in the fore-arc as a result of ridge subduction. Due to their distinct composition and mode of formation, they are no longer considered to be genetically related to the Antarctic Peninsula magmatic arc. They are therefore removed from the Antarctic Peninsula Volcanic Group and placed in a newly defined Alexander Island Volcanic Group. The group is made up of the Monteverdi, Staccato, Walton, Colbert, Elgar and Finlandia formations, which vary widely in lithology, facies and age. The Colbert and Elgar formations are subdivided into nine and three members respectively. Type localities, representative lithologies and age of each of the formations are discussed. The Staccato and Colbert Magmatic complexes are defined to include volcanic and plutonic rocks that are considered to be coeval. The Rouen Intrusive complex combines the plutonic rocks from the Rouen Mountains and Rothschild Island on the basis of age and chemistry.
Determination of an effective spectral surface albedo from ground-based global and direct UV irradiance measurements

Ultraviolet radiation may be enhanced by the presence of snow cover. For areas with snow the surface is often highly inhomogeneous owing to the presence of low-albedo surfaces together with snow-covered surfaces. In order to better understand the coupling between snow cover, surface albedo, and UV radiation, an estimate of an effective albedo for such highly inhomogeneous surfaces is required. In this paper a method to derive an effective wavelength dependent Lambertian surface albedo in the UV and visible part of the spectrum is described. The retrieval method is used to analyze direct and global irradiance measurements performed in the wavelength region 320-500 nm during the winter-spring-summer seasons of 1997 in Tromso, Norway. The derived albedo reached a maximum of 0.57 and 0.78 at 320 and 450 nm, respectively, when the snow depth was at maximum. The corresponding values for completely snow-free conditions were 0.08 and 0.16. The absolute uncertainty in these values is estimated to be 0.1 at the shortest wavelengths and 0.2 at the higher wavelengths. Calculations with a three-dimensional Monte Carlo model indicate that the open waters surrounding Tromso all the year round decrease the effective albedo by approximately 0.2 compared to a completely snow-covered surface.
A new lithostratigraphy and depositional model for the Upper Rotliegend of the UK Sector of the Southern North Sea

Abstract The lack of a pragmatic basin-wide lithostratigraphic subdivision for the Upper Rotliegend of the Southern North Sea Basin has presented numerous problems when attempting to correlate wells or implement reservoir zonation schemes within this important gas province. This deficiency has also made it extremely difficult to predict facies distribution, and thus reservoir quality, when generating or assessing new prospects. With this in mind, a detailed study of the cores and logs from 126 released wells from the UK sector of the gas province was undertaken. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to subdivide the Upper Rotliegend into five lithostratigraphic units (Units 1–5 from oldest to youngest) based on the recognition of drying-upward cycles. These drying-upward cycles are developed throughout the basin in both the Leman Sandstone and Silverpit Claystone Formations. They are considered to reflect long term fluctuations in the Rotliegend climate and thus they have important chronostratigraphic implications. In any given well the numbers of drying-upward cycles (or alternatively lithostratigraphic units) actually developed, the nature of their bounding surfaces and their component lithofacies are controlled by the position of that well within the depositional basin. Utilizing the new subdivision as a stratigraphic framework it has been possible to construct detailed lithofacies maps for the five units. These maps have revealed the complex tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the Rotliegend basin and they have also suggested a new depositional model for the fluvial facies association. The tectonic evolution of the basin has been traced by analysing the spatial and temporal distribution of the various units and their component facies. In areas such as the Sole Pit, where the onset of sedimentation was contemporary with early basin rifting, all five units (Units 1–5) can be recognized. However, in those areas where sedimentation was delayed due to progressive tectonic evolution (e.g. back-stepping of the Dowsing Fault Zone), one or more of the earlier units may be absent. The later post-rift sequences (Units 4 & 5) display the greatest areal distribution within the basin.
First observations of increased ultrafine particle number concentrations near the inversion of a continental planetary boundary layer and its relation to ground‐based measurements

Results of the first balloon‐borne profile measurements of particle number concentrations, together with fine‐scale measurements of temperature and water vapor density under cloudless conditions are reported. The profiles showed regions near the inversion of a continental planetary boundary layer with high particle number concentrations of up to 600 cm−3 in the size range from 5 to 10 nm. These high concentrations of ultrafine particles correlated well with high fluctuations of the temperature and humidity caused by plumes penetrating the inversion. Such penetration caused intensive mixing, which in turn apparently significantly increased the nucleation rate. The observed particle number concentrations near the inversion layer were significantly higher than that in the mixed layer and at ground level. This corroborates the hypothesis that particles are formed near this inversion.
GNSS‐based heighting in Australia: Current, emerging and future issues

