bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arguments for and against Teaching Suicide Prevention in Schools
Authors: Hazell Philip , King Ray
Published: November 2007

A paper based on a workshop presented to the Suicide Prevention Australia conference, ‘Suicide. Who Cares?’, on 15 March 1995 in Sydney

Objective: To present arguments for and against the provision of curriculum-based suicide prevention programs in schools.

Method: The authors developed their arguments independently, based on the available literature on school-based programs, prior to debating the topic at a national conference on suicide prevention.

Results: The rationale for school-based programs is that the school has the responsibility: to resolve problems that interfere with education; to teach health education; and to acknowledge a duty of care to parents and to the community as well as to youth. Primary prevention programs in schools are not aimed at so-called ‘at-risk’ students, but potential ‘helpers’, based on the knowledge that peers are a primary support for troubled adolescents. One measure of the efficacy of school-based prevention programs must be the extent to which there is an increase in the tendency for adolescents to turn to adults for help. There is ample evidence that increasing the tendency for adolescents to approach adults for help is achievable. The argument against such programs is that evidence from evaluation research suggests that they are ineffective, inefficient, not universally acceptable, and of questionable safety. Conclusions: Those persuaded by the positive argument will wish to see these programs adopted in all Australian secondary schools. Those persuaded by the negative argument will recommend that suicide prevention resources be allocated to activities other than school-based suicide education programs.
Group Peer Review: A Questionnaire-Based Survey
Authors: Beatson Josephine , Rushford Nola , Halasz George , Lancaster Jeanette , Prager Shirley
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper presents the findings from a questionnaire-based survey of psychiatrists designed to elucidate the positive and negative aspects of group peer review and its perceived place in accountability procedures, and to provide information about how accountability through group peer review might be improved.

Method: Three hundred and eighty-eight psychiatrists were surveyed via mail-out questionnaire. Demographic data, details of groups, and perceptions of beneficial and detrimental effects of group peer review were sought from group participants and non-participants. Attitudes of participants were compared with those of non-participants. Features of groups related to satisfaction in participants were examined.

Results: The majority of the 170 respondents participating in groups regarded peer review as a means of maintaining and improving skills, sharing ideas and methods, receiving constructive criticism and feedback, of educational benefit and an important source of professional accountability. Non-participants, while less positive overall, responded equally that participation in peer review groups would be an effective response to accountability procedures. Potential detrimental effects and problems with the functioning of peer review groups were elucidated.

Conclusions: Group peer review contributes significantly to professional accountability and education in well-functioning groups. Further strategies for the facilitation of group functioning and for the processing of problems arising in group peer review need to be developed to optimise its contribution to the maintenance and improvement of professional standards.
Recruitment and Retention of Psychiatrists in Non-Metropolitan Public Positions in Queensland: Research on ‘Queensland Health's Response’
Authors: Emmerson Brett , Brown Peggy , Whiteford Harvey , McVie Ness , Kuipers Willem
Published: November 2007

Objective: To evaluate Queensland Health's recruitment campaign of 15 full-time psychiatrists to non-metropolitan areas between July 1992 and December 1993.

Method: A detailed 170-item Likert-type questionnaire was designed and mailed to all 15 psychiatrists. Thirteen questionnaires were completed and followed-up by a face to face interview.

Results: Findings indicate that most of those recruited were experienced senior specialists who came to the positions as result of personal contact and were attracted to non-metropolitan positions because of ‘lifestyle’ and ‘professional challenge’ variables. ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘professional’ variables were identified as major contributors to their retention. They reported that ‘bureaucracy’ and ‘social and family’ reasons would be the most likely cause of them considering leaving their current positions.

Conclusions: While the recruitment campaign was evaluated as successful, some aspects were clearly more influential than others. It was noted that factors which were likely to influence psychiatrists to leave non-metropolitan public sector positions were more ‘public’ than ‘non-metropolitan’ in nature.
Bipolar Disorder following a Stroke Involving the Left Hemisphere
Authors: Liu Chia-Yih , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Fuh Jong-Ling , Yang Yong-Yi , Liu Hsiu-Chih
Published: November 2007

Objective: Post-stroke mania has rarely been noted and researched, and reported cases have mostly involved the non-dominant hemisphere. In this paper, we report a case of bipolar disorder secondary to a stroke over the dominant hemisphere.

Clinical picture: A 48-year-old, right-handed man had a cerebral infarct over the left temporal region. He became depressed after the stroke, and 4 months later developed a manic episode.

