ALBERT

Description:    This study examines biophysical and socio-demographic factors potentially affecting water use patterns of households with mandatory rainwater tanks in South East Queensland (SEQ). The Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP 4.2 promotes the use of rainwater tanks at the domestic level to reduce direct reliance on mains water supply. A sample of 1,134 mandated rainwater tank households were surveyed across SEQ. Results indicated that the majority of participants (78%) had tanks of 5 kL in capacity or larger, with 35% of householders having at least half of roof catchment area connected to their tanks. Also, the majority of participants utilised their rainwater for toilet flushing (97%), clothes washing (94%) and garden irrigation (77%). These biophysical findings indicate a high level of compliance with the QDC MP 4.2 code. Social factors affecting potential yields from mandated rainwater tanks were also examined, to complement the biophysical data obtained. It was found that the majority of tank users were happy to use rainwater as an alternative water supply option for non-potable uses. However, most participants reported being unaware of past or present water restrictions to their water supply, highlighting important social implications for total mains water savings. In conclusion, this study presents important biophysical and social descriptions about mandated water users in urban SEQ, as well as providing a foundation for future modelling of actual yields from mandated rainwater tanks to facilitate improved assessment of mains water savings due to the implementation of mandated rainwater tanks. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0003-7 Authors Aditi Mankad, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia Meng Nan Chong, CSIRO Land and Water, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia Ted Gardner, CSIRO Land and Water, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia Ashok Sharma, CSIRO Land and Water, Highett, VIC 3109, Australia Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Monitoring the temporal variations of reference evapotranspiration (ET o ) and quantifying any trends offer valuable information for regional hydrology, agricultural water requirements and water resources management. This study aimed to examine the temporal trends in the Penman–Monteith ET o in the west and southwest of Iran by using the Kendall and Spearman tests after eliminating the influence of significant lag-1 serial correlation from the ET o time series. The magnitudes and starting years of significant ET o trends were determined by the Mann-Kendall rank statistic and the Theil–Sen’s estimator, respectively. For the study period of 1966–2005, a significant positive lag-1 serial correlation coefficient was observed at almost all the stations. The existence of the positive serial correlation in the ET o series increased the possibility of the Kendall and Spearman tests to reject the null hypothesis of no trend while it is true. It was found that the Kendall test was more sensitive than the Spearman test to the existence of the positive serial correlation in the ET o series. After removing the serial correlation effect with pre-whitening method, only three significant increasing ET o trends were obtained at Khorram-Abad, Shahrekord and Zanjan stations at the rates of 0.16, 0.06 and 0.06 mm/day per decade, respectively. The significant increasing ET o trends of Khorram-Abad, Zanjan and Shahrekord stations started in 1997, 1994 and 1998, respectively. The stepwise regression method showed that wind speed was the most dominating variable affecting on the significant changes of ET o . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0011-7 Authors Hossein Tabari, Department of Water Engineering, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran Jaefar Nikbakht, Department of Water Engineering, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran P. Hosseinzadeh Talaee, Young Researchers Club, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    This paper employs the newly-developed convergence tests introduced by Phillips and Sul (Econometrica 75:1771–1855, 2007 ) to investigate convergence of real GDP per capita across Canadian provinces, as well as the transitional path of factors behind the convergence or divergence pattern. In contrast with previously published studies on Canadian provincial convergence, the analysis carried out in this paper allows for heterogeneous technology and reveals that Canadian provinces are characterized by distinct convergent clubs, that is, separate convergence clubs that converge to different steady states. We make the case that the findings presented in this paper are of utmost importance for Canadian policy-makers as they seek to develop effective policy measures to address regional economic disparities. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00168-012-0500-x Authors Mahamat Hamit-Haggar, Investment and Capital Stock Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0T6, Canada Journal The Annals of Regional Science Online ISSN 1432-0592 Print ISSN 0570-1864

Description:    Providing enhanced satellite positioning as a web service can be an effective way to enable low-level GPS receivers to perform surveys with a good accuracy and to reduce hardware cost, by removing computation capability and embedded proprietary software. goGPS is an open source application for achieving sub-meter accuracy with low-cost GPS receivers by exploiting real-time kinematic positioning, Kalman filtering, aid from a digital terrain model, and in general by integrating GPS data with other sources of information. Since goGPS directly processes raw GPS observations, it provides a means to substitute black-box processing components (e.g., GPS chipsets) with open source positioning software. goGPS can work either in real-time or post-processing, by acquiring raw GPS data in input and providing positioning (i.e., coordinates) in output. Though originally developed in MATLAB, goGPS was recently ported to Java in order to have the possibility to provide it as a web service, thus allowing a wider user base to develop and use it. Since real-time GPS positioning heavily relies on fast matrix computation, a careful selection of Java matrix libraries was carried out in order to obtain optimal performances. An Open Geospatial Consortium standard Web Processing Service (WPS) implementation of goGPS by means of ZOO WPS framework was developed and tested in order to let lightweight clients just acquire raw GPS data, send them to a server for processing, and receive back the accurate positioning. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12518-012-0081-5 Authors Eugenio Realini, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji City, 611-0011 Kyoto, Japan Daisuke Yoshida, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Tezukayama Gakuin University, 2-1823 Imakuma, Osakasayama City, 589-8585 Osaka, Japan Mirko Reguzzoni, DIIAR, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy Venkatesh Raghavan, Graduate School for Creative Cities, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, 558-8585 Osaka, Japan Journal Applied Geomatics Online ISSN 1866-928X Print ISSN 1866-9298

Description:    Mit der Erarbeitung einer makroregionalen Anpassungsstrategie für den Ostseeraum hat die Europäische Union eine neue strategische Ebene in die Diskussion zur Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels eingebracht. Basierend auf empirischen Sondierungen in drei Stadtregionen im Ostseeraum – Stockholm (Schweden), Rostock (Deutschland) und Riga (Lettland) – wird diskutiert, welchen Beitrag und Mehrwert transnationale Kooperationen bei der Anpassung an den Klimawandel leisten können und welche Aufgaben auf der lokalen und regionalen bzw. auf der transnationalen Ebene erfüllt werden können. Im Rahmen der empirischen Betrachtungen wurden Dokumente ausgewertet, semistrukturierte Interviews mit Experten und eine teilnehmende Beobachtung innerhalb eines Szenarioprozesses durchgeführt. Die exemplarisch dargestellten Anpassungsprozesse deuten darauf hin, dass eine transnationale Kooperation die lokalen und regionalen Aktivitäten zur Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels sinnvoll ergänzen kann. Ein gezielter Erfahrungsaustausch zwischen Stadtregionen mit ähnlichen Problemlagen, aber auch Sensibilisierungsprozesse im Hinblick auf das Thema Anpassung können einen Mehrwert für die Beteiligten darstellen, insbesondere dann, wenn diese Kooperation Ebenen überspannend konstruiert und der Austauschprozess strukturiert auf das Ziel eines gemeinsamen Lern- und Innovationsprozesses ausgerichtet wird. Allerdings scheint der Mehrwert transnationaler Kooperation insbesondere hinsichtlich einer Einflussnahme auf lokale Aktivitäten und vor dem Hintergrund institutioneller Rahmenbedingungen begrenzt. Content Type Journal Article Category Wissenschaftlicher Beitrag Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s13147-012-0152-4 Authors Sonja Deppisch, HafenCity Universität Hamburg, Winterhuder Weg 31, 22085 Hamburg, Deutschland Meike Albers, HafenCity Universität Hamburg, Winterhuder Weg 31, 22085 Hamburg, Deutschland Journal Raumforschung und Raumordnung Online ISSN 1869-4179 Print ISSN 0034-0111

