Adoption of the arctic search and rescue agreement: A shift of the arctic regime toward a hard law basis?     

Shih-Ming Kao Nathaniel S. Pearre  Jeremy Firestone 《Marine Policy》2012,36(3):832-838

This paper examines the Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement—the first legally-binding instrument negotiated and adopted under the auspices of the Arctic Council—and analyzes its implications for the current Arctic regime. Led by the Arctic Council, the Arctic regime was established in a soft law format. However, the soft law nature and restricted mandates of the Arctic Council have limited its capacity to respond to new issues emerging from climate change, particularly those related to the exploitation of oil and gas reserves, commercial shipping through the region, effects on wildlife, and impacts on indigenous peoples' homelands and culture. The adoption of the Agreement represents a new approach for the Arctic States to respond to these new challenges. At the same time, it does not imply that a legally-binding instrument is necessarily preferable for every issue, and importantly, the new Arctic Agreement does not establish new institutional relationships, suggesting satisfaction among the Arctic States with the existing arrangements. Thus, although the Arctic regime is undoubtedly changing, this change should not be treated today as a shift from soft to hard law. What is more certain is that the Arctic Council will continue to function as a cooperative forum where the Arctic States can address these challenges, and its importance will only increase in coming years.  相似文献   

Route planning and cost analysis for travelling through the Arctic Northeast Passage using public 3D GIS     

K.Y. Chang  S.S. He  C.C. Chou  S.L. Kao  A.S. Chiou 《International journal of geographical information science》2013,27(8):1375-1393

To plan undeveloped optimal routes between Asia and Europe via the Arctic Northeast Passages using a 3D geographic information system (GIS), voyage paths are simulated in a 3D visual form. This ensures that the distances are calculated accurately, and that other voyage data such as water depths, sea ice distribution, and seashore topology are also easily deciphered, giving a more direct and clear demonstration compared to simplified presentations on an Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS). This article also implements a higher-geometry maze router in ice zone areas to obtain the optimal path in relation to safety and costs. This article compares the optimal Arctic Northeast Passages with traditional routes through the Suez Canal for dynamic analyses of the cost efficiency (including time costs, fuel costs, and other factors) of travel between major ports in Asia and Europe. The average benefit assessment is around 30–45% in a bulk carrier comparison. Thus, a 3D GIS can easily obtain and demonstrate safe navigation routes, providing a very convenient tool for initial planning.  相似文献   

On the simultaneous ionization-excitation of the OII(λ834 Å) resonance transition by electron impact on atomic oxygen     

E.C. Zipf  W.W. Kao  P.W. Erdman 《Planetary and Space Science》1985,33(11):1309-1312

Laboratory cross-section data on the excitation of the OII(2s 2p⁴⁴P → 2s² 2p³⁴S; λ834 Å) resonance transition and on the production of O⁺ and O²⁺ ions by electron impact on atomic oxygen are used to show that the ratio $\text{σ(λ834}\text{A}\text{?}\text{)}\text{σ(O}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+ O}{}^{\mathrm{2+}}\text{)}$ is nearly constant for incident electron energies > 50 eV. Under auroral conditions, the total electron-ion pair production rate from electron impact on O can be inferred from λ834 Å volume emission rate measurements using the result that $\text{η(O}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+ O}{}^{\mathrm{2+}}\text{)}\text{\$}\text{?}\text{8.4η(λ834}\text{A}\text{?}\text{)}$. These findings, along with earlier work on the simultaneous ionization-excitation of the 1 Neg (0,0) band of N₂⁺ and the 1 Neg (1, 0) band of O⁺₂, allow the specific ionization rates for the principal atmospheric constituents (O⁺, O⁺₂, N⁺₂), for the multiply-ionized species (O²⁺, O²⁺₂, N²⁺₂), and for the dissociatively produced atomic ions to be inferred in aurora from remote satellite observations.  相似文献   

Origins of Particulate Organic Matter Determined from Nitrogen Isotopic Composition and C/N Ratio in the Highly Eutrophic Danshuei Estuary,Northern Taiwan     

Po-Chao Wu  Gwo-Ching Gong  Jun-Shiang Cheng  Kon-Kee Liu  Shuh-Ji Kao 《Aquatic Geochemistry》2016,22(4):291-311