Treatment: The patient was treated with haloperidol and lorazepam. Outcome: The symptoms subsided within 2 months after treatment. Conclusions: It is premature to consider mania to be a syndrome of the right, or non-dominant, hemisphere. We suggest that further study focusing on specific anatomical regions, rather than laterality, will help to elucidate the interrelationship between mood and brain function.
The Mental Health Status of Adolescents Released from Custody: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kosky Robert John , Sawyer Michael Gifford , Fotheringham Michael
Published: November 2007

Objective: To describe the prevalence of mental health problems and the social circumstances of young offenders after their release from custody in a juvenile detention centre.

Method: The subjects were 37 adolescents from an original sample of 101 adolescents who had been remanded in a juvenile detention centre in Adelaide, South Australia. The adolescents were evaluated at the time of their initial detention in custody and again 1 year later.

Results: The adolescents reported having a large number of social and mental health problems after their release from custody. One year after their release, 32% of the adolescents scored above the recommended ‘cut off score on the Youth Self Report. This represents a rate of disorder three to four times higher than that reported by adolescents in the community and is comparable to the rate reported by adolescents attending mental health clinics. Conclusions: Adolescents remanded in juvenile detention centres experience continuing mental health problems after their release from custody. As well, they experience considerable social dysfunction. There is an urgent need for more active therapeutic follow-up of these young people.
If the Referral Fits: Bridging the Gap between Patient and Referrer Requirements in a Tertiary Referral Unit
Authors: Eyers Kerrie , Wilhelm Kay , Brodaty Henry , Parker Gordon , Mitchell Philip , Hickie Ian , Boyce Philip
Published: November 2007

Objective: We examined the reasons for which doctors refer and patients request referral to our tertiary Mood Disorders Unit (MDU), focussing on congruence and ‘fit’, and the potential for more efficient use of referral resources. Method: A postal survey of patients (n=265 or 83% responders) and referrers (n=156 or 94% responders) sought views regarding referral and service components. Ratings from 156 matched referrer-patient dyads were compared. Results: Overall, referrers and patients were satisfied with the MDU. There was disparity between what referrers sought and what patients thought were the reasons for referral, and different perceptions of the value of interventions and the amount of improvement. Congruent matched referrer-patient judgements of patient outcome were more likely to correspond with objective clinician ratings than discordant ratings. Satisfaction with MDU contact or intervention was not necessarily linked to improvement; better management of chronic depression was also valued. Referrer and patient responses to open-ended questions highlighted beneficial ingredients of referral. Conclusions: There was considerable lack of fit between referrers' and patients' experience of the referral. Better communication between referrer and patients can clarify the purpose of referral and possibly lead to increased compliance with medical regimens.
The Inter-Rater and Test-Retest Reliabilities of Prodromal Symptoms in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Jackson Henry J. , McGorry Patrick D. , Harrigan Susan , Dakis Jenepher , Henry Lisa , Mihalopoulos Cathy
Published: November 2007

Objective: As part of the DSM-IV field trial for psychotic disorders, the authors endeavoured to determine the reliability of the DSM-IV prodromal features for schizophrenia in a first-episode sample.

Method: Fifty first-episode psychotic patients were assessed using a semi-structured instrument to determine the presence/absence of nine prodromal symptoms. Inter-rater reliability data were calculated for 25 of the patients, and test-retest data were calculated for the remaining 25 patients. Results: Levels of reliability were poor.

Conclusions: The results lend some support to American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization decisions to omit specific criteria for prodromal features from their respective nosologies.
Casemix and Affective Disorders: A Comparison of Private and Public Psychiatric Systems
Authors: Goldney Robert D. , Kent Penny , Elzinga Robert H.
Published: November 2007

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in length of stay for patients with affective disorders between private and public psychiatric hospitals.

Method: The casemix Australian national diagnosis-related group (AN-DRG) diagnoses of all inpatient separations from private and public psychiatric hospitals in South Australia for 1 year were abstracted from records. The average length of stay for patients with affective disorders was calculated. Results: There was no significant difference in the average length of stay for patients with affective disorders treated in private and public psychiatric hospitals.

Conclusions: These results should allay fears that the treatment of patients with affective disorders in any particular treatment setting will be compromised by the introduction of casemix.
Identification of Randomised Clinical Trials in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry for the Cochrane Collaboration
Authors: White Paul
Published: November 2007

Biased and otherwise unsystematic reviews of the literature may result in factual errors in the conclusions reached by reviewers. The Cochrane Collaboration is an attempt to address some of these concerns. Randomised clinical trials published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry are now available for inclusion in the Cochrane Collaboration reviews.
Access to Firearms and the Risk of Suicide: A Case Control Study
Authors: Beautrais Annette L. , Joyce Peter R. , Mulder Roger T.
Published: November 2007

Objective: This study examined the association between access to a firearm and risk of suicide in a consecutive sample of individuals who had made serious suicide attempts.

