Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tectonic rotations in extensional regimes and their paleomagnetic consequences for oceanic basalts

Paleomagnetic samples of many Deep-Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) basalts have shallower inclinations than would be inferred from the paleolatitude at which the basalts were extruded at mid-ocean ridges. Rather than arising from peculiarities of the geomagnetic field, the anomalous magnetic directions may result from tectonic rotations along the listric normal faults which often characterize extensional tectonic regimes. Several lines of evidence support this conclusion: observations of the Basin and Range Province, an extensional tectonic regime occurring in continental crust; observations of the Troodos complex, Cyprus, an oceanic extensional tectonic regime now exposed on land; and analysis of possible fault patterns associated with the magma chambers postulated to occur at some mid-oceanic ridges. The tectonic rotations resulting from movement along the listric normal faults occur about a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the extension direction and typically amount to 30° to 50°, although rotations as large as 70° to 90° are not uncommon. The paleomagnetic consequences of these rotations can be calculated for DSDP basalts if the original strike and latitude of a ridge are known. At four DSDP sites for which adequate data are available, namely sites 319, 332, 410, and 417, rotations ranging from 50° to 70° are required to explain the paleomagnetic results. If the original strike and location of the ridge are not known, as is the case for most of the older parts of the Pacific Ocean, the paleomagnetic data and the inferred rotation determine a relationship between possible ridge strikes and locations. This information, combined with a similar but independent relationship derived from the marine magnetic anomalies, puts severe constraints on the original strike and location of the ridge.
Hillslope and Climatic Controls on Hydrologic Fluxes

The position and shape of the hillslope water table has long been considered to be a useful diagnostic both for field analysis of the spatial structure of hydrologic behavior and for initializing hydrologic forecasting models. Water table positions near the surface often indicate areas which contribute to surface runoff generation, yield evaporation at the climate-demanded rate, and produce a net discharge of saturated zone groundwater. Deeper water tables typically indicate drier areas where evaporation is suppressed and infiltration enhanced, therefore promoting net groundwater recharge. The long time integral of these fluxes over an area forms the local climatic hydrologic cycle. Continuity (throughout a hillslope) of modeled long-term mean moisture fluxes at the land-atmosphere interface within the unsaturated and saturated zones provides closure to the climate-hillslope system, and it is used to determine the equilibrium water table position and the corresponding spatial structure of mean recharge, discharge, evaporation, and surface runoff production. This method of analysis provides a tool for the systematic study of how characteristics of the atmospheric forcing (e.g., mean precipitation, evaporative demand, and storm intermittency and intensity), soil properties, and geologic features (e.g., topography) interact to yield observed spatial patterns of distinct hydrologic behavior at various scales. Application of the methodology to simplified and idealized hillslope geometries reveals spatial patterns in good qualitative agreement with field observations. Case studies demonstrate that the wide range of behavior observed in nature is reproducible within an observed range of climatic, geologic, and soil parameters. Partial analysis of the full system yields a few dimensional parameter groups, the relative values of which are indicative of transitions between geologic-, soil-, and climate-controlled conditions and the presence or absence of characteristic hydrologic zones such as seepage faces, recharge areas, hinges, midline zones, discharge areas, and partial areas of surface runoff production. Under conditions of limited lateral transmissivity and slope, the midline region (over which the long-term mean net exchange between the saturated and unsaturated zones is zero) can dominate the hillslope and lead to an invariance of area-averaged surface runoff and evaporation with respect to hillslope length scale.
Grain‐Size, Sediment‐Transport Regime, and Channel Slope in Alluvial Rivers

The general relationship between channel morphology and the grain size of sediment in the channel bed is an important but poorly known aspect of alluvial rivers. An analysis of an equation for total sediment flux in the limits of suspension‐, bedload‐, and mixed‐modes of transport indicates distinct, steady‐state regimes of channel morphology. Such regimes are readily seen in published data for modern alluvial rivers by way of a conventional Shields plot or a plot of channel slope as a function of relative grain size d/h and the ratio ws/u, where d and ws are, respectively, mean diameter and fall speed of bed sediments, and h and u, are, respectively, mean depth and friction velocity of the flow. With slope and mode of transport in an alluvial river constrained by grain size and channel depth alone, estimates of discharge and sediment flux follow directly. Introduction of the sediment flux relationship into conventional diffusion models for the evolution of an alluvial system provides nominal estimates of the response time for channel adjustment to some external changes. For some major modern rivers, this time of response along the entire length of channel is in the range 103–105 yr, underscoring the potential for complicated, long‐time interaction of large alluvial systems with, for example, climatic variability.
Derivation of vegetative variables from a landsat tm image for modelling soil erosion

