ALBERT

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Alberto Pistocchi, Costanza Calzolari, Francesco Malucelli, Fabrizio Ungaro Study region The plains of Emilia Romagna, Italy. Study focus Urban expansion is among the main causes of increase in flood frequency and intensity in small rural catchments in Europe, and our study region is paradigmatic in this respect. We present here a regional screening-level assessment of soil sealing impacts in terms of increased flood peak discharges and flooding volumes on the secondary drainage network of the plains. We estimate flood peak discharges and flooding volumes through a simple kinematic model with runoff coefficients for the land use of 2008 and 1976. Additionally, we calculate an equivalent compensatory flood detention volume that would enable preserving flood peak discharges as prior to soil sealing (principle of “hydraulic invariance”). The proposed approach is simple and readily applicable to any region facing similar issues, for screening-level assessment of flood hazards over an extended stream network. New hydrological insights for the region The analysis highlights a significant increase in flood hazards throughout the secondary stream network. The impact. Widespread and relatively uniform, is more apparent in smaller catchments and in the case of more permeable soils. This demands retrofitting of the majority of the drainage network and/or significantly higher costs from flooding damages. The analysis suggests that costs of additional flooding after soil sealing may be higher than those of soil sealing impacts compensation through flood detention (hydraulic invariance).

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): M.A. Sarr, O. Seidou, Y. Tramblay, S. El Adlouni Study region The study considers six precipitation stations located in Senegal, West Africa. Senegal is located in the Sahel, an area that is threatened by climate variability and change. Both droughts and extreme rainfall have been an issue in recent years. Study focus Two different statistical downscaling techniques were applied to the outputs of four regional climate models at six selected precipitation stations in Senegal. First, the delta-change method was applied to the mean annual precipitation as well as the 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-year return period daily precipitation events. Second, a quantile–quantile transformation (QQ) was used to downscale the monthly distributions of precipitation simulated by regional climate models (RCMs). The 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-year daily precipitation events were afterward calculated. All extreme events were calculated assuming that maximum annual daily precipitations follow the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. The two-sided Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test was finally used to assess the performance of the quantile–quantile transformation as well as the GEV distribution fit for the annual maximum daily precipitation. New hydrological insights for the region Results show that the two downscaling techniques generally agree on the direction of the change when applied to the outputs of same RCM, but some cases lead to very different projections of the direction and magnitude of the change. Projected changes indicate a decline in mean precipitation except for one RCM over one region in Senegal. Projected changes in extreme precipitations are not consistent across stations and return periods. The choice of the downscaling technique has more effect on the estimation of extreme daily precipitations of return period equal or greater than ten years than the choice of the climate models.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): J.S. Lessels, T.F.A. Bishop Study region South eastern Australia. Study focus This region is characterised with rainfall events that are associated with large exports of nutrients and sediments. Many water quality monitoring schemes use a form of event-based sampling to quantify these exports. Previous water quality studies that have evaluated different sampling schemes often rely on continuously monitored water quality data. However, many catchment authorities only have access to limited historical data which consists of event-based and monthly routine samples. Therefore there is a need to develop a method that assesses the importance of sampling events using information from limited historical data. This work presents a simulation based approach using unconditional simulation based on historical stream discharge. Such an approach offers site-specific information on optimal sampling schemes. A linear mixed model is used to model the relationship between total phosphorus and stream discharge and the auto-correlation of total phosphorus. New hydrological insights for the region The inclusion of event-based sampling improved annual load estimates of all sites with a maximum RMSE difference of 16.11 tonnes between event-based and routine sampling. Based on the accuracy of annual loads, event-based sampling was found to be more important in catchments with a large relief and high annual rainfall in this region. Using this approach, different sampling schemes can be compared based on limited historical data.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Hayet Chihi, Ghislain de Marsily, Habib Belayouni, Houcine Yahyaoui Study region “Jeffara de Medenine” aquifer system in south-eastern Tunisia. Study focus This study investigates the role of fault structures in the distribution of hydrogeochemical facies and groundwater compartmentalization for the aquifer system. New hydrological insights for the region The proposed methodology, including seismic structural study, hierarchical cluster analysis and geostatistical methods, allowed an efficient multi-element characterization of the spatial patterns of the structural elements in the aquifers and of the hydrogeological parameters used in a spatial cross-correlation to explore the dependence of the geochemical properties in each “geochemical population” on the hosting structural compartment to delineate the different geochemical compartments. The tectonic studies showed that the lateral extent of the aquifers is controlled by normal faults. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed a strong spatial coherence between hydrogeochemical facies clustering and the reservoir compartments at both large and small scales. The kriged maps of major-ion concentrations and of total dissolved solids in the aquifers were then analyzed and compared with the reservoir facies distribution for each compartment, the geometric characteristics of the aquifer, and the piezometric level trends. This allowed to characterize the hydraulic behavior of the Medenine fault and to understand the underlying physical and chemical processes having led to the spatial distribution of the geochemical properties, and thus, the hydrogeochemical functioning of the aquifers.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Marnie L. Atkins, Isaac R. Santos, Damien T. Maher Study region This study investigates dissolved methane distribution in groundwater from the Richmond River Catchment (New South Wales, Australia) before proposed coal seam gas (CSG, or coal bed methane) development. Study focus Unconventional gas exploration has rapidly expanded in recent years. However, the impact of these operations on groundwater systems is poorly understood. A total of 91 groundwater samples were analyzed from 6 geological units. Our observations act as regional baseline research prior to CSG extraction and may assist with long term impact assessment. New hydrological insights for the region Methane was found in all geological units ranging between 0.26 and 4427 μg L −1 (median 10.68 μg L −1 ). Median methane concentrations were highest in chloride-type groundwater (13.26 μg L −1 , n = 58) while bicarbonate-type groundwater had lower concentrations (3.71 μg L −1 ). Groundwater from alluvial sediments had significantly higher median methane concentrations (91.46 μg L −1 ) than groundwater from both the basalt aquifers (0.7 μg L −1 ) and bedrock aquifers (4.63 μg L −1 ); indicating geology was a major driver of methane distribution. Methane carbon stable isotope ratios ranged from –90.9‰ to –29.5‰, suggesting a biogenic origin with some methane oxidation. No significant correlations were observed between methane concentrations and redox indicators (nitrate, manganese, iron and sulphate) except between iron and methane in the Lismore Basalt ( r 2 = 0.66, p 〈 0.001), implying redox conditions were not the main predictor of methane distribution.

Description: Publication date: Available online 29 July 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Zhou Rui, Wu Xiaoping How to deal with colored noises of GOCE (Gravity field and steady – state Ocean Circulation Explorer) satellite has been the key to data processing. This paper focused on colored noises of GOCE gradient data and the frequency spectrum analysis. According to the analysis results, gravity field model of the optimal degrees 90–240 is given, which is recovered by GOCE gradient data. This paper presents an iterative Wiener filtering method based on the gravity gradient invariants. By this method a degree-220 model was calculated from GOCE SGG (Satellite Gravity Gradient) data. The degrees above 90 of ITG2010 were taken as the prior gravity field model, replacing the low degree gravity field model calculated by GOCE orbital data. GOCE gradient colored noises was processed by Wiener filtering. Finally by Wiener filtering iterative calculation, the gravity field model was restored by space-wise harmonic analysis method. The results show that the model's accuracy matched well with the ESA's (European Space Agency) results by using the same data.

Description: Publication date: Available online 3 June 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Foad Changizi , Abdolhosein Haddad This paper investigates the effect of recycled polyester fiber, produced from polyethylene (PET) bottles, in combination with nano-SiO 2 as a new stabilizer to improve the mechanical properties of soils. We intend to study the effect of adding nano-SiO 2 and recycled polyester fiber on soil engineering properties, especially the shear strength and unconfined compressive strength (UCS), using clayey soil with low liquid limit. Three different combinations of fiber-soil ratios ranging between 0.1% and 0.5% as well as three different combinations of nano-soil ratios ranging between 0.5% and 1% are used. The shear strength and UCS of treated specimens are obtained from direct shear test and unconfined compression test, respectively. Results of this study show that the addition of recycled polyester fiber and nano-SiO 2 increases the strength of soil specimens. Both the shear strength and UCS are improved by increasing the contents of recycled polyester fiber and nano-SiO 2 in the soil mixture. The increase in the nano-SiO 2 content leads to a reduction in failure strain, but the increase in the content of recycled polyester fiber leads to an increase in failure strain. The increase in the contents of recycled polyester fiber and nano-SiO 2 leads to an increase in elastic modulus of soils. Based on the test results, the addition of recycled polyester fiber improves the mechanical properties of soils stabilized with nano-SiO 2 as well as the recycled polyester fiber has a positive effect on soil behaviors.

Description: Publication date: Available online 3 June 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Xingzhang Chen , Hui Chen , Yong You , Jinfeng Liu Many debris flows have occurred in the areas surrounding the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake. Susceptibility assessment of debris flows in this area is especially important for disaster prevention and mitigation. This paper studies one of the worst hit areas, the Subao river valley, and the susceptibility assessment of debris flows is performed based on field surveys and remote sensing interpretation. By investigating the formation conditions of debris flows in the valley, the following assessment factors are selected: mixture density of landslides and rock avalanches, distance to the seismogenic fault, stratum lithology, ground roughness, and hillside angle. The weights of the assessment factors are determined by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Each of the assessment factors is further divided into five grades. Then, the assessment model is built using the multifactor superposition method to assess the debris flow susceptibility. Based on the assessment results, the Subao river valley is divided into three areas: high susceptibility areas, medium susceptibility areas, and low susceptibility areas. The high susceptibility areas are concentrated in the middle of the valley, accounting for 17.6% of the valley area. The medium susceptibility areas are in the middle and lower reaches, most of which are located on both sides of the high susceptibility areas and account for 45.3% of the valley area. The remainders are classified as low susceptibility areas. The results of the model are in accordance with the actual debris flow events that occurred after the earthquake in the valley, confirming that the proposed model is capable of assessing the debris flow susceptibility. The results can also provide guidance for reconstruction planning and debris flow prevention in the Subao river valley.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Z. Zomlot, B. Verbeiren, M. Huysmans, O. Batelaan Study focus Groundwater is of strategic importance. The accurate estimation of groundwater recharge and assessing the fundamental controlling factors are therefore of utmost importance to protect groundwater systems. We used the spatially-distributed water-balance model WetSpass to estimate long-term average recharge in Flanders. We validated recharge rates with base flow estimates of 67 daily stream flow records using the hydrograph analyses. To this end we performed principal component analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and relative importance analysis to assess the controlling factors of the spatial variation of recharge and base flow with the influencing watershed characteristics. New hydrological insights for the region The average resulting recharge is 235 mm/year and occurs mainly in winter. The overall moderate correlation between base flow estimates and modeled recharge rates indicates that base flow is a reasonable proxy of recharge. Groundwater recharge variation was explained in order of importance by precipitation, soil texture and vegetation cover; while base flow variation was strongly controlled by vegetation cover and groundwater depth. The results of this study highlight the important role of spatial variables in estimation of recharge and base flow. In addition, the prominent role of vegetation makes clear the potential importance of land-use changes on recharge and hence the need to include a proper strategy for land-use change in sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): B. Ibrahim, D. Wisser, B. Barry, T. Fowe, A. Aduna Study region Hydrological observation networks in the West African region are not dense and reliable. Furthermore, the few available discharge data often present significant gaps. The Volta basin, the second largest transboundary basin in the region, is a typical example of a basin with inadequate hydrological networks. Study focus In this study, a prediction approach to determine monthly discharge in ungauged watersheds is developed. The approach is based on the calibration of two conceptual models for gauged watersheds and an estimation of models’ parameters from the physical and climatic characteristics of the watersheds. The models’ parameters were determined for each ungauged watershed through two different methods: the multiple linear regressions and the kriging method. The two methods were first validated on five gauged watersheds and then applied to the three ungauged watersheds. New hydrological insights for the region The application of the two hydrological models on the eight watersheds helped to produce relevant monthly runoff and to establish the annual hydrological balances from 1970 to 2000 for both gauged and ungauged watersheds. The developed method in this study could therefore help estimate runoff time series, which are of crucial importance when it comes to design hydraulic structures such as small reservoirs.

