Precipitation Analysis and the Influence of the El Niño Phenomenon on the Transboundary Basin of the Madeira River

The current paper aims at analyzing the behavior of monthly precipitation in the Brazilian and Bolivian parts of the basin of the Madeira river, one of the most important sub-basins of the Amazon basin. Both parts account for 93 % of its total, and studies on this topic are lacking. The research was based on data from 41 rainfall stations considering a historic series from 1978 to 1998, which encompasses two of the largest El Niño events (1982–1983 and 1997–1998), hence its influence on the precipitation of the region was assessed as well. To study precipitation behavior, rainfall was regionalized using data clustering methods (Ward and K-means), with the basin being divided into five regions of homogeneous rainfall. Both methods were applied to the regions and showed similar results, providing a higher reliability for the clusters obtained. The results of the analysis show the homogeneous regions of the basin, the spatial variability of precipitation, seasonality and the influence of the phenomenon on the region.     

Where is the power? Transnational networks,authority and the dispute over the Xayaburi Dam on the Lower Mekong Mainstream

Accounts of hydro-hegemony and counter hydro-hegemony provide state-based conceptions of power in international river basins. However, authority should be seen as transnationalized as small states develop coping strategies to augment their authority over decision-making processes. The article engages Rosenau’s spheres of authority concept to argue that hydro-hegemony is exercised by actors embedded in spheres of authority that reshape actor configurations as they emerge. These spheres consist of complex networks challenging customary notions of the local-global dichotomy and hydro-hegemony. Hydro-hegemony is therefore not fixed. The article examines these processes by analysing the dispute over the Xayaburi Dam in the Mekong Basin.     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly joumal “SHP NEWS” was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP （Regional Energy Development Program） in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.0256-3118（International Standard Serial Number）. The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power（SHP） section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide. The comprehensive coverage of “SHP NEWS”includes。     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly journal “SHP NEWS” was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP (Regional Energy Development Program) in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118(International Standard Serial Number).     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly journal ＂SHP NEWS＂ was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP （Regional Energy Development Program） in association with UNIDO. Itwas officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118（Intemational Standard Serial Number）. The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power（SHP） section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide. The comprehensive coverage of ＂SHP NEWS＂includes：     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly joumal “SHP NEWS” was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP (Regional Energy Development Program) in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118(International Standard Serial Number). The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power(SHP) section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide. The comprehensive coverage of“SHP NEWS”includes:     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly joumal “SHP NEWS” was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP (Regional Energy Development Program) in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118(International Standard Serial Number). The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power(SHP) section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide. The comprehensive coverage of “SHP NEWS”includes:     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly journal ＂SHP NEWS＂ was firstly published on May, 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-ESCAP-REDP （Regional Energy Development Program） in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118（International Standard Serial Number）, The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power（SHP） section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide. The comprehensive coverage of ＂SHP NEWS＂includes：     

About the Newsletter

The quarterly journal ＂SHP NEWS＂ was firstly published on May. 1984 by HRC under the sponsorship of UNDP/UN-SSCAP-REDP （Regional Energy Devetopment Program） in association with UNIDO. It was officially pemitted for publication with an ISSN No.O256-3118（International Standard Serial Number）. The major objective of the journal is for constant exchange of information and experience in the small hydro power（SHP） section among Asian-Pacific countries and/or worldwide, The comprehensive coverage of ＂SHP NEWS＂includes：     

State of the “dam-foundation” system during operation of the outlet of the chirkey hydroelectric station

Conclusions  

Letter to the Editor

I will be delighted if you could offer me a space in your quarterly publication (SHP NEWS) to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude, flus to my employer, National Electric Power Authority (Nigeria) for giving me the opportunity to be in China as a participant for the 2004 TCDC Intemational training Workshop on Small Hydro Power and Equipment at HRC.     

Analysis of the El Niño Effect on the Discharge of Selected Rivers in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

Discharge records originating from 78 rivers within the Asia-Pacific region are used to assess a possible relationship between a temporal El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index and regional discharges of rivers. The rivers selected have long monthly discharge series and are geographically distributed throughout the whole region. Analyses of variance are used to identify the sub-regions most teleconnected to the ENSO signal. Composite analyses show the temporal patterns of the relationships between river discharge and the ENSO signal and the possible presence of a time lagged relationship. The analyses show that the rivers of the Oceania-Pacific region are the most affected and that a majority of rivers show a similar temporal pattern, thus allowing the construction of a regional composite streamflow index. The temporal patterns of the identified relationships demonstrate the possibility of forecasting the occurrence of abnormally high or low flows (floods/droughts) months ahead of time.     