A study was carried out to assess the potential use of satellite thematic mapper (TM) images to produce maps of vegetation-related variables for erosion modelling. In a Mediterranean study area in southern France the (semi-)natural vegetation was described at 33 field plots using four quantitative methods: the Fosberg structural classification system, the cover and management factor of the Universal Soil Loss Equation, the leaf area index and the total percentage cover. After radiometric correction of the image, the spectral TM bands were processed following three different methods. Each method aimed at combining the data of the six spectral TM bands into a single band in such a way that the resulting image displayed optimal information on green vegetation cover. The algorithms used comprise the normalized difference vegetation index, the conventional ‘tasselled cap’ transformation and a locally tuned tasselled cap transformation. Only slight differences were found between the different methods to calculate spectral vegetation indices for this particular case. Furthermore, the correlations between the field variables and image-derived spectral indices are generally small. The largest correlations were found for the normalized vegetation index and the leaf area index (r + 0·71) and for the normalized vegetation index and Fosberg's structural vegetation classes (r + 0·76). However, Fosberg's method results in very general classes, which are of little use for soil erosion models. Furthermore, the spectral indices appeared to be sensitive for the vitality of the vegetation. Consequently, an area covered by a sensed, senescent vegetation will not yield a large value for the spectral index, but its soil is protected against splash erosion. This might lead to a misinterpretation of the soil protective cover when satellite images are used. A final conclusion is that a balance has to be found between the more accurate, but time-consuming field surveys to gather information on erosion-controlling factors and a certain loss of accuracy associated with the use of quick and easy remote sensing methods.
The Influence of Microphytobenthos on the Northern Adriatic Ecosystem: A Modelling Study

Whilst studies have demonstrated that unicellular phytobenthic organisms can be locally important, little is known of their influence on their ecosystem, especially in terms of modifying benthic trophic dynamics and influencing the coupling between the benthos and pelagos. It may be hypothesized that the controlling influence on microphytobenthos would vary seasonally, with incident light, shading, nutrient depletion and grazing all playing a role. In order to elucidate some of these questions a theoretical model of microphytobenthos has been added to the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM), coupled to a 1D vertically resolved water column model. Several water columns, extending in depth from 5 to 25 m have been simulated along an offshore transect at approximately 4418N. The microphytobenthos are predicted to contribute in excess of 50% of primary production in shallow (<5 m) depths, with light limitation reducing the potential growing season to zero at around 25 m. Light availability is the key factor limiting microphytobenthos, with self-shading dominating this effect in established populations. Grazing is shown to be a significant control on microphytobenthic populations. Nutrient stress is not a major limiting factor of microphytobenthic populations due to the availability of benthic nutrient pools. Although nutrient uptake and cycling via the microphytobenthos is not significant compared with regional inputs, the microphytobenthos significantly impact nutrient regeneration rates, aerobic layer processes and benthic trophic dynamics. Effects on the pelagic ecosystem are minimal.
United calibration of the digital camera and the slide projector based on the rotating platform

The digital camera and the slide projector are being frequently used in broad range of the photogrammetric measurements with the development of non-contact measurement in the close-range photogrammetry. In order to take full advantages of the slide projector, the slide projector is steered on the basis of the traditional method of the digital camera taking images. A slide projector and a digital camera form the projector-camera system, which is similar with a binocular vision system in the principle of 3D reconstruction. Before using the projector-camera system, the interior parameters of both have to be calibrated in advance. The paper proposes a flexible and effective technique for the united calibration of the digital camera and the slide projector. The technique only requires a planar grid, a rotating platform and a computer. The algorithm with 2D direct linear transformation (2D-DLT) and collinear equations is used to calibrate the digital camera first. By the similar algorithm above, the interior parameters of the slide projector can be determined too. Then the united calibration of the digital camera and the slide projector is achieved finally. The operation method in detail and the algorithm are addressed systematically and entirely. The feasibility and the exactness of the technique for the united calibration of the digital camera and the slide projector put forward in this paper are verified by the results of real data.
Comparison of Genetic Diversity among Amaranth Accessions from South and Southeast Asia using SSR Markers

This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 70 amaranth accessions collected from South and Southeast Asia using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In total, 67 alleles were detected, with an average of 4.79 per locus. Rare alleles comprised a large portion (46.3%) of the detected alleles, and 29 unique alleles associated with rice accessions were also discovered. The mean major allele frequency (MAF), genetic diversity (GD) and polymorphic information content (PIC) of the 14 SSR loci were 0.77, 0.36, and 0.34, respectively. A model-based structural analysis revealed the presence of three subpopulations. The genetic relationships revealed by the neighbor-joining tree method were fairly consistent with the structure-based membership assignments for most of the accessions. All 70 accessions showed a clear relationship to each cluster without any admixtures. We observed a relatively low extent of genetic exchange within or among amaranth species from South and Southeast Asia. The genetic diversity results could be used to identify amaranth germplasms and so facilitate their use for crop improvement.
On the carboniferous nautiloids: Some middle Viséan species from the isle of man

