Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copula-based depth-duration-frequency analysis of typhoons in Taiwan

Typhoons are an inevitable and frequently occurring natural hazard in Taiwan which cause severe economic damage and loss of life. The common practice for flood-mitigation planning and design uses univariate frequency analysis. However, separate univariate analysis cannot reveal the significant relationship among correlated variables. This study therefore employs copulas to construct the joint distribution of rainfall depth and duration for typhoon data. Using copulas to construct a multivariate distribution means that the effects of marginal variables can be separated from that of dependent variables. We derive the depth-duration-frequency (DDF) formula based on using copulas to represent the joint distribution of rainfall depth and duration. Typhoon data recorded at the Kaohsiung Weather Station located in southern Taiwan are used as an example to illustrate the proposed methodology. The marginal distributions for rainfall depth and duration are fitted as the three-parameter gamma and Gumbel distributions, respectively. The Plackett copula is selected to construct the DDF curves. The DDF allows rainfall depth for a specific rainfall duration and return period to be estimated. This DDF formula improves the understanding of complex hydrologic processes and enhances the design safety criterion of hydraulic structures.
Along-axis segmentation and isostasy in the Western rift, East

Structural variations along the southern sectors of the Western rift, East Africa, have previously been described, but subsurface structures in the northern sector (Uganda, Zaire) are virtually unknown. Our aims are to investigate the along-axis segmentation of the northern sector, thereby adding to the structural picture of the Western rift, and to study the isostatic compensation of the varying rift morphology along the sector's length. This study describes the first gravity survey to be carried out on the shallow Lake Albert, forward models of these and existing gravity data, and the results from inverse modeling of existing aeromagnetic data designed to delimit border and transfer fault systems. Our tectonic model shows that the northern rift sector is segmented along-axis into five 25 to 65-km-wide, 80 to 100-km-long rift segments, characterized by closed-contour Bouguer anomaly lows, and bounded by steep gravity, aeromagnetic, and topographic/bathymetric gradients. Werner and Euler deconvolution results and gravity anomaly data reveal that some faulted basins are separated by structural highs and cross-rift ramps or faults and suggest sedimentary basin depths of 4–6 km. Forward modeling of structural and free-air gravity profiles across individual basins and flanks using a model that assumes flexural compensation also suggests sediment thicknesses of up to 5.5 km, similar to the estimates from magnetic data. The basin and flank morphology can be explained by 6–9 km of extension of a lithosphere with an effective elastic thickness (Te) of 25 km (equivalent to a flexural rigidity of 1.4 × 1023 N m), similar to results in other Western rift basins. Potential field data and lithospheric strength estimates in the Western rift system show small along-axis variations in lithospheric structure, regardless of the presence or absence of Cenozoic magmatism.
A new look at methane and nonmethane hydrocarbon emissions from oil and natural gas operations in the Colorado Denver‐Julesburg Basin

Emissions of methane (CH4) from oil and natural gas (O&G) operations in the most densely drilled area of the Denver‐Julesburg Basin in Weld County located in northeastern Colorado are estimated for 2 days in May 2012 using aircraft‐based CH4 observations and planetary boundary layer height and ground‐based wind profile measurements. Total top‐down CH4 emission estimates are 25.8 ± 8.4 and 26.2 ± 10.7 t CH4/h for the 29 and 31 May flights, respectively. Using inventory data, we estimate the total emissions of CH4 from non‐O&G gas‐related sources at 7.1 ± 1.7 and 6.3 ± 1.0 t CH4/h for these 2 days. The difference in emissions is attributed to O&G sources in the study region, and their total emission is on average 19.3 ± 6.9 t/h, close to 3 times higher than an hourly emission estimate based on Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program data for 2012. We derive top‐down emissions estimates for propane, n‐butane, i‐pentane, n‐pentane, and benzene from our total top‐down CH4 emission estimate and the relative hydrocarbon abundances in aircraft‐based discrete air samples. Emissions for these five nonmethane hydrocarbons alone total 25.4 ± 8.2 t/h. Assuming that these emissions are solely originating from O&G‐related activities in the study region, our results show that the state inventory for total volatile organic compounds emitted by O&G activities is at least a factor of 2 too low for May 2012. Our top‐down emission estimate of benzene emissions from O&G operations is 173 ± 64 kg/h, or 7 times larger than in the state inventory.
Shallow-conduit dynamics at Stromboli Volcano, Italy, imaged from waveform inversions