Description:    We present a novel approach for calibration of stochastic discontinuity network parameters based on genetic algorithms (GAs). To validate the approach, examples of application of the method to cases with known parameters of the original Poisson discontinuity network are presented. Parameters of the model are encoded as chromosomes using a binary representation, and such chromosomes evolve as successive generations of a randomly generated initial population, subjected to GA operations of selection, crossover and mutation. Such back-calculated parameters are employed to make assessments about the inference capabilities of the model using different objective functions with different probabilities of crossover and mutation. Results show that the predictive capabilities of GAs significantly depend on the type of objective function considered; and they also show that the calibration capabilities of the genetic algorithm can be acceptable for practical engineering applications, since in most cases they can be expected to provide parameter estimates with relatively small errors for those parameters of the network (such as intensity and mean size of discontinuities) that have the strongest influence on many engineering applications. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0226-1 Authors R. Jimenez, Technical University of Madrid, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, C/ Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain R. Jurado-Piña, Technical University of Madrid, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, C/ Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description: Monitoring and Analysis of the Mining-Induced Ground Movement in the Longshou Mine, China Content Type Journal Article Category Technical Note Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0232-3 Authors Haijun Zhao, Key Laboratory of Engineering Geomechanics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029 Beijing, China Fengshan Ma, Key Laboratory of Engineering Geomechanics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029 Beijing, China Yamin Zhang, Key Laboratory of Engineering Geomechanics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029 Beijing, China Jie Guo, Key Laboratory of Engineering Geomechanics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029 Beijing, China Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    Different failure modes during fracture shearing have been introduced including normal dilation or sliding, asperity cut-off and degradation. Attempts have been made to study these mechanisms using analytical, experimental and numerical methods. However, the majority of the existing models simplify the problem, which leads to unrealistic results. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to simulate the mechanical behaviour of synthetic and rock fracture profiles during direct shear tests by using the two-dimensional particle flow computer code PFC2D. Correlations between the simulated peak shear strength and the fracture roughness parameter D R1 recently proposed by Rasouli and Harrison ( 2010 ) are developed. Shear test simulations are carried out with PFC2D and the effects of the geometrical features as well as the model micro-properties on the fracture shear behaviour are studied. The shear strength and asperity degradation processes of synthetic profiles including triangular, sinusoidal and randomly generated profiles are analysed. Different failure modes including asperity sliding, cut-off, and asperity degradation are explicitly observed and compared with the available models. The D R1 parameter is applied to the analysis of synthetic and rock fracture profiles. Accordingly, correlations are developed between D R1 and the peak shear strength obtained from simulations and by using analytical solutions. The results are shown to be in good agreement with the basic understanding of rock fracture shear behaviour and asperity contact degradation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-27 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0231-4 Authors Mohammad Sadegh Asadi, Baker Hughes, Perth, WA, Australia Vamegh Rasouli, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia Giovanni Barla, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description: Statistical Method for Assessing the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Carbonate Rock by Schmidt Hammer Tests Performed on Core Samples Content Type Journal Article Category Technical Note Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0230-5 Authors G. Bruno, Department of Water Engineering and Chemistry, Technical University of Bari, Bari, Italy G. Vessia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, Via Amendola 122, 70126 Bari, Italy L. Bobbo, Freelance Civil Engineer, Bari, Italy Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    The objective of this article is to study as extensively as possible the uncertainties affecting the annual energy produced by a windmill. In the literature, the general approach is to estimate the mean annual energy from a transformation of a Weibull distribution law. Then the issue is reduced to estimating the coefficients of this distribution. This is obtained by classical statistical methods. Therefore, the uncertainties are mostly limited to those resulting from the statistical procedures. But in fact, the real uncertainty of the random variable which represents the annual energy cannot been reduced to the uncertainty on its mean and to the uncertainties induced from the estimation procedure. We propose here a model, which takes advantage of the fact that the annual energy production is the sum of many random variables representing the 10 min energy production during the year. Under some assumptions, we make use of the central limit theorem and show that an intrinsic uncertainties of wind power, usually not considered, carries an important risk. We also explain an observation coming from practice that the forecasted annual production is always overestimated, which creates a risk of reducing the profitability of the operation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0565-1 Authors Alain Bensoussan, School of Management, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA Pierre Raphaël Bertrand, INRIA Saclay, 91893 Orsay Cedex, France Alexandre Brouste, Laboratoire Manceau de Mathématiques, Université du Maine, Le Mans Cedex, France Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    In order to protect infrastructures against rockfalls, civil-engineered mitigation measures are widely used. Flexible metallic fences are particularly well suited to stop the propagation of blocks of rock whose kinetic energy can reach 5000 kJ before impact. This paper focuses on the design of highly flexible rockfall fences under the new European guideline ETAG027. The experimental testing and the numerical modeling using the discrete element method (DEM) of a new metallic rockfall fence are presented. Several scales of study were considered; the mesh, the net and the entire structure. The calibration of the DEM models is described and a parametrical study is proposed. The latter aims to underline the type of information that can be obtained from numerical simulations of such a system to enhance its design. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0222-5 Authors D. Bertrand, INSA Lyon, L.G.C.I.E. (Laboratoire de Génie Civil et d’Ingéniérie Environnementale), Site Coulomb 2, 69621 Villeurbanne cedex, France A. Trad, INSA Lyon, L.G.C.I.E. (Laboratoire de Génie Civil et d’Ingéniérie Environnementale), Site Coulomb 2, 69621 Villeurbanne cedex, France A. Limam, INSA Lyon, L.G.C.I.E. (Laboratoire de Génie Civil et d’Ingéniérie Environnementale), Site Coulomb 2, 69621 Villeurbanne cedex, France C. Silvani, INSA Lyon, L.G.C.I.E. (Laboratoire de Génie Civil et d’Ingéniérie Environnementale), Site Coulomb 2, 69621 Villeurbanne cedex, France Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    Scarcity of water is now the biggest threat in many parts of the world, specially in arid and semi arid regions. Establishing balance between water resources and the demands in a catchment scale basis could be one of the most important strategies to overcome this problem. In this regard, determination and analysis of water balance components (inputs and outputs) would be necessary. This study has focused on estimation of water balance components in arid-mountainous catchment of Manshad in Yazd province of Iran, during the year 2006–2007 using remote sensing and GIS techniques. To estimate actual evapotranspiration (ET a ) of the catchment, time series of MODIS images were obtained and used via Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) approach. Measured precipitation (P) and runoff (R) data of the catchment were also used to calculate water balance equation components. Results indicated that a large volume of catchment water (about 70%) is wasted through evapotranspiration, while the rainfall is not enough to compensate this volume of water during the year. It seems that the negative (descending) trend has become dominant to the water budget of the area and gradually moves to harsh conditions of water shortage in future decades. Therefore, some actions would be necessary to overcome the problem. Water conservation strategies‚ improvement of water use efficiency, and control on agricultural field expansions are some solutions that could be advised for the studied catchment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-9999-y Authors Mohammad Taghi Dastorani, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Samaneh Poormohammadi, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    As there is a limited availability of information on the domestic water consumption through kitchen taps, data collected in a study on dishwashing habits in four European countries has been analysed to gather common habits in the water end-use of households. This paper provides empirical data based on water consumption measurements in 81 households. With the help of a simultaneous webcam observation of the kitchen sink, it was possible to assign the metered consumption data to a specific water use, such as cleaning, drinking or cooking. Water end-use has been analysed with this approach at a very deep level. The study shows that there are, in some measure, large country-specific differences in diurnal water use, as well as in the composition of kitchen activities. Furthermore, the research findings indicate that small households use much more water per person and day than bigger households. This is rather important as demographic shifts are causing a decreased average household size - particularly in urban areas - and, therewith, a growing demand. Water-saving measures at the household and individual level should meet this trend. This paper, therefore, also provides information on to what extent particular kitchen tasks are influential for water consumption in the kitchen, respectively, which activities are important to concentrate on for consumer advice regarding water conservation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-9976-5 Authors Christian Paul Richter, University of Bonn/Germany, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Section Household and Appliance Technology, Nussallee 5, 53115 Bonn, Germany Rainer Stamminger, University of Bonn/Germany, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Section Household and Appliance Technology, Nussallee 5, 53115 Bonn, Germany Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    In this work, we address the mismatch in spatio-temporal resolution between individual, point-location based exposure and grid cell based air quality model predictions by disaggregating the grid model results. Variability of PM 10 point measurements was modelled within each grid cell by the exponential variogram, using point support concentration measurements. Variogram parameters were estimated over the study area globally using constant estimates, and locally by multiple regression models using traffic, weather and land use data. Model predictions of spatio-temporal variability were used for geostatistical unconditional simulation, estimating the deviation of point values from grid cell averages on GPS tracks. The distribution of deviations can be used as an estimate of uncertainty for individual exposure. Results showed a relevant impact of the disaggregation uncertainties compared to other uncertainty sources, dependent of the model used for spatio-temporal variability. Depending on individual behaviour and variability of the pollutant, these uncertainties average out again over time. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0578-9 Authors Lydia E. Gerharz, Institute for Geoinformatics, University of Muenster, Weseler Str. 253, 48151 Münster, Germany Edzer Pebesma, Institute for Geoinformatics, University of Muenster, Weseler Str. 253, 48151 Münster, Germany Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    The nature of the gravity field inverse problem amplifies the noise in the GRACE data, which creeps into the mid and high degree and order harmonic coefficients of the Earth’s monthly gravity fields provided by GRACE. Due to the use of imperfect background models and data noise, these errors are manifested as north-south striping in the monthly global maps of equivalent water heights. In order to reduce these errors, this study investigates the use of the L-curve method with Tikhonov regularization. L-curve is a popular aid for determining a suitable value of the regularization parameter when solving linear discrete ill-posed problems using Tikhonov regularization. However, the computational effort required to determine the L-curve is prohibitively high for a large-scale problem like GRACE. This study implements a parameter-choice method, using Lanczos bidiagonalization which is a computationally inexpensive approximation to L-curve. Lanczos bidiagonalization is implemented with orthogonal transformation in a parallel computing environment and projects a large estimation problem on a problem of the size of about 2 orders of magnitude smaller for computing the regularization parameter. Errors in the GRACE solution time series have certain characteristics that vary depending on the ground track coverage of the solutions. These errors increase with increasing degree and order. In addition, certain resonant and near-resonant harmonic coefficients have higher errors as compared with the other coefficients. Using the knowledge of these characteristics, this study designs a regularization matrix that provides a constraint on the geopotential coefficients as a function of its degree and order. This regularization matrix is then used to compute the appropriate regularization parameter for each monthly solution. A 7-year time-series of the candidate regularized solutions (Mar 2003–Feb 2010) show markedly reduced error stripes compared with the unconstrained GRACE release 4 solutions (RL04) from the Center for Space Research (CSR). Post-fit residual analysis shows that the regularized solutions fit the data to within the noise level of GRACE. A time series of filtered hydrological model is used to confirm that signal attenuation for basins in the Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (TRIP) database over 320 km radii is less than 1 cm equivalent water height RMS, which is within the noise level of GRACE. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s00190-012-0548-5 Authors Himanshu Save, Center for Space Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78759-5321, USA Srinivas Bettadpur, Center for Space Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78759-5321, USA Byron D. Tapley, Center for Space Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78759-5321, USA Journal Journal of Geodesy Online ISSN 1432-1394 Print ISSN 0949-7714

Description:    In geopotential space, the fundamental geodetic parameter W 0 defines the Gauss–Listing geoid which can be used to best represent the Earth’s mean sea level (MSL) and hence specifies a conventional zero height level to unify vertical datums employed by mapping agencies throughout the world. Further, W 0 cannot be considered invariant as the parameter varies temporally as a direct response to sea level change and mass redistributions. This study determines W 0 and its rate, d W 0 /d t , by utilizing altimetric MSL models and an independent mean dynamic topography (MDT) model to define points on the geoid. W 0 and d W 0 /d t are estimated by two approaches: (i) by means of a global gravity field model (GGM) and (ii) within normal gravity field space as the geopotential value of the best fitting reference ellipsoid. The study shows that uncertainty in W 0 is mainly influenced by MDT while the choice of methodology, GGM and MSL data coverage are not significant within reason. Our estimate W 0 = 62636854.2 ± 0.2 m 2  s −2 at epoch 2005.0 differs by 1.8 m 2 s −2 from the International Astronomical Union reference value. This study shows that, at a sub-decadal time scale, the time variation d W 0 /d t stems mainly from sea level change with negligible effect from gravity field variations. d W 0 /d t = (−2.70 ± 0.03) × 10 −2  m 2  s −2  year −1 , corresponding to a MSL rise of 2.9 mm year −1 , is evaluated from sea level change based on 16 years of TOPEX and Jason-1 data. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00190-012-0547-6 Authors N. Dayoub, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK S. J. Edwards, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK P. Moore, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK Journal Journal of Geodesy Online ISSN 1432-1394 Print ISSN 0949-7714