A collection of Middle Visean nantiloids from the Isle of Man is described, together with two specimens from beds probably of the same age in Derbyshire. The genera Vestinautilus de Ryckholt, Stroboceras Hyatt, and Domatoceras Hyatt are more closely defined on the basis of their type-species, and the opportunity is taken to refigure the types of Stroboceras hartti (Dawson) and Domatoceras umbilicatum Hyatt. The types of Orthoceras gesneri Phillips (non Fleming) and Nautil is bistrialis Phillips are also refigured and described. With the stricter definition of genera adopted in this paper several new genera and species are necessary to receive the specimens described, and the family Temnocheilidae Mojsisovics is revived for, inter alia. Temnocheilus McCoy and Knightoceras Miller and Owen.
Comparative Geochemistry of Pleistocene and Paleoproterozoic (Huronian) Glaciogenic Laminated Deposits: Relevance to Crustal and Atmospheric Composition in the Last 2.3 Ga

Comparison of the major and trace element geochemistry of glaciogenic laminated deposits of Pleistocene and Paleoproterozoic age from an area north of Lake Huron, Ontario, has revealed differences and similarities that may provide insight into the erosional history of part of the Archean Superior province of the Canadian shield during the last 2 Ga and some aspects of the evolution of the earth’s atmosphere. Both the major element and trace element compositions of the ancient and “recent” glacial deposits are very similar. The Paleoproterozoic mudstones are, however, enriched in Fe and U, characteristics that may reflect the oxygen content of the Archean/early Paleoproterozoic atmosphere/hydrosphere system. Strong Ca depletion is exhibited by the Paleoproterozoic glaciogenic argillites but is absent from the Pleistocene samples. The Proterozoic argillites have slightly higher values for a Chemical Index of Alteration than those of Pleistocene muds. These characteristics may reflect the acid nature of meteoric waters associated with a CO2‐rich Paleoproterozoic atmosphere. Chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns from the Pleistocene and Paleoproterozoic laminated deposits are remarkably similar, with light rare earth element enrichment and weak Eu anomalies. The similarity of these patterns and the strikingly similar major and trace element compositions of the Paleoproterozoic laminated argillites and Pleistocene varved muds suggest that, in spite of an age difference of about 2.3 Ga, there has been little change in the nature and proportions of exposed rocks in this region of the Canadian shield.
The Mesoscale Spatial Structure and Evolution of Dynamical and Scalar Properties Observed in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean during the POLYMODE Local Dynamics Experiment

Abstract Dynamical properties examined in this paper are the dynamic height and the pressure on an isopycnal. Scalars are the salinity and the oxygen concentration on an isopycnal. The sea surface temperature and salinity are also examined. These properties are obtained from the spatially uniform and densely sampled hydrographic surveys conducted during a two-month period of the POLYMODE Local Dynamics Experiment in 1978 near 31°N, 69.5°W. The spatial maps of the dynamic height and the pressure of an isopycnal show that the baroclinic current in this area sometimes intensifies to a jetlike flow and at other times has the shape of elongated eddies. The current flows primarily in the NE–SW direction. Westward propagation occurs but varies in time and with depth. Eddies that transport water properties are also observed in this area. The salinity and the oxygen on an isopycnal are found to be correlated with itself and with each other from the surface to the 18°C water layer, within a 200-db range in the ther.
Data association combined with the probability hypothesis density filter for multitarget tracking

Multiple target tracking requires data association that operates in conjunction with filtering. When multiple targets are closely spaced, the conventional approach (MHT/assignment) may not give satisfactory results. This is mainly because of the difficulty in deciding what the number of targets is. Recently, the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter, which propagates the PHD or the first moment instead of the full multitarget posterior density, was proposed. In this approach, the integral of the PHD over a region in the state space is the expected number of targets within this region and the peaks in the PHD can be regarded as the estimated locations of the targets at a given time step. In this approach the data association problem is not considered, i.e., the PHD is obtained only for a frame at a time. In our paper, a data association method combined with the PHD approach is proposed for multitarget tracking, i.e., we keep a separate tracker for each target, use the PHD filter to get the estimated number and locations of the targets at each time step, and then perform the "peak-to-track" association, whose results can provide information for PHD peak extraction at the next time step. Besides, by keeping a separate tracker for each target, our approach provides more information than the standard PHD filter. Using our approach, the multitarget tracking can be performed with automatic track initiation, maintenance, spawning, merging and termination. Simulation results demonstrate that our approach is computationally feasible and effective.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for environmental monitoring of soil carbon and nitrogen