Abstract Modelling of Very-Long-Period (VLP) seismic data recorded during explosive activity at Stromboli in 1997 provides an image of the uppermost 1 km of its volcanic plumbing system. Two distinct dyke-like conduit structures are identified, each representative of explosive eruptions from two different vents located near the northern and southern perimeters of the summit crater. Observed volumetric changes in the dykes are viewed as the result of a piston-like action of the magma associated with the disruption of a gas slug transiting through discontinuities in the dyke apertures. Accompanying these volumetric source components are single vertical forces resulting from an exchange of linear momentum between the source and the Earth. In the dyke system underlying the northern vent, a primary disruption site is observed at an elevation near 440 m where a bifurcation in the conduit occurs. At a depth of 80 m below sea level, a sharp corner in the conduit marks another location where the elastic response of the solid to the action of the upper source induces pressure and momentum changes in the magma. In the conduit underlying the southern vent, the junction of two inclined dykes with a sub-vertical dyke at 520 m elevation is a primary site of gas slug disruption, and another conduit corner 280 m below sea level represents a coupling location between the elastic response of the solid and fluid motion.
Role of fluids in migmatites: CO2-H2O fluid inclusions in leucosomes from the Deep Freeze Range migmatites (Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica)

The metasedimentary sequence of the Deep Freeze Range (northern Victoria Land, Antarctica) experienced high-T/low-F metamorphism during the Cambro-Ordovician Ross orogeny. The reaction Bt + Sil + Qtz = Grt + Crd + Kfs + melt was responsible for the formation of migmatites. Peak conditions were c. 700–750° C, c. 3.5–5 kbar and xH2Oc. 0.5). Distribution of fluid inclusions is controlled by host rock type: (1) CO2-H2O fluid inclusions occur only in graphite-free leucosomes; (2) CO2–CH4± H2O fluid inclusions are the most common type in leucosomes, and in graphite-bearing mesosomes and gneiss; and (3) CO2–N2–CH4 fluid inclusions are observed only in the gneiss, and subordinately in mesosomes. CO2–H2O mixtures (41% CO2, 58% H2O, 1% Nad mol.%) are interpreted as remnants of a synmig-matization fluid; their composition and density are compatible P–T–aH2O conditions of migmatization (c. 750° C, c. 4 kbar, xH2Oc. 0.5). CO2-H2O fluid in graphite-free leucosomes cannot originate via partial melting of graphite-bearing mesosomes in a closed system; this would have produced a mixed CO2–CH4 fluid in the leucosomes by a reaction such as Bt + Sil + Qtz + C ± H2O = Grt + Crd + Kfs + L + CO2+ CH4. We conclude that an externally derived oxidizing CO2-H2O fluid was present in the middle crust and initiated anatexis. High-density CO2-rich fluid with traces of CH4 characterizes the retrograde evolution of these rocks at high temperatures and support isobaric cooling (P–T anticlockwise path). In unmigmatized gneiss, mixed CO2–N2–CH4 fluid yields isochores compatible with peak metamorphic conditions (c. 700–750° C, c. 4–4.5 kbar); they may represent a peak metamorphic fluid that pre-dated the migmatization.
Caspian Sea surface circulation variability inferred from satellite altimeter and sea surface temperature

