Bioclimatic Characteristics Research Articles

Assessment of the decrease of CO 2 emissions in the construction field through the selection of materials: Practical case study of three houses of low environmental impact

A great quantity of CO 2 is emitted to the atmosphere through the different phases of a building life cycle: in the production of materials and products, in the construction of the building itself, in the setting on site, in the exploitation, the renovations, the later rehabilitations, up to the final demolition. The present paper shows the possibility of reducing the CO 2 emissions up to 30% in the construction phase, through a careful selection of low environmental impact materials. The purpose of this study is to quantify the total amount of CO 2 emissions saved by the method presented in the particular phase of material selection within the life cycle of a building. This material selection, as well as the bioclimatic characteristics, must be defined from the early design project phase. The research presented here has been carried out on a case study of three terraced houses built in Spain, comparing them with a building with similar characteristics but constructed in a conventional way and with no selection of materials. The houses have been constructed following low environmental impact criteria, including alternative energies for future use and maintenance.

Behavior and performance of broiler strains reared under semi-intensive system with shaded areas

The matter of animal welfare has led to studies in order to evaluate alternative rearing systems for livestock in order to improve well-being. The semi-intensive system is an alternative method of rearing broilers in which the birds are kept in a poultry house and have free access to a pasture area during the day. It is known that ambient conditions may directly affect the behavior of birds reared in the semi-intensive system. Therefore, this research evaluated the behavior of four broiler strains reared under a semi-intensive system with a shaded area (provided by a black plastic screen - 50%) and the bioclimatic characteristics of this environment when compared with the non-shaded pasture. Thirty-five birds were reared in pens with 4.5 m2 and 35 m2 of pasture. Ambient variables were measured throughout the day to calculate the indexes of thermal comfort (BGHI and enthalpy). Data was analyzed in a 4 x 2 factorial (4 strains and 2 rearing environments) with 2 repetitions, in order to establish the rate of bird permanence in the pasture. There was an improvement in the ambient conditions of the shaded pasture in the hottest hours of the day (from 10:00 to 14:00 h), i.e., there was a reduction in the mean values of BGHI (approximately 26%) and enthalpy (36%). As a consequence, there was an increase in the rate of permanence in this environment if compared with the non-shaded pasture. Three out of four evaluated strains showed better adaptability to the semi-intensive rearing system.

Niche-based modelling as a tool for predicting the risk of alien plant invasions at a global scale.

Predicting the probability of successful establishment of plant species by matching climatic variables has considerable potential for incorporation in early warning systems for the management of biological invasions. We select South Africa as a model source area of invasions worldwide because it is an important exporter of plant species to other parts of the world because of the huge international demand for indigenous flora from this biodiversity hotspot. We first mapped the five ecoregions that occur both in South Africa and other parts of the world, but the very coarse definition of the ecoregions led to unreliable results in terms of predicting invasible areas. We then determined the bioclimatic features of South Africa's major terrestrial biomes and projected the potential distribution of analogous areas throughout the world. This approach is much more powerful, but depends strongly on how particular biomes are defined in donor countries. Finally, we developed bioclimatic niche models for 96 plant taxa (species and subspecies) endemic to South Africa and invasive elsewhere, and projected these globally after successfully evaluating model projections specifically for three well-known invasive species (Carpobrotus edulis, Senecio glastifolius, Vellereophyton dealbatum) in different target areas. Cumulative probabilities of climatic suitability show that high-risk regions are spatially limited globally but that these closely match hotspots of plant biodiversity. These probabilities are significantly correlated with the number of recorded invasive species from South Africa in natural areas, emphasizing the pivotal role of climate in defining invasion potential. Accounting for potential transfer vectors (trade and tourism) significantly adds to the explanatory power of climate suitability as an index of invasibility. The close match that we found between the climatic component of the ecological habitat suitability and the current pattern of occurrence of South Africa alien species in other parts of the world is encouraging. If species' distribution data in the donor country are available, climatic niche modelling offers a powerful tool for efficient and unbiased first-step screening. Given that eradication of an established invasive species is extremely difficult and expensive, areas identified as potential new sites should be monitored and quarantine measures should be adopted.