Carbon reservoirs at the earth's surface comprise the plant and microbial, biomass, and organic and inorganic carbon in soils, lakes, rivers, and oceans. These reservoirs interact with the atmosphere and affect its CO2 content. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an essential constituent in all ecosystems that can be enhanced by manipulating agricultural and forest lands. A successful strategy is the determination of the amount (quantity) and the chemical composition (quality) of carbon and nitrogen stored within the soil profile. The need for rapid analysis of both the soil quantity and quality is an essential part of determining the techniques of choice for measuring SOC. We have successfully demonstrated the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in the determination of the total concentration of carbon and nitrogen in soils and have also been successful in the development of electrochemical-surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (Electro-SERS), the results for which will be reported in another article. In this article we will focus on the data obtained using the LIBS technique. Our preliminary results suggest that LIBS method can be used for developing a field deployable instrument that can be used for in situ, real time monitoring of total carbon and nitrogen in soil. We have determined the total concentration of carbon in 15 soil samples and have obtained a calibration curve for them.
Impact of the 6 April 2009 L'Aquila earthquake on groundwater flow in the Gran Sasso carbonate aquifer, Central Italy

The Mw = 6·3 L'Aquila earthquake on 6 April 2009 produced a mainshock that caused significant changes in the hydrogeology of the Gran Sasso carbonate fractured aquifer: (i) the sudden disappearance at the time of the mainshock of some springs located exactly along the surface trace of the Paganica normal fault (PF); (ii) an immediate increase in the discharge of the Gran Sasso highway tunnel drainages and of other springs and (iii) a progressive increase of the water table elevation at the boundary of the Gran Sasso aquifer during the following months. Using the data collected since the 1990s that include aftershock monitoring as well as data regarding spring discharge, water table elevations, turbidity and rainfall events, a conceptual model of the earthquake's consequences on the Gran Sasso aquifer is proposed herein. In this model that excludes the contribution of seasonal recharge, the short‐term hydrologic effects registered immediately after the mainshock are determined to have been caused by a pore pressure increase related to aquifer deformation. Mid‐term effects observed in the months following the mainshock suggest that there was a change in groundwater hydrodynamics. Supplementary groundwater that flows towards aquifer boundaries and springs in discharge areas reflects a possible increase in hydraulic conductivity in the recharge area, nearby the earthquake fault zone. This increase can be attributed to fracture clearing and/or dilatancy. Simulations by numerical modelling, related to pore pressure and permeability changes with time, show results in accordance with observed field data, supporting the conceptual model and confirming the processes that influenced the answer of the Gran Sasso aquifer to the L'Aquila earthquake. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of climate change over energy production in La Plata Basin

The population growth and the economic development that the five Countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) located in La Plata Basin (LPB) have gone through over the last decades have risen the necessity to assess the current and future electricity demand and compare it to the energy production. In this region, the water resources of LPB are one of the most important sources of energy. In this context, the CLARIS EU (European Union) FP7 project has carried out an extensive research work which, in terms of investigating hydropower potential and vulnerability, has produced the following outcomes: assessment of current hydropower production and electricity demand; calculation of the maximum potential hydropower in order to establish whether and when shortage in terms of hydropower generation is to be expected; analysis of potential residual hydropower taking into account future user demands and analysis of hydropower production taking into account climate change scenarios, in order to identify potential vulnerabilities under variable input and/or needs for other sources of energy. This paper focuses on the outcomes of the climate change scenario analysis and its impacts on hydropower production in the basin. This has been investigated by (1) assessing the current hydropower production and electricity demand over the last 20 years (1991–2010), in order to establish growing trends in the short-term (2031–2040) and at the end of the century (2079–2098); (2) estimating maximum potential hydropower under present hydrological conditions; (3) analysis of potential vulnerability, by combining the first two research steps and (4) analysing the impact of climate change scenarios on hydrological variability and thus on hydropower production. The assessment of hydropower production and electricity demand determined that the current hydropower production represents about 73% of the electricity demand. Analysing the trends for the electricity produced by hydro-plants and the electricity demand, it is evident that the increment rate for the hydroelectricity production is lower than the increment rate of the electricity demand. Although, the maximum theoretically available energy at the basin level is about 683 GWh, the maximum feasible available energy (taking into account environmental flow requirements and financial constraints) will be of about 514 GWh per year. The climate change analysis shows an opposite trend at the sub-basin level, but overall, at the basin scale, the hydropower production is expected to increase because of changes in the hydrological variables.