Effects of Riparian Areas,Stream Order,and Land Use Disturbance on Watershed‐Scale Habitat Potential: An Ecohydrologic Approach to Policy1

Abstract: Spatio‐temporal linkages between hydrologic and ecologic dimensions of watersheds play a critical role in conservation policies. Habitat potential is influenced by variation along longitudinal and lateral gradients and land use disturbance. An assessment of these influences provides critical information for protecting watershed ecosystems and in making spatially explicit, conservation decisions. We use an ecohydrologic approach that focuses on interface between hydrological and ecological processes. This study focuses on changes in watershed habitat potentials along lateral (riparian), and longitudinal (stream order) dimensions and disturbance (land use). The habitat potentials were evaluated for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds in the Westfield River Watershed of Massachusetts using geographic information systems and multivariate analysis. We use a polynomial model to study nonlinear effects using robust regression. Various spatial policies were modeled and evaluated for influence on species diversity. All habitat potentials showed a strong influence along spatial dimensions and disturbance. The habitat potential for all vertebrate groups studied decreased as the distance from the riparian zone increased. Headwaters and lower order subwatersheds had higher levels of species diversity compared to higher order subwatersheds. It was observed that locations with the least disturbance also had higher habitat potential. The study identifies three policy criteria that could be used to identify critical areas within a watershed to conserve habitat suitable for various species through management and restoration activities. A spatially variable policy that is based on stream order, riparian distance, and land use can be used to maximize watershed ecological benefits. Wider riparian zones with variable widths, protection of headwaters and lower order subwatersheds, and minimizing disturbance in riparian and headwater areas can be used in watershed policy. These management objectives could be achieved using targeted economic incentives, best management practices, zoning laws, and educational programs using a watershed perspective.     

Individual changes in human EEG caused by 450 MHz microwave modulated at 40 and 70 Hz

This study was aimed to investigate the changes in the human electroencephalographic (EEG) signal caused by modulated low-level microwaves. The 450 MHz microwave exposure modulated at 40 Hz and 70 Hz frequencies was applied to a group of 15 volunteers. The field power density at the scalp was 0.16 mW/cm². Ten cycles of the exposure (1 min on and 1 min off) at both modulation frequencies were applied. Analysis of the EEG signal was performed using three different methods: nonlinear method of scaling analysis for length distribution of low variability periods (LDLVP), relative changes in EEG energy (S-parameter) and beta ratio (H-parameter). The analysis revealed significant changes caused by microwave for the whole group (H-parameter method). The exposure caused increase of the EEG beta power (S-parameter method). Statistically significant changes in EEG were detected for four subjects (26.7%) at 40 Hz modulation frequency (LDLVP method).     

福建省台风灾害时空变化分析

根据福建省灾害性气象年鉴和福建省气候影响评价资料,建立以县域为单元的福建省台风灾害数据库,运用Excel软件和M ap info技术,重建了1980~2005年福建台风灾害时空动态格局。研究表明:福建台风灾害年际变化总体呈波动上升趋势,年内80%左右集中在7~9月份,群发性强。空间上集中在沿海地区,灾情明显存在3个高值中心,即闽中的莆田、福清、长乐和平潭,闽南的漳浦、云霄和诏安,闽东北的霞浦和福鼎;致灾因子与灾情灾次比空间分布错位,体现承灾体脆弱性对台风灾害的影响。分阶段研究表明:台风灾害致灾因子变化不太明显,但灾情呈明显增强趋势,进一步反映环境不稳定性和承灾体脆弱性对台风灾害的影响机制。     

基于GIS的中国各地区生态安全模式分析

生态安全是整个生态经济系统和可持续发展的生态保障,是区域或国家其它安全的载体和基础。采用经济合作和开发组织(OECD)与联合国环境规划署(UNEP)共同提出P—R—S模式,构建包括资源环境压力、资源环境状态和人文环境响应3个项目23个指标的指标体系,定量估计了中国31个地区的生态安全指数,利用ArcView GIS 3.2进行空间叠合分析和聚类分析,提炼出12个生态安全模式,表明中国各个地区的生态安全呈现多元化。     

