UNIT HYDROGRAPHS DERWED FROM THE NASH MODEL1

ABSTRACT: Unit hydrograph ordinates are often estimated by deconvoluting excess rainfall pulses and corresponding direct runoff. The resulting ordinates are given at discrete times spaced evenly at intervals equal to the duration of the rainfall pulse. If the new duration is not a multiple of the parent duration, hydrograph interpolation is required. Linear interpolation, piece-wise nonlinear interpolation and graphical smoothing have been used. These interpolation schemes are expedient but they lack theoretical basis and can lead to undesirable results. Interpolation can be avoided if the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) for the watershed is known. Here two issues connected with the classic Nash IUH are examined: (1) how should the Nash parameters be estimated? and (2) under what conditions is the resulting hydrograph able to reasonably represent watershed response? In the first case, nonlinear constrained optimization provides better estimates of the IUH parameters than does the method of moments. In the second case, the Nash IUH gives good results on watersheds with mild shape unit hydrographs, but performs poorly on watersheds having sharply peaked unit hydrographs. Overall, in comparison to empirical interpolation alternatives, the Nash IUH offers a theoretically sound and practical approach to estimate unit hydrographs for a wide variety of watersheds.     

The dynamic flowgraph methodology as a safety analysis tool: programmable electronic system design and verification

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of the Dynamic Flowgraph Methodology (DFM) during the design and verification of programmable electronic safety-related systems. The safety system consists of hardware as well as software. This paper explains and demonstrates the use of DFM, and how DFM can be used to verify the hardware and application software design. DFM is used not only to analyze newly developed software but also to verify existing software. The outcome of the design verification of the safety system is used to define the necessary diagnostic capabilities that are essential to guarantee the correct functioning of the safety functions.     

Traitement des récoltes micronectoniques

This paper deals with some mechanical treatments of micronektonic samples which enable easier sorting into taxa. At sea, it is only possible to hose the net intensively before being brought on board ship; organisms are then washed into a bucket, the bucket emptied, and the samples preserved in a 10% buffered formaldehyde solution. A laboratory method for sorting gelatinous organisms based on differential specific gravity is described. The sorter consists of a cylinder 1.60 m high, supplied with running water. The remaining fraction is then sorted into 3 size groups. The device consists of a set of grills made from equidistant glass rods, through which organisms are sieved by the reciprocating motion of the grills into a large jar filled with running water. As this method results in higher sorting efficiency, it is recommended that further research be made in this direction.     

Emploi du chalut pélagique Isaacs-Kidd 10 pieds dans les eaux équatoriales du Pacifique

This paper describes the use of the 10 foot Isaacs-Kidd midwater trawl as a quantitative sampler of the micronektonic standing crop. The use of this gear without an opening-closing mechanism made it necessary to sample by means of oblique hauls. This study, which includes not less than 1500 hauls, is directed towards introducing some degree of uniformity in operating this device so that valid comparisons can be made between catches from oblique hauls made at similar depths, as well as oblique hauls made at different depths. It is emphasized that information must be obtained on the tow path using depth-time and depth-distance recorders simultaneously. As the maximum depth depends largely upon variations in towing speed, it is important to be able to control ship speed carefully. As net speed is a significant factor in avoidance and escapement, care should be taken to sample each layer in an identical manner. The procedure defined here mainly involves (a) modifications of the depressor; (b) application of the winch brake after all the cable has been paid out, during the time required for the trawl to attain maximum depth; (c) paying out and hauling in at high speed by the winch. Resulting hauls show a nearly oblique tow path. Sampling velocities of the net are the same for all water layers: slow during descent, fast during ascent. This allows valid comparisons to be made between a series of hauls. Nevertheless, future progress in quantitative sampling depends largely upon technical improvements, and the evolution of new devices and approaches.     

Towards a framework for assessment and management of cumulative human impacts on marine food webs

Effective ecosystem‐based management requires understanding ecosystem responses to multiple human threats, rather than focusing on single threats. To understand ecosystem responses to anthropogenic threats holistically, it is necessary to know how threats affect different components within ecosystems and ultimately alter ecosystem functioning. We used a case study of a Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) food web and expert knowledge elicitation in an application of the initial steps of a framework for assessment of cumulative human impacts on food webs. We produced a conceptual seagrass food web model, determined the main trophic relationships, identified the main threats to the food web components, and assessed the components’ vulnerability to those threats. Some threats had high (e.g., coastal infrastructure) or low impacts (e.g., agricultural runoff) on all food web components, whereas others (e.g., introduced carnivores) had very different impacts on each component. Partitioning the ecosystem into its components enabled us to identify threats previously overlooked and to reevaluate the importance of threats commonly perceived as major. By incorporating this understanding of system vulnerability with data on changes in the state of each threat (e.g., decreasing domestic pollution and increasing fishing) into a food web model, managers may be better able to estimate and predict cumulative human impacts on ecosystems and to prioritize conservation actions.