Using numerical modelling to evaluate tsunami hazard near the Kuril Island

A sequence of computer experiments is used to study questions concerning the tsunami problem as a quantitative estimate of tsunami danger, detailed geographical tsunami classification, determination of the parameters of critical tsunami waves, and the conditions of their development. We call a wave critical, if its impact on the coast is most hazardous.Using the Middle Kuril Island as an example, we present the results of a computer experiment which includes determining the wavefields on the shelf and estimating the effects connected with the deep-water Bussol and Diana Straits.Numerical simulation of tsunami waves of different sources permits the assessment of the extent of tsunami danger in different areas of the coastal zone of Simushir Island, depending on the location of the focus zone and their geometry.The major singularities of the wavefield arise in the zones of the deep-water straits. The distribution of the amplification factors is determined by both the global parameters of the wavefields and the local properties of individual harbours. The results obtained for a particular harbour in the northern part of Simushir Island, formed the basis for the quantitative estimate of tsunami danger for this area.     

Experimental investigation of the elastic modulus of a fractal system—A model of fractured rocks

The elastic properties of a physical model representing a damaged rock matrix were studied using a square lattice deformed under tensile stress. The elastic modulusM of such a system varies in agreement with percolation theory as|x–x _c | ^f , wherex is the damage parameter andx _c the threshold value of the damage parameter,f3.6. Atxx _c the scale dependence ofM can be expressed asML ^–f/v , whereL is the size of the sample andv the correlation exponent in percolation theory.The experimental results are of interest in assessing elastic properties in earthquake focal zones and fault zones in general.     

Analysis on the sources of mercury in soils in the Chengdu Basin, China

Mercury is a pollutant of concern due to its toxic and bioaccumulative properties. Studies on the distribution and hazard of mercury in the environment are mainly focused on its forms, toxicity and the environment standard, and progresses and results have been achieved. But these studies in the past were concentrated on the scales of laboratory or smaller districts merely, such as a small unit of mineral area, vegetable base, paddy field, lake, etc. Multi-target regional geochemical survey carried out by China Geological Survey from the 1990s to now is a fundamental and commonweal geological survey, large-scale and systematical inquisition and research were conducted in 19 provinces （or municipalities directly under the Central Government） in the eastern overlay region of China, and the purpose is to provide the basic geochemical data for national economic construction, adjustment of industrial and agricultural structures and sustainable social development. Geochemical studies aim at investigating soils in these regions and 52 elements have been tested, producing a great amount of data at the same time. Methods： based on the data from 3061 samples of surface soil and 832 samples of deep soil from the project of multi-purpose geochemical survey in the Chengdu Basin, Sichuan, China, this paper describes the correlation relationship between Hg and other 48 elements and their spatial distribution in surface and deep soils of these areas by applying the method of linear regression and factor analysis.     

A novel strategy using biodegradable EDDS for the chemically enhanced phytoextraction of soils contaminated with heavy metals

For the sake of cost and potential environmental risk, it is necessary to minimize the amount of chelates used in chemically-enhanced phytoextraction. In the present study, a biodegradable chelating agent, EDDS was added in a hot solution at 90℃ to the soil in which garland chrysanthemum （Chrysanthemum coronarium L.） and beans （Phaseolus vulgaris L., white bean） were growing. The application of hot chelate solutions was much more efficient than the application of normal chelate solutions （25℃） in improving the uptake of heavy metals by plants. When 1 mmol kg1 of EDDS as a hot solution was applied to soil, the concentrations ofCu, Zn and Cd and the total phytoextraction by the shoots of the two plant species exceeded or approximated those in the shoots of plants treated with 5 mmol kg^-1 of normal EDTA solution. The concentrations of metals in the shoots of beans were significantly correlated with the relative electrolyte leakage rate of root cells, indicating that the root damage resulting from the hot solution might play an important role in the process of chelate-enhanced metal uptake. The soil leaching study demonstrated that decreasing the dosage of chelate resulted in decreased concentrations of soluble metals in soils. On the 28th day following the application of chelate, the concentrations of soluble metals in the EDDS treated soil were not significantly different from the concentrations in the control soil to which chelates had not been applied.     