Description: It is demonstrated that bed stiffnesses obtained by processing results of cyclic tests by the method of rapid Fourier transforms (WAK test) and numerical calculation, are rather approximate. Results of this investigation can be used for cyclic tests of a model in a centrifuge (during repeated loadings) for comparison with the (static) stiffness of the soil as determined from WAK-test data. Content Type Journal Article Category Earthquake-Resistant Construction Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11204-012-9157-9 Authors M. Parvizi, School of Engineering, University of Yasuj, Yasuj, Iran M. A. Qafari, School of Engineering, University of Yasuj, Yasuj, Iran Journal Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Online ISSN 1573-9279 Print ISSN 0038-0741

Description:    Archaeomagnetism in Greece has continuously developed during the last decades. Numerous studies have provided high quality data and accurate secular variation curves for the direction and intensity of the geomagnetic field have been constructed. The Greek Secular Variation Curves (SVCs) cover the last 8 millennia for intensity and 6 millennia for direction. The coverage of the archaeological periods remains uneven, with several gaps, mostly in the directional dataset, with only two results for periods older than 2500 B.C. In the present contribution, the first archaeomagnetic results from Neolithic settlements in northern Greece are presented. For the present study, samples were collected from three different archaeological sites: burnt structures in Avgi (Kastoria) and Vasili (Farsala) and one oven from Sosandra (Aridaia). The natural remanent magnetization (NRM) grouping of all specimens indicated that the majority of the samples were burnt in situ, providing thus a reliable direction of the ancient field. Magnetic cleaning (both alternating-field and thermal) revealed the presence of one stable component of magnetisation. Rock magnetic experiments (acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), thermal demagnetisation of the IRM, thermomagnetic curves) have been performed on pilot samples indicating that low coercivity magnetic minerals such as magnetite or Timagnetite are prevailing. The mean directions (declination D, inclination I and parameters of the Fisherian statistics), which arose from the three sites are as follows: Sosandra: D = 343°, I = 55.6°, α 95 = 4.8°; Avgi: D = 10.1°, I = 53.4°, α 95 = 4.2° and Vasili: D = 357.5°, I = 43.1°, α 95 = 4.1°. The obtained data are in a very good agreement with results from Neolithic Bulgaria. This study represents the beginning of an effort to fill the gaps of the Greek secular variation curves and their extension to the Neolithic period. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s11200-011-9006-8 Authors Elina Aidona, Department of Geophysics, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Despina Kondopoulou, Department of Geophysics, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Journal Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica Online ISSN 1573-1626 Print ISSN 0039-3169

Description:    The quality of harvested rainwater used for toilet flushing in a private house in the south-west of France was assessed over a one-year period. Twenty-one physicochemical parameters were screened using standard analytical techniques. The microbiological quality of stored roof runoff was also investigated and total flora at 22°C and 36°C, total coliforms, Escherichia Coli , enteroccocci, Cryptospridium oocysts, Giardia cysts, Legionella species , Legionella pneumophila , Aeromonas , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analysed. Chemical and microbiological parameters fluctuated during the course of the study, with the highest levels of microbiological contamination observed in roof runoffs collected during the summer. Overall, the collected rainwater had a relatively good physicochemical quality but variable, and, did not meet the requirements for drinking water and a microbiological contamination of the water was observed. The water balance of a 4-people standard family rainwater harvesting system was also calculated in this case study. The following parameters were calculated: rainfall, toilets flushing demand, mains water, rainwater used and water saving efficiency. The experimental water saving efficiency was calculated as 87%. The collection of rainwater from roofs, its storage and subsequent use for toilet flushing can save 42 m 3 of potable water per year for the studied system. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0012-6 Authors C. Vialle, INRA; Université de Toulouse; INP; LCA (Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle); ENSIACET, 4 Allées Emile Monso, 31029 Toulouse, France C. Sablayrolles, INRA; Université de Toulouse; INP; LCA (Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle); ENSIACET, 4 Allées Emile Monso, 31029 Toulouse, France M. Lovera, Veolia Water North America, Technical Direction Group, 101, W Washington Street, Suite 1440 East, IN-46204 Indianapolis, USA M.-C. Huau, Veolia Eau, 36-38 avenue Kleber, 75016 Paris, France S. Jacob, Veolia Eau, Direction Technique, Immeuble Giovanni Battista B, 1, rue Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 94410 Saint Maurice, France M. Montrejaud-Vignoles, INRA; Université de Toulouse; INP; LCA (Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle); ENSIACET, 4 Allées Emile Monso, 31029 Toulouse, France Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Urban stormwater quality is multifaceted and the use of a limited number of factors to represent catchment characteristics may not be adequate to explain the complexity of water quality response to a rainfall event or site-to-site differences in stormwater quality modelling. This paper presents the outcomes of a research study which investigated the adequacy of using land use and impervious area fraction only, to represent catchment characteristics in urban stormwater quality modelling. The research outcomes confirmed the inadequacy of the use of these two parameters alone to represent urban catchment characteristics in stormwater quality prediction. Urban form also needs to be taken into consideration as it was found have an important impact on stormwater quality by influencing pollutant generation, build-up and wash-off. Urban form refers to characteristics related to an urban development such as road layout, spatial distribution of urban areas and urban design features. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0014-4 Authors An Liu, School of Urban Development, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia Ashantha Goonetilleke, School of Urban Development, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia Prasanna Egodawatta, School of Urban Development, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Gravity data observed on or reduced to the ellipsoid are preferably represented using ellipsoidal harmonics instead of spherical harmonics. Ellipsoidal harmonics, however, are difficult to use in practice because the computation of the associated Legendre functions of the second kind that occur in the ellipsoidal harmonic expansions is not straightforward. Jekeli’s renormalization simplifies the computation of the associated Legendre functions. We extended the direct computation of these functions—as well as that of their ratio—up to the second derivatives and minimized the number of required recurrences by a suitable hypergeometric transformation. Compared with the original Jekeli’s renormalization the associated Legendre differential equation is fulfilled up to much higher degrees and orders for our optimized recurrences. The derived functions were tested by comparing functionals of the gravitational potential computed with both ellipsoidal and spherical harmonic syntheses. As an input, the high resolution global gravity field model EGM2008 was used. The relative agreement we found between the results of ellipsoidal and spherical syntheses is 10 −14 , 10 −12 and 10 −8 for the potential and its first and second derivatives, respectively. Using the original renormalization, this agreement is 10 −12 , 10 −8 and 10 −5 , respectively. In addition, our optimized recurrences require less computation time as the number of required terms for the hypergeometric functions is less. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00190-012-0549-4 Authors Josef Sebera, Faculty of Civil Engineering, CTU in Prague, Thákurova 7, 166 29 Praha 6, Czech Republic Johannes Bouman, Deutsches Geodätisches Forschungsinstitut, Alfons-Goppel-Strasse 11, 80539 München, Germany Wolfgang Bosch, Deutsches Geodätisches Forschungsinstitut, Alfons-Goppel-Strasse 11, 80539 München, Germany Journal Journal of Geodesy Online ISSN 1432-1394 Print ISSN 0949-7714

Description:    The paper presents modified Lin and Wang’s and Hedgley’s algorithms to tackle the problem of transforming Cartesian to geodetic coordinates on a triaxial ellipsoid. Originally, the methods were developed for an ellipsoid of revolution but due to their universality, they may be adapted to the more complicated problem stated on a triaxial ellipsoid what is in fact done in this work. Two modified methods are compared to the vector method recently introduced by Feltens. The modified methods turn out to be more accurate and faster than the algorithm presented by Feltens. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11200-011-9017-5 Authors Marcin Ligas, Department of Geomatics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland Journal Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica Online ISSN 1573-1626 Print ISSN 0039-3169

Description:    The present study was carried out with the objective of determining the extent of groundwater pollution caused by tanning industries in Chromepet area located south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Groundwater samples were collected during January and March 2008 from 36 wells and were analysed for the concentration of various major ions and chromium. Na-Cl was the dominant water type found in this area. Groundwater in this area is not suitable for drinking as it contains elevated concentration of most major ions and chromium. This is due to the recharge of partially treated effluent discharged by tanning industries into open drains. The concentration of chromium was above the permissible limit (0.05 mg/l) in 86% of the groundwater samples. The use of chemicals, such as sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, chromium sulphate etc. during the tanning processes is the major reason for the high concentration of major ions and chromium in groundwater. Hence it is important to regulate the industries and also take measures to reduce the total dissolved solids in the treated effluent before disposal. The groundwater quality of this region can also be improved by adopting rainwater harvesting thereby increasing groundwater recharge. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-9985-4 Authors K. Brindha, Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India L. Elango, Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    The Agua Amarga coastal aquifer, located in the southeast of Spain (Alicante province) has suffered a significant decrease in its piezometric levels due to its use to supply water to Alicante I and II desalination plants. In order to recover its natural levels and to preserve the salt marsh of ecological interest linked to the aquifer, whose origin is related to ancient saltworks, a pilot scheme based on depositing seawater over the salt marsh surface has been carried out from December 2009 to July 2010. As a result, piezometric levels have increased by around 2 and 3 m below the salt marsh and a general decrease in groundwater salinity of between 15 and 100 g/l has been measured. A flow-transport numerical model with SEAWAT is used to assess and evaluate the seawater depositing programme. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-9987-2 Authors I. Alhama Manteca, Departamento Ingeniería Minera, Geológica y Cartográfica, UPCT, Cartagena, Spain T. Rodríguez Estrella, Departamento Ingeniería Minera, Geológica y Cartográfica, UPCT, Cartagena, Spain F. Alhama, Departamento Física Aplicada, UPCT, Cartagena, Spain Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Groundwater is a valuable resource for irrigation water. The use of groundwater for irrigation depends on environmental factors affecting long term sustainability and the costs of extraction which affect the economic viability. The cost of extraction depends upon the depth of drilling required and the rates of groundwater extraction that can be achieved. This is determined by the natural water flow through aquifers and so requires an estimation of hydraulic conductivity (K). In the irrigated area of Pakistan the Geoelectrical method, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was tested to estimate aquifer hydraulic conductivity. A resistivity meter was used to collect VES data by employing a Schlumberger electrode configuration, with half current electrode spacings (AB/2) ranging from 2 to 180 m and the potential electrode (MN) from 1 to 40 m. The field data were interpreted using the Interpex IX1D computer software and the aquifer resistivity (ρ) vs depth models for each location were estimated. A total of 102 groundwater samples from nearby hydrowells at different depths were also collected for Electrical Conductivity (EC) to measure groundwater resistivities (ρ o ). The resultant formation factor (F=ρ/ρ o ) values varied between 0.79 and 12.32 for the entire study area. The extreme values of F obtained from the VES surveys were paired with extreme values of K derived from field tests to provide a linear model of F:K. Seven pumping tests were also carried out to determine K and test the F:K correlation. The empirical relationship developed between the formation factors was highly significant and as such can be helpful for the estimation of hydraulic conductivity for groundwater pumping investigations in this area. This approach to deriving a relationship between the formation factor and hydraulic conductivity can be useful for groundwater investigations elsewhere. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11269-011-9954-3 Authors P. Sikandar, CSIRO, Land and Water, 2680 Griffith, NSW, Australia E. W. Christen, Griffith laboratory, CSIRO Land and Water & Sustainable Agriculture Flagship, Griffith, NSW 2680, Australia Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Prediction of mixing intensity of water masses in riverine Lake Tegel (Berlin, Germany) can be used to trace the fate of pollutants that enter the lake through several inflows. Because the contributions of each inflow have not yet been quantified and because the lake features complex bathymetry and numerous islands, a hydrodynamic circulation model with high spatial resolution and dynamic wind forcing is useful. We applied the two-dimensional version of the Princeton Ocean Model to separate the influences of wind and river discharge on the currents and mass transport in Lake Tegel. For model validation, we compared the simulation results with 1 year of electrical conductivity data, which was used as a conservative tracer to distinguish between water from the River Havel and water supplied by a smaller second inflow. Calculation of currents alone is insufficient to investigate water exchanges between rivers and lakes, especially when several islands create multiple pathways for river intrusion. Therefore, mass transport simulations are applied. Our calculations based on archetypical scenarios indicate that the proportion of (polluted) water from the River Havel in the main basin of Lake Tegel fluctuates with river discharge and wind, which either amplify or neutralize each other. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10652-012-9236-5 Authors Sebastian Schimmelpfennig, Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany Georgiy Kirillin, Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany Christof Engelhardt, Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany Gunnar Nützmann, Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany Journal Environmental Fluid Mechanics Online ISSN 1573-1510 Print ISSN 1567-7419