Description: Publication date: Available online 6 August 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Manchao He, Guolong Zhu, Zhibiao Guo With the third innovation in science and technology worldwide, China has also experienced this marvelous progress. Concerning the longwall mining in China, the “masonry beam theory” (MBT) was first proposed in the 1960s, illustrating that the transmission and equilibrium method of overburden pressure using reserved coal pillar in mined-out areas can be realized. This forms the so-called “121 mining method”, which lays a solid foundation for development of mining science and technology in China. The “transfer rock beam theory” (TRBT) proposed in the 1980s gives a further understanding for the transmission path of stope overburden pressure and pressure distribution in high-stress areas. In this regard, the advanced 121 mining method was proposed with smaller coal pillar for excavation design, making significant contributions to improvement of the coal recovery rate in that era. In the 21st century, the traditional mining technologies faced great challenges and, under the theoretical developments pioneered by Profs. Minggao Qian and Zhenqi Song, the “cutting cantilever beam theory” (CCBT) was proposed in 2008. After that the 110 mining method is formulated subsequently, namely one stope face, after the first mining cycle, needs one advanced gateway excavation, while the other one is automatically formed during the last mining cycle without coal pillars left in the mining area. This method can be implemented using the CCBT by incorporating the key technologies, including the directional pre-splitting roof cutting, constant resistance and large deformation (CRLD) bolt/anchor supporting system with negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) effect material, and remote real-time monitoring technology. The CCBT and 110 mining method will provide the theoretical and technical basis for the development of mining industry in China.

Description: Publication date: Available online 6 August 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Chun’an Tang, Lianchong Li, Nuwen Xu, Ke Ma For high-steep slopes in hydropower engineering, damage can be induced or accumulated due to a series of human or natural activities, including excavation, dam construction, earthquake, rainstorm, rapid rise or drop of water level in the service lifetime of slopes. According to the concept that the progressive damage (microseismicity) of rock slope is the essence of the precursor of slope instability, a microseismic monitoring system for high-steep rock slopes is established. Positioning accuracy of the monitoring system is tested by fixed-position blasting method. Based on waveform and cluster analyses of microseismic events recorded during test, the tempo-spatial distribution of microseismic events is analyzed. The deformation zone in the deep rock masses induced by the microseismic events is preliminarily delimited. Based on the physical information measured by in situ microseismic monitoring, an evaluation method for the dynamic stability of rock slopes is proposed and preliminarily implemented by combining microseismic monitoring and numerical modeling. Based on the rock mass damage model obtained by back analysis of microseismic information, the rock mass elements within the microseismic damage zone are automatically searched by finite element program. Then the stiffness and strength reductions are performed on these damaged elements accordingly. Attempts are made to establish the correlation between microseismic event, strength deterioration and slope dynamic instability, so as to quantitatively evaluate the dynamic stability of slope. The case studies about two practical slopes indicate that the proposed method can reflect the factor of safety of rock slope more objectively. Numerical analysis can help to understand the characteristics and modes of the monitored microseismic events in rock slopes. Microseismic monitoring data and simulation results can be used to mutually modify the sensitive rock parameters and calibrate the model. Combination of microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation provides a more objective basis for the numerical model and parameters and a solid mechanical foundation for the microseismic monitoring.

Description: Publication date: Available online 12 August 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Levan Japaridze In this study, the interaction between cylindrical specimen made of homogeneous, isotropic, and linearly elastic material and loading jaws of any curvature is considered in the Brazilian test. It is assumed that the specimen is diametrically compressed by elliptic normal contact stresses. The frictional contact stresses between the specimen and platens are neglected. The analytical solution starts from the contact problem of the loading jaws of any curvature and cylindrical specimen. The contact width, corresponding loading angle (2 θ 0 ), and elliptical stresses obtained through solution of the contact problems are used as boundary conditions for a cylindrical specimen. The problem of the theory of elasticity for a cylinder is solved using Muskhelishvili’s method. In this method, the displacements and stresses are represented in terms of two analytical functions of a complex variable. In the main approaches, the nonlinear interaction between the loading bearing blocks and the specimen as well as the curvature of their surfaces and the elastic parameters of their materials are taken into account. Numerical examples are solved using MATLAB to demonstrate the influence of deformability, curvature of the specimen and platens on the distribution of the normal contact stresses as well as on the tensile and compressive stresses acting across the loaded diameter. Derived equations also allow calculating the modulus of elasticity, total deformation modulus and creep parameters of the specimen material based on the experimental data of radial contraction of the specimen.

Description: Publication date: Available online 14 August 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): Mayank Shekhar, Amalava Bhattacharyya Study region Zemu Chuu (river), Lachen, North Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya India. Study focus Using tree-ring data of fir ( Abies densa ) the temporal variation of 222 years January–April mean discharge of Zemu Chuu, upper reaches of the Teesta River at Lachen, North Sikkim Eastern Himalaya was investigated. This was based on linear regression reconstruction model which explained variance of 50.1% during calibration period (AD 1976–1996). The model was verified by reduction of error (RE), sign test (ST), product mean test (Pmt), root mean square error (RMSE) and Durbin–Watson test (DW). The RE never falls below zero suggesting the model had explanatory power over the entire period of reconstruction. New hydrological insights for the region The explored strong relationship between tree ring records and instrumental data enable to develop mean January–April months (premonsoon) river discharge of Zemu Chuu from remote area of Sikkim. Reconstructed data reveals high stream-flow when it is more than the mean plus one standard deviation and as low when flow is less than the mean minus one standard deviation. There were such 23 high discharge and 21 extremely low years over the past AD 1775–1996. This premonsoon reconstruction of river flow would be of great significance when scarcity of water is acute in the North East Himalaya.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Jonathan A. Warrick, John M. Melack, Blair M. Goodridge Study region Coastal watersheds of southern California, United States. Study focus We sought to better understand the rates and variability of suspended-sediment discharge from small coastal watersheds (〈100 km 2 ) of California. Suspended-sediment concentrations and stream discharge were measured with automated samplers near the mouths of four small watersheds (10–56 km 2 ). New hydrological insights for the region The watersheds were found to have suspended-sediment concentrations that extended over five orders of magnitude (1 to over 100,000 mg L −1 ). Sediment concentrations were weakly correlated with discharge ( r 2 = 0.10–0.25), and four types of hysteresis patterns were observed during high flow events (clockwise, counterclockwise, no hysteresis, and complex). Annual sediment yields varied by 400-fold across the four watersheds (e.g., 5–2100 t km −2 yr −1 during the 2003–2006 water years), and sediment discharge was measurably elevated in one watershed that was partially burned by a late summer wildfire. Dozens of high flow events provided evidence that suspended-sediment yields were generally related to peak stream discharge and event-based precipitation, although these relationships were not consistent across the watersheds. This suggests that watersheds smaller than 100 km 2 can provide large – and therefore important – fluxes of sediment to the coast, but that simple techniques to estimate sediment loads, such as sediment rating curves, hydrologic regressions, and extrapolation using global sediment yield relationships that include watershed area as a primary factor, may provide poor results. Graphical abstract

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Chris C. Gianfagna, Chris E. Johnson, David G. Chandler, Charlie Hofmann Study region The Catskills region of New York State is largely forested and dominated hydrologically by stream watersheds with few natural lakes. The area experiences intensive water resources management and ecosystem monitoring due to its strategic role as the principal water supply for New York City. Study focus We analyzed average daily flows in nested and non-nested pairs of gaged watersheds in the Catskills to assess whether daily flow in ungaged watersheds can be calculated based on watershed area ratios. New hydrological insights for the region Watershed area ratio was the most important basin parameter for estimating flow at upstream sites based on downstream flow. The area ratio alone explained 93% of the variance in the slopes of relationships between upstream and downstream flows. Regression analysis indicated that flow at any upstream point can be estimated by multiplying the flow at a downstream reference gage by the watershed area ratio. This method accurately predicted upstream flows at area ratios as low as 0.005. We also observed a very strong relationship ( R 2 = 0.79) between area ratio and flow–flow slopes in non-nested catchments. Our results indicate that a simple flow estimation method based on watershed area ratios is justifiable, and indeed preferred, for the estimation of daily streamflow in ungaged watersheds in the Catskills region.

Description: Publication date: Available online 21 September 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Mohsen S. Masoudian To reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into the atmosphere, it is proposed to inject anthropogenic CO 2 into deep geological formations. Deep un-mineable coalbeds are considered to be possible CO 2 repositories because coal is able to adsorb a large amount of CO 2 inside its microporous structure. However, the response of coalbeds is complex because of coupled flow and mechanical processes. Injection of CO 2 causes coal to swell, which leads to reductions in permeability and hence makes injection more difficult, and at the same time leads to changes in the mechanical properties which can affect the stress state in the coal and overlying strata. The mechanical properties of coal under storage conditions are of importance when assessing the integrity and safety of the storage scheme. On the other hand, the geomechanical response of coalbed will also influence the reservoir performance of coalbed. This paper provides an overview of processes associated with coalbed geosequestration of CO 2 while the importance of geomechanical characteristics of coalbeds is highlighted. The most recent findings about the interactions between gas transport and geomechanical characteristics of coal will be discussed and the essence will be delivered. The author suggests areas for future research efforts to further improve the understanding of enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) and coalbed geosequestration of CO 2 .

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Alfonso Rivera Study region Canada–USA border. Study focus Since 2005, Canada has followed international developments in transboundary groundwater issues in cooperation with its southern neighbor the United States (USA) within the Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management Initiative (ISARM) of UNESCO. As a result, 10 Transboundary Aquifer Systems (TAS) were identified along the border between Canada and the USA. This study is an extensive review of the current state of the 10 TAS. Documentation of scientifically-based knowledge on TAS is an important step in identifying potential issues in policies that might be adopted to address shared water-resource issues. New hydrological insights for the region This analysis emphasizes the need for more scientific data, widespread education and training, and a more clearly defined governments’ role to manage groundwater at the international level. The study reviews the current legal framework and summarises the current scientific knowledge for the TAS with respect to the hydrologic and geologic framework as well as some of the major drivers for supply and demand. It also describes the links, approach and relevance of studies on the TAS to the UN Law of Transboundary Aquifers and on how these might fit in the regional strategy for the assessment and management of the TAS. Clear communication, shared knowledge and common objectives in the management of TAS will prepare the countries for future negotiations and cooperative binational programs.

Description: Publication date: September 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 4, Part B Author(s): Brioch Hemmings, Daren Gooddy, Fiona Whitaker, W. George Darling, Alia Jasim, Joachim Gottsmann Study region Montserrat, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean. Study focus Analysis of δ 2 H and δ 18 O isotopes, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) anthropogenic tracers in Montserrat groundwater provides insights into the age and provenance of the spring waters. New hydrological insights δ 2 H and δ 18 O analysis indicates uniform recharge elevations for groundwaters on Montserrat. CFC-11 and CFC-12 analysis reveals age differences between isotopically similar, high elevation springs and low elevation aquifer waters. Low CFC concentrations within a confined low elevation aquifer suggest water ages of ∼45 years. High CFC concentrations in the northern and western springs are explained by rapid infiltration of cool (high CFC concentration) rainfall into saturated compartments, with flow through the vadose zone to the phreatic zone dominated by compartment flow. Lower CFC concentrations in a number of aligned warmer springs suggest a contribution from older, warmer waters from depth. Temperatures and CFC concentrations indicate older component supply rates of up to 8 L/s to the highest yielding spring on Centre Hills, with contributions of up to 75% in the warmest spring waters.

