ALBERT

Notes: Lg records analysis and numerical modelling of Lg propagation are used to find out to what extent this phase can be seen as a marker of unidentified structural anomalies in the crust. This study is based on Lg propagation through the Pyrenean range from earthquakes located in Spain.We have first evaluated the mean value of the S-wave quality factor for central Spain. We have computed simultaneously the seismic station responses and the source functions. The correction for propagation effects, assuming a homogeneous attenuation and the theoretical calculation of the Lg excitation, lead to the seismic moment of each event. The moment magnitude obtained correlates well with the magnitude proposed by the local networks. This gives a confirmation of the Q model in the low-frequency range (1-5 Hz). As we intended to compare traces of different Spanish earthquakes recorded in France at different epicentral distances, we had to make amplitudes independent of propagation and source effects. Therefore, we corrected the spectral amplitudes for geometrical spreading, anelastic attenuation and normalized them to equal seismic moment.We then plotted the records as a function of group velocity, in order to make up a fan profile along the Pyrenean axis. The resulting section reveals that in the central and the eastern parts of the range, neither the North Pyrenean Fault, nor the Moho jump deduced from seismic-refraction experiments and vertical seismics, seem to affect Lg propagation. However, there is an extinction of the Lg phase in the western part of the chain. The lateral extent of this area is correlated with a zone of positive gravity anomaly, probably linked to the presence of dense material of mantle origin. A numerical simulation in the low-frequency band indicates that the Moho topography inferred from deep seismic soundings does not explain the strength of the observed attenuation. Ray-tracing seismograms show that, at high frequency, the conclusion is the same. The attenuation effect due to lateral variation of structure should not be so strong. We, therefore, think that attenuation of guided waves is not due to large-scale geometry effects, but is due to local properties of the crustal materials, possibly apparent attenuation due to scattering on small-scale heterogeneities.

Notes: Rates of predation on 0-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa. in aquaria were compared under four different combinations of conditions to test the hypothesis that the presence of sand in which they may bury affords a refuge from predators. The effect of light and darkness on predation rate was also examined, Two crustaceans, the shrimp, Crangon crangon, and the portunid crab, Liocarcinus holatus, and two fishes, cod, Gadus morhua, and pollack, Pollachius pollachius, were used as predators. Predaton rates were significantly higher in the dark for all predators except pollack. Predation rates in the absence of sand were signifcantly greater only for pollack. The results suggest that predation rates on plaice during their juvenile nursery stage on sandy beaches will be significantly greater during darkness than during the day. Burying in sand appears to provide only a partial refuge from predation, perhaps because natural predators have evolved effective methods of foraging for buried prey.

Notes: A field survey of populations of goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabms rupestris) was undertaken on selected areas of rocky coast of west Scotland. Observations by sub-aqua diving were used to determine distribution, habitat preference, and population density, and their seasonal variations. Availability of the preferred refuge type (crevices on rock faces, or between boulders, where two or more entrances exist) was essential in determining goldsinny presence. Goldsinny were not always present in areas or at depths where the influences of freshwater runoff (low temperatures and salinities) were likely, even if the preferred habitat type was available. In areas remote from these influences, and where there were suitable refuges, depth of water (0–44 m), macroalgal cover and high current speeds (2.1–3.6 ms−1) did not affect goldsinny distribution. Observed densities of goldsinny reached a peak in summer months with a maximum of 4.0 m−2 in areas of shallow boulder scree, but only 1.0 m−2 in shallow areas with little scree, or at deeper study sites. Numbers of goldsinny observed actively swimming decreased after October, with a rapid disappearance in November. A gradual reappearance was recorded in late April, and early May. Changes in activity may be influenced by both water temperature and photoperiod. Young-of-the-year goldsinny were first observed in August in shallow water (0–8 m) areas typified by rock/boulder scree and/or high macroalgal cover. Where adults also inhabited these nursery areas, 0+ fish could make up over 50% of the total population. After their first winter, juvenile goldsinny may migrate away from inshore sites.