The Danshuei River flows through the heavily populated metropolitan area of Taipei and New Taipei cities, which causes remarkable additions of nutrient elements. In spite of the rather short residence time of water, the Danshuei estuary is distinctive for the very high ammonium concentration and extensive hypoxia in its lower reach. Because particulate organic matter (POM) is potentially the culprit of hypoxia, we investigate the isotopic characteristics of POM collected in February and July 2009 at a fixed station over four semidiurnal tidal cycles. By using nitrogen isotopic composition and C/N ratio of POM, we derive the relative contributions of POM from different sources. One potential source that combines dead and living phytoplankton, phytodetritus, has δ¹⁵N values that can be predicted by the δ¹⁵N of ammonium and the isotope effect during ammonium uptake; however, the isotope effect is concentration dependent. We employ a three-end-member mixing model based on δ¹⁵N and C/N ratio to calculate the fractional contributions from three major POM sources, i.e., phytodetritus, soil, and sediment. Sensitivity test was conducted for the derivations from both carbon and nitrogen basis. For February 2009 we found the three fractions (in terms of contribution to the particulate organic carbon) to be 45 ± 19, 10 ± 11 and 45 ± 13 %, respectively; for July 2009, 71 ± 18, 11 ± 10 and 18 ± 13 %, respectively. The results imply that phytodetritus is probably the major culprit for the hypoxic conditions in the estuary, especially, in summer.  相似文献   

锋面通过台湾海峡时引起的快速成长波高推算     

高家俊  董东璟  范扬洺  庄士贤  李汴军 《海洋预报》2002,19(3):1-13

每年冬季因中国北方冷空气前缘东移出海南下而形成的锋面是造成台湾海峡内恶劣海况的原因之一，锋面的到临常引发快速增高的波浪，这种海况是目前作业化数值预报模式在操作上不易反映的。经验证明根据元素波模式推衍所得的面积风域法推算波浪，适合于推导季风期间海况的一种方法。本文将锋面期间风域是移动的特性结合面积风域理论，作为推算锋面抵达时推算波高的方法。本文提出加权风场内插法计算各时刻各网格点的风速，使得面积风域理论简化为在网格点上的离散计算。文中根据锋面期间实际观测数据计算波能传播速率与风能传播系数等参数，经由案例分析的结果显示这个离散化面积风域法可以合理地推算锋面期间快速成长的波高。  相似文献   

Seasonal variations of wind and waves over Taiwan waters     

Beng-Chun Lee  Li-Chung Wu  Dong-Jiing Doong  Chia Chuen Kao 《Marine Geophysical Researches》2007,28(3):183-190

We here investigate the frequency and intensity of oscillations in oceanographic data within intraseasonal time scales using spectral analysis of surface wind and wave time-series data collected at off-island weather stations or moored buoys around Taiwan. Data from marine weather stations were used to trace atmospheric conditions, while we used buoy data to examine sea states. The spectra and wavelet scalogram of the wind fields revealed oscillations with a period of around 20–33 days, and the energy density of the wind field at the off-island stations was stronger than that at the data buoy stations. However, the wavelet scalogram of the wave height measured at the buoy stations was stronger than its associated wind field. This long-period oscillation is consistent with the wavelet scalogram of the wind field calculated from the off-island weather stations. About 20–33 day oscillations exist within intraseasonal variations, which are closely linked to the atmospheric environment and to wind and ocean wave fields. Oscillations with a period of 5–10 days are a pronounced feature over northeastern Taiwan waters during the winter season and can be interpreted as the wave pattern following synoptic weather systems.  相似文献   

Data quality check procedures of an operational coastal ocean monitoring network     

Dong Jiing Doong  Shen Hsien Chen  Chia Chuen Kao  Beng Chun Lee  Sun Pei Yeh 《Ocean Engineering》2007,34(2):234-246

Field oceanographic and meteorological data are required for ocean engineering. In response to the requirement of field data, an operational coastal ocean monitoring network was established around Taiwan coast, including nine deep-water data buoys, one shallow-water pile station, 10 coastal weather stations and 10 tide stations. Data quality check procedures are necessary to ensure the accuracy of measurements. This paper presents the data quality check procedures on ocean wave data which includes automatic and manual check procedures. The checking criteria are derived using statistical theory in this paper. In addition, a sea-state-dependent algorithm is presented in this study in order to derive checking criteria of time-continuity check. It is showed to have better performance of picking up suspicious data than using fixed threshold process. This data quality check program is now used on the operational monitoring network.  相似文献   

Two-dimensional continuous wavelet transform of simulated spatial images of waves on a slowly varying topography   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

Laurence Zsu-Hsin Chuang  Li-Chung Wu  Dong-Jiing Doong  Chia Chuen Kao 《Ocean Engineering》2008,35(10):1039-1051

The wavelet transform (WT) is now recognized as a useful, flexible, and efficient technique to analyze intermittent, non-stationary and inhomogeneous signals as well as images which are obtained from experimental or in situ measurements. In this study, the two-dimensional continuous wavelet transform (2-D CWT) was introduced to analyze the spatial image of waves. The numerical algorithm of 2-D CWT was developed and testified in simulated wave field of regular and random waves. Some more simulated wave fields of various wave conditions and sea bed slopes were then assumed to verify the analytical accuracy of this new technique. The comparisons of estimations to theoretical values for several wave parameters show that the 2-D CWT is capable of identifying the directional spectra and wave properties in shallow water.  相似文献   