Classification of the high-Andean Polylepis forests in Bolivia

This work investigates the Polylepis-dominated forests in the high Andes of central and southern Bolivia, using both the Braun-Blanquet approach and multivariate analysis. These are among the highest altitude forest types in the world, and the region under study is a center of diversity for the genus, and is located at the confluence of four biogeographical provinces. Nine main plant communities were distinguished. Correspondence Analysis revealed a strong dependence of community composition primarily on biogeographic as well as on bioclimatic features. The greatest forest type diversity is found in the central part of the Cordillera Oriental in the Tropical pluviseasonal bioclimate, within a Supratropical thermotype and a Subhumid ombrotype.

Hordein polymorphism in diploid and tetraploid Mediterranean populations of the Hordeum murinum L. complex

Polymorphism analyses of the hordeins, main storage proteins in barley, were conducted on 35 natural populations of Hordeum murinum s.l. from North Africa; this specific complex includes three subspecies with two ploidy levels: H. murinum subsp. glaucum (2n=2x=14), H. murinum subsp. leporinum and subsp. murinum (2n=4x=28). Twenty of these populations belong to the diploid subsp. glaucum, 14 other tetraploid populations belong to the subsp. leporinum. In addition, six populations of the tetraploid murinum were sampled in France: two along the Mediterranean coast and four in Brittany. The polymorphism observed in the electrophoretic patterns highlights strong correlations between bioclimatic features and di- and tetraploid taxa distribution. Moreover, the variation was not randomly distributed within the different ploidy levels, and is correlated with environmental factors. The ecological differentiation of the two main taxa, H. murinum subsp. leporinum and subsp. glaucum is clearly highlighted.

Soil-water behaviour of sandy soils under semi-arid conditions in the Duero Basin (Spain)

This paper examines the soil-water behaviour of sandy soils representative of a broad area in the Duero river basin (Spain), with semi-arid bioclimatic characteristics. Soil-moisture measurements of the first 25 cm of soil profile were taken using time domain reflectometry (TDR) methodology. The infiltration process was studied by means of field experiments combining rainfall simulations and TDR techniques. Finally, a set of hydrodynamic variables was calculated in the laboratory (i.e. available soil-water content, soil-water-retention curves and hydraulic conductivity). The average available soil-water content is 0·07 cm3 cm−3, in accordance with the predominance of the sandy textural fraction (≅85%). The rainfall simulation experiments show that infiltration prevails over overland flow, with a steady-state infiltration rate higher than rainfall application (40mmh−1) in most cases; a low water-retention capacity was also observed. The evolution of soil-moisture over time indicates a close dependence on intra-annual rainfall variability due to the low water-retention capacity of sandy soils. With a maximum water-storage capacity of around 0·18 cm3 cm−3, the soils studied show high sensitivity to dry spells and may remain with <50% of the available soil-water content for several months during the year.

Soil-water behaviour of sandy soils under semi-arid conditions in the Duero Basin (Spain)

This paper examines the soil-water behaviour of sandy soils representative of a broad area in the Duero river basin (Spain), with semi-arid bioclimatic characteristics. Soil-moisture measurements of the first 25 cm of soil profile were taken using time domain reflectometry (TDR) methodology. The infiltration process was studied by means of field experiments combining rainfall simulations and TDR techniques. Finally, a set of hydrodynamic variables was calculated in the laboratory (i.e. available soil-water content, soil-water-retention curves and hydraulic conductivity). The average available soil-water content is 0·07 cm 3 cm −3, in accordance with the predominance of the sandy textural fraction (≅85%). The rainfall simulation experiments show that infiltration prevails over overland flow, with a steady-state infiltration rate higher than rainfall application (40mmh −1) in most cases; a low water-retention capacity was also observed. The evolution of soil-moisture over time indicates a close dependence on intra-annual rainfall variability due to the low water-retention capacity of sandy soils. With a maximum water-storage capacity of around 0·18 cm 3 cm −3, the soils studied show high sensitivity to dry spells and may remain with <50% of the available soil-water content for several months during the year.