Description: Publication date: Available online 23 November 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Chun-Liang Zhang Characterisation and understanding of the stress-strain-permeability behaviour of a clay host rock during damage and recompaction are essential for prediction of excavation damaged zone and for assessment of its impact on the repository safety. This important issue has been experimentally studied in triaxial compression tests on the Callovo-Oxfordian clay rock in this study. The samples were sequentially loaded by (1) hydrostatic precompaction to close up sampling-induced microcracks, (2) applying deviatoric stresses to determine damage and permeability changes, and (3) recompression along different loading paths to examine reversibility of the damage. The critical stress conditions at the onset of dilatancy, permeability percolation, failure strength, and residual strength are determined. An empirical model is established for fracturing-induced permeability by considering the effects of connectivity and conductivity of microcracks. The cubic law is validated for the variation of permeability of connected fractures with closure. The experiments and results are also presented and discussed.

Description: Publication date: Available online 26 October 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Wu Gao, Yunmin Chen, Liangtong Zhan, Xuecheng Bian Engineering properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) depend largely on the waste’s initial composition and degree of degradation. MSWs in developing countries usually have a high kitchen waste content (called HKWC MSW). After comparing and analyzing the laboratory and field test results of physical composition, hydraulic properties, gas generation and gas permeability, and mechanical properties for HKWC MSW and low kitchen waste content MSW (called LKWC MSW), the following findings were obtained: (1) HKWC MSW has a higher initial water content (IWC) than LKWC MSW, but the field capacities of decomposed HKWC and LKWC MSWs are similar; (2) the hydraulic conductivity and gas permeability for HKWC MSW are both an order of magnitude smaller than those for LKWC MSW; (3) compared with LKWC MSW, HKWC MSW has a higher landfill gas (LFG) generation rate but a shorter duration and a lower potential capacity; (4) the primary compression feature for decomposed HKWC MSW is similar to that of decomposed LKWC MSW, but the compression induced by degradation of HKWC MSW is greater than that of LKWC MSW; and (5) the shear strength of HKWC MSW changes significantly with time and strain. Based on the differences of engineering properties between these two kinds of MSWs, the geo-environmental issues in HKWC MSW landfills were analyzed, including high leachate production, high leachate mounds, low LFG collection efficiency, large settlement and slope stability problem, and corresponding advice for the management and design of HKWC MSW landfills was recommended.

Description: Publication date: Available online 31 May 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Meilin He , Yanxia Xiu In this study, we propose a simple linear least squares estimation method (LLS) based on a Fourier transform to estimate the complex frequency of a harmonic signal. We first use a synthetically-generated noisy time series to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of LLS by comparing it with the commonly used linear autoregressive method (AR). For an input frequency of 0.5 mHz, the calculated deviations from the theoretical value were 0.004‰ and 0.008‰ for the LLS and AR methods respectively; and for an input 5 × 10 −6 attenuation, the calculated deviations for the LLS and AR methods were 2.4% and 1.6%. Though the theory of the AR method is more complex than that of LLS, the results show LLS is a useful alternative method. Finally, we use LLS to estimate the complex frequencies of the five singlets of the 0 S 2 mode of the Earth's free oscillation. Not only are the results consistent with previous studies, the method has high estimation precisions, which may prove helpful in determining constraints on the Earth's interior structures.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: Available online 29 May 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Wenxin Wei , Zaisen Jiang , Yanqiang Wu Using Global Positioning System(GPS) data to analyze the earthquake preparation characteristics of the Kunlun Ms 8.1 and the Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquakes, we review the main research developments of earthquake forecasting and the mechanisms of earthquake preparation using crustal deformation data from recent periods, and discuss the similarities and differences in the scientific approaches adopted by the Chinese and foreign scholars. We then analyze the deformation characteristics of earthquake preparation, with respect to slip and dip-slip faults. Our results show that, in order to understand the relationship between crustal deformation and earthquake preparation, research focus should be expanded from fault-scale to larger scale regions. Furthermore, the dynamic deformation characteristics associated with earthquake preparation must be considered as a multi-scale, spatial-temporal process, in order to obtain the necessary criteria for strong earthquake forecasts.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Xiaodong Yang , Wenqiao Li , Zhen Qin Fault-related parameters are critical for studying tectonic evolution, deformation characteristics, active tectonism, and seismic hazards. A new method of calculating reverse-fault-related parameters has been developed, which uses systematic analysis of the geometrical characteristics of normal and reverse scarps of reverse faults together with measurements of topographic profiles and fault bedding. The results show that the most suitable method of calculating fault parameters heavily relies on the specific type of fault scarp. For a reverse scarp, the size of the vertical displacement ( VD ) of the fault, the vertical separation ( VS ) of the hanging wall and the footwall, and the fault scarp height ( SH ) show the relationship VD  ≥  VS  ≥  SH ; conversely, for normal scarps, VD  ≤  VS  ≤  SH . The theoretical equations were used to study fault deformation in the Southwest Tianshan Mountain foreland basin. The results showed that, for every fault, VD  ≥  VS  ≥ SH, which is consistent with our predicted relationship. This finding demonstrates that this method is suitable to explore structural information of reverse faults. In the study area, the vertical displacement is 1.4 times the horizontal displacement, suggesting that flexural-slip faults may play an important role in transferring local deformation from horizontal shortening to vertical uplift. Therefore, one of the most important steps in correct calculation of reverse-fault-related parameters is selection of the proper equations by identifying the specific type of fault scarp and the corresponding calculation method.

Description: Publication date: Available online 29 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Wugang Ma , Yanxia Wu , Huiqin Zhao Vertical pendulum (VP) tiltmeter is a kind of earthquake precursor observation equipment, which is used to record the interaction force associated with astronomical tidal tilts caused. Currently, VP broadband tiltmeter and vertical sensor (VS) vertical pendulum tiltmeter are primarily used. In this paper, we compare the two different instruments by using four aspects—mechanical structure, circuitry, zeroing, and bandwidth—based on their working principles and applications. We conclude that VP broadband tiltmeter is more superior compared with VS vertical pendulum tiltmeter because of its higher bandwidth and degree of automation.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Xuejun Qiao , Qi Wang , Shaomin Yang , Jie Li , Rong Zou , Kaihua Ding The 2008 Nura M w6.7 earthquake occurred in front of the Trans-Alai Range, central Asia. We present Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements of its coseismic ground deformation that are available for a major earthquake in the region. Analysis of the InSAR data shows that the earthquake ruptured a secondary fault of the Main Pamir Thrust for about 20 km. The fault plane striking N46°E and dipping 48°SE is dominated by thrust slip up to 3 m, most of which is confined to the uppermost 2–5 km of the crust, similar to the nearby 1974 M w7.0 Markansu earthquake. The elastic model of interseismic deformation constrained by GPS measurements suggests that the two earthquakes may have resulted from the failures of two high-angle reverse faults that are about 10 km apart and rooted in a locked décollement at depths of 5–6 km. The elastic strain is built up by a freely creeping décollement at about 16 mm/a.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Yu Lei , Danning Zhao , Hongbing Cai Traditional artificial neural networks (ANN) such as back-propagation neural networks (BPNN) provide good predictions of length-of-day (LOD). However, the determination of network topology is difficult and time consuming. Therefore, we propose a new type of neural network, extreme learning machine (ELM), to improve the efficiency of LOD predictions. Earth orientation parameters (EOP) C04 time-series provides daily values from International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), which serves as our database. First, the known predictable effects that can be described by functional models—such as the effects of solid earth, ocean tides, or seasonal atmospheric variations—are removed a priori from the C04 time-series. Only the residuals after the subtraction of a priori model from the observed LOD data (i.e., the irregular and quasi-periodic variations) are employed for training and predictions. The predicted LOD is the sum of a prior extrapolation model and the ELM predictions of the residuals. Different input patterns are discussed and compared to optimize the network solution. The prediction results are analyzed and compared with those obtained by other machine learning-based prediction methods, including BPNN, generalization regression neural networks (GRNN), and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS). It is shown that while achieving similar prediction accuracy, the developed method uses much less training time than other methods. Furthermore, to conduct a direct comparison with the existing prediction techniques, the mean-absolute-error (MAE) from the proposed method is compared with that from the EOP prediction comparison campaign (EOP PCC). The results indicate that the accuracy of the proposed method is comparable with that of the former techniques. The implementation of the proposed method is simple.

Description: Publication date: Available online 3 April 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): A. Shahul Hameed , T.R. Resmi , S. Suraj , C. Unnikrishnan Warrier , M. Sudheesh , R.D. Deshpande Study region The Chaliyar river basin, Kerala State, India. Study focus Detailed understanding about spatio-temporal variation in the interaction and exchange of water between surface and sub-surface reservoirs is important for effective watershed management. Spatio-temporal variations in the oxygen isotopic composition ( δ 18 O) were used to understand the interaction between groundwater and river water, and to estimate the groundwater recharge from river water in the Chaliyar river basin. New hydrological insights for the region Based on the spatio-temporal variation in δ 18 O values of river and groundwater and fluctuation in ground water levels, following important inferences are made: (1) estimated river water contribution to post-monsoon groundwater recharge is ∼16% in the lowland coastal area of the Chaliyar river basin and 29% in midland region; (2) northeast winter monsoon rains contribute to the groundwater of Chaliyar river basin only in an insignificant manner, and with a delayed response; (3) unlike river water samples which exhibit both seasonal and spatial variation of more than 3‰, the groundwater samples vary only marginally (∼1‰) between the seasons and across the physiographic zones; (4) groundwater samples exhibit inverse altitude gradient in δ 18 O values in the highland zone, in all the three seasons. This may be due to flow of the isotopically depleted groundwater down the gradient and evaporation of residual water in the upper reaches of the basin.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1 Author(s): Ashish Sharma

Description: Publication date: Available online 16 May 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): E.H. Elias , A. Rango , C.M. Steele , J.F. Mejia , R. Smith Study region Upper Rio Grande, Colorado and New Mexico, USA. Study focus Climate change is predicted to further limit the water availability of the arid southwestern U.S. We use the snowmelt runoff model to evaluate impacts of climate change on snow covered area (SCA), streamflow timing and runoff volume. Simulations investigate four future conditions using models downscaled to existing climate stations. Twenty-four subbasins of the Upper Rio Grande containing appreciable snowmelt and a long-term gauging station are simulated. New hydrological insights for the region Future annual volume is 193–204 million m 3 more to 448–476 million m 3 less than the pre-climate change value of 2688 million m 3 . There is disparity between increased volume in wetter simulations (+7%) and decreased volume (−18%) in drier simulations. SCA on 1 April reduced by approximately 50% in all but the warmer/wetter climate. Peak flow is 14–24 days early in the future climates. Among the 24 subbasins there is considerable range in mean melt season SCA (−40% to −100%), total volume change (−30% to +57%) and runoff timing advancement indicating that climate change is best evaluated at the subbasin scale. Daily hydrographs show higher streamflow in March and April, but less from mid-May until the end of the water year. The large decrease in volume in May, June and July will compound water management challenges in the region.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1 Author(s): Mohammad Kamruzzaman