Description: Erratum to: Mission design, operation and exploitation of the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) mission Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s00190-012-0541-z Authors Rune Floberghagen, Earth Observation Programmes, European Space Agency, Frascati, Italy Michael Fehringer, Earth Observation Programmes, European Space Agency, Frascati, Italy Daniel Lamarre, Earth Observation Programmes, European Space Agency, Frascati, Italy Danilo Muzi, Earth Observation Programmes, European Space Agency, Frascati, Italy Björn Frommknecht, Earth Observation Programmes, European Space Agency, Frascati, Italy Christoph Steiger, Human Spaceflight and Operations, European Space Agency, Darmstadt, Germany Juan Piñeiro, Human Spaceflight and Operations, European Space Agency, Darmstadt, Germany Andrea da Costa, Human Spaceflight and Operations, European Space Agency, Darmstadt, Germany Journal Journal of Geodesy Online ISSN 1432-1394 Print ISSN 0949-7714

Description:    This work discusses the conflict between two of the main objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive: cost recovery and economic efficiency in the use of irrigation water. In the Mediterranean region, this conflict is commonly embedded in a state of under-utilization of irrigation networks managed by Water User Associations (WUAs). This under-utilization arises from factors independent of farmers’ choice, such as water shortage, crises in the sector, and changes to the Common Agricultural Policy. This prevents the facilities from operating at the minimum average cost. This paper argues that farmers should not suffer this inefficiency, which results in them paying higher water prices to cover the costs of water supply. Indeed, the application of the Water Directive should be rethought, taking into account the specific problems related to irrigation in the Mediterranean region. Based on an econometric analysis of the costs of water distribution in a WUA in Sardinia (Italy), we propose a payment system based on two components. Primarily there is a fee related to the number of hectares under irrigation. In addition there is a fee that considers the intensity of irrigation: this component is to encourage farmers to save water. The results show that the proposed approach has some desirable effects, including higher rates of cost recovery and possibly a reduction in the use of groundwater. Finally, the proposed system is not overly expensive for the rest of the community, who must bear the costs of inefficiencies in the use of irrigation water that do not depend on choices of farmers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-9991-6 Authors Gabriele Dono, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy Luca Giraldo, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy Simone Severini, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Estimation of crop variables is necessary for crop type monitoring as well as crop yield forecast. At the present era artificial neural network methodology are widely used to the remote sensing domain for numerous applications like crop yield forecasting and crop type classification. In the present work, two neural network models namely general regression neural network (GRNN) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) are used to estimate crop variables: leaf area index (LAI), biomass (BM), plant height (PH) and soil moisture (SM) by using ground based X-band scatterometer data. The both networks are trained and tested with X-band scatterometer data. The performance of the GRNN and RBFNN networks are found that the radial basis approach is more suitable for crop variable estimation in comparison to the GRNN approach. This work presents the applicability of neural network as an estimator and method employed could be useful to estimate the crop variables of other crops. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Note Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s12524-011-0197-9 Authors Abhishek Pandey, Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India Khem B. Thapa, Department of Physics, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, CSJM University, Kanpur, 208024 India R. Prasad, Department of Applied Physics, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India K. P. Singh, Department of Electronics Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    This paper describes a σ -coordinate scalar transport model coupled with a Boussinesq-type hydrodynamic model. The Boussinesq model has the ability to calculate both three-dimensional velocity distributions and the water surface motion. To capture ‘dispersion’ processes in open channel flow, horizontal vorticity effects induced by a bottom shear stress are included in the Boussinesq model. Thus, a reasonable representation of vertical flow structure can be captured in shallow and wavy flow fields. To solve the coupled Boussinesq and scalar transport system, a finite-volume method, based on a Godunov-type scheme with the HLL Riemann solver, is employed. Basic advection and advection–diffusion numerical tests in a non-rectangular domain were carried out and the computed results show good agreement with analytic solutions. With quantitative comparisons of dispersion experiments in an open channel, it is verified that the proposed coupled model is appropriate for both near and far field scalar transport predictions. From numerical simulations in the surf zone, physically reasonable results showing expected vertical variation are obtained. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-22 DOI 10.1007/s10652-012-9256-1 Authors Dae-Hong Kim, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea Patrick J. Lynett, Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA Journal Environmental Fluid Mechanics Online ISSN 1573-1510 Print ISSN 1567-7419

Description:    We report laboratory experiments to investigate the role of gas desorption, stress level and loading rate on the mechanical behavior of methane infiltrated coal. Two suites of experiments are carried out. The first suite of experiments is conducted on coal (Lower Kittanning seam, West Virginia) at a confining stress of 2 MPa and methane pore pressures in the fracture of 1 MPa to examine the role of gas desorption. These include three undrained (hydraulically closed) experiments with different pore pressure distributions in the coal, namely, overpressured, normally pressured and underpressured, and one specimen under drained condition. Based on the experimental results, we find quantitative evidence that gas desorption weakens coal through two mechanisms: (1) reducing effective stress controlled by the ratio of gas desorption rate over the drainage rate, and (2) crushing coal due to the internal gas energy release controlled by gas composition, pressure and content. The second suite of experiments is conducted on coal (Upper B seam, Colorado) at confining stresses of 2 and 4 MPa, with pore pressures of 1 and 3 MPa, under underpressured and drained condition with three different loading rates to study the role of stress level and loading rate. We find that the Biot coefficient of coal specimens is 〈1. Reducing effective confining stress decreases the elastic modulus and strength of coal. This study has important implications for the stability of underground coal seams. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0324-0 Authors Shugang Wang, Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, G3 Center and Energy Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 230 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA Derek Elsworth, Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, G3 Center and Energy Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 230 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA Jishan Liu, School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    In the context of carbon capture and storage, deep underground injection of CO 2 induces the geomechanical changes within and around the injection zone and their impact on CO 2 storage security should be evaluated. In this study, we conduct coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical modeling to investigate such geomechanical changes, focusing on probabilistic analysis of injection-induced fracture reactivation (such as shear slip) that could lead to enhanced permeability and CO 2 migration across otherwise low-permeability caprock formations. Fracture reactivation in terms of shear slip was analyzed by implicitly considering the fracture orientations generated using the Latin hypercube sampling method, in one case using published fracture statistics from a CO 2 storage site. The analysis was conducted by a coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical simulation to first calculate the three-dimensional stress evolution during a hypothetical CO 2 injection operation and then evaluate the probability of shear slip considering the statistical fracture distribution and a Coulomb failure analysis. We evaluate the probability of shear slip at different points within the injection zone and in the caprock just above the injection zone and relate this to the potential for opening of new flow paths through the caprock. Our analysis showed that a reverse faulting stress field would be most favorable for avoiding fracture shear reactivation, but site-specific analyses will be required because of strong dependency of the local stress field and fracture orientations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0321-3 Authors Jaewon Lee, Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Ki-Bok Min, Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Jonny Rutqvist, Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    In this paper, we analyse the convergence measurements recorded in a gallery excavated in severely squeezing ground. The procedure consists in a preliminary geometrical treatment of the raw data to evaluate the principal axes of deformation by assuming an elliptic deformation of the walls of the gallery. Then the convergence law proposed by Sulem et al. (Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 24(3):145–154, 1987a ), which is extended to account for anisotropic closure, is fitted on the displacements along the two axes of the obtained ellipse. This procedure is more robust and relevant than fitting the convergence recorded on the most deforming segment or fitting the average value of the convergence along the various segments. An attempt is made to correlate the amount and the direction of anisotropic deformation with the lithology and some geological features described by the dominant discontinuity families. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0320-4 Authors The Manh Vu, Centre d’Études des Tunnels, Bron, France Jean Sulem, UR Navier-CERMES, École des Ponts Paris Tech, IFSTTAR, CNRS, Université Paris-Est, Marne-la-Vallée, France Didier Subrin, Centre d’Études des Tunnels, Bron, France Nathalie Monin, Lyon-Turin Ferroviaire SAS, Chambéry, France Judith Lascols, Fugro Engineers B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    We tested whether marine survival and migration pattern differed between naturally and hatchery produced European trout Salmo trutta of different origins. The hatchery fish were released 150 m above the river estuary of the southwestern, Norwegian River Imsa, the home of the local population. Recaptures were used as proxy for survival. Wild and local hatchery fish survived better than transplanted hatchery stocks. Trout that were 1 year at release survived less well than 2-year olds, and small individuals less well than larger ones. Relative to their body size at release, populations that originated most distant from the River Imsa, the Baltic River Emån and the Norwegian mountain Lake Tunhovd, exhibited the poorest sea survival. At sea, trout chiefly moved less than 240 km from the river of release, but there were significant differences in dispersal among populations. Hatchery-produced River Emån and Lake Tunhovd trout moved farther from the River Imsa than the south Norwegian sea trout populations, and the marine distributions of the former were similar to that of the natural River Imsa trout. Large fish moved farther from the river than smaller ones. Straying to other rivers was low among wild and local hatchery-produced fish, and significantly lower than among most transplanted populations, and River Emån trout in particular. Thus, the River Imsa trout appeared better adapted to survival under the local conditions than non-local trout with consequences for optimal population management. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11852-012-0224-1 Authors Bror Jonsson, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway Nina Jonsson, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway Journal Journal of Coastal Conservation Online ISSN 1874-7841 Print ISSN 1400-0350