Method: The study used a case control design in which a sample of 197 individuals who died by suicide and 302 individuals who made medically serious suicide attempts was contrasted with 1028 randomly selected community control subjects.

Results: Suicide attempts by gunshot accounted for 1.3% of all serious suicide attempts (with non-fatal outcome) and 13.3% of suicides. However, among those making serious suicide attempts, gunshot had a high rate of fatality (83.3%). While access to a firearm was associated with increased risks that gunshot would be chosen as the method of suicide attempt (OR = 107.9; CI = 24.8-469.5), this access was not associated with significant increases in the risk of suicide (OR = 1.4; CI = 0.96-1.99).

Conclusions: For this sample, access to a firearm was not associated with a significant increase in the risk of suicide, although such access was associated with an increased probability that gunshot would be chosen as the method of suicide attempt.
Competence and the Elderly Patient with Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Ryan Shane P.
Published: November 2007

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the assessment of competence in the elderly, focusing particulary on individuals with cognitive impairments.

Method: An analysis of autonomy forms the basis of an ethical discussion which attempts to modify the existing concept of competence. Results and conclusion: A discussion of the factors which influence competence is presented including variations in situation, task and degree of risk. A critical analysis of four standards of competence is presented, leading to a discussion of the standards which can most successfully promote self-determination in elderly patients. Finally, three classes of competence are suggested which extend the criteria of competence to patients with cognitive deficits.
The Psychiatric Care of People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Perceptions of Consultant Psychiatrists in Victoria
Authors: Lennox Nicholas , Chaplin Robert
Published: November 2007

Objective: This study was undertaken to establish the perceptions of psychiatrists regarding the care of people with intellectual disabilities. Method: A 28-item self-administered questionnaire was developed, piloted and sent on two occasions to 467 psychiatrists who receive the newsletter of the Victorian branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. The questionnaire incorporated a Likert scale to document the opinions of the respondents.

Results: A response rate of 51.1 % was achieved. The respondents indicated that, in their opinion, people with intellectual disabilities receive a poor standard of care in the inpatient and community setting. To improve this situation, the following strategies were recommended: the development of improved liaison between services; improved training for all personnel who provide services to people with intellectual disabilities; the development of greater resources; and support for professionals working in the area. The study also indicates that there is a core group of very interested psychiatrists who are currently practising and that people with intellectual disabilities are accessing private psychiatric services. In addition, the results suggest that diagnostic overshadowing is not a major barrier to psychiatric assessment, and that disorders which were presumed to be commonly overlooked by doctors (such as depression) are in fact frequently being diagnosed.

Conclusions: Despite some positive findings, the majority of psychiatrists who responded held major concerns about the situation of people with intellectual disabilities. To improve the care provided to these people, it is recommended that these concerns are addressed by the psychiatric profession and responsible government departments in conjunction with university departments of psychiatry.
Psychiatric Disorder among Adolescents in Custody
Authors: Richards Ian
Published: November 2007

Objective: To determine the diagnostic breakdown and comorbid patterns of 100 consecutive cases referred for psychiatric consultation at juvenile detention centres, and to compare diagnoses according to gender and legal status. Method: Diagnoses were made at the time of an initial semi-structured clinical interview, and reviewed after follow-up.

Results: There was an appreciable minority of young offenders with non-behaviour disordered diagnoses as well as a large number with conduct disorder and substance abuse. Conduct disorder and affective disorder were most influential on adjustment in the community.

Conclusion: Psychiatric initiatives are essential in the management of serious young offenders.
The Status of Ethics Education in Australasian Psychiatry
Authors: Coverdale John H.
Published: November 2007

Objective: To determine to what extent ethics is taught and how it is taught to psychiatrists-in-training across Australasia.

Method: Anonymous mail-out survey of training directors.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 23 of 25 training directors (response rate = 92%) who reported on 625 trainee psychiatrists. Individual one-to-one case supervision was adopted by 96% of the programs for teaching ethics; formal teaching in seminars or lectures was chosen as the second most common method in 70% of programs. Topics most commonly taught in formal seminars were so taught in only 70% of programs or less.

Conclusion: A uniform curriculum in psychiatric ethics is needed. The results are discussed in relation to identified needs for improvement.
Descriptors of Depression: The Importance of Agreed Definitions
Authors: Parker Gordon , Sengoz Ayse
Published: November 2007

Objective: We suggest that some descriptors and criteria of depressive features lack clarity or are overinclusive, with definitional limitations and vagaries in rating options, leading to variable ratings of similar items across differing measures as well as cloudy interpretation of positive ratings.