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3 Author(s): Jean-Michel Lemieux , Jalil Hassaoui , John Molson , René Therrien , Pierre Therrien , Michel Chouteau , Michel Ouellet Study region This study is conducted in the Magdalen Islands (Québec, Canada), a small archipelago located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Study focus This work was undertaken to support the design of a long-term groundwater monitoring network and for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. This study relies mostly on the compilation of existing data, but additional field work has also been carried out, allowing for the first time in the Magdalen Islands, direct observation of the depth and shape of the transition zone between freshwater and seawater under natural conditions. Simulations were conducted along a 2D cross-section on Grande Entrée Island in order to assess the individual and combined impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion and decreased groundwater recharge on the position of the saltwater–freshwater interface. The simulations were performed considering variable-density flow and solute transport under saturated-unsaturated conditions. The model was driven by observed and projected climate change scenarios to 2040 for the Magdalen Islands. New hydrological insights for the region The simulation results show that among the three impacts considered, the most important is sea-level rise, followed by decreasing groundwater recharge and coastal erosion. When combined, these impacts cause the saltwater–freshwater interface to migrate inland over a distance of 37 m and to rise by 6.5 m near the coast to 3.1 m further inland, over a 28-year period.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3 Author(s): M.A. Pascolini-Campbell , Richard Seager , David S. Gutzler , Benjamin I. Cook , Daniel Griffin Study region The Gila River, New Mexico, is characterized by two peaks in streamflow: one in the winter–spring (December–May), and summer (August–September). The region is influenced both by Pacific SST variability as well as the North American Monsoon. Study focus The mechanisms responsible for the variability of the winter–spring and summer streamflow peaks are investigated by correlation of streamflow with precipitation and sea surface temperature for 1928–2012. Decadal variability in the flow record is examined for a longer term perspective on Gila River streamflow using tree ring-based reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). New hydrological insights for the region Results indicate a strong influence of winter–spring precipitation and Pacific SST anomalies on the winter–spring streamflow, with El Niño conditions in the Pacific causing increased precipitation and streamflow. Decadal Pacific variability helps explain the transition from high winter flow in the late 20th century to lower flows in the most recent decade. The summer streamflow has a somewhat weaker correlation with precipitation and Pacific SST than the winter–spring streamflow. Its variability is more likely influenced by local North American Monsoon precipitation variability. PDSI and SPI reconstructions indicate much more severe and extended periods of droughts and pluvials in past centuries as well as periods of concurrent winter and summer drought.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3 Author(s): Tsou Jaw , Jialun Li , Kuo-lin Hsu , Soroosh Sorooshian , Fatima Driouech Study region Morocco (excluding Western Sahara). Study focus This study evaluated Moroccan precipitation, dynamically downscaled (0.18-degree) from three runs of the studied GCM ECHAM5/MPI-OM, under the present-day (1971–2000/20C3M) and future (2036–2065/A1B) climate scenarios. The spatial and quantitative properties of the downscaled precipitation were evaluated by a verified, fine-resolution reference. The effectiveness of the hydrologic responses, driven by the downscaled precipitation, was further evaluated for the study region over the upstream watershed of Oum er Rbia River located in Central Morocco. New hydrological insights for the region The raw downscaling runs reasonably featured the spatial properties but quantitatively misrepresented the mean and extreme intensities of present-day precipitation. Two proposed bias correction approaches, namely stationary Quantile-Mapping (QM) and non-stationary Equidistant CDF Matching model (EDCDFm), successfully reduced the system biases existing in the raw downscaling runs. However, both raw and corrected runs projected great diversity in terms of the quantity of future precipitation. Hydrologic simulations performed by a well-calibrated Variable Infiltration Capacity model successfully reproduced the present-day streamflow. The driven flows were identified highly correlated with the effectiveness of the downscaled precipitation. The future flows were projected to be markedly diverse, mainly due to the varied precipitation projections. Two of the three flow simulation runs projected slight to severe drying scenarios, while another projected an opposite trend for the evaluated future period.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3 Author(s): Megersa Olumana Dinka , Willibald Loiskandl , Julius Musyoka Ndambuki Study region The Matahara region is located in the East Showa zone of Oromiya regional state (Ethiopia). Matahra Sugar Estate and Lake Basaka (highly saline, alkaline and sodic lake) are situated within the flat plains of Matahara region. The area is vulnerable to the occurrences of various tectonic and volcanic activities due to its location in the upper most part of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley region. Study focus In this study, the hydrochemical properties of different surface water and groundwater bodies available at Matahara region have been characterized for quality compositions. Water samples were collected from different water sources and analyzed for important major quality parameters following standard test procedures. Other chemical indices were derived from the measured quality parameters. The potential sources of minerals were suggested for each of the considered water sources based on their quality characteristics. New hydrological insights for the region Overall, the study result elucidates that the chemical composition of different water bodies are due to natural processes and/or anthropogenic activities within the region. The local anthropogenic processes could be discharges from factory, domestic sewage and farming activities. Some of the water types are found to have relatively higher concentration of dissolved constituents. Irrigation waters have almost equal chemical compositions, indicating their hydrochemical sources are almost the same. Most of the concentrations are relatively high in Lake Basaka, groundwater and hot springs. It is easy to imagine the potential damaging effects of such quality waters on crop production, soil properties and environment of the region.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3 Author(s): Julianne Hagarty , David Azanu , Bernadette Atosona , Ray Voegborlo , Erica A.H. Smithwick , Kamini Singha Study region Buruli ulcer, an emerging disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans , largely affects poor rural populations in tropical countries. The environmental niche that supports this necrotizing bacterium is unclear. Here, water samples were collected from five communities within Ghana in the rainy season in 2011: four in the southern part of Ghana (three disease-endemic communities: Pokukrom, Betenase, and Ayanfuri, and one control: Kedadwen) and one non-endemic community (Nangruma) in the north. Study focus Past studies of Buruli ulcer conclude that water quality is, in some way, closely related to the transmission of this disease. This work serves as a first step to explore links between Buruli ulcer incidence and water quality. More broadly, this research works toward identifying the environmental niche for M. ulcerans , providing characterization of water bodies hazardous to human health in at-risk communities. New hydrological insights Trace metals, thought to aid in the preferential growth of M. ulcerans , are present in higher concentrations in mining pits and stagnant pools than in other tested water bodies. Arsenic in particular could serve as a double threat for BU incidence: it could support the growth of M. ulcerans while suppressing immune systems, making the population more susceptible to disease. Few other differences between endemic and non-endemic communities exist, implying other variables such as human behavior may also control the onset of Buruli ulcer.

Description: Publication date: Available online 9 May 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): L. Zeni , L. Picarelli , B. Avolio , A. Coscetta , R. Papa , G. Zeni , C. Di Maio , R. Vassallo , A. Minardo In this paper, we show some recent experimental applications of Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA) based sensors for geotechnical monitoring. In particular, how these sensors can be applied to detecting early movements of soil slopes by the direct embedding of suitable fiber cables in the ground is presented. Furthermore, the same technology can be used to realize innovative inclinometers, as well as smart foundation anchors.

Description: Publication date: Available online 8 May 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Werner Lienhart High-sensitivity monitoring solutions are crucial for early warning systems of earth structures. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of such systems for natural and engineered slopes using two case studies. At the Gradenbach Observatory, one key element of the monitoring system is a large fiber optic strain rosette embedded in the slope. We demonstrate that the strain rosette can depict landslide deformations much earlier than geodetic sensors like GPS or total stations and is therefore well suitable for an early warning system. In a second application we report the construction of a reinforced earth structure using geogrids. A distributed fiber optic measurement system was installed to measure the current operating grade of the geogrids within the earth structure. About 2 km of Brillouin sensing cables were installed in the project area. It is demonstrated that the developed monitoring system is well suited for assessing the current state of health of reinforced earth structures.

Description: Publication date: Available online 22 May 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Hansheng Wang , Longwei Xiang , Patrick Wu , Lulu Jia , Liming Jiang , Qiang Shen , Holger Steffen We use the average crustal structure of the CRUST1.0 model for the Tibetan Plateau to establish a realistic earth model termed as TC1P, and data from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) hydrology model and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data, to generate the hydrology signals assumed in this study. Modeling of surface radial displacements and gravity variation is performed using both TC1P and the global Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM). Furthermore, inversions of the hydrology signals based on simulated Global Positioning System (GPS) and GRACE data are performed using PREM. Results show that crust in TC1P is harder and softer than that in PREM above and below a depth of 15 km, respectively, causing larger differences in the computed load Love numbers and loading Green's functions. When annual hydrology signals are assumed, the differences of the radial displacements are found to be as large as approximately 0.6 mm for the truncated degree of 180; while for hydrology-trend signals the differences are very small. When annual hydrology signals and the trends are assumed, the differences in the surface gravity variation are very small. It is considered that TC1P can be used to efficiently remove the hydrological effects on the monitoring of crustal movement. It was also found that when PREM is used inappropriately, the inversion of the hydrology signals from simulated annual GPS signals can only recover approximately 88.0% of the annual hydrology signals for the truncated degree of 180, and the inversion of hydrology signals from the simulated trend GPS signals can recover approximately 92.5% for the truncated degree of 90. However, when using the simulated GRACE data, it is possible to recover almost 100%. Therefore, in future, the TC1P model can be used in the inversions of hydrology signals based on GPS network data. PREM is also valid for use with inversions of hydrology signals from GRACE data at resolutions of approximately 220 km and larger.

Description: Publication date: Available online 21 May 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Zhao Qian , Wu Yunlong , Wu Weiwei Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) was used to process the spherical harmonic coefficient (SHC) of 115 GRACE RL05 monthly gravity field models from March 2003 to February 2013 released by CSR. We analyzed the effectiveness of EOF in decorrelation of gravity field. Results show that only a small Gaussian smoothing radius was needed by EOF to significantly weaken the north-south stripes compared with the empirical moving-window filtering algorithm. The comparative experiments with a GLDAS hydrological model also show that EOF did not much affect the real geophysical signals, and that the removed signals were nearly uncorrelated with the real geophysical signals. As the GRACE missions continue, EOF can be used to significantly remove the correlated errors from monthly gravity fields and reserve rich effective signals.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 May 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Fuchao Chen , La Ta , Juzhong Chen The strain rate in Sichuan and its surrounding areas, and the activity rate and strain rate in two block boundary fault zones were calculated according to the block movement parameters estimated using the station speed obtained from regional GPS station observation data in these areas for 2009–2011 and GPS continuous station data for 2011–2013. The movement field characteristics in these areas were analyzed with the Sichuan Basin as the reference. Results show that the principal strain rate and maximum shear strain rate of the Bayan Har block were the largest, followed by those of the Sichuan–Yunnan block and Sichuan Basin. The deep normal strain rate in the Longmenshan fault zone was compressive and large over the study period. The normal strain rate in the Xianshuihe fault zone was tensile.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Jin Wei , Ziwei Liu , Shaoan Sun , Kaixuan Kang , Chongyang Shen , Hui Li The North–South Seismic Belt was analyzed using gravity observation data from 2011 to 2015, and the nontidal analysis results show that there was a nonlinear gravity change at both the Chengdu and Guza seismostations one month before the Leshan M 5.0 earthquake.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Yiqing Zhu , Fang Liu , Xinzhao You , Weifeng Liang , Yunfeng Zhao , Lian Liu The relation between plate tectonics and earthquake evolution is analyzed systematically on the basis of 1998–2010 absolute and relative gravity data from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China. Most earthquakes originated in the plate boundary or within the fault zone. Tectonic deformation was most intense and exhibited discontinuity within the tectonically active fault zone because of the differential movement; the stress accumulation produced an abrupt gravity change, which was further enhanced by the earthquake. The gravity data from mainland China since 2000 obviously reflected five major earthquakes ( M s > 7), all of which were better reflected than before 2000. Regional gravity anomalies and a gravity gradient change were observed in the area around the epicenter about 2 or 3 years before the earthquake occurred, suggesting that gravity change may be a seismic precursor. Furthermore, in this study, the medium-term predictions of the M s7.3 Yutian, M s8.0 Wenchuan, and M s7.0 Lushan earthquakes are analytically presented and evaluated, especially to estimate location of earthquake.

Description: Publication date: Available online 23 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Bei Xu , Caijun Xu Many studies revealed that the Earth medium's lateral heterogeneity can cause considerable effects on the co- and post-seismic deformation field. In this study, the three-dimensional finite element numerical method are adopted to quantify the effects of lateral heterogeneity caused by material parameters and fault dip angle on the co- and post-seismic deformation in the near- and far-field. Our results show that: 1) the medium's lateral heterogeneity does affect the co-seismic deformation, with the effects increasing with the medium's lateral heterogeneity caused by material parameters; 2) the Lame parameters play a more dominant role than density in the effects caused by lateral heterogeneity; 3) when a fault's dip angle is smaller than 90°, the effects of the medium's lateral heterogeneity on the hanging wall are greater than on the footwall; 4) the impact of lateral heterogeneity caused by the viscosity coefficient on the post-seismic deformation can affect a large area, including the near- and far-field.