顶管施工中顶力与顶程关系及其影响因素分析

以上海某长距离急曲线顶管工程为例，通过现场实测4节管段顶进过程中的顶力，研究了顶力随顶程的变化规律，系统分析了顶进过程中顶力的主要影响因素，得到了一些有用的结论。     

山丘型地区钉螺孳生数量与植被和土壤环境因子的关系

本文研究了四川仁寿山丘型地区钉螺孳生与植被和环境因素的关系。结果表明:(1)草本群落物种丰富度、草本盖度、草本高度影响钉螺的孳生数量,钉螺分布适宜的草本群落的物种丰富度为4～14,草本群落盖度为60%～100%,高度为20～50cm;(2)土壤水分含量、温度和盐分均影响钉螺的孳生数量,钉螺分布最适宜的土壤水分含量为20%～60%,温度为15～30℃,盐分为60～120ms/m;(3)各环境因子和钉螺密度曲线可以看出,物种丰富度、草本高度、草本盖度、土壤水分含量、土壤温度和盐分含量与钉螺密度间均呈现抛物线或抛物线状曲线;(4)在样地和样方水平,土壤水分含量和钉螺密度存在稳定的线性相关关系,表明土壤水分含量是影响钉螺孳生的主导因素。因此,钉螺对各环境因素存在适应范围,表明钉螺对潮湿环境具有严格的选择性和依赖性,这种生态特性和钉螺本身的生物学特征密切相连。     

Powder factors in asymmetric blast patterns

A cell powder factor defines the local powder factor in a simple geometric procedure that accounts for the charge in each blast hole and the triangulation formed by blast hole collars in a blast pattern. In the case of asymmetric blast patterns, the cell powder factor deviates from the global powder factor. Poor drilling of blast hole collars produces significant variation in the cell powder factor, more so, than does poor blast hole charging. The cell powder factor does not account for timing within a blast and does not easily handle non-parallel blast hole configurations. The cell powder factor is best used as a design or audit tool before blast holes are loaded. It gives the opportunity to correct for poor drilling and/or poor charging practices prior to firing a blast.     

Comparative Seismic Risk Studies for German Earthquake Regions on the Basis of the European Macroseismic Scale EMS-98

Within the framework of recent research projects, basic tools for GIS-based seismic risk assessment technologies were developed and applied to the building stock and regional particularities of German earthquake regions. Two study areas are investigated, being comparable by the level of seismic hazard and the hazard-consistent scenario events (related to mean return periods of 475, 2475 and 10000 years). Significant differences exist with respect to the number of inhabitants, the grade and extent of urbanisation, the quality and quantity of building inventory: the case study of Schmölln in Eastern Thuringia seems to be representative for the majority of smaller towns in Germany, the case study of Cologne (Köln) stands for larger cities. Due to the similarities of hazard and scenario intensities, the considerable differences do not only require proper decisions concerning the appropriate methods and acceptable efforts, they enable conclusions about future research strategies and needs for disaster reduction management. Not least important, results can sharpen the focus of public interest. Seismic risk maps are prepared for different scenario intensities recognising the scatter and uncertainties of site-dependent ground motion and also of the applied vulnerability functions. The paper illustrates the impact of model assumptions and the step-wise refinements of input variables like site conditions, building stock or vulnerability functions on the distribution of expected building damage within the study areas. Furthermore, and in contrast to common research strategies, results support the conclusion that in the case of stronger earthquakes the damage will be of higher concentration within smaller cities like Schmölln due to the site-amplification potential and/or the increased vulnerability of the building stock. The extent of damage will be pronounced by the large number of masonry buildings for which lower vulnerability classes have to be assigned. Due to the effect of deep sedimentary layers and the composition of building types, the urban centre of Cologne will be less affected by an earthquake of comparable intensity.     

River bank erosion control by soil nailing

A study has been done for analysing soil nailed cuts with circular type wedge failure by friction circle method. Various parameters such as nail length, nail diameter, nail inclination, wall inclination and angle of internal friction of soil have been considered to determine the factor of safety of nailed open cuts. The study shows that for cohesionless soil nailed cut, factor of safety increase with increase of parameters like angle of internal friction of soil, length of nail (L) versus height of cut (H) ratio, cohesion of soil and nail inclination (upto 15°) with horizontal. The study revealed that nails grouted with cement perform better than driven nails. A case study further confirms the analytical findings. Received 7 October