Method: We illustrate these limitations by reference to two items: ‘guilt’ and ‘distinct quality of mood’.

Results: We note problems emerging from confounded and imprecise definitions.

Conclusions: We emphasise the need for definitions of depressive descriptors possessing greater specificity.
The Aversiveness of Specific Emotional States Associated with Binge-Eating in Obese Subjects
Authors: Kenardy Justin , Arnow Bruce , Agras W. Stewart
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that non-purge-related binge-eating in obesity is maintained by a ‘trade-off’ in which a highly aversive emotional state is exchanged for a less aversive state.

Method: Ninety-eight obese binge-eaters meeting the DSM-IV criteria for binge-eating disorder [1] were contrasted with 65 non-binge-eating controls on their perceived distress associated with negative mood states usually experienced before and after binges.

Results: Binge-eaters reported significantly greater distress and lower tolerance of negative mood compared to controls. Furthermore, when compared with controls, binge-eaters reported that emotions typically reported before binges (e.g. anger) were more aversive than those reported after (e.g. guilt). Conclusions: These results were interpreted as supporting the ‘trade-off’ theory and have implications for the treatment of binge-eating disorder.
Drug Strategies and Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Pantelis Christos , Barnes Thomas R.E.
Published: November 2007

Objectives: The aims of the paper are to review the notion of treatment resis- tance in schizophrenia and consider the factors important in determining non- responsiveness to standard neuroleptic treatment, and to review the strategies currently available in the treatment of such patients, including an evaluation of recently-introduced, novel drug treatments.

Method: A selective review of the literature relating to treatment resistance was undertaken using medline searches, followed by cross-checking for further articles identified in these references.

Results: The various treatment approaches available are considered, including adjunctive treatment with lithium or carbamazepine. The risks and benefits of high dose antipsychotic treatment are discussed. The possible benefits and side-effects of new treatments, particularly the atypical neuroleptics, are also reviewed.

Conclusions: The reasons why a proportion of patients with schizophrenia fail to respond to standard neuroleptic treatment are ill-understood. Nevertheless, initial assessment should include identification of any factors that may be related to a patient's poor response, such as poor compliance, substance use or epilepsy. This may help to determine an appropriate treatment strategy. There is a need to be systematic and to ensure that patients be given an adequate trial of each treatment tested in terms of duration and dosage. The available evidence does not support the use of high doses of neuroleptics for the majority of patients. Adjunctive treatments, such as lithium, carbamazepine or benzodiazepines may be beneficial in non-responsive patients, particularly if certain target symptoms are present. Atypical neuroleptics, particularly clozapine, have proved particularly effective in non-responsive patients as well as those sensitive to the motor side-effects of standard drugs. However, the high risk of agranulocytosis with clozapine is a problem; also, the drug and the necessary haematological monitoring are expensive. There are hints that some of the other, new, atypical neuroleptics have some benefit in non-responsive patients, but controlled studies are required.
Progress and Evaluation of a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service to an Obstetric-Gynaecology Hospital
Authors: Phillips Nicole , Dennerstein Lorraine , Farish Stephen
Published: November 2007

Objective: Recently we described the establishment and first 6 months of a psychiatric consultation-liaison service to a Melbourne obstetric-gynaecology teaching hospital. The follow-up report evaluates the service in two ways: first, it compares referral data for the 12 months of 1992 with that of the first 6 months of operation in 1990; and second, it reports on results of a survey of referrer and patient satisfaction with the service.

Method: Referral data were collected for the data comparison from the consultation-liaison referral book and patients' files. Referrer and patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaires sent to 45 medical staff, 7 charge nurses, and 100 consecutive patients.

Result: A fairly constant referral rate for inpatients has emerged at 0.8%, this very low referral rate being some cause for concern. An internal shift in the type of referrals over time has developed, with an increase in obstetric and a decrease in gynaecology referrals. High referrer satisfaction, with 86% of the doctors finding the consultation(s) “very” or “quite” helpful, and high patient satisfaction, with 83% of respondents having found the consul tat ion(s) “very” or “quite” helpful, was found.

Conclusions: Despite high referrer and consumer satisfaction, and objective evidence of need, this pioneering consultation-liaison service in obstetric-gynaecology continues to be grossly under-utilised. Increasing the referral rate will be one of the greatest challenges in the future of this service.
Computer AIDS to Treatment in Psychiatry
Authors: Kirkby Kenneth Clifford , Lambert Timothy J.
Published: November 2007

Objective: A critical discussion is presented of computer-administered treatments in psychiatry, focusing on the results of outcome studies, the range of approaches under investigation, and advantages and disadvantages of this treatment approach.