Description: Publication date: Available online 23 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Tangyong Guo , Peiyuan Wang , Xin Li , Wei Zhu , Tong Zou , Shipeng Li , Qingshan Luo The mobile satellite laser ranging system TROS1000, successfully developed in 2010, achieves a high repetition rate and enables daytime laser ranging. Its measurement range has reached up to 36000 km with an accuracy as precise as 1 cm. Using recent observations in Wuhan, Jiufeng, Xianning, and Rongcheng, Shandong, we introduce the progress made using this mobile observation system.

Description: Publication date: Available online 23 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Haijun Xu , Yongzhi Zhang , Hurong Duan At present, gravity field and steady-state ocean circulation explorer (GOCE) gravity data are always used to compute regional gravity anomaly and geoid height. In this study, the latest GOCE gravity field model data (from Oct. 2009 to Jul. 2010) are used to compute the gravity gradient of mainland China according to a rigorous recursion formula (in all the six directions). The results show that the numerical values of the gravity gradients are larger in the T rr direction than those in the other directions. They reflect the terrain characteristics in detail and correlate with the regional tectonics; however, in the T θλ and T rλ directions, the numerical values are relatively smaller and the gravity gradients in the T rλ direction do not reflect the terrain characteristics in detail.

Description: Publication date: Available online 21 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Yaxuan Hu , Shanlan Qin , Ming Hao The recent plethora of GPS observations compensates for the 20-year-old lack in vertical displacement data for the Guanzhong region. The 2001–2007 three-dimensional (3D) crustal deformation data suggest regional movement with a horizontal velocity of 3–7 mm/a, predominantly from SSE in the west to SE in the east, and vertical inherited movement with velocity of −7 mm/a to 4 mm/a. After the Wenchuan earthquake, the GPS data suggest that the effect of the earthquake on the regional deformation is greater in the west than the east. The horizontal displacement increased during 2007–2008; however, the reverse was observed in 2008–2009. The vertical displacement in the western part of the region increased in 2008 and has been gradually returning to normal since 2009; however, in the eastern part, the effect of the earthquake remains.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 April 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Jianyong Li , Guojie Meng , Xinzhao You , Rui Zhang , Hongbo Shi , Yufei Han Possible ionospheric disturbances relating to the May 12, 2008, M s8.0 Wenchuan earthquake were identified by Global Positioning System (GPS)-derived total electron content (TEC), ionosonde observations, the global ionospheric map (GIM), and electron density profiles detected by the Constellation Observation System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC). We applied a statistical test to detect anomalous TEC signals and found that a unique enhancement in TEC, recorded at 16 GPS stations, appeared on May 9, 2008. The critical frequency at F2 peak (f 0 F2), observed by the Chinese ionosondes, and maximal plasma frequency, derived from COSMIC data, revealed a characteristic similar to GPS TEC variations. The GIM showed that the anomalous variations of May 9 were located southeast of the epicenter. Using GPS data from 13 stations near the epicenter, we analyzed the TEC variations of satellite orbit traces during 04:00–11:00 UT. We found that TEC decreased to the east and increased to the southeast of the epicenter during this period. Results showed that the abnormal disturbance on May 9 was probably an ionospheric precursor of the Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.

Description: Publication date: Available online 23 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Yunzhong Shen , Xinzhao You , Jiexian Wang , Bin Wu , Junping Chen , Xiaping Ma , Xiuqiang Gong The seven co-located sites of the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) in Shanghai, Wuhan, Kunming, Beijing, Xi'an, Changchun, and Urumqi are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), and satellite laser ranging (SLR) equipment. Co-location surveying of these sites was performed in 2012 and the accuracies of the solved tie vectors are approximately 5 mm. This paper proposes a mathematical model that handles the least squares adjustment of the 3D control network and calculates the tie vectors in one step, using all the available constraints in the adjustment. Using the new mathematical model, local tie vectors can be more precisely determined and their covariance more reasonably estimated.

Description: Publication date: Available online 24 March 2015 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Xiaogang Liu , Yingchun Li , Yun Xiao , Bin Guan Downward continuation is a key step in processing airborne geomagnetic data. However, downward continuation is a typically ill-posed problem because its computation is unstable; thus, regularization methods are needed to realize effective continuation. According to the Poisson integral plane approximate relationship between observation and continuation data, the computation formulae combined with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm are transformed to a frequency domain for accelerating the computational speed. The iterative Tikhonov regularization method and the iterative Landweber regularization method are used in this paper to overcome instability and improve the precision of the results. The availability of these two iterative regularization methods in the frequency domain is validated by simulated geomagnetic data, and the continuation results show good precision.

Description: Publication date: Available online 9 April 2015 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Yousef Alhorr , Mohammed Arif , Tabassum Bano , Charles Egbu , Ahmed Mazroei , Esam Elsarrag Healing environment and Health Associated Infections (HAI) have been researched for more than 30 years globally. There is definitely a consensus among the researchers and practitioners about its importance. A range of issues such as knowledge management, performance management, design management and process management have been highlighted as major contributors to healing environment and HAI. This paper presents the results of a workshop conducted in Doha, Qatar with the purpose of exploring the problems encountered in the Qatari healthcare sector regarding HAI and healing environment. The major findings from the workshops indicated that there is a need for more research in the areas of knowledge management and performance management in order to better maintain healthcare facilities. The design of healthcare facilities and the implementation of green building guidelines in Qatar also need to incorporate design practices and features that can improve healing and have been researched in other parts of the world. This paper compiles the research agenda for future researchers to pursue and improve the performance and healing environment in Qatar.

Description: Publication date: Available online 2 May 2015 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Tara Sen , Ashim Paul This research paper presents an experimental investigation on the confinement strength and confinement modulus of concrete cylinders confined using different types of natural fibre composites and a comparative performance analysis with different artificial fibre based composite materials. The paper also highlights the need to switch over from the utilization of artificial fibres, which are non-renewable and fossil fuel products, to environmental beneficial materials like green fibres. The utilization of plant products like sisal and jute fibres and their composites in various structural engineering applications addresses the issues of sustainability and renewability with constructional materials. The paper describes a suitable mechanical treatment method like high temperature conditioning, which aids us in further improving the properties of these woven natural materials like sisal and jute for composite fabrication and utilization. Heat treated natural fibres of woven sisal and jute were utilized for confining concrete cylinders similar to CFRP and GFRP confinement and their confinement characteristics were obtained and compared. All the cylinders were subjected to monotonic axial compressive loads, so as to evaluate the effect of confinement on the axial load carrying capacity and all their failure modes were discussed thoroughly. The results indicated superior performance by sisal FRP as well as jute FRP confined cylinders as compared to controlled or unconfined cylinders, also sisal FRP wrapped cylinders displayed ultimate axial load of comparable magnitude to CFRP confinement. Natural FRP confinement displayed superior confinement modulus and confinement strength, also the ultimate axial load of concrete cylinders confined with natural FRPs underwent 66% enhancement by sisal FRP and 48% enhancement by jute FRP, in comparison with controlled or unconfined cylinders. Enhancement in axial load carrying capacity was 83% with CFRP confinement and 180% with GFRP confinement. Although natural FRP displayed lower enhancement in axial load carrying capacity in comparison with artificial FRP confinement, but enhanced load carrying capabilities alongside superior sustainability and environmental friendly indices could be obtained using the same, because of various advantages associated with the use of natural fibres.

Description: Publication date: Available online 18 March 2015 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Ashwani Kumar , Pushplata Urban settlements in India are growing tremendously and have critical issues related to uncontrolled and inappropriate development, environmental degradation, pollution, high energy consumption, and inefficient infrastructure which results in deteriorating living conditions. Therefore, achieving systematic and contextual development is the most challenging concern in all urban developments. This scenario is most critical in environmentally sensitive hill towns which have witnessed huge inappropriate development in last few decades. However, to achieve systematic and contextual development different building regulations like, floor area ratio (F.A.R.), setbacks, ground coverage, and height of building are enforced, but the problem of inappropriate development persists. Setback is a regulation which controls the spacing between buildings to have adequate solar exposure and ventilation. Presently, setback regulations are enforced uniformly throughout a hill town for a particular use which results in inadequate solar exposure to buildings, high energy consumption and unhealthy living conditions. This paper attempts to highlight a new approach to formulate setback regulations based on topography, slope direction, building height and access road for specific context to Shimla (the largest hilltop town of India) after the in depth study of problems of existing setback regulations in Indian hill towns.

Description: Publication date: Available online 1 April 2015 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Shaila Bantanur , Mahua Mukherjee , R. Shankar The institutions of higher education provide role models for excellence in education. But also have the added responsibility of providing guidance to the community for social upliftment and environmental sustainability. It becomes imperative, therefore to assess the extent to which sustainable practices have been adopted in these institutions and their adequacy. It is anticipated that a holistic assessment will indicate strengths and weaknesses in sustainability practices so that effective measures can be taken to initiate the creation of a more sustainable environment. To achieve the foregoing objective parameters like Land use and Energy have been identified. An analysis of the basic sustainability parameters with regard to the various institutional surveys indicates the changing trends over the years. The trend reflects institutional growth, improvement in the economy and growing of awareness of sustaining the ecological environment. However, the extent to which each parameter is addressed varies from institution to institution, as well as the geographical location and climatic variations due to the diverse nature of these two factors in the Indian context. Increasing awareness issues pertaining to sustainability in institutions of higher education is reflected by relevant practices adopted, however it is expected that initial momentum generated in this direction will lead to further adoption of sustainable practices consistent with the cultural geographical and socio economic scenario prevailing.

Description: Publication date: Available online 30 April 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Mikhail A. Guzev

Description: Publication date: Available online 28 April 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Gamal Rashed , Syd S. Peng Bumps in coal mines have been recognized as a major hazard for many years. These sudden and violent failures around mine openings have compromised safety, ventilation and access to mine workings. Previous studies showed that the violence of coal specimen failure depends on both the interface friction and width-to-height (W/H) ratio of coal specimen. The mode of failure for a uniaxially loaded coal specimen or a coal pillar is a combination of both shear failure along the interface and compressive failure in the coal. The shear failure along the interface triggered the compressive failure in coal. The compressive failure of a coal specimen or a coal pillar can be controlled by changing its W/H ratio. As the W/H ratio increases, the ultimate strength increases. Hence, with a proper combination of interface friction and the W/H ratio of pillar or coal specimen, the mode of failure will change from sudden violent failure which is brittle failure to non-violent failure which is ductile failure. The main objective of this paper is to determine at what W/H ratio and interface friction the mode of failure changes from violent to non-violent. In this research, coal specimens of W/H ratio ranging from 1 to 10 were uniaxially tested under two interface frictions of 0.1 and 0.25, and the results are presented and discussed.

Description: Publication date: Available online 7 April 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Jianping Zuo , Huihai Liu , Hongtao Li This study uses a three-dimensional crack model to theoretically derive the Hoek–Brown rock failure criterion based on the linear elastic fracture theory. Specifically, we argue that a failure characteristic factor needs to exceed a critical value when macro-failure occurs. This factor is a product of the micro-failure orientation angle (characterizing the density and orientation of damaged micro-cracks) and the changing rate of the angle with respect to the major principal stress (characterizing the microscopic stability of damaged cracks). We further demonstrate that the factor mathematically leads to the empirical Hoek–Brown rock failure criterion. Thus, the proposed factor is able to successfully relate the evolution of microscopic damaged crack characteristics to macro-failure. Based on this theoretical development, we also propose a quantitative relationship between the brittle–ductile transition point and confining pressure, which is consistent with experimental observations.