Description:    High levels of airborne olive pollen represent a problem for a large proportion of the population because of the many allergies it causes. Many attempts have been made to forecast the concentration of airborne olive pollen, using methods such as time series, linear regression, neural networks, a combination of fuzzy systems and neural networks, and functional models. This paper presents a functional logistic regression model used to study the relationship between olive pollen concentration and different climatic factors, and on this basis to predict the probability of high (and possibly extreme) levels of airborne pollen, selecting the best subset of functional climatic variables by means of a stepwise method based on the conditional likelihood ratio test. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0655-0 Authors Manuel Escabias, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain Mariano J. Valderrama, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain Ana M. Aguilera, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Campus Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain M. Elena Santofimia, IES La Laguna, Consejería de Educación - Junta de Andalucía, Vicente Aleixandre S.N., Padul, 18640 Granada, Spain M. Carmen Aguilera-Morillo, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    Numerical models with fine discretization normally demand large computational time and space, which lead to computational burden for state estimations or model parameter inversion calculation. This article presented a reduced implicit finite difference scheme that based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for two-dimensional transient mass transport in heterogeneous media. The reduction of the original full model was achieved by projecting the high-dimension full model to a low-dimension space created by POD bases, and the bases are derived from the snapshots generated from the model solutions of the forward simulations. The POD bases were extracted from the ensemble of snapshots by singular value decomposition. The dimension of the Jacobian matrix was then reduced after Galerkin projection. Thus, the reduced model can accurately reproduce and predict the original model’s transport process with significantly decreased computational time. This scheme is practicable with easy implementation of the partial differential equations. The POD method is illustrated and validated through synthetic cases with various heterogeneous permeability field scenarios. The accuracy and efficiency of the reduced model are determined by the optimal selection of the snapshots and POD bases. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0653-2 Authors Xinya Li, Hydrology, Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA Bill X. Hu, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    In order to build competence for sustainability analysis and assessment of urban systems, it is seen as essential to build on models representing urban form, landuse and transportation, urban metabolism, as well as ecological processes. This type of analysis of interacting sub-systems requires an advanced model integration platform, yet open for learning and for further development. Moreover, since the aim is to increase urban experience with ecosystem management in the wide sense, the platform needs to be open and easily available, with high visualisation capacity. For this purpose, the LEAM model was applied to the Stockholm Region and two potential future scenarios were developed, resulting from alternative policies. The scenarios differed widely and the dense urban development of Scenario Compact could be visualised, destroying much of the Greenstructure of Stockholm, while Scenario Urban Nature steered the development more to outer suburbs and some sprawl. For demonstration of the need for further development of biodiversity assessment models, a network model tied to a prioritised ecological profile was applied and altered by the scenarios. It could be shown that the Greenstructure did not support this profile very well. Thus, there is a need for dynamic models for negotiations, finding alternative solutions and interacting with other models. The LEAM Stockholm case study is planned to be further developed, to interact with more advanced transport and land use models, as well as analysing energy systems and urban water issues. This will enable integrated sustainability analysis and assessment of complex urban systems, for integration in the planning process in Stockholm as well as for comparative sustainability studies between different cities, with the goal to build more sustainable urban systems and to increase urban experiences in ecosystem management. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s11252-012-0270-3 Authors Ulla Mörtberg, Environmental Management and Assessment Research Group, Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Jan Haas, Division of Geoinformatics, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Andreas Zetterberg, Environmental Management and Assessment Research Group, Department of Land and Water Resources Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Joel P. Franklin, Department of Transport Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Daniel Jonsson, Department of Transport Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Brian Deal, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA Journal Urban Ecosystems Online ISSN 1573-1642 Print ISSN 1083-8155