Method: A selective review of controlled outcome studies, comparing computer and human therapist administered treatments in clinical populations was made.

Results: The small number of studies reported suggest that computer administered forms are no less effective than human therapists for circumscribed, structured cognitive and behavioural interventions, and are acceptable to patients.

Conclusions: Putative computer-administered treatments will become commonplace. They will require thorough evaluation of benefits, risks and costs to determine their proper role in relation to the alternative treatments available.
Adrenal Carcinoma and Hypertension Presenting with Catatonic Stupor
Authors: Steinberg Paul
Published: November 2007

A case of adrenal carcinoma with severe hypertension referred for treatment of “catatonia” illustrates the need for a high index of suspicion of organic mental disorder in medical patients, even when there is clinical evidence of a psychiatric condition and a history of psychosocial stressors. This case illustrates the need for concurrent medical and psychiatric investigation when there is a problem differentiating medical from psychiatric disturbance.
Use of Interpreters in Individual Psychotherapy
Authors: Baxter Helen , Cheng Louis Yang-Ching
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper was written after one of the authors treated a case by individual therapy using an interpreter, as patient and therapist spoke different languages. There is little literature on this subject, and this paper describes our findings and recommendations for using this approach.

Method: A 15-year-old Chinese, Cantonese-speaking in-patient in Hong Kong was treated with individual psychodynamic psychotherapy by an English- speaking Caucasian psychotherapist. The Chinese interpreter attended each session, and therapy was supervised by a bilingual Chinese supervisor. The alternative was to not carry out any therapy, as there was no other therapist available.

Results: The patient was treated for a total of 32 sessions. Issues involving language and culture differences between therapist and patient, issues of therapy in a triadic situation involving group dynamics, and specific therapy difficulties raised by the presence of the interpreter are discussed.

Conclusion: Therapy was not as effective as hoped, but the patient made some improvements. Finding a suitable interpreter is difficult and their role must be well defined. A bilingual supervisor is also needed to monitor the translation as well as supervising the therapist. Psychotherapy through an interpreter is feasible but not ideal.
Sleeping with the Past: The Ethics of Post-Termination Patient-Therapist Sexual Contact
Authors: Ryan Christopher James , Anderson Josephine
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of the paper is to devise an ethical argument to support the contention that post-termination patient–therapist sexual contact (PTSC) is always unethical.

Method: Arguments both defending and condemning post-termination PTSC are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses explored.

Results: Analysis of these arguments reveals a strong case for the universal condemnation of post-termination PTSC.

Conclusions: Ethical codes, including that of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, should be amended to explicitly prohibit post-termination PTSC.
Clinical Practice Issues in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
Authors: Wright Murray , Samuels Anthony , Streimer Jeffrey
Published: November 2007

Objective: To overview and highlight the issues currently challenging and confronting consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry and to present them for discussion in a wider forum.

Method: Following preliminary discussions, the authors (members of the New South Wales C-L Interest Group) undertook to selectively review a number of issues relevant to C-L psychiatry. A preliminary paper was prepared and then presented to the membership of the interest group. Feedback from this meeting was incorporated into the final version of the paper.

Results: Issues selected as a nidus for further discussion include economic issues, changing models of C–L practice, service issues as well as ethical issues. In addition, recognition of C–L psychiatry as a true subspeciality is foreshadowed.

Conclusion: This paper highlights some of the challenges for C–L psychiatry both now and in the future. Intuitive beliefs in our efficacy will not suffice in this era of economic rationalisation. Disciplined and focused research substantiating our value is imperative. Subspecialty recognition is likely to ensure uniformity of standards as well as providing the structure and direction required to consolidate C–L psychiatry's future.
The Reverend Samuel Marsden and the Beginning of the Mental Health Services
Authors: Dax Eric Cunningham
Published: November 2007

Remarkably little is recorded to suggest that lunacy was regarded as a problem in the transports, by the reported suicides or the reactions to starvation, privation and cruelty in the early years of settlement [1].