Notes: Summary Fluvial salmonids have evolved to use the diversity of habitats in natural streams for different life history stages and at different seasons. Required freshwater habitat of Atlantic salmon can be classified generally as that suitable (i) for spawning, (ii) for feeding during the major growing period, and (iii) for overwintering. Spawning habitat of salmon is usually in rapid water at the tail of pools on the upstream edge of a gravel bar, ideally with depths about 25 cm, in mean water velocities of about 30–45 cm s-1, with maximum velocities about 2 body lengths s-1, and with a substrate of irregularly shaped stones of cobble, pebble, and gravel. Underyearling salmon (〈7 cm TL) are most common in shallow (〈15 cm) pebbly riffles, whereas older and larger parr (〉7 cm TL) are usually in riffles deeper than 20 cm with a coarse substrate. Depth preference increases with size. Multiple linear regression models quantifying parr habitat have identified substrate as an important variable, with a positive relationship to an index of coarseness. Negative relationships were found with mean stream width, range of discharge, and overhanging cover. Water chemistry, especially alkalinity, nitrates, and phosphates, are important regulators of production. Although similar variables had importance, coefficients among rivers differed. Interactions occur among variables. Further studies are required to quantify productive capacity of habitat for parr. Results suggest that useful models can be derived and if a river system is mapped, and stratified by habitat, then smolt yield could be predicted and the required egg deposition could be estimated. In winter, young salmon shelter among coarse substrate or move to pools, but continue feeding, with larger parr being more active. Feeding is in general opportunistic. Food consists mainly of insects, taken primarily in the water column, but also from the surface and at the bottom. Young salmon in flowing water are highly territorial but are less so in slow or still waters. In fast water, parr use their large pectoral fins to apply themselves to the substrate, allowing them to occupy this type of habitat with little expenditure of energy. Height above the substrate decreases with water velocity, but increases with temperature and social status. Although riffles are preferred habitat, and are relatively more productive, lentic waters can be occupied where there are few predators or severe competitors and may provide significant smolt yield in some systems. Selective segregation minimizes competition between salmon and brook charr or brown trout, but brook charr and brown trout may have negative effects on underyearling salmon, and on parr in pools, whereas salmon have negative effects on small brook charr and brown trout in riffles and flats. Competition by both interference and exploitation results in interactive segregation when the resource, mainly food, becomes limiting. Limited downstream movement of underyearling salmon may occur during the summer. Older juveniles may make upstream movements, but generally migrate downstream, with most movements in the spring, and a lesser peak of activity in the autumn. Dispersal tends to be mainly downstream, indicating that for full distribution, spawning areas are best located upstream. High densities of yearling parr may have negative effects on growth and survival of underyearlings in some river systems, but apparently not in others, so that future research is required in this regard. Density-dependent growth is evident where food is limiting, and can provide an indicator of densities of cohorts so that if a quantitative relationship has been derived, mean size from a sample can give an estimate of the density at that station, with minimum size occurring at carrying capacity. Such regressions vary between habitats with differing productive capabilities, so that future research could provide useful models for assessing productive capacity of a habitat, and optimum densities. Life history strategies can change with changes in density-dependent growth rates. Present stock-recruitment functions do not take environmental variables into consideration, and have limited applicability. Further research is required to determine optimum spawning requirements for salmon in different types of river systems in different geographical areas.

Notes: Abstract This paper describes a three-dimensional finite element-strain energy method for characterizing vibration coupling effects on damping of laminated composites. The analysis was performed on graphite-epoxy laminated cantilever beams in two stacking sequences: (i) 12-ply symmetric laminates [12(θ)], and (ii) 12-ply antisymmetric laminates [6(θ)/6(−θ)]. Thus, the effects of vibration coupling between bending and twisting in symmetric laminates, and between extension and bending in antisymmetric laminates on damping were studied. A modal strain energy method was applied in a finite-element formulation to solve for the natural frequencies, mode shapes and energy dissipation of the laminates. The coupling energy dissipation was separated from the non-coupling energy dissipation by the decomposition of the total energy dissipation in order to study its contribution to damping. The results of the first three modes, which includes two flexural modes and one torsional mode, are presented. The resulting torsional damping data are generally higher than the flexural damping data. The coupling effects on damping in flexural modes were found to be more significant than those in torsional modes, and such effects appear to be dependent upon the fibre angle and the vibration mode of interest. The coupling effects appear to increase damping in flexural modes, and were found to be maximized at a fibre angle around 30°. The non-coupling energy dissipation was found to be more dominant for the flexural modes at a fibre angle of 90°, and it appears to be more dominant at a fibre angle of 0° in torsional modes, however.