Reconstruction of the Front End Gland of the Intermediate-Pressure Cylinder of the K-300-240 Turbine at the Konakovskaya GRÉS Using Mathematical Modeling

In order to raise the reliability of operation of the system of end glands of K-300-240 turbines at the Konakovo State Regional Power Plant (Konakovskaya GRÉS), the system for feeding steam to the end glands of high-pressure and intermediate-pressure cylinders has been updated. The updating included reconstruction of chimneys at the suggestion of the Komtek-Énergoservis Co. and feeding of cooling steam to the zone of the third compartment of the front end gland of the intermediate-pressure cylinder. The measures taken increased the reliability of operation of the system of turbine glands, eliminated oil watering due to steaming, and reduced the temperature deformations of chimney gland yokes.     

Channel Accretion on the Lower Reaches of the Yellow River and E

Aggradation of channel on the lower reaches of the Yellow River is mainly governed by the regimen of river discharge and sediment delivered from upstream. In the long run, channel accretion exhibits alternate increase and decrease, somewhat periodic in nature.The long-term average annual deposition is something like 300 million tons. Besides the aforesaid factor affecting scouring and depositing along the river channel along the lower reaches, there are also the following factors of influence: fluvial processes and changes in river bed in previous stages, operation of Sanmenxia Reservoir in regulating floodwater and sediment delivery, as well as conditions at the river mouth. After undergoing 3 consecutive periods of accretion-degradation-accretion, and being subjected to different measures to cope with the problem at different times, adapting to the actual condition, there is now only accretion to limited extent above Jiahetan and .below Aishan, most of the deposits being laid in the intermedite section. The distribution of the deposits in the crosswise direction is related to overflowing onto the floodplains, the duration, and the condition of levees there (to protect the farmland on the floodplains from ordinary floods). During the period from 1950 to 1983, a total of about 5 biIlion tons of sediment deposited on the floodplains on the lower reaches, comprising 70% of the entire volume of deposition, distributed unevenly though, mainly outside the area sheltered by the levees, effecting in an increase in transverse slope of the channel. In some sections, "suspended river" was formed within the already "suspended" river (river bed lying above the land surface behind the dykes).Sequence of years of observation in the fifties was chosen and the regulating effect of the Longyangxia, Liujiaxia and Sanmenxia and other reservoirs is also taken into account. In the 12 years from 1984 to 1995, average annual runoff on the lower reaches of the Yellow River will be 38.8 billion m~3, carrying 1.61 billion tons of sediment each year. Through comprehensive analysis of the observed data, it has been found that the avergae yearly deposition on the lower reaches of the Yellow River will be something like 400 million tons for the same period, mostly in the reaches between Jiahetan and Aishan. Channel accretion in the reaches from Aishan to Lijin will be somewhat on the ascent.     

Discussion of the paper entitled “Ethiopian Interests in the Division of the Nile River Waters”[l]

ABSTRACT

It is argued that the establishment of tradable water rights will play an important role in increasing productivity and sustainability of water use in developing countries. Due to economic growth, scarcity is expected to be conducive to water market development. This article presents the potential for and feasibility of markets in water rights in Jordan through a comparative study of Chile, Mexico, and California. Many lessons were learned from the experiences of those countries concerning water markets. The transformation of these lessons to the Jordanian context is faced with some fundamental challenges in terms of water legislation, institutional structure, and data. Water legislation must deal with externalities, dispute, and third-party effect. Adopting a new water act and review of water laws is essential for better water resources management and assured public input and feedback. Market oriented policy should be introduced only on a pilot basis in terms of pricing. Policy makers believe that dealing with future water scarcity in Jordan will be achieved through better management and utilization of water using both conventional and nonconventional sources. Moreover; policy makers and farmers in Jordan expressed strong reservations on intersectoral water transfers because of the importance of water to the Jordanian economy.     

Special Issue on Water Resources Construction in the Development of the West

General Thoughts on Water Resources Devel-opment In Western Regions In order to realize the objective of having abreakthrough in construction of infrastructure facilitiesand ecological environment, Ministry of Water Re-sources has proposed the Guiding Principles of WaterResources Development in West Regions as follows:     

Field investigations of the 2013–14 drought through quali-quantitative freshwater monitoring at the headwaters of the Cantareira System,Brazil

Integrating seasonal patterns of water availability and land-use/land-cover change is crucial in watershed planning. Often, these are not considered under hydrological extremes affecting decision making. This article presents results from a multi-site, nested catchment experiment carried out during a dry period in the Cantareira Water Supply System, South-East Brazil, linking quali-quantitative freshwater monitoring to land-use/land-cover change. Results from 17 catchments show regional behaviour for nitrate loads and drainage areas (0.66–925 km²). An inverse correlation between forest cover and water yield was observed. Despite forest growth in spatial extent, nutrient loads showed potential hazards for water security.     

The 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses: what contribution to the development of the Water Charter for the Volta Basin?

In 2007, the six riparian countries of the Volta Basin adopted the Convention on the Status of the Volta River and the Establishment of Volta Basin Authority (Volta Basin Convention). This legal framework is strongly inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UNWC). However, the Volta Basin Convention merely states the major international river management principles without specifying either the terms or the procedures for their implementation. This article examines the potential contribution of the UNWC provisions to the development of a water charter.