Description:    Water is currently an essential and strategic resource for society and its importance will rise in the future due to the increasing number of threats. However, water management is not currently up to par taking into consideration this well acknowledged importance. Generally speaking, water use is not efficient and loss figures are often too high. The reasons behind this situation are complex and diverse, however, in principle, they can be divided into four categories: cultural, political, social and economic. Since the latter are of most importance, this paper focuses on water costs from source to tap. The economic analysis presented quantifies the costs of a sustainable urban water service in a structured way. The second part of the paper present a case study in which the economic losses linked to leakage are assessed as a function of how expenses are recovered. The cost of apparent losses could also be assessed in a similar way and will always be higher, since apparent losses (unlike real ones) are present throughout the whole water cycle, thus increasing the unit costs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0181-3 Authors E. Cabrera, ITA, Department Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain M. A. Pardo, INGHA, Area of Hydraulic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, PO BOX 99, 03080 Alicante, Spain E. Cabrera Jr., ITA, Department Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain F. J. Arregui, ITA, Department Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    The use of groundwater from alluvial aquifers largely affects stream discharge by capturing the stream resources. This affects hydrological processes and riparian biodiversity. In this study, complementary water resources are investigated in an effort to ease human pressure on alluvial systems and, eventually, on stream-aquifer relationships. Discharge and hydrochemical data along a 5 km reach of the Tordera River (NE Spain) provide evidence that groundwater fluxes, associated with a regional hydrogeological system related to the basement fracture network, contribute to alluvial recharge and to stream flow. End-member mixing analysis considering upstream discharge, groundwater flows, and human inputs to the stream as major flow sources shows that regional basement groundwater fluxes are responsible for as much as 20 % of the total discharge, which also explains unexpected rises in stream flow. This suggests a possible new approach to local water resources planning, indicating that conjunctive use might actually be feasible. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0186-y Authors Josep Mas-Pla, Grup de Geologia Aplicada i Ambiental (GAiA), Centre de Geologia i Cartografia Ambiental (Geocamb), Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain Anna Menció, Grup de Geologia Aplicada i Ambiental (GAiA), Centre de Geologia i Cartografia Ambiental (Geocamb), Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain Albert Marsiñach, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Based on the meteorological and surface runoff data from Xinjiang for the past 50 years, this study examined the temporal-spatial variation characteristics of the air temperature, precipitation and runoff in Xinjiang using nonparametric tests and wavelet analysis. The results indicate that the air temperature declined slightly in Kuche (KC). There were slight increasing trends in Bayinbluk (BYBLK), Alar (ALR) and Yutian (YT). The rest of the meteorological stations all had significant increasing trends. The precipitation showed significant increasing trends in the Altai Mountains, Alashankou (ALSK) and Jinghe (JH) in northern Xinjiang and a slight decreasing trend in Tuoli (TL). The other stations showed slight increasing trends. The annual rate of change of precipitation was greater in the northern mountain area than in the southern plains area. In the Tianshan Mountains, the decreasing trend of precipitation at BYBLK was not statistically significant, while the precipitation in the other stations increased to the high-precipitation areas from two low-precipitation centers, Zhaosu (ZS) and BYBLK. In the Tarim Basin of southern Xinjiang, the increasing trend and increasing rate of precipitation were more significant on the northern margin than they were on the southern margin. With regard to the surface runoff, significant uptrends appeared in Kenswat (KSWT), Dashankou (DSK), Shiliguilank (SLGLK), Xiehela (XHL) and Yzmeilek (YZMLK). Kaqun (KQ) and Wuluwat (WLWT) had slight increases, and Tongguzlek (TGZLK) showed a slight downtrend. The variations in air temperature and precipitation in Xinjiang had significant periods of 4–9 years and 3–10 years, respectively. The periods for the annual runoff were 5–9 years. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0192-0 Authors Hongbo Ling, State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China Hailiang Xu, State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China Jinyi Fu, State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Hydrological models have been used in many places of the world in order to support practitioners with respect to watershed management actions. The goal of this research was to apply the Lavras Simulation of Hydrology (LASH model) to a Brazilian tropical watershed dominated by Oxisols, to estimate maximum, minimum and mean stream flows for both current land-use (“scenario 1”) and other regional trend land-use scenarios (“scenario 2”—pasture into eucalyptus; and “scenario 3”—eucalyptus into pasture). This model is a continuous, distributed and semi-conceptual model for simulation of different hydrological components on a daily basis. The model had a good performance with respect to the “scenario 1”, resulting in Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients equal to 0.81, 0.82 and 0.98 for minimum, maximum and mean discharges, respectively. When “scenario 2” was simulated, it was found that minimum, mean and maximum stream flows had their values reduced in average by 7.39 %, 13.84 % and 20.38 %, respectively. On the contrary, it was observed in “scenario 3” an increase in average by 0.23 %, 0.44 % and 1.19 % for minimum, mean and maximum stream flows, respectively. With respect to water yield, scenario 2 resulted in a mean reduction of 119 mm, whereas for scenario 3 the difference was not so pronounced in relation to the current land use. Results obtained in scenario 2 are troublesome since this watershed drains into an important regional Hydroelectric Power Plant Reservoir and this approach needs to be considered by the Minas Gerais State electric energy company for its planning strategies for the future. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-23 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0189-8 Authors Samuel Beskow, Center of Technological Development/Water Resources Engineering, Federal University of Pelotas, 01 Gomes Carneiro, 96010-670 Pelotas, RS, Brazil Lloyd D. Norton, USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, Purdue University, 275 South Russell Street, 47907-2077 West Lafayette, IN, USA Carlos R. Mello, Soil and Water Engineering Group, Engineering Department, Federal University of Lavras, C.P. 3037, 37200-000 Lavras, MG, Brazil Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Cost and reliability are two diametrically opposite objectives in a pumping main design as the objective of an uninterrupted supply of water will increase the system cost. In this investigation, a methodology for pumping main design is presented by considering the costs of pumping main and pipeline breakage. Although it has been found that there is no clear-cut optimum point in such a design objective, there is however, a set of non-dominated points called Pareto-optimal front which can be used to optimize pipe diameter. It is hoped that this methodology will be useful to design engineers engaged in the design of pumping mains and will also result in the cost savings to water service providers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0178-y Authors Prabhata K. Swamee, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016 India Ashok K. Sharma, CSIRO Land and Water, 37 Graham Road, Highett, VIC 3190, Australia Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    In practice, water pricing is the main economic instrument used to discourage the wasteful use of residential water. Owing to considerations of affordability, residential water is systematically underpriced because water is essential for life. Such a low price results in water being used inefficiently. This paper proposes a system that supplements the existing price system with a cap-and-trade measure to reconcile conflicts among the goals of residential water use. It forces all people (independent of income) to be faced with reasonable price signals and to use water efficiently. The poor could, however, gain from trade and afford water. By taking advantage of the agent-based model, a simulation of this system applied to Taipei, Taiwan shows that those with lower income per capita are better off under this system even though the equilibrium price of residential water is higher. The simulated average price elasticity of market demand is −0.449. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0185-z Authors Ming-Feng Hung, Department of Industrial Economics, Tamkang University, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan, Republic of China Bin-Tzong Chie, Department of Industrial Economics, Tamkang University, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan, Republic of China Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    The effect of climate change on water resources is an important challenge. To analyze the negative effects of this phenomenon and recommend adaptive measures, it is necessary to assess streamflow simulation scenarios and streamflow transition probabilities in future periods. This paper employs the HadCM3 (Hadley Centre Coupled Model, version 3) model to generate climate change scenarios in future periods (2010–2039, 2040–2069, and 2070–2099) and under A2 emission scenarios. By introducing climatic variable time series in future periods to the IHACRES (Identification of unit Hydrographs And Component flows from Rainfall, Evaporation and Streamflow data) hydrological model, long-term streamflow simulation scenarios are produced. By fitting statistically different distributions on runoff produced by using goodness-of-fit tests, the most appropriate statistical distribution for each month is chosen and relevant statistical parameters are extracted and compared with statistical parameters of runoff in the base period. Results show that long-term annual runoff average in the three future periods compared to the period 2000–1971 will decrease 22, 11, and 65 %, respectively. ِDespite the reduction in total runoff volume in future periods compared to the baseline period, the decrease is related to medium and high flows. In low flows, total runoff volumes for future periods compared to the baseline period will increase 47, 41, and 14 %, respectively. To further assess the impact of annual average runoff on flows, it is necessary to examine the correlation of time series using streamflow transition probabilities. To compare the streamflow transition probability in each of the future periods with base period streamflow in each month, streamflow is discretized and performance criteria are used. Results show a low coefficient of correlation and high error indicators. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0182-2 Authors Parisa Sadat Ashofteh, Department of Irrigation & Reclamation, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj Province, Tehran, Iran Omid Bozorg Haddad, Department of Irrigation & Reclamation, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj Province, Tehran, Iran Miguel A. Mariño, Department of Land, Air & Water Resources, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, 139 Veihmeyer Hall, Davis, CA 95616-8628, USA Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Water transfer from agriculture to urban uses will likely become increasingly common worldwide. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of converting paddy rice to dry land crops (PPRDC) on local farmers’ income in China’s Chaobai watershed and to analyze the responses of surface water quality to the change in cropping system. An on-site investigation of 485 households and water quality data from 1999 to 2008 are presented in this study. The cost of cultivation as a percentage of the total revenue was 22.3 % for rice and 30.1 % for corn, and the calculated compensation level (CCOM) should be 6172.3 Yuan ha −1 . PPRDC provided farms with stable income without regard to drought and flood: thus, farmers responded positively to PPRDC, and 76.7 % of farmers expected to continue PPRDC. Inflow water quality was improved in terms of total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate (NO 3 –N) because of the reduction in fertilizer and pesticides after PPRDC, but there was no significant change in total phosphorus (TP). PPRDC not only reallocates water resource to different users but also improves water quality through crop adjustment. A dynamic compensation mechanism based on changing crop price is required for the future water transfer project. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0176-0 Authors Wenyong Wu, State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, No. 21 Che Gongzhuang West Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 10048 Suchuang Di, Center for Water Resources Research, Beijing Hydraulic Research Institute, Beijing, China 100048 Qianheng Chen, College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China 100083 Shengli Yang, Center for Water Resources Research, Beijing Hydraulic Research Institute, Beijing, China 100048 Xingyao Pan, Center for Water Resources Research, Beijing Hydraulic Research Institute, Beijing, China 100048 Honglu Liu, Center for Water Resources Research, Beijing Hydraulic Research Institute, Beijing, China 100048 Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    In this study, a simple site-specific index entitled “Discharge Effect Index (DEI)” was developed to rank and control the potential risks of point sources discharges effects to Ergene River and its branches. The basin is densely populated and heavily industrialized and all the water bodies in the basin are effluent-dependent or dominated. A case study is presented to assess the most important pollution parameters in the water bodies and to evaluate relationship between toxicity to Vibrio fischeri organism and chemical parameters in receiving waters. The aim of the study was to develop a simple site-specific control approach for seriously polluted and effluent-dominated water bodies in this developing country, Turkey and guide to decision makers about controlling point sources pollution in such heavily industrialized basins and achieve ‘good chemical status’ in ambient waters. The results of the study should be useful to encourage site-specific policies on point sources pollution especially to who had such these pollution problems in their receiving water bodies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0180-4 Authors E. Güneş, Çorlu Enginering Faculty, Department of Environmental Engineering, Namık Kemal University, Çorlu, Tekirdağ, Turkey İ. Talınlı, Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    This paper considers aspects of environmental social science research in the UK and explores an obvious bias towards the development of instruments to manage demand as an adaptation to climate change, and consequently the predominance of interest in the customer from a demand-side perspective. In the case of water, this has resulted in an inappropriate mixing of individualist research methods designed to measure public perceptions of risk and water-based practices, with mass consumption data that cannot be specifically linked to the individual. This mixing has a tendency to reinforce a long-standing blame culture that drives interest in the development of behaviour change initiatives while the relatively unchallenged hydraulic mission to provide safe drinking water and sanitation progresses. With this in mind this paper reviews examples of water use research from California, Australia, and the UK and highlights the more effective routes to understanding water customers and developing behaviour change initiatives that utilise stages of change models and grounded techniques incorporating qualitative and quantitative data from individual sources. A secondary aim is to argue for re-framing the relations between various actors in a changing climate to allow the development of new policy approaches, learning, and openness, from industry, regulators, and customers, based on new theories from the field. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0184-0 Authors Rebecca Pearce, Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ UK Suraje Dessai, Sustainability Research Institute and ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK Stewart Barr, Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ UK Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    In the present study, landforms and soils have been characterized in Borgaon Manju watershed of basaltic terrain located in Akola district, Maharashtra, Central India. Terrain characterization using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data (90 m) and IRS-P6 LISS IV data in conjunction with adequate field surveys shows nine distinct landforms. Soil resource inventory shows fourteen soil series in the study area. Soils formed on gently sloping (3–8 %) subdued plateau are very shallow (23 cm), moderately well drained, moderate (15–40 %) surface stoniness, severely eroded, clayey and slightly alkaline in reaction, whereas, the soils formed on level to nearly level (0–1 %) slope in the main valley are very deep (〉150 cm), well drained, very slight (〈3 %) surface stoniness, moderately eroded with clayey surface and moderately alkaline in reaction. Soils in the watershed are grouped into Lithic Ustorthents, Vertic Haplustepts, Calcic Haplustepts, Typic Haplustepts, Typic Haplusterts and Sodic Calciusterts. The study demonstrates that the analysis of SRTM elevation data and IRS P6–IV data in Geographic Information System (GIS) with adequate field surveys helps in characterization of landforms and soils in analysis of landscape-soil relationship. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12524-012-0240-5 Authors G. P. Obi Reddy, National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (ICAR), Amravati Road, Nagpur, 440 033 India M. S. S. Nagaraju, National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (ICAR), Amravati Road, Nagpur, 440 033 India I. K. Ramteke, National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (ICAR), Amravati Road, Nagpur, 440 033 India Dipak Sarkar, National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (ICAR), Amravati Road, Nagpur, 440 033 India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    One of the major after effect of Bhuj Earthquake which occurred on January 26, 2001 was wide spread appearance of liquefaction of soil in the Rann of Kachchh and the coastal areas of Kandla port covering an area of more than tens of thousands of kilometers. Remote sensing data products allow us to explore the land surface parameters at different spatial scales. In this work, an attempt has been made to identify the liquefied soil area using conventional indices from IRS-1D temporal images. The same has been investigated and compared with Class Based Sensor Independent (CBSI) spectral indices, while applying fuzzy based noise classification as soft computing approach using supervised classification. Seven spectral indices have been investigated to identify liquefied soil areas using temporal multi-spectral images. The result shows that the temporal variations can be accounted by using appropriate remote sensing based spectral indices. It is found that CBSI based TNDVI using temporal data yields the best results for identification of liquefied soil areas, while CBSI based SR gives best results for water body identification. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12524-012-0239-y Authors S. S. Sengar, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India A. Kumar, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun, India S. K. Ghosh, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India H. R. Wason, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    The paper deals with the application of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) technique for a watershed development program. For this study, the WRJ-2 watershed falling under Narkhed and Katol Tahsils of Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India is investigated. Various thematic maps (i.e. drainage, geology, soil, geomorphology and land use/ land cover) have been prepared using the remote sensing and GIS techniques. Initially, differential weightage values are assigned to all the thematic maps as per their runoff characteristics. Subsequently, the maps are integrated in GIS environment to identify potential sites for water conservation measures like gully plugs, earthen check dams, continuous contour trenches, percolation tanks, cement bandhara, afforestration and farm ponds, etc. The study depicts that the GIS technique facilitates integration of thematic maps and thereby helps in an identification of micro-zones each with unique characters in-terms of hydrogeology, thus amenable to specific water conservation techniques. It is therefore concluded that, the GIS technique is suitable for an identification of water conservation structures. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12524-012-0232-5 Authors Abhay M. Varade, PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Amravati Road, Nagpur, MS 440001, India Y. D. Khare, Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Agency (MRSAC), Nagpur, MS, India N. C. Mondal, Indo- French Centre for Groundwater Research, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, 500 007 India Sarang Muley, Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, Nagpur, MS, India Pawan Wankawar, PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Amravati Road, Nagpur, MS 440001, India Priti Raut, PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Amravati Road, Nagpur, MS 440001, India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) SWIR bands are used in identification of alteration zones which have developed during hydrothermal activity. Among the available methods of hyperspectral data analysis, PCA and RBD techniques are found to be useful in delineation of clay alteration and iron oxide zones. ASTER data analysis by PCA and RBD of (B5+B7)/B6 shows delineation of two distinct alteration zones with characteristic mineral assemblages viz. propylitic zone (chlorite, epidote, montmorillonite and calcite) and phyllic zone (illite, kaolinite, white mica and quartz). Iron oxide rich zones (gossans) have been delineated using ASTER band ratio technique (B2/B1). Geochemical dispersion of soil samples shows that Pb and Zn concentration is higher in phyllic and propylitic zones around Sawar and Malpura area respectively. Thus, ASTER data shows the potential in discrimination of metasedimentary rocks and delineation of alteration zones for targeting base metals around Sawar-Malpura area in central Rajasthan. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s12524-012-0237-0 Authors B. K. Bhadra, Regional Remote Sensing Centre (West), NRSC/ISRO, CAZRI Campus, Jodhpur, 342003 India Suparn Pathak, Regional Remote Sensing Centre (West), NRSC/ISRO, CAZRI Campus, Jodhpur, 342003 India G. Karunakar, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Udaipur, 313004 India J. R. Sharma, Regional Remote Sensing Centre (West), NRSC/ISRO, CAZRI Campus, Jodhpur, 342003 India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    There is a need for timely information about changes in the air pollution levels in cities for adopting precautionary measures. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to develop a model which will be useful to obtain air quality information directly from remotely sensed data easily and quickly. For this study pixel values, vegetation indices and urbanization index from IRS P6 LISS IV and Landsat ETM+ images were used to develop regression based models with Air Pollution Index (API), which were calculated from in-situ air pollutant information. It was found that among the 12 parameters of IRS, highest correlation exists between pixel values in NIR (Near Infra-Red) band (Pearson correlation −0.77) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (Pearson correlation −0.68) and both have inverse relationship with API. In case of Landsat, the highest correlation was observed in SWIR (Short Wave Infra-Red) band (Pearson correlation −0.83) and NIR (Pearson correlation −0.78). Both single and multivariate regression models were calibrated from best correlated variables from IRS and Landsat. Among all the models, multivariate regression model from Landsat with four most correlated variables gave the most accurate air pollution image. On comparison between the API modeled and API interpolated images, 90.5 % accuracy was obtained. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12524-012-0235-2 Authors Chitrini Mozumder, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand K. Venkata Reddy, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India Deva Pratap, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India Journal Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Online ISSN 0974-3006 Print ISSN 0255-660X