Ellipsoidal heights, i.e., w.r. t. a geometrical Earth figure, determined from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are inherently their least accurate coordinate, due mainly to satellite geometry and atmospheric refraction. For most practical purposes, however, these GNSS‐derived ellipsoidal heights have to be transformed to heights that relate to the Earth's gravity field, which generally adds further uncertainty. The reduction in accuracy of the transformed height is due to errors in gravimetric quasi/geoid models, but this is compounded yet further in Australia and elsewhere because of the imperfect realisation of local vertical datums. This paper comments upon current, emerging and future issues with height determination on the Australian Height Datum (AHD) using GNSS. This comprises the reference frame used for GNSS ellipsoidal heights, theory‐ and data‐driven inaccuracies in modelling the quasi/geoid, and deficiencies in the realisation of the AHD. While some of these issues will be redressed, in part, by the production of AUSGeoid2008 that is fitted to the AHD, there will always be the need to routinely apply checks on GNSS‐derived heights in Australia, and elsewhere.
Geometry and the deformation of pack ice: I. A simple kinematic model

Abstract The deformation of pack ice is modeled as the discrete motion of rigid plates. A continuous and differentiate field of large-scale velocity is sampled at the center Joint of each plate to determine its uniform translation. Discontinuities in the ice velocity occur at the cracks separating pairs of adjacent plates. Ice deformation that is characterized by opening, ridging and sliding coefficients is computed directly by integrating the velocity jumps over the length of each crack, and summing over all cracks in I representative area. These coefficients depend on the large-scale strain rate and the geometry of the cracks. The relevant geometric parameters are the orientations of (a) the cracks with respect to the principal axis of the strain rate, and (b) the cracks with respect to the relative position vectors between the center points of adjacent plates on either side of the crack. For all tilings of uniform, equilateral diamonds (including squares) the opening and ridging are minimized, and the sliding is maximized, when an axis of symmetry of the plate coincides with the principal axis of the strain rate.
ITRF2000: A new release of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame for earth science applications

[1] For the first time in the history of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, the ITRF2000 combines unconstrained space geodesy solutions that are free from any tectonic plate motion model. Minimum constraints are applied to these solutions solely in order to define the underlying terrestrial reference frame (TRF). The ITRF2000 origin is defined by the Earth center of mass sensed by satellite laser ranging (SLR) and its scale by SLR and very long baseline interferometry. Its orientation is aligned to the ITRF97 at epoch 1997.0, and its orientation time evolution follows, conventionally, that of the no-net-rotation NNR-NUVEL-1A model. The ITRF2000 orientation and its rate are implemented using a consistent geodetic method, anchored over a selection of ITRF sites of high geodetic quality, ensuring a datum definition at the 1 mm level. This new frame is the most extensive and accurate one ever developed, containing about 800 stations located at about 500 sites, with better distribution over the globe compared to past ITRF versions but still with more site concentration in western Europe and North America. About 50% of station positions are determined to better than 1 cm, and about 100 sites have their velocity estimated to at (or better than) 1 mm/yr level. The ITRF2000 velocity field was used to estimate relative rotation poles for six major tectonic plates that are independent of the TRF orientation rate. A comparison to relative rotation poles of the NUVEL-1A plate motion model shows vector differences ranging between 0.03° and 0.08°/m.y. (equivalent to approximately 1–7 mm/yr over the Earth's surface). ITRF2000 angular velocities for four plates, relative to the Pacific plate, appear to be faster than those predicted by the NUVEL-1A model. The two most populated plates in terms of space geodetic sites, North America and Eurasia, exhibit a relative Euler rotation pole of about 0.056 (±0.005)°/m.y. faster than the pole predicted by NUVEL-1A and located about (10°N, 7°E) more to the northwest, compared to that model.
New insight on the stratigraphy of the in offshore Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.)

Le decoupage stratigraphique de la partie superieure du "Thamama" dans le domaine maritime d'Abou Dabi necessitait une revision significative comme cela est demontre avec l'etude integree du champ "A". Un travail de detail en sedimentologie a permis de subdiviser cette partie de la serie en unites lithostratigraphiques (notons toutefois que le vocable "allostratigraphiques" serait plus precis pour definir ce type de categories stratigraphiques) alors que la paleontologie permettait leur calage chronostratigraphique dans l'intervalle Barremien superieur-Aptien moyen. Un travail complementaire focalise sur le "Shu'aiba" a abouti a l'etablissement d'une interpretation differente de celles anterieurement publiees qui se basaient sur le domaine continental d'Abou Dabi, ainsi que sur le Qatar ou l'Oman, et qu'il est egalement possible d'etendre a l'echelle regionale.