Description: Publication date: Available online 18 April 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): Fabrice Papa , Frédéric Frappart , Yoann Malbeteau , Mohammad Shamsudduha , Venugopal Vuruputur , Muddu Sekhar , Guillaume Ramillien , Catherine Prigent , Filipe Aires , Rajesh Kumar Pandey , Sujit Bala , Stephane Calmant Study region The Ganges–Brahmaputra (GB), a major river basin of the Indian Sub-Continent (ISC), is the host of more than 700 millions people. Study focus In addition to monsoons and strong climate variability, GB is facing growing demands for freshwater availability by a continually growing population and rapidly developing of agricultural and industrial sectors. The management of water resources is thus of highest priority and, in the context of current over-abstraction of groundwater, accurate estimates of terrestrial freshwater storage are essential. We propose a multi-satellite approach to estimate surface freshwater storage (SWS) and subsurface water storage (SSWS, groundwater + soil moisture) variations over GB. New hydrological insights Basin-scale monthly SWS variations for the period 2003–2007 show a mean annual amplitude of ∼410 km 3 , contributing to about 45% of the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE)-derived total water storage variations (TWS). During the drought-like conditions in 2006, we estimate that the SWS deficit over the entire GB basin in July–August–September was about 30% as compared to other years. The SWS variations are then used to decompose the GB GRACE-derived TWS and isolate the variations of SSWS whose mean annual amplitude is estimated to be ∼550 km 3 . This new dataset of water storage variations represent an unprecedented source of information for hydrological and climate modeling studies of the ISC.

Description: Publication date: Available online 7 April 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): Swati Verma , Abhijit Mukherjee , Runti Choudhury , Chandan Mahanta Study region Brahmaputra River basin, India. Study focus The present study deciphers the groundwater solute chemistry and arsenic (As) enrichment in the shallow aquifers of the study region. Four different geomorphologic units, e.g. piedmont (PD), older alluvium of river Brahmaputra and its tributaries (OA), active alluvium of river Brahmaputra and its tributaries (YA) and river channel deposits (RCD) were identified. More than 62% of all groundwater samples collected have dissolved As >0.01 mg/L, whereas about 87% of groundwater samples in OA terrain are enriched with As, which draws a distinct difference from the adjoining Gangetic aquifers. New hydrological insights for the region Most groundwater solutes of RCD and YA terrains were derived from both silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution, while silicate weathering process dominates the solute contribution in OA groundwater. Groundwater samples from all terrains are postoxic with mean pe values between Fe(III) and As(V)–As(III) reductive transition. While, reductive dissolution of (Fe–Mn)OOH is the dominant mechanism of As mobilization in RCD and YA aquifers, As in OA and PD aquifers could be mobilized by combined effect of pH dependent sorption and competitive ion exchange. The present study focuses on the major ion chemistry as well as the chemistry of the redox sensitive solutes of the groundwater in different geomorphic settings and their links to arsenic mobilization in groundwater.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): B.M. Hallett , H.A. Dharmagunawardhane , S. Atal , E. Valsami-Jones , S. Ahmed , W.G. Burgess Study region The Maheshwaram and Waipally catchments of Andhra Pradesh, India, and the Plonnaruwa catchment of north-central Sri Lanka. Study focus The distribution of F across eight crystalline phases and between the bedrock and the regolith at eleven sites in three catchments is documented. Mineral contributions to F release during weathering and regolith development are quantified. New hydrological insights for the region An estimate of weathering duration for the in situ regolith in Andhra Pradesh, 250–380 Ka, is close to a previous estimate for southern India. Partial or total destruction of the primary F-bearing bedrock minerals and consistent depletion of F in the remnant minerals result in a much reduced total F content in the regolith. Leaching experiments and field relationships, however, indicate a greater potential for F mobilisation to groundwater from the regolith than the bedrock. Schemes for managed aquifer recharge should beware the risk of mobilising additional F to groundwater.

Description: Publication date: March 2015 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 3, Supplement 1 Author(s): Salah Er-Raki

Description: Publication date: Available online 9 May 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Zhiqiang Liu , Yiping Meng This study presents the concept of shaft constructed by raise boring in underground mines, and the idea of inverse construction can be extended to other fields of underground engineering. The conventional raise boring methods, such as the wood support method, the hanging cage method, the creeping cage method, and the deep-hole blasting method, are analyzed and compared. In addition, the raise boring machines are classified into different types and the characteristics of each type are described. The components of a raise boring machine including the drill rig, the drill string and the auxiliary system are also presented. Based on the analysis of the raise boring method, the rock mechanics problems during the raise boring process are put forward, including rock fragmentation, removal of cuttings, shaft wall stability, and borehole deviation control. Finally, the development trends of raise boring technology are described as follows: (i) improvement of rock-breaking modes to raise drilling efficiency, (ii) development of an intelligent control technique, and (iii) development of technology and equipment for nonlinear raise boring.

Description: Publication date: Available online 12 June 2015 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Nitendra Palankar , A.U. Ravi Shankar , Mithun BM The present day research is focussed on development of alternative binder materials to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) due to huge emissions of green house gases associated with production of OPC. GGBFS-FA based geopolymer binders are an innovative alternative to OPC which can obtain high strengths apart from being eco-friendly; since its production does not involve high energy and also contributes to sustainability by using the industrial waste materials. Steel slag, an industrial by-product obtained from manufacture of steel can be identified as an alternative to natural aggregates for concrete production, since there is a possibility of acute shortage of natural aggregates in future. The present study is conducted to evaluate the performance of weathered steel slag coarse aggregates in GGBFS-FA based geopolymer concrete. GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete with steel slag coarse aggregates are prepared by replacing natural granite aggregates at different replacement levels i.e. 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (by volume) and various fresh and mechanical properties are studied. The flexural fatigue behaviour of GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete with steel slag is also studied in detail. Efforts are also made to model the probabilistic distribution of fatigue data of GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete at different stress levels using two parameters Weibull distribution. The results indicated that incorporation of steel slag in GGBFS-FA geopolymer concrete resulted in slight reduction in mechanical strength. The water absorption and volume of permeable voids displayed higher values with inclusion of steel slag. Reduction in number of cycles for fatigue failure was observed in geopolymer concrete mixes containing steel slag as compared to granite aggregates. Overall, the performance of steel slag was found to be satisfactory for structural and pavement application and steel slag can recognised as new construction material.

Description: Publication date: Available online 11 June 2015 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Asskar Janalizadeh , Ali Zahmatkesh Liquefaction has been a main cause of damage to civil engineering structures in seismically active areas. The effects of damage of liquefaction on deep foundations are very destructive. Seismic behavior of pile foundations is widely discussed by many researchers for safer and more economic design purposes. This paper presents a pseudo-static method for analysis of piles in liquefiable soil under seismic loads. A free-field site response analysis using three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling was performed to determine kinematic loads from lateral ground displacements and inertial loads from vibration of the superstructure. The effects of various parameters, such as soil layering, kinematic and inertial forces, boundary condition of pile head and ground slope, on pile response were studied. By comparing the numerical results with the centrifuge test results, it can be concluded that the use of the p - y curves with various degradation factors in liquefiable sand gives reasonable results.

Description: Publication date: Available online 9 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Ruisha Li, Xi Zhang, Shouwen Gong, Hongtao Tang, Peng Jia The equation for determining cross-fault representative value is calculated based on hanging wall and foot wall reference level surfaces. The cross-fault data reliability are analyzed base on the stability of reference datum and observation points, thereby facilitating plotting of the representative value curves after removing interference. The spatial and temporal characteristics of fault deformation abnormalities before the 2016 Menyuan M s6.4 earthquake, as well as the fault-movement characteristics reflected by representative value, are summarized. The results show that many site trends had changed 1–3 years before the Menyuan M s6.4 earthquake in the Qilian Fault, reflecting certain background abnormalities. The short-term abnormalities centrally had appeared in the 6 months to 1 year period before the earthquake near and in the neighborhood of the source region, demonstrating a significantly increased number of short-term abnormalities. Many sites near and in the neighborhood of the source region had strengthened inverse activities or had changed from positive to inverse activities in the most recent 2–3 years, which reflect stress-field enhancements or adjustment features.

Description: Publication date: Available online 19 July 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Aref al-Swaidani, Ibrahim Hammoud, Ayman Meziab Clayey soils in Syria cover a total area of more than 20,000 km 2 of the country, most of which are located in the southwestern region. In many places of the country, the clayey soils caused severe damage to infrastructures. Extensive studies have been carried out on the stabilization of clayey soils using lime. Syria is rich in both lime and natural pozzolana. However, few works have been conducted to investigate the influence of adding natural pozzolana on the geotechnical properties of lime-treated clayey soils. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of adding natural pozzolana on some geotechnical properties of lime-stabilized clayey soils. Natural pozzolana and lime are added to soil within the range of 0%−20% and 0%−8%, respectively. Consistency, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR) and linear shrinkage properties are particularly investigated. The test results show that the investigated properties of lime-treated clayey soils can be considerably enhanced when the natural pozzolana is added as a stabilizing agent. Analysis results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) show significant changes in the microstructure of the treated clayey soil. A better flocculation of clayey particles and further formation of cementing materials in the natural pozzolana-lime-treated clayey soil are clearly observed.

Description: Publication date: Available online 15 July 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Sadok Benmebarek, Samir Attallaoui, Naïma Benmebarek Back-to-back mechanically stabilized earth walls (BBMSEWs) are encountered in bridge approaches, ramp ways, rockfall protection systems, earth dams, levees and noise barriers. However, available design guidelines for BBMSEWs are limited and not applicable to numerical modeling when back-to-back walls interact with each other. The objective of this paper is to investigate, using PLAXIS code, the effects of the reduction in the distance between BBMSEW, the reinforcement length, the quality of backfill material and the connection of reinforcements in the middle, when the back-to-back walls are close. The results indicate that each of the BBMSEWs behaves independently if the width of the embankment between mechanically stabilized earth walls is greater than that of the active zone. This is in good agreement with the result of FHWA design guideline. However, the results show that the FHWA design guideline underestimates the lateral earth pressure when back-to-back walls interact with each other. Moreover, for closer BBMSEWs, FHWA design guideline strongly overestimates the maximum tensile force in the reinforcement. The investigation of the quality of backfill material shows that the minor increase in embankment cohesion can lead to significant reductions in both the lateral earth pressure and the maximum tensile force in geosynthetic. When the distance between the two earth walls is close to zero, the connection of reinforcement between back-to-back walls significantly improves the factor of safety.

Description: Publication date: Available online 28 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Hossein Mola-Abasi, Issa Shooshpasha It is well known that the cemented sand is one of economic and environmental topics in soil stabilization. In this instance, a blend of sand, cement and other materials such as fiber, glass, nanoparticle and zeolite can be commercially available and effectively used in soil stabilization in road construction. However, the influence and effectiveness of zeolite on the properties of cemented sand systems have not been completely explored. In this study, based on an experimental program, the effects of zeolite on the characteristics of cemented sands are investigated. Stabilizing agent includes Portland cement of type II and zeolite. Results show the improvements of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and failure properties of cemented sand when the cement is replaced by zeolite at an optimum proportion of 30% after 28 days. The rate of strength improvement is approximately between 20% and 78%. The efficiency of using zeolite increases with the increases in cement amount and porosity. Finally, a power function of void-cement ratio and zeolite content is demonstrated to be an appropriate method to assess UCS of zeolite-cemented mixtures.

Description: Publication date: Available online 28 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Atsushi Sainoki, Hani S. Mitri Fault-slip taking place in underground mines occasionally causes severe damage to mine openings as a result of strong ground motion induced by seismic waves arising from fault-slip. It is indicated from previous studies that intense seismic waves could be generated with the shock unloading of fault surface asperities during fault-slip. This study investigates the shock unloading with numerical simulation. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model with idealized asperities is constructed with the help of discrete element code 3DEC. The idealization is conducted to particularly focus on simulating the shock unloading that previous numerical models, which replicate asperity degradation and crack development during the shear behavior of a joint surface in previous studies, fail to capture and simulate. With the numerical model, static and dynamic analyses are carried out to simulate unloading of asperities in the course of fault-slip. The results obtained from the dynamic analysis show that gradual stress release takes place around the center of the asperity tip at a rate of 45 MPa/ms for the base case, while an instantaneous stress release greater than 80 MPa occurs near the periphery of the asperity tip when the contact between the upper and lower asperities is lost. The instantaneous stress release becomes more intense in the vicinity of the asperity tip, causing tensile stress more than 20 MPa. It is deduced that the tensile stress could further increase if the numerical model is discretized more densely and analysis is carried out under stress conditions at a great depth. A model parametric study shows that in-situ stress state has a significant influence on the magnitude of the generated tensile stress. The results imply that the rapid stress release generating extremely high tensile stress on the asperity tip can cause intense seismic waves when it occurs at a great depth.