Nevertheless, in 1787, Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, was specifically directed to exercise powers regarding the insane. Part of these orders were: “Wee have thought fit to entrust you with the care and commitment of the said ideots and lunaticks and their estates” [2]. From then onwards nothing is heard of “the lunaticks” until after Samuel Marsden was given official duties in this field.
Aboriginal Communities and Suicide
Authors: Hunter Ernest
Published: November 2007

Collective despair, or collective lack of hope, will lead us to collective suicide. This type of suicide can take many forms, foreshadowed by many possible signs: identity crisis, loss of pride, every kind of dependence, denial of our customs and traditions, degradation of our environment, weakening of our language, abandonment of our struggle for our Aboriginal rights, our autonomy and our culture, uncaring acceptance of violence, passive acknowledgment of lack of work and unemployment, corruption of our morals, tolerance of drugs and idleness, parental surrendering of responsibilities, lack of respect for elders, envy of those who try to keep their heads up and who might succeed, and so on.
A Pilot Study of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale as a Measurement of Outcome in a Private Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Goldney Robertd , Fisher Laura J. , Walmsley Sonja , Kent Penny , Cooper Ashley W.
Published: November 2007

In this era of increasing accountability in health care there is a need for an easily administered reliable instrument to assess the outcome of patients treated for psychiatric illness. This need has been reviewed comprehensively by Andrews et al [1]. One of the several instruments they recommended was the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale instrument (HoNOS) [2,3]. This paper describes the introduction of the HoNOS in a private hospital setting.
Triaxial tests to determine a microstructure-based snow viscosity law
Authors: Bartelt Perry , Moos Markus Von
Published: November 2007

This paper describes a new triaxial testing apparatus designed to determine the creep (viscoelastic) behavior of snow. The device is deformation-controlled and can apply strain rates between 10–7 s–1 and 10–2s–1 in tension and compression. The sample volume change is determined by measuring the displaced pore-air volume. During winters 1997/98 and 1998/99, >100 compression and tension tests were carried out. It is shown that snow is a highly non-linear but ideal viscoelastic material with a strong strain-rate dependency. A selection of test results is provided. We show how snow viscosity varies with density and strain rate. In a final analysis we interpret our results with respect to snow microstructure in order to develop microstructure-based constitutive relations which can be implemented in finite-element programs. Our results clearly show that for snow densities and strain rates tested, straining of the grain bonds is the primary mechanism of deformation within the snow ice lattice.
Model of structure and mechanical properties of dry granular snow
Authors: Golubev Vladimir N. , Frolov Anatoly D.
Published: November 2007

The paper discusses the verification of a previously developed structural dry-snow model based on the regular packing of isometric grains connected by rigid bonds. Using this model, we consider the probable snow-compaction mechanisms at different snow-density ranges (from new to dense snow), limited by critical densities corresponding to the real values of the structural indices of the model: texture looseness, bond rigidity and coordination number. We also obtain the analytic expression for longitudinal wive velocity and for bulk compressibility of snow as functions of density and structural indices. The calculation enables us for the first time to show the whole range of possible values of these important characteristics and to deduce the most probable configuration of the ice matrix in snow of various densities corresponding to the experimental data available on the snow-texture peculiarities and elastic-wave velocities. The model can be used to comprehend the changes in snow mechanical properties during compaction, as well as the steps by which it proceeds.
Interferometric analysis of the deformation pattern of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, compared to field measurements and numerical modeling
Authors: Rack Wolfgang , Doake Christopher S. M. , Rott Helmut , Siegel Andreas , Skvarca Pedro
Published: November 2007

The motion field of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula, was analyzed using radar interferometry in combination with field measurements and finite-element model calculations. The ice shelf between Jason Peninsula and Seal Nunataks has been in steady retreat since January 1995. Model calculations suggest that the ice shelf is in a stage of irreversible retreat since the last calving events in summer 1998/99. The interferometric analysis is based on synthetic-aperture radar data of the tandem mission of European remote-sensing satellites ERS-1 and –2 in austral spring 1995. The phase contributions due to tidal motion were estimated from the vertical displacement at those parts of the grounding zone where the horizontal motion is close to zero" in order to separate the vertical and horizontal motion components over the ice shelf. Satellite-derived velocities compare well with the long-term field measurements along a transverse and a longitudinal profile. The real interferograms and synthetic interferograms, calculated from model velocities, show reasonable agreement over the main parts of the ice shelf, but differ in the boundary zones where the details are not resolved by the model.
Reducing the uncertainty in the contribution of Greenland to sea-level rise in the 20th and 21st centuries
Authors: Bugnion Véronique
Published: November 2007

