Estimation of the surface stress from the streamwise pressure gradient: The Kármán Integral Momentum Equation revisited

A method is developed to estimate the stress at the surface in a portable wind tunnel for wind erosion studies. The boundary layer height and the pressure gradient are used in a simple expression from the Kármán Integral Momentum Equation. Values of friction velocity u _* are within 10% of experimental values obtained through correlation techniques, including measurements of differential pressures with the Murdoch Turbulence Probe MTP and the X-wire, hot-wire anemometer XWA. Wind velocity and stress profiles reveal logarithmic trends and a constant stress layer near the surface in the DAWA portable wind tunnel. Realignment of the statistics with the mean wind is essential.     

Impacts of climate variability and human colonization on the vegetation of the Galápagos Islands

A high-resolution (2-9 year sampling interval) fossil pollen record from the Galápagos Islands, which spans the last 2690 years, reveals considerable ecosystem stability. Vegetation changes associated with independently derived histories of El Ni?o Southern Oscillation variability provided evidence of shifts in the relative abundance of individual species rather than immigration or extinction. Droughts associated with the Medieval Climate Anomaly induced rapid ecological change that was followed by a reversion to the previous state. The paleoecological data suggested nonneutral responses to climatic forcing in this ecosystem prior to the period of human influence. Human impacts on the islands are evident in the record. A marked decline in long-term codominants of the pollen record, Alternanthera and Acalypha, produced a flora without modern analogue before 1930. Intensified animal husbandry after ca. 1930 may have induced the local extinction of Acalypha and Alternanthera. Reductions in populations of grazing animals in the 1970s and 1980s did not result in the return of the native flora, but in invasions by exotic species. After ca. 1970 the trajectory of habitat change accelerated, continuously moving the ecosystem away from the observed range of variability in the previous 2690 years toward a novel ecosystem. The last 40 years of the record also suggest unprecedented transport of lowland pollen to the uplands, consistent with intensified convection and warmer wet seasons.     

Estimating the removal of atmospheric particulate pollution by the urban tree canopy in Beijing北大核心CSCD

Urban green space, particularly the tree canopy, plays an important role in potential mitigation against atmospheric particulate pollution and protecting human health. In this study, current and future air particulate matter [including total suspended particulate (TSP), particulate matter 10 (PM10), and particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)] removal by the urban tree canopy of Beijing was estimated. A modeling approach was used based on the distributed measurement evaluation and a modified version. The urban tree canopy of Beijing, including mostly Platycladus sp., Pinus sp., Quercus sp., Robinia pseudoacacia, and economic forests, currently removes about 8.33 million kg/a air particulates, in which TSP accounted for 4.51 million kg/a, PM10 accounted for 2.74 million kg/a, and PM2.5 accounted for 1.08 million kg/a. The study on the removal of air particulates by different aged tree canopies showed that in coniferous trees, the ability to capture air particulates changed in the order of mature and over-mature > near-mature forest > young forest; in broadleaf forest, the ability changed in the order of near-mature forest > mature and over-mature > young forest. For total particulate matter, the biggest contribution was coarse particulates (60.74%); the contribution rate of fine particulates was different owing to different tree species groups. The results suggested that the ability of different trees to capture particles and age of forests varied widely and that suitable trees should be chosen to enhance pollution mitigation for city greening. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Cadmium in the terrestrial environment: Impact of long‐range atmospheric transport∗

Cadmium is supplied to Southern Norway in considerable amounts by atmospheric transport from other areas of Europe. This has caused a very marked increase of Cd levels in the natural environment in this area. Evidence of the main source areas is inferred from air concentration studies coupled to trajectory analysis. The extent of contamination is indicated from deposition studies and investigations of Cd in peat cores and surface soils, including soil profile distributions. The Cd content of vascular plants is substantially higher in Southern Norway than in areas farther north and further transfer in terrestrial food chains is occurring and may eventually lead to increased human exposure.     