Soil water and chemical characteristics of sandy soils and their significance to land reclamation

Long-term observations were made of moisture and chemical content changes in sandy soils at ten locations in China, located in five different climatic zones: hyperarid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid and subtropical humid. These sandy soil zones were delineated based on their bioclimatic characteristics, aridity, mean soil moisture content and precipitation. Spatial and temporal variations in soil moisture and water balance components of the top 1 m soil layer were monitored in different sandy soils. The water balance equation for the top 1 m soil layer was defined as: ΔS=(P+U)−E in the hyperarid and arid areas, ΔS=(P+U)−(D+E+TR) in the semi-arid areas, and ΔS+ΔV=(P+U)−(D+E+TR) in the semihumid and subtropical humid areas. Sandy soil organic matter content (OMC), CaCO3, and soluble salts content were also investigated. Afforestation and a selection of land management techniques are suggested to slow or stop the development and expansion of sandy lands. In China, four land management regions, defined by the prevailing natural conditions and complexity of reclamation/mitigation techniques implemented are: Region I: trees and shrubs to fix shifting sands, land can then be used for high-profit agriculture and commercial crops; Region II: some species of shrub plants and grasses to fix shifting sands; Region III: mechanical methods to enhance biological methods to fix shifting sands; Region IV: improvement of afforestation practices, and stabilization of low-lying wetland sites, engineering works, and irrigation systems. The results of such programs have important implications in terms of the economic benefits of irrigated agriculture and environment of sandy lands in China.

Energy evaluation of forest residues originated from Eucalyptus globulus Labill in Galicia

The possibility of retrieving the energy contained in forest residues originating from wood exploitation in Galicia (Spain) is evaluated. This study was made on Eucalyptus globulus Labill occupying a forest surface of 240 000 ha. This species plays an important role in the economical development of Galicia, as it is the main forest species for production of pulp. Sampling was made over 1999 in seven different zones, three main stations plus four selected for comparison, situated in Galicia. The residues originating from cutting were sorted into three different groups and their calorific values were measured by static bomb calorimetry. These calorific values, close to 7200 kJ kg −1 , make possible the use of this residual biomass as an energy source. Calorific values were measured by static bomb calorimeter in an oxygen atmosphere. Flammability was determined using a standard epiradiator. Simultaneously, some other parameters, elementary chemical composition, heavy metal contents, moisture, density, ash percentage after combustion in the bomb, and main bioclimatic characteristics, were also determined.

Typology and ecology of Californian serpentine annual grasslands

Abstract. A first classification for serpentine annual grasslands distributed throughout northern and central California is proposed. This study has followed the Braun‐Blanquet phyto‐sociological system based on floristical, biogeographical and bioclimatic features of the sampled areas. Numerical analyses of classification and ordination were applied to the floristic relevés. Minimum Variance Clustering grouped relevés into basic classification units that allowed us to define low‐hierarchical syntaxonomical units (associations) and ‘communities’. A Principal Coordinate Analysis was used to extract those ecological parameters related to the axes that separate those classification units from the previous dendrogram. The results showed that differences in species composition was mainly due to a continentality gradient and the shady effect of an overstory vegetation. On the basis of both analyses we propose a first syntaxonomic scheme on ultramafic (mainly serpentine) annual plant communities of the biogeographical Californian Region that comprises four associations, two subassociations and some provisional communities.