Three methods to calculate summer snow- and ice melt are combined with a simplified climate model to estimate past, present and future values of accumulation and ablation on the Greenland ice sheet. This allows the reliability of the computationally efficient temperature-based parameterizations of melting to be compared to that of a more complicated physical model of the snow cover which calculates explicitly the formation of meltwater, refreezing and runoff. Six runs are subject to the same observed climatic forcing over the 20th century with different model parameters chosen. The range of change in sea level which accompanies these six runs is ωlcm. Because of a near-perfect cancellation between increases in accumulation and runoff, for a reference climate scenario similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s IS92a, the Greenland ice sheet is not expected to contribute significantly to changes in the ocean level over the 21st century. The uncertainty in these predictions is estimated by repeating the calculation for a range of climate-change scenarios.
Laboratory measurement of the shear strength of ice-filled rock joints
Authors: Davies Michael C. R. , Hamza Omar , Lumsden Bruce W. , Harris Charles
Published: November 2007

To assess the safety against failure of rock slopes in cold regions, such as high mountain areas, where stability is potentially maintained by ice in rock discontinuities, the shear strength of ice-filled rock joints was investigated in a series of direct shear-box tests. To permit control and repeatability, the experiments were conducted using simulated rock specimens. These were cast in the laboratory using high-strength concrete. Laboratory measurements showed that at a constant rate of shearing, the interface shear strength between ice and a joint surface of repeatable roughness is a function of both temperature and normal stress.
Snowmelt lysimeters in the evaluation of snowmelt models
Authors: Kattelmann Richard
Published: November 2007

Snowmelt lysimeters have been used occasionally to provide a physical measurement for testing models of snowpack energy balance and/or meltwater production. Despite the attractiveness of using records of snowpack outflow for comparison with model results, there are many difficulties with using such data for this purpose. The basic problem is poor correspondence between melt produced at the snow surface and water arriving at the base of the snowpack on a unit-area basis. Unenclosed snowmelt lysimeters allow lateral flow of water into and out of the column of snow overlying the collector. The well-known lateral flow of water in a snowpack allows the effective contributing area at the snowpack surface to be different from the surface area of the collector. Data from several years at two research stations in the Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A., illustrate the great variability of water flux measured by several collectors. However, the mean of accumulated outflow for a melt season from all the collectors tended to be close to the water equivalence of the overlying snowpack at the onset of snowmelt. Therefore, there is some hope that a set of small snowmelt lysimeters or a few large collectors can adequately sample outflow from the base of the snowpack.
Intercomparison of satellite-derived snow-cover maps
Authors: Hall Dorothy K. , Tait Andrew B. , Foster James L. , Chang Alfred T. C. , Allen Milan
Published: November 2007

In anticipation of the launch of the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra, and the Aqua spacecraft in 1999 and 2000, respectively, efforts are ongoing to determine errors of satellite-derived snow-cover maps. EOS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrora-diometer (MODIS) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-E (AMSR-E) snow-cover products will be produced. For this study we compare snow maps covering the same study areas in Canada and the United States, acquired from different sensors using different snow-mapping algorithms. Four locations are studied: (1) Saskatchewan, Canada; (2) New England (New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts) and eastern New York; (3) central Idaho and western Montana; and (4) North and South Dakota. Snow maps were produced using a prototype MODIS snow-mapping algorithm from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes of each study area at 30 m and when the TM data were degraded to 1 km resolution. U.S. National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC) 1km resolution snow maps were also used, as were snow maps derived from 0.5° × 0.5° resolution Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data. A land-cover map derived from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program land-cover map of North America was also registered to the scenes. The TM, NOHRSC and SSM/ I snow maps, and land-cover maps were compared digitally. In most cases, TM-derived maps show less snow cover than the NOHRSC and SSM/I maps because areas of incomplete snow cover in forests (e.g. tree canopies, branches and trunks) are seen in the TM data but not in the coarser-resolution maps which may map the areas as completely snow-covered. The snow maps generally agree with respect to the spatial variability of the snow cover. The 30 m resolutionTM data provide the most accurate snow maps, and are thus used as the baseline for comparison with the other maps. Results show that the changes in amount of snow cover, as compared to to the 30 m resolution TM maps, are lowest using the TM 1km resolution maps, at 0–40%. The greatest change (>100%) is found in the New England study area, probably due to the presence of patchy snow cover. A scene with patchy snow cover is more difficult to map accurately than is a scene with a well-defined snowline such as is found on the North and South Dakota scene where the changes were 0–40%. There are also some important differences in the amount of snow mapped using the two different SSM/I algorithms because they utilize different channels.
Comparison of spatial modelling and field evidence of glacier/permafrost relations in an Alpine permafrost environment
Authors: Kneisel Christof , Haeberli Wilfried , Baumhauer Roland
Published: November 2007