Description: Publication date: Available online 18 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Morteza Esmaeili, Hamid Khajehei Deep mixed column (DMC) is known as one of the effective methods for stabilizing the natural earth beneath road or railway embankments to control stability and settlements under traffic loads. The load distribution mechanism of embankment overlying on loose subgrades stabilized with DMCs considerably depends on the columns' mechanical and geometrical specifications. The present study uses the laboratory investigation to understand the behavior of embankments lying on loose sandy subgrade in three different conditions: (1) subgrade without reinforcement, (2) subgrade reinforced with DMCs in a triangular pattern and horizontal plan, and (3) subgrade reinforced with DMCs in a square pattern and horizontal plan. For this purpose, by adopting the scale factor of 1:10, a reference embankment with 20 cm height, 250 cm length, and 93% maximum dry density achieved in standard Proctor compaction test was constructed over a 70 cm thick loose sandy bed with the relative density of 50% in a loading chamber, and its load-displacement behavior was evaluated until the failure occurred. In the next two tests, DMCs (with 10 cm diameter, 40 cm length, and 25 cm center-to-center spacing) were placed in groups in two different patterns (square and triangular) in the same sandy bed beneath the embankment and, consequently, the embankments were constructed over the reinforced subgrades and gradually loaded until the failure happened. In all the three tests, the load-displacement behaviors of the embankment and the selected DMCs were instrumented for monitoring purpose. The obtained results implied 64% increase in failure load and 40% decrease in embankment crest settlement when using the square pattern of DMCs compared with those of the reference embankment, while these values were 63% and 12%, respectively, for DMCs in triangular pattern. This confirmed generally better performance of DMCs with a triangular pattern.

Description: Publication date: Available online 15 July 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Brian G. Sexton, Bryan A. McCabe, Minna Karstunen, Nallathamby Sivasithamparam The recently developed elasto-viscoplastic Creep-SCLAY1S model has been used in conjunction with PLAXIS 2D to investigate the effectiveness of vibro-replacement in a creep-prone clay. The Creep-SCLAY1S model accounts for anisotropy, bonding, and destructuration, and uses the concept of a constant rate of viscoplastic multiplier to calculate creep strain rate. A comparison of settlement improvement factors with and without creep indicates that ‘total’ settlement improvement factors (primary plus creep) are lower than their ‘primary’ counterparts (primary settlement only). The lowest settlement improvement factors arise for analyses incorporating the effect of bonding and destructuration. Examination of the variations of vertical stress with time and depth has indicated that vertical stress is transferred from the soil to the column as the soil creeps. This results in additional column yielding. In addition, the radial and hoop stresses in the soil are lower for the ‘creep’ case. The reduced radial stresses lead to additional column bulging and hence more settlement, whereas the hoop stress reductions appear to be a secondary effect, caused by additional plastic deformation for the ‘creep’ case.

Description: Publication date: Available online 27 July 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Xudong Wang, Qinlin Guo, Shanlong Yang, Dexuan Zhang, Yanwu Wang arthen sites are widely distributed throughout China, and most of them belong to archaeological sites with significant values, which not only directly witness the origin, formation and development of Chinese civilization, but also possess important values for conservation and exhibition. Many researches and practices on their conservation and consolidation have been carried out; however, the consolidation effect is mainly judged by visual observation and expert evaluation. Scientific assessment of conservation and consolidation effects is a challenging issue. Many instruments in other fields cannot be directly applied to the conservation of cultural relics due to their peculiarity. In order to assess the effects of field conservation experiments, this paper tries to understand the consolidation effects at Liangzhu site using nondestructive or micro-damage methods, including thermo-physical parameters testing, infrared thermal imaging, high-density microelectrode resistivity testing, portable microscope observation, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic testing, and thereby explores the practicable methods for evaluating the properties of consolidation materials for earthen sites treatment.

Description: Publication date: Available online 25 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Hongwei Wang, Yaodong Jiang, Sheng Xue, Lingtao Mao, Zhinan Lin, Daixin Deng, Dengqiang Zhang This paper presents an investigation on the characteristics of overlying strata collapse and mining-induced pressure in fault-influenced zone by employing the physical modeling in consideration of fault structure. The precursory information of fault slip during the underground mining activities is studied as well. Based on the physical modeling, the optimization of roadway support design and the field verification in fault-influenced zone are conducted. Physical modeling results show that, due to the combined effect of mining activities and fault slip, the mining-induced pressure and the extent of damaged rock masses in the fault-influenced zone are greater than those in the uninfluenced zone. The sharp increase and the succeeding stabilization of stress or steady increase in displacement can be identified as the precursory information of fault slip. Considering the larger mining-induced pressure in the fault-influenced zone, the new support design utilizing cables is proposed. The optimization of roadway support design suggests that the cables can be anchored in the stable surrounding rocks and can effectively mobilize the load bearing capacity of the stable surrounding rocks. The field observation indicates that the roadway is in good condition with the optimized roadway support design.

Description: Publication date: Available online 18 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Aiqing Wu, Jimin Wang, Zhong Zhou, Shuling Huang, Xiuli Ding, Zhihong Dong, Yuting Zhang Based on the analyses of data obtained from the underground powerhouse at Jinping I hydropower station, a comprehensive review of engineering rock mechanics practice in the underground powerhouse is first conducted. The distribution of strata, lithology, and initial geo-stress, the excavation process and corresponding rock mass support measures, the deformation and failure characteristics of the surrounding rock mass, the stress characteristics of anchorage structures in the cavern complex, and numerical simulations of surrounding rock mass stability and anchor support performance are presented. The results indicate that the underground powerhouse of Jinping I hydropower station is characterized by high to extremely high geo-stresses during rock excavation. Excessive surrounding rock mass deformation and high stress of anchorage structures, surrounding rock mass unloading damage, and local cracking failure of surrounding rock masses, etc., are mainly caused by rock mass excavation. Deformations of surrounding rock masses and stresses in anchorage structures here are larger than those found elsewhere: 20% of extensometers in the main powerhouse record more than 50 mm with the maximum at around 250 mm observed in the downstream sidewall of the transformer hall. There are about 25% of the anchor bolts having recorded stresses of more than 200 MPa. Jinping I hydropower plant is the first to have an underground powerhouse construction conducted in host rocks under extremely high geo-stress conditions, with the ratio of rock mass strength to geo-stress of less than 2.0. The results can provide a reference to underground powerhouse construction in similar geological conditions.

Description: Publication date: Available online 3 August 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Shengwu Song, Xuemin Feng, Chenggang Liao, Dewen Cai, Zhongxu Liu, Yunhao Yang The Jinping I hydropower station is a huge water conservancy project consisting of the highest concrete arch dam to date in the world and a highly complex and large underground powerhouse cavern. It is located on the right bank with extremely high in-situ stress and a few discontinuities observed in surrounding rock masses. The problems of rock mass deformation and failure result in considerable challenges related to project design and construction and have raised a wide range of concerns in the fields of rock mechanics and engineering. During the excavation of underground caverns, high in-situ stress and relatively low rock mass strength in combination with large excavation dimensions lead to large deformation of the surrounding rock mass and support. Existing experiences in excavation and support cannot deal with the large deformation of rock mass effectively, and further studies are needed. In this paper, the geological conditions, layout of caverns, and design of excavation and support are first introduced, and then detailed analyses of deformation and failure characteristics of rocks are presented. Based on this, the mechanisms of deformation and failure are discussed, and the support adjustments for controlling rock large deformation and subsequent excavation procedures are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of support and excavation adjustments to maintain the stability of the rock mass is verified. The measures for controlling the large deformation of surrounding rocks enrich the practical experiences related to the design and construction of large underground openings, and the construction of caverns in the Jinping I hydropower station provides a good case study of large-scale excavation in highly stressed ground with complex geological structures, as well as a reference case for research on rock mechanics.

Description: Publication date: Available online 19 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Yanbao Li, Weijun Gan, Yuebing Wang, Weitao Chen, Shiming Liang, Keliang Zhang, Yongqi Zhang On January 21, 2016, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of M s6.4 occurred at Menyuan, Qinghai Province of China. In almost the same region, there was another strong earthquake happened in 1986, with similar magnitude and focal mechanism. Based on comprehensive analysis of regional active faults, focal mechanism solutions, precise locations of aftershocks, as well as GPS crustal deformation, we inferred that the Lenglongling active fault dips NE rather than SW as suggested by previous studies. Considering the facts that the 2016 and 1986 M s6.4 Menyuan earthquakes are closely located with similar focal mechanisms, both of the quakes are on the north side of the Lenglongling Fault and adjacent to the fault, and the fault is dipping NE direction, we suggest that the fault should be the seismogenic structure of the two events. The Lenglongling Fault, as the western segment of the well-known Tianzhu seismic gap in the Qilian-Haiyuan active fault system, is in a relatively active state with frequent earthquakes in recent years, implying a high level of strain accumulation and a high potential of major event. It is also possible that the Lenglongling Fault and its adjacent fault, the Jinqianghe Fault in the Tianzhu seismic gap, are rupturing simultaneously in the future.

Description: Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Giuseppe Casula, Maria Giovanna Bianchi We present a dense crustal velocity field and corresponding strain-rate pattern computed using Global Positioning System (GPS)- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data from several hundred permanent stations in the Italian Peninsula. GPS data analysis is based on the GAMIT/GLOBK 10.6 software, which was developed and maintained mainly by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), using tools based on the distributed-sessions approach implemented in this package. The GPS data span the period from January 2008 to December 2012 and come from several different permanent GPS networks in Italy. The GLOBK package implemented in the last version of the GAMIT package is used to compute the position time-series and velocities registered in the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) 2008. The resulting high-density intra-plate velocity field provides indications of the tectonics of the Mediterranean region. A computation of the strain-rate pattern from GPS data is performed and compared with the map of the epicentral locations of historical earthquakes that occurred in the last 1000 years in the Italian territory, showing that, in general, higher crustal deformation rates are active in regions affected by seismicity of greater magnitude.

Description: Publication date: Available online 29 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Weitao Chen, Weijun Gan, Genru Xiao, Yuebing Wang, Weiping Lian, Shiming Liang, Keliang Zhang On January 21, 2016, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of Ms 6.4 happened at Menyuan, Qinghai Province of China. In almost the same place, there was another strong earthquake happened in 1986, with similar magnitude and focal mechanism. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of regional crustal deformation before the 2016 Menyuan Ms 6.4 earthquake by using the data from 10 continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) stations and 74 campaign-mode GPS stations within 200 km of this event: (a) Based on the velocity field from over ten years GPS observations, a regional strain rate field is calculated. The results indicate that the crustal strain rate and seismic moment accumulation rate of the Qilian-Haiyuan active fault, which is the seismogenic tectonics of the event, are significantly higher than the surrounding regions. In a 20 km × 20 km area around the seismogenic region, the maximum and minimum principal strain rates are 21.5 nanostrain/a (NW–SE extension) and −46.6 nanostrain/a (NE–SW compression), respectively, and the seismic moment accumulation rates is 17.4 N m/a. The direction of principal compression is consistent with the focal mechanism of this event. (b) Based on the position time series of the continuous GPS stations for a time-span of about 6 years before the event, we calculate the strain time series. The results show that the dilatation of the seismogenic region is continuously reduced with a “non-linear” trend since 2010, which means the seismogenic region has been in a state of compression. However, about 2–3 months before the event, both the dilatation and maximum shear strain show significant inverse trends. These abnormal changes of crustal deformation may reflect the non-linear adjustment of the stress–strain accumulation of the seismogenic region, when the accumulation is approaching the critical value of rupture.

