Using a three-dimensional, time-dependent, global model, we have simulated the response of the thermosphere to an isolated substorm. The substorm is characterized by a time variance of the high latitude convective electric field with an associated enhancement of auroral E region electron density, from an initially quiet thermosphere. We have simulated such an impulsive energy input with both separated and co-incident geographic and geomagnetic poles and have found that, in both cases, in the lower thermosphere ( ~ 120 km), a long-lived vortex phenomenon is generated. Initially, two contra-rotating vortices are generated by the effects of ion drag during the period of enhanced high latitude energy input centred on the polar cap/auroral oval boundary, one at dusk (18.00 L.T.) and the other at dawn (06.00 L.T.). After the end of the substorm, the cyclonic vortex (dawn) dissipates rapidly while the dusk anti-cyclonic vortex appears virtually self-sustaining and survives many hours after the substorm input has ceased. A theory is derived to explain and interpret the results and it appears that the effect is analogous to a meteorological weather system. In this case, however, the dusk anti-cyclonic vortex has, instead of pressure, the centrifugal acceleration balancing the Coriolis force. The equivalent anti-clockwise dawn vortex, unlike a low pressure system, has no balancing force, since Coriolis and the centrifugal term assist and this vortex rapidly disappears. 相似文献
Quantitative tectonic modelling demonstrates an interaction of flexure of the lithosphere underlying the western Betics with crustal thinning in the Alboran Basin and flank uplift in the Internal Zone. In the eastern Betics the flexural response is overprinted by post-thrusting extensional events. Lateral variations in thermal structure and rheology of the lithosphere along strike of the Betics shed light on changes in tectonic configuration and are consistent with evidence for lateral variations in the mode of extension in the Alboran Basin. Flexural modelling and subsidence analysis of Neogene basins in the Internal Zone of the Betics, with spatial development controlled by contrasts in lithosphere rheology, demonstrate that at least two extensional events have affected the orogenic evolution of the Betics. The first event appears to reflect Oligocene-Early Miocene rifting observed throughout the Western Mediterranean. The second phase, which caused the present configuration of the Betics, corresponds to Tortonian-Recent extension centered in the Alboran Basin. 相似文献
The growth of major polychaete and bivalve species inhabiting sandy sediments off the north-east coast of England was examined over a 1-year period in a comparative study of community production in relation to contaminant sources. Background information on site locations, sampling methods and benthic community structure is provided.The polychaetes Spiophanes bombyx, Magelona spp. and Nephtys spp. were major contributors to community biomass at most sites, either individually or collectively. Tellina fabula, Nucula turgida, Venus striatula and other bivalves were only sparsely represented at most sites and growth rates were generally lower than elsewhere. Reduced bivalve populations, together with the presence in high numbers of short-lived polychaete species, may be connected with the vulnerability of bottom sediments to disturbance by water movements in this coastal region.Recruitment patterns were generally similar between sites but showed marked annual variation, with a substantially greater bivalve settlement occurring at the end of the sampling period.Estimates of community production ranged from 3.4 to 7.4 g ash-free dry weight per square metre a year, and showed relatively high turnover rates compared with other regions, which, again, may be related to a greater degree of fluctuation in the physical environment. Production was highest at a site near to the Tees estuary and was accounted for mainly by the polychaetes Nephtys hombergi and Spiophanes bombyx. The concentration of biomass into one or two species may have consequences for the stability of the fauna. However, the results do not appear to indicate any serious effects of pollution, which may suggest that the coastal waters have sufficient capacity to effectively dilute and disperse any harmful constituents of present estuarine efflux.Limitations to the interpretation of field data using conventional methods of sampling and analysis are discussed, and the application of growth studies to investigations of water pollution is advocated. 相似文献
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dredging intensity on the physical and biological recovery times of the seabed following marine aggregate dredging. Two areas of seabed, previously subject to, respectively, relatively high and lower levels of dredging intensity, were identified on the Hastings Shingle Bank. Two reference areas were also selected for comparative purposes. All four sites were monitored annually over the period 2001–2004, using a combination of acoustic, video and grab sampling techniques. Since the site was last dredged in 1996, this was intended to provide a sequence of data 5–8 years after cessation of dredging. However, an unexpected resumption of dredging within the high intensity site, during 2002 and 2003, allowed an additional assessment of the immediate effects and aftermath of renewed dredging at the seabed. The early stages of recovery could then be assessed after dredging ceased in 2003. Results from both dredged sites provide a useful insight into the early and latter stages of physical and biological recovery. A comparison of recent and historic dredge track features provided evidence of track erosion. However, tracks were still visible 8 years after the cessation of dredging. Within the high dredging intensity site, recolonisation was relatively rapid after the cessation of dredging in 2003. Rather than indicating a full recovery, we suggest that this initial ‘colonization community’ may enter a transition phase before eventually reaching equilibrium. This hypothesis is supported by results from the low intensity site, where biological recovery was judged to have taken 7 years. Further monitoring is needed in order to test this. An alternative explanation is that the rapid recovery may be explained by the settlement of large numbers of Sabellaria spinulosa. As the resumption of dredging within the high intensity site limited our assessment of longer-term recovery it is not yet possible to assume that a 7-year biological recovery period will be applicable to other, more intensively dredged areas at this or more distant locations. 相似文献
Community Geography offers researchers, community groups, and students opportunities to engage in action oriented applied geographical research. Creating and sustaining these research programs can be challenging, programs can involve many partners from both academic and the community, have different goals and purposes, and utilize a variety of methods to perform research. In this paper we offer a framework of three primary overarching principles for implementing CG projects; (1) Who, (2) Why, and (3) How. (1) “Who” describes who is involved in CG, including researchers, community partners, academic institutions, (2) “Why” describes the justifications and benefits of taking this approach. (3) “How” explains how CG borrows methodologies from many disciplines within geography and beyond. Our examples are not exhaustive; rather, they serve as starting points to inspire researchers interested in CG.
Sewage sludge was disposed of in Liverpool Bay for over 100 years. Annual amounts increased from 0.5 million tonnes per annum in 1900 to approximately 2 million tonnes per annum by 1995. Macrofauna and a suite of environmental variables were collected at a station adjacent to, and a reference station distant from, the disposal site over 13 years, spanning a pre- (1990-1998) and post- (1999-2003) cessation period. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the time-series data showed significant community differences between reference and disposal site stations and multivariate analyses revealed station-specific community development post-disposal. Temporal variability of communities collected at the disposal station post-cessation was higher than during years of disposal, when temporally stable dominance patterns of disturbance-tolerant species had established. Alterations of community structure post-disturbance reflected successional changes possibly driven by facilitation. Subtle faunistic changes at the Liverpool Bay disposal site indicate that the near-field effects of the disposal of sewage sludge were small and therefore could be considered environmentally acceptable. 相似文献