According to geographic information system-based modelling, the Muragl glacier forefield situated in the St Moritz area, eastern Swiss Alps, lies in a potential permafrost area. As an attempt to verify spatial modelling, BTS (bottom temperature of the winter snow cover) measurements, geoelectrical soundings and geomorphological mapping were carried out in order to investigate the present-day permafrost and ground-ice distribution in this forefield. Recent geomorphodynamic processes in the steep upper slopes of the cirque include small debris flows and several slides related to the occurrence of ground ice. The occurrence of fluted moraines and a well-developed push moraine provides geomorphological evidence for a complex thermal regime of the former Muragl glacier, with cold marginal parts frozen to the bed, and warm-based ice in more central parts where fluted moraines could develop. Details of the inferred glacier/permafrost interaction are difficult to interpret. The results of field measurements (BTS and geoelectrical soundings) in the recently deglaciated forefield indicate the local occurrence of permafrost in the forefield and in the push moraine. In most parts of the forefield, permafrost may be assumed to be a former subglacial occurrence. However, new permafrost formation in the recently deglaciated forefield cannot be excluded.
Antarctic regional modelling of atmospheric, sea-ice and oceanic processes and validation with observations
Authors: Bailey David A. , Lynch Amanda H.
Published: November 2007

High-latitude interactions of local-scale processes in the atmosphere-ice-ocean system have effects on the local, Antarctic and global climate. Phenomena including polynyas and leads are examples of such interactions which, when combined, have a significant impact on larger scales. These small-scale features, which are typically parameterized in global models, can be explicitly simulated using high-resolution regional climate system models. As such, the study of these interactions is well suited to a regional model approach and is considered here using the Arctic Regional Climate System Model (ARCSyM). This model has been used for many simulations in the Arctic, and is now implemented for the Antarctic. Observations of such processes in the Antarctic are limited, which makes model validation difficult. However, using the best available observations for an annual cycle, we have determined a suite of model parameterization which allows us to reasonably simulate the Antarctic climate. This work considers a fine-resolution (20 km) simulation in the Cosmonaut Sea region, with the eventual goal of elucidating the mechanisms in the formation and maintenance of the sensible-heat polynya which is a regular occurrence in this area. It was found in an atmosphere-sea-ice simulation that the ocean plays an important role in regulating the sea-ice cover in this region in compensating for the cold atmospheric conditions.
Ground surface-temperature reconstruction based on data from a deep borehole in permafrost at Janssonhaugen, Svalbard
Authors: Isaksen Ketil , Mühll Daniel Vonder , Gubler Hansueli , Kohl Thomas , Sollid Johan Ludvig
Published: November 2007

Analyses of the geothermal gradient in permafrost areas constitute a key signal of the ground-surface temperature history. Permafrost temperatures in selected areas are particularly well suited to reconstructing past surface-temperature changes, mainly because there is no thermal disturbance due to circulating groundwater. One year of temperature data from an instrumented 102 m deep borehole in permafrost on Janssonhaugen, Svalbard, is presented. Ground thermal properties are calculated. The average value for the thermal conductivity is 1.85 ±0.05 W m–1 K–1 , and the average value for the thermal diffusivity is 1.1m2 s–1, which gives a phase speed for the annual wave of 5.65 × KT2 m d–1. The depth of zero annual amplitude is 18 m The permafrost thickness is estimated as approximately 220 m. Analysis of the temperatures reveals an increasing temperature gradient with depth. Using a heat-conduction inversion model, a palaeoclimatic reconstruction is presented, showing a warming of the surface temperature over the last 60–80 years. The temperature profile represents a regional signal on Svalbard, which shows an inflection associated with near-surface warming of 1.5 ± 0.5°C in the 20th century.
Influences of avalanche-defence snow-supporting structures on ground temperature in Alpine permafrost terrain
Authors: Phillips Marcia , Bartelt Perry , Christen Marc
Published: November 2007

To investigate the effects of steel snow-supporting structures on the thermal regime of the ground in typical Alpine permafrost avalanche terrain, ground temperatures were monitored and simulated on an avalanche slope equipped with experimental snow-supporting structures. Temperature measurements were effected in lm boreholes above and below a row of snow nets and in two 18 m boreholes located between the structures and in a reference location. The presence of the structures can induce modifications of the temporal and spatial snow-cover distribution, leading to differences in active-layer temperatures just below and above the structures: snow accumulates above the supporting surface of the structures, and frequently there is less snow below. The long-term thermal effect of these variations near a snow net was simulated using a two-dimensional finite-element program based on heat conduction. The material and thermal characteristics of the ground simulated are obtained from temperature measurements and from borehole-core information.
Geometry and the deformation of pack ice: I. A simple kinematic model
Authors: Moritz Richard E. , Ukita Jinro
Published: November 2007

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.