Description: Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Ping He, Qi Wang, Kaihua Ding, Jie Li, Rong Zou On 3 July 2015, a Mw 6.4 earthquake occurred on a blind fault struck Pishan, Xinjiang, China. By combining Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and other Static Global Positioning System (GPS) sites surrounding Pishan region, it provides a chance to constrain the slip rupture for this moderate event by GPS solutions. The maximum displacement is up to 12 cm, 2 cm for coseismic and postseismic deformation, respectively, and both the deformation patterns show a same direction moving northeastward. With rectangular dislocation model, a magnitude of Mw 6.48, Mw 6.3 is calculated based on coseismic, postseismic deformation respectively. Our result indicates the western Kunlun range is still moving toward Tarim basin followed by an obvious postseismic slip associated with this earthquake. To determine a more reasonable model for postseismic deformation, it will need a longer data set.

Description: Publication date: Available online 30 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Guiju Wu, Guangliang Yang, Hongbo Tan The research about subsurface characteristics by using transient electromagnetic method (TEM) and high density resistivity method (HDRM) were already conducted in Ordos. The objective of this research is to detect coalmine goaf areas based on rock resistivity. The data processing using wavelet transform, three point smoothing, RES2DINV and Maxwell processing software to obtain 2D resistivity structure. The results showed that the layers with maximum resistivity values (30–33 Ω m on Line 1, 30–31 Ω m on Line 2, 32–40 Ω m on Line 3) are founded at station 1–7, and 14–20 on Line 1,13–18 on Line 2, and 8–13 and 16–20 on Line 3 which is predicted as goaf layer, and the minimum resistivity values (20–26 Ω m of TEM, 45–75 Ω m of HDRM) at the other layers. This resistivity difference was caused by the geology and characteristics of the study area which is located close by the cleugh with rich coal, so the goaf area distinguishable with aquifer layer and coal seam. The results were also significant accidents and serious destruction of ecological environment.

Description: Publication date: Available online 27 July 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Fethi Kitchah, Sadok Benmebarek The stability of shallow tunnels excavated in full face has been a major challenge to the scientific community for a long time. In recent years, new techniques based on the installation of a pre-reinforcement system ahead of the tunnel face were developed to control the deformations and surface settlements induced by the excavation and to ensure the sustainability of the tunnel in the long term. In this paper, a finite difference numerical simulation was conducted to study the behaviors and effects of two pre-reinforcement systems, i.e. the face bolting and the umbrella arch system installed in a section of southern Toulon tunnel in France. For this purpose, two approaches were taken and compared: a two-dimensional (2D) approach based on the convergence-confinement method, and a three-dimensional (3D) approach taking into account the complete modeling of the tunnel. A 2D numerical back-analysis was performed to identify the geomechanical parameters that offer satisfactory agreement with the measurement results. The limit of this method lies in the exact choice of the stress relaxation ratio λ . To overcome this uncertainty, a 3D model was developed, which permitted to study the influence of different pre-support systems on the reaction of ground mass. Both 2D and 3D numerical approaches have been fitted to measurements recorded in a section of the Toulon tunnel and the very satisfactory correspondence has allowed validating the simulations. The results show that the 3D numerical analysis with a full discretization of the inclusions seems unquestionably the most reliable approach.

Description: Publication date: Available online 28 June 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Shucai Li, Rentai Liu, Qingsong Zhang, Xiao Zhang Grouting is a major method used to prevent water and mud inrush in tunnels and underground engineering. In this paper, the current situation of control and prevention of water and mud inrush is summarized and recent advances in relevant theories, grout/equipment, and critical techniques are introduced. The time-variant equations of grout viscosity at different volumetric ratios were obtained based on the constitutive relation of typical fast curing grouts. A large-scale dynamic grouting model testing system (4000 mm × 2000 mm × 5 mm) was developed, and the diffusions of cement and fast curing grouts in dynamic water grouting were investigated. The results reveal that the diffusions of cement grouts and fast curing grouts are U-shaped and asymmetric elliptical, respectively. A multi-parameter real-time monitoring system ( ϕ = 1.5 m, h = 1.2 m) was developed for the grouting process to study the diffusion and reinforcement mechanism of grouting in water-rich faulted zone. A high early strength cream-type reinforcing/plugging grout, a high permeability nano-scale silica gel grout, and a high-expansion filling grout were proposed for the control of water hazard in weak water-rich faulted zone rocks, water inrush in karst passages, and micro-crack water inrush, respectively. Complement technologies and equipment for industrial applications were also proposed. Additionally, a novel full-life periodic dynamic water grouting with the critical grouting borehole as the core was proposed. The key techniques for the control of water inrush in water-rich faulted zone, jointed fissures and karst passages, and micro-crack water inrush were developed.

Description: Publication date: Available online 4 August 2016 Source: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Author(s): Afshin Khoshand, Mamadou Fall Natural methane (CH 4 ) oxidation that is carried out through the use of landfill covers (biocovers) is a promising method for reducing CH 4 emissions from landfills. Previous studies on peat-based landfill covers have mainly focused on their biochemical properties (e.g. CH 4 oxidation capacity). However, the utilization of peat as a cover material also requires a solid understanding of its geotechnical properties (thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical), which are critical to the performance of any biocover. Therefore, the objective of this context is to investigate and assess the geotechnical properties of peat-based cover materials (peat, peat-sand mixture), including compaction, consolidation, and hydraulic and thermal conductivities. The studied materials show high compressibility to the increase of vertical stress, with compression index ( C c ) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.358. The compressibility is a function of sand content such that the peat-sand mixture (1:3) has the lowest C c value. Both the thermal and hydraulic conductivities are functions of moisture content, dry density, and sand content. The hydraulic conductivity varies from 1.74 ×10 −9 m/s to 7.35×10 −9 m/s, and increases with the increase in sand content. The thermal conductivity of the studied samples varies between 0.54 W/(m K) and 1.41 W/(m K) and it increases with the increases in moisture and sand contents. Increases in sand content generally increase the mechanical behavior of peat-based covers; however, they also cause relatively high hydraulic and thermal conductivities which are not favored properties for biocovers.

Description: Publication date: Available online 7 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Duxin Cui, Shanlan Qin, Wenping Wang An M s6.4 earthquake occurred in the Menyuan county of Qinghai Province on Jan 21, 2016. In order to recognize the development of horizontal deformation and distinguish precursory deformation anomalies, we obtained coordinates time series, velocity and strain model around the seismic zones from processing of continuous observations from 2010 to 6 times of surveying Global Positioning System (GPS) data since 2009. The results show that, before the earthquake, the eastern segmentation of the Qilian tectonic zone where the Lenglongling Fault located is in strong crustal shortening and compressional strain state with dilatational rates of −15 to −25 ppb. The Lenglongling Fault has a strike-slip rate of 3.1 mm/a and a far-field differential orthogonal rate of 7 mm/a, while differential rate is only 1.2 mm/a near the fault, which reflects its locking feature with strain energy accumulation and high seismic risks. Dynamic evolution of deformation model shows that pre-event dilatational rates around the seismic zones increases from −15 ppb/a to −20 ppb/a with its center moving to the source areas. Time series of N components of G337 station, which is 13.7 km away from the Lenglongling Fault, exhibit a 5 mm/a acceleration anomaly. Time series of base-station QHME (in Menyuan) displays a reverse acceleration from the end of Sep. to Dec., 2016 when it comes to a largest deviation, and the accumulative displacement is more than 4 mm and the value reverse till the earthquake. In our results, coseismic displacement of N, E, U components in QHME site are 3.0 mm, 3.0 mm, −5.4 mm, respectively. If we profile these values onto the Lenglongling Fault, we can achieve a 1.1 mm of strike slip and 4.1 mm updip slip relative to the hanging wall.

Description: Publication date: Available online 7 July 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Weifeng Liang, Guoqing Zhang, Yiqing Zhu, Yunma Xu, Shusong Guo, Yunfeng Zhao, Fang Liu, Lingqiang Zhao In order to study the relationship between gravity variation and Menyuan M s6.4 earthquake, gravity variation characteristics in mid-eastern of Qilian Mountain were analyzed based on the 2012–2015 relative gravity datasets. The results indicated that the gravity changes in mid-eastern of Qilian Mountain increased gradually, while gravity changes around Menyuan remarkably. Besides, great positive-negative gravity changing gradients appeared along the Lenglongling Fault which was located at the north of Menyuan, and the 2016 Menyuan Ms 6.4 earthquake occurred near the junction of positive and negative gravity changes.

Description: Publication date: Available online 19 June 2016 Source: Geodesy and Geodynamics Author(s): Xin Zhao, Shuanggen Jin, Andres Calabia, Jialiang Feng The current global or regional ionospheric models have been established for monitoring the ionospheric variation. However, the spatial and temporal resolutions are not enough to describe total electron content (TEC) variations in small scale for China. In this paper, a regional ionospheric grid model (RIGM) with high spatial-temporal resolution (0.5° × 0.5° and 10-min interval) in China and surrounding areas is established based on spherical harmonics expansion from dense GPS measurements provided by Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and the International GNSS Service (IGS). The correlation coefficient between the estimated TEC from GPS and the ionosonde measurements is 0.97, and the root mean square (RMS) with respect to Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs) is 4.87 TECU. In addition, the impact of different spherical harmonics orders and degrees on TEC estimations are evaluated and the degree/order 6 is better. Moreover, effective ionospheric shell heights from 300 km to 700 km are taken into account and the result indicates that 550 km is the most suitable for regional ionospheric modeling in China at solar maximum.

Description: Publication date: Available online 3 May 2016 Source: International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment Author(s): Kareem Mohamed Aldali, Wael Seddik Moustafa Taking into consideration the recent years in the economic status in Egypt, especially the investment sector will demonstrate the enormous increase in the residential buildings sector, which created massive energy consumption that never was in proportionality with the growth in the generated power in Egypt. As the residential sector consumes around 42.3% of the total energy used in Egypt, one of the main factors that waste that energy is artificial lighting and electric ventilation. Meanwhile, the architects who design those building never pay the enough attention to the energy in the design process. This paper tackles many strategies for the environmental control of building designs besides showing that now, it is essential to take into consideration energy performance efficiency and the compatibility of the building with the environment by optimizing the design of the building envelope elements such as a window to wall ratio (WWR), the glazing type. This paper will not cover the details of construction and structure, but it sheds light on many guidelines to help to raise the thermal and environmental quality of the envelope of the building. Using a computer-based simulation tool (Autodesk Ecotect) to measure a current building energy and lighting performance in one of the modern cities like Madenaty city. By the end of this study, some of the characteristics of the building envelope will be concluded like the window wall ratio in the aim to reduce the energy waste in the case study, as well as the different criteria of designing process for residential buildings in Egypt in the near future.

Description: Publication date: Available online 8 May 2016 Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Author(s): Yeshewatesfa Hundecha, Berit Arheimer, Chantal Donnelly, Ilias Pechlivanidis Study region Europe. Study focus A semi-distributed continuous hydrological model, HYPE, was applied to model daily stream flows in more than 35,000 subcatchments across Europe. A stepwise regionalization approach was implemented to estimate different groups of model parameters. HRU based parameters were estimated first for each soil and landuse class, respectively. Lake and reservoir parameters were estimated separately. Catchments were grouped based on similarity of their characteristics and model parameters defined at a catchment scale were then regionalized for each group as functions of the catchment characteristics by simultaneously calibrating the model for a number of catchments to concurrently optimize the overall model performance and the functional relationships between the parameters and the catchment characteristics. Calibration was performed at 115 discharge stations and the approach was validated at 538 independent stations. New hydrological insights for the region Parameters could be linked to catchment descriptors with good transferability, with median NSE of 0.54 and 0.53, and median volume error of −1.6% and 1.3% in the calibration and validation stations, respectively. Although regionalizing parameters for different groups of catchments separately yielded a better performance in some groups, the overall gain in performance against regionalization using a single set of regional relationships across the entire domain was marginal. The benefits of separate regionalization were substantial in catchments with considerable proportion of agricultural landuse and higher mean annual temperature.