Multiyear (1993–2007) satellite-derived Sea Level Anomaly (SLA), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and model-derived mean dynamic topography were used together to analyze climatological and interannual variations of the Caspian Sea surface circulation. Constructed geostrophic currents are in good agreement with the known circulation features of the Caspian Sea, obtained from models and verified by some drifter observations. It is shown that the climatological surface circulation of the Middle Caspian Sea (MCS) is dominated by a basin-wide cyclonic circulation in winter, switching to an anticyclonic circulation in summer. A dipole pattern (an anticyclonic eddy near 39.5°N and a cyclonic one near 38°N) exist in the Southern Caspian Sea (SCS) (stronger from September to January). Evaluation of the multiyear geostrophic velocities shows that the Caspian Sea surface circulation exhibits strong interannual variations, with the location and intensity of the circulation patterns changing from one year to another.
Endocrine disrupting pesticides

Food and environmental samples represent nowadays an enormous challenge to analytical chemists in their efforts to determine residues of pesticides at trace levels, as pesticides can represent a risk for consumer and also safeguard the biodiversity in the environment. The concern has increased as certain pesticides and other synthetic chemicals may act as pseudo hormones which disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system in humans and wildlife (Colborn et al., 1993; Lintelmann et al., 2003). This specific category of pollutants comprises the compounds that may affect the normal hormonal function or possess endocrine-related functions, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or endocrine disrupters. During the last decades the interest and concern related to endocrine disrupters among scientists, regulators and public has increased. In the last years a great deal of concern has been expressed worldwide over the increasing levels of EDCs found in the environment. This anxiety is caused by the adverse effects of these pollutants on the hormone systems of humans and wildlife even when present at levels under ppb (Jobling, 2004).
Magnetic anomalies in the South Atlantic and ocean floor spreading

Magnetic profiles across the South Atlantic Ocean from the Rio Grande rise and Argentine basin to the southwest coast of Africa and between 25° and 50°S are presented. Anomalies have been correlated from profile to profile, and the resulting magnetic pattern is parallel to and symmetric about the axis of the mid-Atlantic ridge. The observed magnetic pattern in the South Atlantic Ocean is very similar to the pattern observed across the East Pacific rise in the Pacific Ocean. The results have been interpreted as supporting ocean floor spreading and the hypothesis of Vine and Matthews for the origin of the anomalous field. Possible fracture zones, the Rio Grande rise, and the Walvis ridge are discussed.
Field-evaluation of DRAINMOD for predicting waterlogging intensity and drain performance in South-Western Australia

Waterlogging is common on sloping duplex soils in south-western Australia and causes damage to non-irrigated cereal crops and pastures. The factors which affect the performance of surface seepage interceptor drains installed to reduce this waterlogging are complex because the soils are very variable and have preferred pathways for groundwater flow. We compared DRAINMOD's predictions with field measured waterlogging intensity and drain flow over 3 years near Mt Barker and Narrogin in Western Australia. DRAINMOD failed to accurately predict waterlogging intensities and drain flows because water can move through macropores which bypass the soil matrix. At Mt Barker, DRAINMOD overpredicted waterlogging intensity by between 120% in a wet year and 650% in a very dry year. Drain flows were underpredicted by 148% in the driest year. At Narrogin, DRAINMOD underpredicted waterlogging intensity each year (rainfall was below average each year) and drain flow in the driest two years. However, by increasing Ks of the topsoil and adjusting Ks of the subsoil clay, DRAINMOD predictions agreed with measured responses. DRAINMOD can be used to predict waterlogging intensities and drain flows in duplex soils in the >450 mm annual rainfall areas of south-western Australia provided adjustments are made to the field point-measured Ks. Reliability increases with increasing rainfall during the growing season.
Melt–water accumulation on the surface of the greenland ice sheet: effect on albedo and mass balance