On the shoals of giants: natural catastrophes and the overall destruction of the Caribbean’s archaeological record

In this paper I review a host of natural and cultural processes that have affected the preservation and integrity of archaeological sites on islands in the West Indies, many of which are located in low-lying coastal areas. Given the position of the Caribbean lithospheric plate—juxtaposed between four others—it is no surprise that by its very nature the region is volcanically active and frequently associated with earthquake and tsunami events. This makes coastal zones, and related archaeological sites in the region, highly susceptible to a wide range of destructive natural events. The high frequency of tropical systems (hurricanes and storms) in the Caribbean and rising sea level, coupled with human activities such as sand mining, development, and looting, makes the region’s archaeological record one of the most vulnerable and threatened in the world. Ongoing research is dedicated to understanding how past populations may have been affected by these events in the past.     

Sustainability aspects of vegetable production in the peri-urban environment of Bogotá, Colombia

Although the peri-urban region around Bogotá, Colombia contains a diversified horticulture sector, local vegetable production suffers from a critical lack of research and availability of un-biased, scientifically validated information on crop management. In this study, we identify current trends and deficiencies in fertilisation and pest management for local vegetable production. We relate pesticide type with target pests, evaluate temporal patterns in pesticide and fertiliser use for a key crop (i.e. spinach) and conduct basic nutrient budget accounting. Personal interviews with vegetable growers were combined with a detailed follow-up of management activities and soil nutrient profiles on pilot farms in two different peri-urban municipalities. Most (84%) vegetable growers relied on personal experience, and indicated a lack of unbiased information on fertiliser effectiveness and pesticide action spectra. The majority of farmers used pesticide mixtures on a calendar basis and commonly applied products below recommended doses. Soil nutrient accounts indicate insufficient fertilisation and a progressive depletion of key nutrients. Extraction rates for the principal vegetable crops exceeded by 33.6%, 20.5% and 93.0% soil nutrient availability of N, P and K, respectively. Organic products are included in local fertilisation schemes, with chicken manure as the principal source, at an average application rate of 6 t ha^?1. Our findings could help policymakers and local institutions set a research and extension agenda to promote sustainable peri-urban vegetable production and help secure peri-urban livelihoods while ensuring healthy and safe horticultural production.     

Mobilization of arsenic and other trace elements of health concern in groundwater from the Salí River Basin, Tucumán Province, Argentina

The Salí River Basin in north-west Argentina (7,000 km²) is composed of a sequence of Tertiary and Quaternary loess deposits, which have been substantially reworked by fluvial and aeolian processes. As with other areas of the Chaco-Pampean Plain, groundwater in the basin suffers a range of chemical quality problems, including arsenic (concentrations in the range of 12.2–1,660 μg L⁻¹), fluoride (50–8,740 μg L⁻¹), boron (34.0–9,550 μg L⁻¹), vanadium (30.7–300 μg L⁻¹) and uranium (0.03–125 μg L⁻¹). Shallow groundwater (depths up to 15 m) has particularly high concentrations of these elements. Exceedances above WHO (2011) guideline values are 100% for As, 35% for B, 21% for U and 17% for F. Concentrations in deep (>200 m) and artesian groundwater in the basin are also often high, though less extreme than at shallow depths. The waters are oxidizing, with often high bicarbonate concentrations (50.0–1,260 mg L⁻¹) and pH (6.28–9.24). The ultimate sources of these trace elements are the volcanic components of the loess deposits, although sorption reactions involving secondary Al and Fe oxides also regulate the distribution and mobility of trace elements in the aquifers. In addition, concentrations of chromium lie in range of 79.4–232 μg L⁻¹ in shallow groundwater, 129–250 μg L⁻¹ in deep groundwater and 110–218 μg L⁻¹ in artesian groundwater. All exceed the WHO guideline value of 50 μg L⁻¹. Their origin is likely to be predominantly geogenic, present as chromate in the ambient oxic and alkaline aquifer conditions.     