Description:    We present a new approach for mapping open cracks and tension fractures within rock slope instabilities and rock cliffs, which resides in high-resolution ground-based and airborne infrared thermography (IRT). The method is restricted to cold seasons, and its utility is demonstrated through three examples from the Flysch Belt of the Outer West Carpathians (rockslides at Kopce Hill and Mt. Kněhyně) and from the Northern Calcareous Alps (deep-seated gravitational slope deformations in Gschliefgraben/Mt. Traunstein). The approach is based on a contrast between temperatures deep within the rock mass, which at a depth of few meters represent local mean annual values, and winter-time temperatures of the ground surface. In winter, warmer, buoyant air from depth rises to the ground surface through open cracks and joints, and the temperature contrast can be detected by IRT. Our test survey was conducted in the beginning of February 2012, in order to achieve the best contrast between temperatures around open tension cracks and the adjacent ground. For temperature sensing, we used a FLIR B360 thermal camera; for airborne surveys in the ambient air, temperatures at the time of our surveys ranged from approximately −19 to −7 °C. IRT results conclusively revealed the presence of open cracks, loosened rock zones, and pseudo-karst caves over a distance sometimes greater than 1 km. The IRT approach proved useful for rapidly assessing the distribution of open cracks and tension fractures, key information required for assessing rockfall and rockslide hazard. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10346-012-0367-z Authors Ivo Baroň, Geological Survey of Austria, Neulinggasse 38, 1030 Vienna, Austria David Bečkovský, Centre AdMaS, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University Brno, Veveří 95, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic Lumír Míča, Centre AdMaS, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University Brno, Veveří 95, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic Journal Landslides Online ISSN 1612-5118 Print ISSN 1612-510X

Description:    Debris avalanches are complex phenomena due to the variety of mechanisms that control the failure stage and the avalanche formation. Regarding these issues, in the literature, either field evidence or qualitative interpretations can be found while few experimental laboratory tests and rare examples of geomechanical modelling are available for technical and/or scientific purposes. As a contribution to the topic, the paper firstly highlights as the problem can be analysed referring to a unique mathematical framework from which different modelling approaches can be derived based on limit equilibrium method (LEM), finite element method (FEM), or smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Potentialities and limitations of these approaches are then tested for a large study area where huge debris avalanches affected shallow deposits of pyroclastic soils (Sarno-Quindici, Southern Italy). The numerical results show that LEM as well as uncoupled and coupled stress–strain FEM analyses are able to individuate the major triggering mechanisms. On the other hand, coupled SPH analyses outline the relevance of erosion phenomena, which can modify the kinematic features of debris avalanches in their source areas, i.e. velocity, propagation patterns and later spreading of the unstable mass. As a whole, the obtained results encourage the application of the introduced approaches to further analyse real cases in order to enhance the current capability to forecast the inception of these dangerous phenomena. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10346-012-0366-0 Authors L. Cascini, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy S. Cuomo, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy M. Pastor, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain Journal Landslides Online ISSN 1612-5118 Print ISSN 1612-510X

Description:    Kinematic positions of Low Earth Orbiters based on GPS tracking are frequently used as pseudo-observations for single satellite gravity field determination. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the satellite trajectory is partly limited because the receiver synchronization error has to be estimated along with the kinematic coordinates at every observation epoch. We review the requirements for GPS receiver clock modeling in Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and analyze its impact on kinematic orbit determination for the two satellites of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission using both simulated and real data. We demonstrate that a piecewise linear parameterization can be used to model the ultra-stable oscillators that drive the GPS receivers on board of the GRACE satellites. Using such a continuous clock model allows position estimation even if the number of usable GPS satellites drops to three and improves the robustness of the solution with respect to outliers. Furthermore, simulations indicate a potential accuracy improvement of the satellite trajectory of at least 40 % in the radial direction and up to 7 % in the along-track and cross-track directions when a 60-s piecewise linear clock model is estimated instead of epoch-wise independent receiver clock offsets. For PPP with real GRACE data, the accuracy evaluation is hampered by the lack of a reference orbit of significantly higher accuracy. However, comparisons with a smooth reduced-dynamic orbit indicate a significant reduction of the high-frequency noise in the radial component of the kinematic orbit. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10291-012-0297-1 Authors Ulrich Weinbach, Institut für Erdmessung, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany Steffen Schön, Institut für Erdmessung, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany Journal GPS Solutions Online ISSN 1521-1886 Print ISSN 1080-5370

Description:    Road transportation has attracted extensive attention throughout the world because of its high energy demands and numerous externalities. Sustainable road transportation has thus become a great challenge for politicians and decision-makers all over the world. There have been a series of studies indicating that appropriate pricing of fuel can be both effective and efficient for reducing overconsumption of transport fuel. However, relatively little research has been done on fuel price approaches in developing country contexts. For a country like China, where road traffic today is growing more than in other countries, there is a strategic interest to do more economic analyses of fair and efficient pricing of fuel. In this study, we present a strategic assessment of fuel pricing in energy conservation and CO 2 reduction from road transportation in China, both in a retrospective and a prospective perspective. First of all, the correlation between fuel price and road transport gasoline demand, based upon data from 1995 to 2007, was examined with an econometric model. Secondly, on basis of the elasticity model, the potential reductions with respect to fuel demand and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions as a consequence of a strategic fuel tax implementation in China were examined up to 2030. The results indicate that such strategic fuel taxation can play a considerable role in steering the growth of road transport gasoline demand, and thus also Chinese GHG emissions. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0659-9 Authors Yutao Wang, School of Law, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 People’s Republic of China Lars Hansson, International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden Nan Sha, School of Economics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 People’s Republic of China Yanqiang Ding, School of Economics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 People’s Republic of China Renqing Wang, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 People’s Republic of China Jian Liu, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 People’s Republic of China Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    The management of complex water resource systems that address water service recovery costs and consider adequate contributions and priorities require methods that integrate technical, economic, environmental, social and legal aspects into a comprehensive framework. In Europe, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC recommends that the pricing politics in a river basin take into account the cost recovery and the economic sustainability of the water use. However, the current cost allocation methods do not consider the user’s willingness to pay and often do not permit a total cost recovery. Thus, a new approach is required that includes these requirements when defining water rates. This article presents a methodology to allocate water service costs in a water resource system among different users that attempts to fulfil the WFD requirements. The methodology is based on Cooperative Game Theory (CGT) techniques and on the definition of the related characteristic function using a mathematical optimisation approach. The CGT provides the instruments that are necessary to analyse situations that require a cost-sharing rule. The CGT approach can define efficient and fair solutions that provide the appropriate incentives among the parties involved. Therefore, the water system cost allocation has been valued as a game in which it is necessary to determine the right payoff for each player that is, in this case, a water user. To apply the CGT principles in a water resources system, the characteristic function needs to be defined and evaluated using an adequate modelling approach; in this study, it is evaluated using the optimisation model WARGI. (Sechi and Zuddas 2000 ). The so-called “core” represents the game-solution set. It represents the area of the admissible cost allocation values from which the boundaries on the cost values for each player can be supplied. Within the core lie all of the allocations that satisfy the principles of equity, fairness, justice, efficiency and that guarantee cost recovery. The core of a cooperative game can represent a useful instrument to define the water cost rates. Furthermore, it can be used as a valid support in water resource management to achieve the economic analysis required by the WFD. The methodology was applied to a multi-reservoir and multi-demand water system in Sardinia, Italy. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0171-5 Authors Giovanni M. Sechi, Department of Land Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Riccardo Zucca, Department of Land Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Paola Zuddas, Department of Land Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    The effectiveness of transmitting underground water in rock fractures is strongly influenced by the widths of the fractures and their interconnections. However, the geometries needed for water flow in fractured rock are also heavily controlled by the confining pressure conditions. This paper is intended to study the seepage properties of fractured rocks under different confining pressures. In order to do this, we designed and manufactured a water flow apparatus that can be connected to the electro-hydraulic servo-controlled test system MTS815.02, which provides loading and exhibits external pressures in the test. Using this apparatus, we tested fractured mudstone, limestone and sandstone specimens and obtained the relationship between seepage properties and variations in confining pressure. The calculation of the seepage properties based on the collection of water flow and confining pressure differences is specifically influenced by non-Darcy flow. The results show that: (1) The seepage properties of fractured rocks are related to confining pressure, i.e. with the increase of confining pressure, the permeability k decreases and the absolute value of non-Darcy flow coefficient b increases. (2) The sandstone coefficients k and b range from 1.03 ×10 - 18 to 1.53 ×10 - 17  m 2 and - 1.13 ×10 17 to - 2.35 ×10 18  m −1 , respectively, and exhibit a greater change compared to coefficients of mudstone and limestone. (3) From the regression analysis of experimental data, it is concluded that the polynomial function is a better fit than the power and logarithmic functions. The results obtained can provide an important reference for understanding the stability of rock surrounding roadways toward prevention of underground water gushing-out, and for developing underground resources (e.g. coal). Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0329-8 Authors D. Ma, State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008 Jiangsu, China X. X. Miao, State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008 Jiangsu, China Z. Q. Chen, State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008 Jiangsu, China X. B. Mao, State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008 Jiangsu, China Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem off southwest Africa is a regionally valued system because of its biological productivity, which supports high biomass throughout the foodweb, and a rich diversity of habitats and species. However, the region is exposed to numerous anthropogenic pressures that are likely to escalate under future economic growth. In response, the Benguela Current Commission called for a spatial biodiversity assessment (BCC-SBA) to identify conservation priorities, including potential areas for marine protected areas. The systematic conservation-planning approach to this assessment requires a fine-scale map of coastal habitats, which was not previously available for the region. Our aim was to undertake this mapping, within tight logistic and resource limitations. We used a previously derived methodology for mapping the distribution of coastal habitats from aerial imagery. The Benguela coast is approximately 5,047 km long. Half of this extent is sandy beach, a third is rocky and mixed shores, 13 % comprises lagoonal features, and the remainder (4 %) comprises estuaries and offshore islands. The distribution and extent of these coastal habitats differs substantially alongshore (i.e. with latitude), with conditions ranging north–south from hot, humid mangrove-lined lagoons, to hyper-arid coastal desert sandy beaches. Patterns in regional geology, climate and oceanography are proposed as the main drivers of spatial heterogeneity in coastal habitat types. The resulting ecological and socio-economic wealth requires proactive protection (supported through the BCC-SBA, for example), to ensure sustainable utilization of the rich natural resources, and persistence of these resources for the benefit of current and future generations. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11852-012-0226-z Authors Linda Harris, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa Stephen Holness, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa Ronel Nel, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa Amanda T. Lombard, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa David Schoeman, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, Queensland, Australia Journal Journal of Coastal Conservation Online ISSN 1874-7841 Print ISSN 1400-0350