Efficient trapping of organic carbon in sediments on the continental margin with high fluvial sediment input off southwestern Taiwan   总被引：2，自引：0，他引：2  

Shuh-Ji Kao  Fuh-Kwo Shiah  Chung-Ho Wang  Kon-Kee Liu   《Continental Shelf Research》2006,26(20):2520-2537

Accumulation rates of marine and terrigenous organic carbon in the continental margin sediments off southwestern Taiwan were estimated from the measured concentrations and isotopic compositions of total organic carbon (TOC) and previously reported sedimentation rates. Surficial sediments were collected from the study area spanning from the narrow shelf near the Kaoping River mouth to the deep slope with depths reaching almost 3000 m. The average sediment loading of Kaoping River is 17 Mt/yr, which yields high sediment accumulation rates ranging from 0.08 to 1.44 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹ in the continental margin. About half of the discharged sediments were deposited on the margin within 120 km of the river mouth. Carbon isotopic compositions of terrestrial and marine end-members of organic matter were determined, respectively, based on suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected from three major rivers in the southwestern Taiwan and from an offshore station. All samples were analyzed for the TOC content and its isotopic composition (δ¹³C_org). The SPM samples were also analyzed for the total nitrogen (TN) content. TOC content in marine sediments ranges from 0.45% to 1.35% with the highest values on the upper slope near the Kaoping River mouth. The TOC/TN ratio of the SPM samples from the offshore station is 6.8±0.6, almost identical to the Redfield ratio, indicating their predominantly marine origin; their δ¹³C_org values are also typically marine with a mean of −21.5±0.3‰. The riverine SPM samples exhibit typical terrestrial δ¹³C_org values around −25‰. The δ¹³C_org values of surficial sediments range from −24.8‰ to −21.2‰, showing a distribution pattern influenced by inputs from the Kaoping River. The relative contributions from marine and terrestrial sources to sedimentary organic carbon were determined by the isotope mixing model with end-member compositions derived from the riverine and marine SPM. High fluvial sediment inputs lead to efficient trapping of organic carbon over a wide range of water depth in this continental margin. The marine organic accumulation rate ranges from 1.6 to 70 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ with an area weighted mean of 4.2 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹, which is on a par with the mean terrestrial contribution and accounts for 2.3% of mean primary production. The depth-dependent accumulation rate of marine organic carbon can be simulated with a function involving primary productivity and mineral accumulation rate, which may be applicable to other continental margins with high sedimentation rates. Away from the nearshore area, the content of terrigenous organic carbon in surficial sediments decreases with distance from the river mouth, indicating its degradation in marine environments.  相似文献   

New evidence for a glacioeustatic influence on deep water circulation, bottom water ventilation and primary productivity in the South China Sea     

L. Lwemark  S. Steinke  C.-H. Wang  M.-T. Chen  A. Müller  L.-J. Shiau  S.-J. Kao  S.-R. Song  H.-L. Lin  K.-Y. Wei 《Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans》2009,47(1-3):138-153

We provide new evidence for the development of a stable estuarine circulation characterized by stagnating water bodies, nutrient recycling and increased primary productivity in the South China Sea (SCS) during glacial intervals. This circulation was caused by the closure of the shallow and narrow straits connecting the SCS in the south and west. Our main evidence is derived from newly measured Mn concentrations and Mn/Al ratios in two sediment cores from the northern and southeastern SCS covering the last 500 ky. Concentrations and Mn/Al ratios of the redox sensitive element Mn show clear glacial–interglacial cycles with maxima during interglacial periods and minima during glacial periods. These cycles indicate ventilation cycles of the bottom water, and are connected to the glacial–interglacial changes in sea level. In contrast, total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations display an opposite pattern with pronounced maxima during glacial times, especially in the southern part of the basin. The variations in TOC can be ascribed to two factors. Firstly, variations in primary productivity are controlled by variations in the intensity of the winter monsoon. Secondly to the degree of preservation of TOC controlled by variations in ventilation, which in turn is ultimately controlled by sea level. Consequently, variations in TOC represent a superimposition of primarily sea level influenced preservation control and winter monsoon driven variations in primary productivity intensity. The decrease in Mn correspond to times when sea level dropped 40–60 m below the present level. The larger amplitude of the variations in TOC and Mn in the southern part of the basin compared to the northern site suggest that oxygen depletion and nutrient recycling was stronger in the parts of the basin situated the furthest away from the only remaining opening to the open Pacific, the Luzon Strait.  相似文献