Canopy interception of atmospheric chloride ion during precipitation processes in the subalpine Picea asperata plantation in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River北大核心CSCD

Increasing concentrations of chloride ions (Cl-) in the atmosphere is one of the most important global environmental factors influencing processes in terrestrial ecosystems. To understand the roles played by plantations in intercepting atmospheric Cl- in mountainous regions, a one-year field observation of precipitation and throughfall was conducted in a subalpine artificial Picea asperata plantation in western Sichuan and the dynamics of Cl- concentrations in rainfall, snowfall, and throughfall, and canopy interception on atmospheric Cl- were investigated from August 2015 to July 2016. During the observational year, 27 rainfalls and 6 snowfalls were observed and sampled. The average concentration of Cl- in the precipitation was 1.33 mg/L and the average concentrations of Cl- in rainfall and snowfall were 1.41 mg/L and 0.98 mg/L, respectively. Correspondingly, the total input of Cl- by the precipitation processes was 7.56 kg/hm2, which included 6.31 kg/ hm2 by rainfall and the remainder by snowfall. In one entire year, the total canopy interception of Cl- was 2.61 kg/hm2 and the average interception rate was 38.08%. During the rainy season, the canopy interception of Cl- was 2.20 kg/hm2 and the average rate was 38.90%, whereas during the snow season, the canopy interception of Cl- was 0.41 kg/hm2 and the average rate was 34.39%. The maximum and minimum interception rates occurred in August and September, respectively. Significantly negative correlation was found between the interception rate of Cl- and precipitation. In summary, the P. asperata plantation in the subalpine forest region of western Sichuan exerts an important role in intercepting atmospheric Cl-, which is of great significance for maintaining and improving the environment of the water conservation region in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Furthermore, changes in the precipitation pattern caused by global changes might affect the role of the artificial forest canopy interception on atmospheric Cl-. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

‘Ecomálaga’: an ecosystem analysis of the Mediterranean coast around Málaga, Spain

In October 1992, the Oceanographic Centre of Málaga of the Spanish Oceanographical Institute (IEO) started a monitoring project,Ecomálaga, which collects physical, chemical, biological and sedimentological data from the Alborán Sea shelf. The project is coordinated with similar projects in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Centres of IEO. The ultimate objective is to, understand the long-term changes of the essential marine-environmental parameters. So far, nine quarterly surveys have been carried out—from October 1992 to December 1994. The following variables were registered:abiotic: location weather, water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicate,biotic: zooplankton biomass and species composition, and ichthyoplankton. The granulometric composition and organic matter content of sediments are also included. Data are stored in a computerized data base named Ecomálaga Data Base, with contributions from geology, physics, plankton biology and marine chemistry. The data base not only contains separate files for each research topic, but also allows for interchange between these files, resulting in a synoptic data output. It offers the users an output in the form of synthetic records of each station sampled. The analysis of the data indicates seasonal influences and ainshore-offshore gradient, as well as an Atlantic influence on the stations located in the transect closest to the Strait of Gibraltar.     

Models-as-usual for unusual risks? On the value of catastrophic climate change

We study the role of intertemporal preference representations in a model of economic growth, stock pollutant and endogenous risk of catastrophic collapse. We contrast two polar instances of risk-sensitive preferences: the traditional “discounted utility” model, which imposes a positive rate of pure time preference and risk neutrality with respect to intertemporal utility, and multiplicatively separable preferences, which display risk aversion in that dimension but no pure time preferences. We show that both representations of preferences can rationalize the same economy when there is no collapse risk associated with pollution. Once we introduce a collapse risk whose hazard rate depends on the pollution stock, multiplicatively separable preferences are associated with a much higher value of catastrophic risk reduction, and a more stringent policy response. A relatively high discount rate may thus be compatible with large emissions abatement in the face of a low probability large impact event, reflecting preferences for catastrophic risk reduction.     

Food webs and fishing affect parasitism of the sea urchin Eucidaris galapagensis in the Galápagos

In the Galápagos Islands, two eulimid snails parasitize the common pencil sea urchin, Eucidaris galapagensis. Past work in the Galápagos suggests that fishing reduces lobster and fish densities and, due to this relaxation of predation pressure, indirectly increases urchin densities, creating the potential for complex indirect interactions between fishing and parasitic snails. To measure indirect effects of fishing on these parasitic snails, we investigated the spatial relationships among urchins, parasitic snails, commensal crabs, and large urchin predators (hogfish and lobsters). Parasitic snails had higher densities at sites where urchins were abundant, probably due to increased resource availability. Commensal crabs that shelter under urchin spines, particularly the endemic Mithrax nodosus, preyed on the parasitic snails in aquaria, and snails were less abundant at field sites where these crabs were common. In aquaria, hogfish and lobsters readily ate crabs, but crabs were protected from predation under urchin spines, leading to a facultative mutualism between commensal crabs and urchins. In the field, fishing appeared to indirectly increase the abundance of urchins and their commensal crabs by reducing predation pressure from fish and lobsters. Fished sites had fewer snails per urchin, probably due to increased predation from commensal crabs. However, because fished sites also tended to have more urchins, there was no significant net effect of fishing on the number of snails per square meter. These results suggest that fishing can have complex indirect effects on parasites by altering food webs.     