Design of risk index maps as a tool to prevent forest fires in the hill-side zone of Galicia (NW Spain)

Risk indices corresponding to the forest biomass in the hill area of Galicia were determined. The use of these indices allows the design of risk index maps, very useful for the prevention of, and effective fight against, forest fires. These parameters are complemented with chemical analyses based on the elementary composition, concentration of heavy metals, humidity percentage, ash left in the bomb after combustion, and moisture content. The energy maps of the studied area are also shown. These maps are a necessary reference when evaluating the energy – xyloenergy – of the area for its sensible economic exploitation. Other parameters of interest such as the bioclimatic characteristics of the area and the biological properties of each forest species were also studied. The different parameters were measured using, as main equipment, a bomb calorimeter in an oxygen atmosphere, an epiradiator, an elementary analysis equipment and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Design of risk index maps as a tool to prevent forest fires.: Continental high mountainous zone of Galicia (NW Spain)

Risk indices for the different forest species existing in a high mountainous zone situated in Galicia (NW Spain) as well as their seasonal evolution were studied. Calculation of these risk indices was based on the previous elaboration of energy maps from mean calorific values, flammabilities and chemical analyses of forest species. A combined study of energy maps, bioclimatic characteristics of the zone and main biological properties of the different species led to the determination of the seasonal risk indices. Knowledge of risk indices of the species allows the design of maps to be used to prevent and/or fight forest fires.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DISTRIBUTION OF GULLY EROSION IN KWAZULU NATAL'S MFOLOZI CATCHMENT—LAND REFORM IMPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT Soil erosion in the Mfolozi catchment is already a serious problem and likely to be exacerbated by landuse changes incumbent on the Land Reform Programme. As peasant farmers particularly perceive gully erosion as a problem, this study sought to identify those parts of the catchment that are unsuitable for allocation to them because they are either already severely gully eroded or are susceptible to this form of erosion. Two principle data sources were available for use. Firstly, an unpublished geomorphological map showing the location of eleven length classes of gullies. And secondly, maps and associated memoirs delimiting and detailing the topographic, substrate and rainfall characteristics of the catchment's landtypes. Data on the veld type, bioclimatic and landuse characteristics of these landtypes was extracted from various additional sources. The density of each gully class within each of the possible 16 landtypes within each of the catchment's 43 subcatchments was recorded. Statistical analysis of the resultant gully and landtype data sets focused on the significance of differences between and groupings within components of each set, and on functional relationships between the two sets. In addition to identifying susceptible and very susceptible landtypes, the study identified ten subcatchments which are already severely gully eroded as well as fifteen subcatchments that contain substantial portions of susceptible landtypes.

The urban woods of Rome (Italy)

ABSTRACT A phytosociological study of the urban woods of Rome is described. Six syntaxonomical types were identified: 1) Orno-Quercetum ilicis, an edaphic-xerophytic variant of the natural potential vegetation of the city (deciduous Quercus sp. pl. woods); 2) Aquifolio-Fagetum carpinetosum betuli, in the northern slopes of alluvial valleys; 3) Q. suber and Q. pubescens wood, ranked in Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae order 4) Quercetum ilicis galloprovinciale suberetosum; 5) coppice of Q. cerris and Q. frainetto, which belongs to the Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis alliance; 6) mixed mesophile wood of Q. cerris and Ostrya carpinifolia which can be considered a transition between the Doronico-Fagion and the Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis alliances. All of these six woody vegetation types are characterised by the large penetration of Mediterranean species belonging to the Quercetea and Quercetalia ilicis and the middle-European ones of the Querco-Fagetea. This mosaic of species exemplifies the bioclimatic characteristics of Rome, which is situated in a Mediterranean transitional region.

The bioclimatic features of vernacular architecture in China

The paper presents an analysis of the form and climatic conditions of two traditional buildings in southern and northern parts of China. The vernacular architecture reflects the principles for contemporary bioclimatic design, such as the choice of location, insolation, weather seasonal protection, etc. It creates wonderful microclimate for the inhabitants. It shows the local traditional architecture as the most adequate and suitable answer to the requirements of enviromental and energy consumption need.