Satellite–derived albedo maps of the western part of the Greenland ice sheet (between 64.5 and 70.5 ∘ N) reveal a north–south extending zone with relatively low albedos at some distance from the ice margin. In the literature it has been hypothesized that this “dark zone” is due to a local maximum in melt–water accumulation on the ice–covered surface. A plausible explanation for this maximum in melt–water accumulation is thatrelative to the situation within the “dark zone”, melt–water accumulation is reduced at higher elevations by a smaller melt–water production rate whereas runoff occurs more easily at lower elevations where slopes are generally steeper. For the present paper AVHRR images from eight years (1990–1997) were analysed. The following indications confirming the “melt–water accumulation hypothesis” were found: (1) there is a significant correlation between the annual mean albedo lowering within the “dark zone” and the annual amount of melt as inferred from local mass–balance measurements; and (2) within each summer season the albedo lowering within the “dark zone” seems to respond to the melt–water production rate as inferred from local temperature measurements. The effect of melt–water accumulation on the albedo implies a positive feedback between the albedo and the amount of melt. It is estimated that approximately 40% of the interannual mass–balance variations in the “dark zone” are due to this feedback.
Barcoding a Quantified Food Web: Crypsis, Concepts, Ecology and Hypotheses

The efficient and effective monitoring of individuals and populations is critically dependent on correct species identification. While this point may seem obvious, identifying the majority of the more than 100 natural enemies involved in the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana – SBW) food web remains a non-trivial endeavor. Insect parasitoids play a major role in the processes governing the population dynamics of SBW throughout eastern North America. However, these species are at the leading edge of the taxonomic impediment and integrating standardized identification capacity into existing field programs would provide clear benefits. We asked to what extent DNA barcoding the SBW food web would alter our understanding of the diversity and connectence of the food web and the frequency of generalists vs. specialists in different forest habitats. We DNA barcoded over 10% of the insects collected from the SBW food web in three New Brunswick forest plots from 1983 to 1993. For 30% of these specimens, we amplified at least one additional nuclear region. When the nodes of the food web were estimated based on barcode divergences (using molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTU) or phylogenetic diversity (PD) – the food web became much more diverse and connectence was reduced. We tested one measure of food web structure (the “bird feeder effect”) and found no difference compared to the morphologically based predictions. Many, but not all, of the presumably polyphagous parasitoids now appear to be morphologically-cryptic host-specialists. To our knowledge, this project is the first to barcode a food web in which interactions have already been well-documented and described in space, time and abundance. It is poised to be a system in which field-based methods permit the identification capacity required by forestry scientists. Food web barcoding provided an effective tool for the accurate identification of all species involved in the cascading effects of future budworm outbreaks. Integrating standardized barcodes within food webs may ultimately change the face of community ecology. This will be most poignantly felt in food webs that have not yet been quantified. Here, more accurate and precise connections will be within the grasp of any researcher for the first time.
The concept of a multibeam delay/Doppler radar altimeter

Radar altimeter can map the global geoid with high precision. This paper presents a new concept of mutibeam delay/Doppler radar altimeter which combines a liner array of nadir receivers and a nadir transmitter. The delay/Doppler technology is applied in the along track, and the array signal processing technology in the cross track. The key innovation in this concept is that fan-beams form in both along track and across track, and range correction is applied in across track as in along track, so that it could provide high precision with wide swath. But the 3D-matrix store and processing of the raw data from receivers are much more complicated than a conventional radar altimeter and a delay/Doppler radar altimeter. It could provide height profile with high precision for left scene and right scene, respectively, and leave small footprints at far range as at near range. It could also lead to uniform cross section in each resolution cell.
The dog and the frisbee

would like to thank Dele Adeleye, Rita Babihuga, Tamiko Bayliss, James Benford, Charles Bean, Johanna Cowan, Jas Ellis, Sujit Kapadia, Kirsty Knott, Priya Kothari, David Learmonth, Colin Miles, Emma Murphy, Paul Nahai-Williamson, Tobias Neumann, Victoria Saporta, Rhiannon Sowerbutts, Gowsikan Shugumaran and Iain de Weymarn for their comments and contributions. We are particularly grateful to Gerd Gigerenzer for stimulating conversations on these issues.
Statistical analysis of a subspace method for bearing estimation without eigendecomposition