Trace analysis. Determination of the “breakthrough volume”; (B.T.V.) of atmospheric isoprene

This paper presents the first results of a study of B.T.V. on Tenax TA, at various flow rates of sampling, with standard isoprene gaseous mixtures whose concentration ranging from 0.7 ppbV to 4 ppbV was very similar to the concentrations found in natural atmosphere. The method used is based on the exploitation of chromatographic signals obtained from a preconcentration—thermodesorption —analysis cycle carried out on a standard isoprene mixture. The B.T.V. of isoprene on Tenax TA does not show a significant change at very low concentrations of isoprene.     

Effects of glucose dehydrogenase gene knock-out in Acetobacter sp. On the metabolism of carbon sources and the synthesis of 3-hydroxypropionic acid北大核心CSCD

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is an emerging platform chemical with a high added-value. Resting cells of Acetobacter sp. can efficiently catalyze 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) to 3-HP. Glucose is oxidized by the membrane-bound dehydrogenase, resulting in an acidic environment that inhibits cell growth and reduces the biomass. We deleted the gdh gene for glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and investigated the effects on cell growth, carbon metabolism, and 3-HP production. The gdh gene knocked-out showed a 1.72-fold increase in biomass in the mixed medium containing glucose and glycerol. A carbon flux analysis showed that glucose was converted to gluconic acid by GDH, followed by an oxidation to 2-ketogluconic acid. In addition, a small percentage of the gluconic acid was degraded via the pentose phosphate pathway. Glycerol was phosphorylated and entered the central pathway (gluconeogenesis). Results indicate that the deletion of gdh can effectively promote higher cell densities and improve the catalytic performance for the production of 3-HP, and thus provide a theoretical reference for improving the carbon source utilization and the catalytic performance of acetic acid bacteria. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Organic carbon and environmental quality of riverine and off-shore sediments from the Gulf of Cádiz,Spain

Here we show that heavy metal geoaccumulation is apparent in the Tinto and Odiel estuary and, at a lower magnitude, in off-shore sediments. Values above probable effects level (PEL) are recorded for As, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in the Tinto and Odiel estuary, for As and Hg in the associated off-shore sediments and for As in the Guadiana River. Significant correlations were found between total organic carbon (TOC) and Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in the Tinto and Odiel estuary, and Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg and As in the Guadiana River. PCA analysis differentiated the three studied locations.     

RANS simulation of neutral atmospheric boundary layer flows over complex terrain by proper imposition of boundary conditions and modification on the k-ε model

In this study, a modelling methodology is proposed for RANS simulations of neutral Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flows on the basis of the standard k-ε model, which allows the adoption of an arbitrary shear stress model. This modelling methodology is first examined in the context of an open flat terrain in an empty domain to ascertain there are no substantial changes in the prescribed profiles. The results show that relatively good homogeneity can be achieved with this modelling methodology for various sets of inflow boundary profiles. In addition, to extend the solutions derived from the standard k-ε model to RNG k-ε model, the RNG k-ε model is in detail assembly and tuned. Finally, the topographic effects on surface wind speeds over a complex terrain are assessed with the combined use of the proposed methodology and the modified RNG model. The numerical results are in good agreement with wind tunnel testing results and long-term field observations. A discussion of the effects of horizontal homogeneity and turbulence models on the simulated wind flows over a complex terrain is also given.     