地理学における生気候地域研究

Study of physical bioclimatology has a long history as BUETTNER (1962) as well as LANDSBERG (1972) pointed out. In the early days the term “Climate” sometimes meant bioclimatology as may be gathered from A. v. HUMBOLDT's statement (1845). Since then, human bioclimate has been studied in various sciences, for example, medical cience, human biology, sanitary science, applied meteorology, applied climatology and so on. Undoubtedly many results have been obtained in these sciences regarding bioclimatic studies; however, either study of regionality or regional structures of human bioclimatic characteristics have not been a subject of great interest.In geography or climageography, one of the most important traditional subjects is to classify climates and on the basis of such a system to divide climatic regions. However, to my regret, in the field of geography itself, the study of bioclimatic regions developed too late. Excepting TAYLOR'S famous work (1916), few research results were obtained before the 1930' regarding bioclimatic regions.It may be a remarkable fact that Section Geographie coloniale was set up on the occasion of the 15 th International Geographical Congress in Amsterdam in 1938, and several papers on acclimatization for the white race in the Tropics were presented. The study of acclimatization as well as human bioclimatology developed rapidly thereafter in the field of geography. It should be pointed out that the 15 th IGC was the turning point to develop the study of bioclimatology as well as human bioclimatic regions in the field of geography.As one of the key subjects, the study of sultry boundaries and climatic divisions on the basis of distribution of sultriness have been performed (MARNER, 1940; SCHARLAU, 1950, 1952; SCHULZE, 1956; HAVLIK, 1976; DOMROS, 1981; TILLEY, 1988 and so on). The sultry zones of the world (SCHARLAU, 1952) and vertical zonation of the bioclimatic structures, especially of the upper boundary of the distribution of sultriness in the mountainous regions in the Tropics and others may be one of the most remarkable results (SCHARLAU, 1952; Domras, 1981 and so on).Cooling power is also a very suggestive index regarding bioclimatic divisions. World maps of distribution of the Hill's cooling power in January and July performed by LAUSCHER (1951) may be one of the earliest results on bioclimatic regionality on the global scale.GREGORCZUK's work (1968) of world bioclimatic regions was performed on the basis of the distribution of air enthalpy grade which was introduced by BRAZOL (1954) as a scale of sensation of anthropological climates.Climatic systems by TERJUNG (1966, 1967, 1968) has been established on the basis of comfort indexes as well as wind effect indexes and bioclimatic divisions of the USA as well the world performed on the basis of his climatic systems should make it possible to clarfy regional structures of bioclimatic characteristics.One of the very interesting results is JUSATZ's work (1962) on the distribution of epidemic diseases as an effective index for bioclimatic classification, and his consideration of the relationship between spinal meningitis and the harmattan in Central Africa should be a representative result obtained in the field of not only medical geography but also bioclimatology.Research on the requirement of clothing as a index of human bioclimates and establishment of bioclimatic regions of the world has broken new ground in the study of bioclimatic regions (LANDSBERG, 1954; LEE et al., 1949; ALCIEMS et al., 1976, 1979, 1981, and so on).In the present paper the author comments mainly on studies of bioclimatic regions on a global scale. However, it should be of utmost importance to develop studies of bioclimatic regions on meso- as well as on microclimatic scales. DAMMANN's work (1958, 1964) should be a good example.

Resource For Recreation Himalaya's Floral Excellence:

Garhwal's unique bioclimatic features have provided it wonderous meadowscapes and flowerful pastures beyond the timberline. These are named “Bugyals”, locally. Of the 27 bugyals identified in Garhwal, the Pushpvati bonanza is par-excellence in its aesthetics of landscape, intense distribution of colourful annuals and herbs, soothing mamla grass (Buggy) lush green meadows interrupted by musical runnels. This floral excellence is in abundance in the famous Valley of Flowers and Hemkwid environs. The Valley of Flowers is now Himalaya's smallest National Park (1982) on the right bank of the Pushpvati in Bhyundar catchment Mythical in origin, Smythe (1931) exposed it as resource for recreation. Hemkund (Lokpal) beside a high altitude lake (3429 m) is a popular sikh pilgrimage resort. Both attract visitors, religious and mundane. About 250 garden genera and 2000 varieties of flowers were listed by Smythe and Holdsworth (1947). Most of them including Himalayan blue poppy and Brahm Kamal grow wild, during the mid...