Description:    Cracking and coalescence behavior in a rectangular rock-like specimen containing two parallel (stepped and coplanar) pre-existing open flaws under uniaxial compression load has been numerically studied by a parallel bonded-particle model, which is a type of bonded-particle model. Crack initiation and propagation from two flaws replicate most of the phenomena observed in prior physical experiments, such as the type (tensile/shear) and the initiation stress of the first crack, as well as the coalescence pattern. Eight crack coalescence categories representing different crack types and trajectories are identified. New coalescence categories namely “New 1” and “New 2”, which are first observed in the present simulation, are incorporated into categories 3 and 4, and category 5 previously proposed by the MIT Rock Mechanics Research Group, respectively. The flaw inclination angle (β), the ligament length ( L ) (spacing between two flaws) and the bridging angle (α) (inclination of a line linking up the inner flaw tips, between two flaws) have different effects on the coalescence patterns, coalescence stresses (before, at or post the peak stress) as well as peak strength of specimens. Some insights on the coalescence processes, such as the initiation of cracks in the intact part of specimens at a distance away from the flaw tips, and coalescence due to the development and linkage of a number of steeply inclined to vertical macro-tensile cracks are revealed by the present numerical study. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s00603-012-0323-1 Authors Xiao-Ping Zhang, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block N1, Nanyang Avenue, 639798 Singapore, Singapore Louis Ngai Yuen Wong, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block N1, Nanyang Avenue, 639798 Singapore, Singapore Journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Online ISSN 1434-453X Print ISSN 0723-2632

Description:    A new approach is developed for assessing water security status: the Water Security Status Indicators (WSSI) assessment method. The WSSI has four innovative aspects which address important gaps in the literature. First, it was developed in cooperation with end-users, whose participation enabled the design of a user-friendly assessment method. Second, this method is designed to be implemented at the local scale (small scale watershed or sub-watershed). Third, the WSSI is multivariate: it integrates variables pertaining to water quality and water quantity as they relate to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Fourth, the method provides concrete outputs for incorporation into water decision-making processes. In this paper, we document the WSSI assessment method and its application in a community in British Columbia (Canada), including the incorporation of community input into the development and application of the WSSI, and the integration of WSSI results into community water governance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0200-4 Authors Emma S. Norman, Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Road, Houghton, MI 49931, USA Gemma Dunn, Program on Water Governance, University of British Columbia, 439-2202 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4 Karen Bakker, Department of Geography and Program on Water Governance, University of British Columbia, 1984 West Mall, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z2 Diana M. Allen, Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6 Rafael Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6 Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    This paper discusses the development of an analytical support system for implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) process. The system integrates four analytical tools: (i) geographic information system; (ii) system dynamics simulation; (iii) agent-based model; and (iv) hydrologic simulation. The choice of tools is driven by their ability to (a) respond to the main requirements of the IWRM and (b) explicitly describe system behaviour as function of time and location in space. The system dynamics simulation captures temporal dynamics in an integrated feedback model that includes sectors representing physical and socioeconomic system components. Management policies established in the participatory decision making environment are easily investigated through the simulation of system behaviour. Agent-based model is used to analyze spatial dynamics of complex physical-social-economic-biologic system. The IWRM support system is tested using data from the Upper Thames River Watershed, Ontario, Canada, in collaboration with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11269-012-0193-z Authors Vladimir V. Nikolic, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada Slobodan P. Simonovic, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada Dragan B. Milicevic, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia Journal Water Resources Management Online ISSN 1573-1650 Print ISSN 0920-4741

Description:    Urban marine habitats are often utilized by wildlife for foraging and other activities despite surrounding anthropogenic impact or disturbance. However little is known of the ecological factors that determine habitat value of these and other remnant natural habitats. We examined the preferential use of urban marine habitats in a northeast US estuary to try to elucidate the factors driving enhanced foraging activity at these sites. Using a bioenergetic model, we compared energy intake to energy expenditure and examined differences in behavior and foraging success of great egrets Ardea alba at three urban and three rural salt marshes in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA. Mean per site available nekton energy averaged 4.44 ± 0.97 GJ site −1 and was significantly higher at urban than at rural sites. While energy expenditure by birds was similar across all sites, mean strike and prey capture rate were significantly greater at urban sites, and 70.1 ± 12.2 % of strikes by egrets at urban sites were successful. Egrets foraging at urban sites consumed significantly more energy (23.2 ± 6.62 W bird −1 ) than those at rural sites. Model results indicated a net energy gain by egrets foraging at urban sites, versus a net energy loss at rural sites. Our results may help explain previously observed increases in the numbers of egrets foraging at urban marine habitats, and help provide input into decisions about the extent to which these areas should be considered for restoration or protection. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11252-012-0274-z Authors Richard A. McKinney, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, US Evironmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA Kenneth B. Raposa, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 55 South Reserve Drive, Prudence Island, RI 02872, USA Journal Urban Ecosystems Online ISSN 1573-1642 Print ISSN 1083-8155

Description:    This study examines the temporal patterns of precipitation and the influence of large-scale climate anomalies in the Pearl River basin (South China), with particular focus on sub-basin scale. Three popular data analysis techniques are employed: (1) wavelet analysis; (2) principal component analysis (PCA); and (3) rank correlation method. With due consideration to hydrologic factors, water resources activities, and large-scale climate data, the entire basin is divided into ten sub-basins and the analysis is performed on monthly data. The wavelet analysis reveals discernible differences in temporal scales of fluctuation embedded in the monthly precipitation anomalies over the basin. The PCA delineates three coherent regions exhibiting similar distribution of variability across scales. Analysis of linkages between precipitation and teleconnection patterns using cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence reveals that the dominant variabilities of precipitation are essentially depicted by the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), especially for the central and eastern part of the Pearl River basin. On the influence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal on precipitation, more significant correlation is detected for the eastern part of the basin, long-term relationships (within 4–8 years band) are found for the western part of the basin, while the central part seems to be acting as a transition zone. Rank correlations of scale-averaged wavelet power between regional precipitation and climate indices for the dominant low-frequency variability band (0.84–8.40 years) provide further support to the different precipitation-climate relationships for different regions over the basin. The present results provide valuable information towards: (1) improving predictions of extreme hydroclimatic events in the Pearl River basin, based on their relationships with IOD or ENSO; and (2) devising better adaptation and mitigation strategies under a future changing climate. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00477-012-0661-2 Authors Jun Niu, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China Journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment Online ISSN 1436-3259 Print ISSN 1436-3240

Description:    This work proposes an approach to simulate wind flow fields around an urban environment with the aim of evaluating the potential impact of buildings on the general wind patterns and power production using the current generation of commercial wind turbines. The simulation process was performed with the aid of accessible computational tools that can potentially render the proposed procedure applicable in other cases of interest. The roughness of the urban environment was defined as the association of roughness map, topography, and an alternative process for obtaining the volumetry of buildings. A case study was conducted in a region located at the district of Boa Viagem (Recife-PE) for assessing the applicability of the approach. Scenarios were designed in order to simulate wind flow patterns and pre-identify sites that have suitable wind energy potential for electric power production by investigating the combination of wind speed magnitude and turbulence intensity. From the results obtained, it was possible to identify zones of potential wind sources that are not detected in classical wind atlas probably due to the influence of the built environment on local wind flow patterns. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10652-012-9258-z Authors Alex Maurício Araújo, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil Daniel Arraes de Alencar Valença, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil Aigbokhan Isaiah Asibor, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil Pedro André Carvalho Rosas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil Journal Environmental Fluid Mechanics Online ISSN 1573-1510 Print ISSN 1567-7419