On the coadaptation of offspring begging and parental supply—a within-individual approach across life stages

Parental care is often characterized by complex behavioral interactions between offspring soliciting for food and parents providing food. During this interplay both behaviors, offspring begging and parental provisioning, can exert a selective pressure on the expression of the other. It has, therefore, been predicted that traits involved in this interplay may coevolve and ultimately become (genetically) correlated. Such covariation has—at least at the phenotypic level—been found in a number of cross-fostering studies, including evidence from the canary (Serinus canaria), our model species. However, a common challenge for these studies has been to establish a genetic covariation given the difficulty to disentangle the relative contribution of genetic and maternal effects, as the latter may act already before cross-fostering. We addressed this problem by studying within-individual covariation between begging (expressed at the nestling stage) and provisioning (expressed at the adult stage). In addition, we estimated the degree of heritability of these behaviors using parent-offspring regressions, as inheritance forms a prerequisite for any genetic correlation. Both traits showed a low to moderate non-significant heritability, similar to those previously reported in other bird species. However, offspring begging and parental provisioning did not covary at the intra-individual level. Thus, individuals begging intensively as nestlings were not necessarily individuals that provided more food as adults or vice versa. These findings provide important insights for our understanding of coadaptation, suggesting that factors other than genes such as maternal effects may play a role in adjusting offspring begging to the levels of parental provisioning.     

Phylogeography of California and Galápagos sea lions and population structure within the California sea lion

We investigate the phylogeography of California (Zalophus californianus) and Galápagos (Z. wollebaeki) sea lions and describe within-population structure for the California sea lion based on mitochondrial DNA. Fifty control-region haplotypes were found, 41 from Z. californianus and 9 from Z. wollebaeki, with three fixed differences between the two species. Ranked population boundaries along the range of Z. californianus were defined based on the Monmonier Maximum Difference Algorithm, resulting in five genetically distinct populations, two in the Pacific Ocean and three inside the Gulf of California. A Minimum Spanning Network showed a strong phylogeographic signal with two well-defined clusters, Z. californianus and Z. wollebaeki, separated by six base-pair differences, supporting the existence of two genetically distinct species with an estimated divergence time of ~0.8 Ma. Results are discussed in the context of the historical geologic and paleoceanographic events of the last 1 Ma in the eastern Pacific.     

On eco-planning for an eco-demonstration park (EDP) and sustainability—Case study of the Luhua EDP in the Chongming Island of Shanghai, China

The background, concept, connotation, principles, and methods of eco-planning for an Eco-Demonstration Park (EDP) and sustainability were examined based on a case study of the Luhua EDP in the Chongming Island of Shanghai, China, which is an important part of Shanghai Eco-city planning and construction in the 21st century. By analyzing natural, social and economic conditions, calculating population using the land capacity eco-model, eco-function zoning, and eco-construction, an innovative eco-industrial structure and technical chain were formulated. A comprehensive eco-planning scheme for the EDP was proposed, including planning and management strategies for subsystems of efficient industry, good quality human settlement, high standard eco-construction and eco-tourism as well as effective environmental protection and attractive landscape. The EDP should be an area with coordinated and sustainable economic, social and environmental subsystems. Eco-planning for the EDP should be a very important part of eco-city planning and sustainability. The paper aims to set up a theoretical framework and practical basis for eco-planning and promoting harmony between human and nature.     

Identification and assessment of water pollution as a consequence of a leachate plume migration from a municipal landfill site (Tucumán,Argentina)

Landfills constitute potential sources of different pollutants that could generate human health and environmental problems. While some landfills currently work under the protection of a bottom liner with leachate collection, it was demonstrated that migration could take place even yet with these cautions. The purpose of this paper is to assess the pollution caused by a leachate plume from a municipal landfill that is affecting both groundwater and surface waters. The research was carried out at Pacará Pintado landfill in northwestern Argentina. Analysis of water samples indicates that leachate is affecting groundwater under the landfill area and an abandoned river channel hydraulically connected. In the center of the landfill area, the plume is anoxic and sulfate, nitrate, iron and manganese reduction zones were identified. Leachate plume presented high concentration of organic matter, Fe, Mn, NH₄ ⁺, Cl^? and Cr reaching an extension of 900 m. The presence of a leachate plume in a landfill site with a single liner system implies that the use of this groundwater pollution control method alone is not enough especially if permeable sediments are present below.