The paper studies the statistical properties of a subspace-based method for bearing estimation without eigendecomposition. For easy reference, we use the acronym BEWE (bearing estimation without eigendecomposition) for the method. The BEWE large-sample variance is derived and shown to be bounded from below by the MUSIC large-sample variance. The drawback of being less accurate than MUSIC is balanced by BEWE's computational advantage. In addition, it is shown that, unlike MUSIC, BEWE can accommodate the case of spatially finitely-correlated sensor noise.
Use of correlations between long‐lived atmospheric species in assessment studies

The results of airborne measurement campaigns and two-dimensional (2-D) model calculations show compact relationships between certain pairs of long-lived species. Such correlations have been used in the present study to reduce the number of transported species used in the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) two-dimensional chemical transport model (2-D CTM) when calculating ozone changes from proposed fleets of supersonic aircraft or changing halocarbon concentrations. Differences to both the composition of the background atmosphere and to the predicted ozone changes are examined. It is shown that the use of correlations has only a small effect on the predicted ozone changes. Larger differences are found for the changing halocarbon scenario than for the supersonic aircraft scenario. These differences are due to difficulties associated with correctly accounting for the time variation of the source gas mixing ratios. Further work is required to reduce this source of error. The results of these studies should be applicable to 3-D CTMs, where large savings in computational time can be achieved through the reduction in the number of transported species.
Visuality, Hybridity, and Colonialism: Imagining Ethiopia Through Colonial Aviation, 1935–1940

This article examines the discursive construction of visual imaginations of Italian East Africa through visual and textual materials associated with fascist colonial civil aviation from 1934 through 1940. Analysis of materials produced by Ala Littoria, the fascist regime's main airline, reveals discursive strands and themes that contributed to the deeply modern depiction of Ethiopia, Italian Somaliland, and Eritrea (the constituent colonies within Italian East Africa) as “natural” landscapes that could be accessed, consumed, and dominated through the air, and in particular through aviation technology and the institution of a colonial civil aviation network in East Africa. Aviation was as a hybrid technology that contributed to the discursive, and therefore material, imaginative construction of Italian East Africa through aviation's material and technological basis as well as its visual representation.
Comparison of Winter Precipitation Measurements by Six Tretyakov Gauges at the Valdai Experimental Site

Abstract Analyses of long-term (1991–2010) intercomparison data quantify the consistency of winter precipitation observations by six identical Tretyakov gauges at the Valdai research station in Russia. Relative to the standard Tretyakov gauge, the mean catch ratios are 97 to 106% for dry snow, 94 to 104% for wet snow, 87 to 109% for blowing snow, 96 to 103% for mixed precipitation, and 98 to 101% for winter rain. The differences between the highest and lowest mean catches are about 10 to 11% for snow, 7% for mixed precipitation, and 3% for rain. On average, this difference is about 0.2 mm over the 12-hour observation period. The catch difference for blowing snow is much higher, up to 22%, or an average of 0.6 mm per observation. Comparisons of 12-hour observations show better consistency in gauge performance for low snowfall events and a large variation in gauge catch for high snowfall events. The differences in 12-hour snow catches are mostly less than 2 mm among the six gauges. The differences in the 12-hour observations are less than 1% for rain and 4% for mixed precipitation. Close linear relationships exist between the 12-hour gauge observations for all precipitation types. The maximum differences in gauge snow catches increase very weakly with wind speed, and higher differences are associated with warmer temperatures, from −5°C to 0°C. There is, however, no significant relationship between the maximum catch difference and the mean wind speed or temperature over the 12-hour period.