The Use of Laboratory Studies of Three Hymenopterous Parasites to Evaluate Their Field Potential

Estimates of the temperature tolerances and competitive interactions of 3 introduced parasites of the spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) (= T. maculata (Buckton)), derived from laboratory investigations, are discussed relative to their distribution, abundance, and effectiveness in alfalfa fields in California. The parasites Praon exoletum (Nees), Trioxys complanatus (Quilis), and Aphelinus asychis (Walker) are solitary and endoparasitic in habit. Such factors as developmental rate, reproductive potential, and innate capacity for numerical increase calculated at various constant temperatures were considered in an effort to analyze each parasite bioclimatically. In addition, the competitive characteristics of each were considered from the standpoint of mutual interference. It was concluded that although all 3 parasite species possess certain exclusive bioclimatic features which adapt each to slightly different conditions, by and large T. Complanatus should be the most effective parasite over a wide range of climatic conditions. A scrutiny of the competitive interactions among the three did not modify this conclusion. Field studies conducted in California by other investigators have shown that although P. exoletum was prevalent shortly after the introduction of the 3 species, T. Complanatus has more recently become the most widely distributed, the most abundant, and clearly the most effective parasite. These observations suggest the value of using laboratory studies as a basis for: (1) the advanced prediction of the geographic distribution and relative effectiveness of a parasite to be introduced, and (2) examining the possibilities that several parasite species may interfere with one another in their capacities to control the pest insect.

BIOCLIMATIC STUDIES OF THE APHID PARASITE PRAON EXSOLETUM: I. EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON THE FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE OF FEMALES TO VARYING HOST DENSITIES

AbstractUsing bioclimatic chambers to provide diurnally fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions, the relationship between fecundity of females of the aphid parasite, Praon exsoletum (Nees), and different host densities, was examined over a wide range of mean temperatures. At each temperature level the number of eggs laid by females was found to vary with host density in accordance with the functional response curve (disc equation) of Holling. Superparasitism was common at all temperature levels studied, and, irrespective of host density, eggs were found laid at random with respect to hosts present. The functional response equation was thus modified so that number of hosts attacked was determined by both number of hosts present and number of eggs laid. Using this modified disc equation, the bioclimatic characteristics of parasite oviposition were examined from rhc standpoint of varying temperature levels. Oviposition was limited to mean temperatures between 8° and 29°C; near these limits the maximum number of eggs laid and the maximum number of hosts attacked were low. At medial mean temperatures (13°–24°) the number of eggs laid per parasite was high, averaging between 70 and 110 each 12-hour day. At these same medial temperatures, according to the modified disc equation, the average "handling" time per oviposition attack was shortest, and the parasite effective searching rate fastest. Averaged over a 12-hour day (this parasite does not oviposit in darkness), females of P. exsoletum were capable of laying from seven to nine eggs per hour at temperatures between 15° and 24° respectively. In all cases, the number of hosts attacked varied with numbers of eggs laid in accordance with Thompson’s superparasitism formula.

Zonality and the System of Taxonomic Units of Physical-Geographic Regionalization

Thermal and radiation belts, which are determined mainly by solar radiation and atmospheric circulation, must be clearly differentiated from natural zones, which reflect a unity of bioclimatic characteristics and depend largely on heat-moisture relationships. Although the zonal pattern is well expressed within the Russian plain, it is a particular case of limited distribution on the earth's surface as a whole. In physical-geographic regionalization, it is logically fallacious to combine typological criteria with the criteria of integrated landscape regionalization.