基于景观生态学的长春郊区游憩斑块结构研究

基于景观生态学理论，认为斑块是旅游活动的主要发生场所，它的空间结构决定了区域旅游的发展态势。研究了游憩斑块空间结构方面的规律，有助于深入认识斑块的宏观特征，发现旅游投资及游客流动的规律，更有助于把握斑块、廊道与基质三者的关系。从类型、等级方面详细地分析了长春郊区游憩斑块的空间结构，提出了斑块优化的理念。     

EFFECT OF ORIENTATION OF SPATIALLY DISTRIBUTED CURVE NUMBERS IN RUNOFF CALCULATIONS1

ABSTRACT: The NRCS curve number approach to runoff estimation has traditionally been to average or “lump” spatial variability into a single number for purposes of expediency and simplicity in calculations. In contrast, the weighted runoff curve number approach, which handles each individual pixel within the watershed separately, tends to result in larger estimates of runoff than the lumped approach. This work proposes further enhancements that consider not only spatial variability, but also the orientation of this variability with respect to the flow aggregation pattern of the drainage network. Results show that the proposed enhancements lead to much reduced estimates of runoff production. A revised model that considers overland flow lengths, consistent with existing NRCS concepts is proposed, which leads to only mildly reduced runoff estimates. Although more physically‐based, this revised model, which accounts directly for spatially distributed curve numbers and flow aggregation, leads to essentially the same results as the original, lumped runoff model when applied to three study watersheds. Philosophical issues and implications concerning the appropriateness of attempting to disaggregate lumped models are discussed.     

中国区域可持续发展水平的时空分异初探

本文通过因子分析,建立了中国可持续发展的因子结构模型,指出：（1）社会经济发展呈现“丁”字型格局;（2）环境污染东、中部严重,西部较轻;（3）生态退化西重东轻,北重南轻;（4）中国“环境与发展”时序上大致呈现“U”字型规律,29个省市分别与“U”曲线的逆向非同速（加速）阶段、同向非同速（加速）阶段、同向非同速（减速）阶段在地域上联系起来。     

Variability of the Flower Structure in European Starflower (Trientalis europaeaL.) in Natural Populations

Flower variability was studied in natural populations of European starflower (Trientalis europaeaL.). The results showed that the flower structure in this species is determined by two parameters: the multiplicity of primordia of flower components and the uniformity of flower meristem development. The frequencies of nonuniformly developing flowers differs depending on the habitat. It appears that both parameters are largely determined by random fluctuations.     

Spatial Distribution of Sables in the Middle Ob Region

Results of stationary studies on the spatial location of sables (Martes zibellinaL.) belonging to different age and sex groups are summarized. Mapping the sites where 388 animals were taken, it was found that young animals tended to live near floodplains; adult animals, on watersheds. Analysis of sables taken by commercial hunters (n= 1833) made it possible to estimate the age composition and the degree and spatial distribution of the hunting pressure on sable populations in three areas of the Ob region. The spatial separation of young and reproductive animals is interpreted as a group adaptive response to the specific distribution pattern of different habitats typical of this species and to the pattern of animal elimination. It is proposed to use the specific pattern of animal distribution for maintaining the size of the population that is subject to hunting. Specifically, reserve (reproductive) territories should be organized in watershed areas.     

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A SPATIAL HYDROLOGY MODEL OF OKEFENOKEE SWAMP,GEORGIA1

ABSTRACT: :The model described herein was used to assess effects of the Suwannee River sill (a low earthen dam constructed to impound the Suwannee River within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to eliminate wildfires) on the hydrologic environment of Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. Developed with Arc/Info Macro Language routines in the GRID environment, the model distributes water in the swamp landscape using precipitation, inflow, evapotranspiration, outflow, and standing water. Water movement direction and rate are determined by the neighborhood topographic gradient, determined using survey grade Global Positioning Systems technology. Model data include flow rates from USGS monitored gauges, precipitation volumes and water levels measured within the swamp, and estimated evapotranspiration volumes spatially modified by vegetation type. Model output in semi‐monthly time steps includes water depth, water surface elevation above mean sea level, and movement direction and volume. Model simulations indicate the sill impoundment affects 18 percent of the swamp during high water conditions when wildfires are scarce and has minimal spatial effect (increasing hydroperiods in less than 5 percent of the swamp) during low water and drought conditions when fire occurrence is high but precipitation and inflow volumes are limited.