East-west Direction Research Articles

Deformation Mechanism in Central China Revealed by Regional Earthquake Tomography

Abstract The central China region (CCN) has experienced significant deformation and complex structural arrangements. We conducted research on the deformation pattern of the CCN through the 3D velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle obtained via body-wave tomography. This velocity structure strongly correlates with the region’s topographic features. The relationship between velocity distributions and topography indicates that compression in the east–west direction, which can lead to crustal and mantle shortening, may play a crucial role in shaping topography. The various structures between the Qinling mountain range in the west and the Tongbai–Dabie mountain range in the east highlight distinct geological processes occurring along the Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt. In addition, we propose that reservoir water has infiltrated the crystalline basement rock layer up to 15–20 km beneath the Three Gorges Reservoir. Furthermore, the Three Gorges Dam serves as a solid foundation to prevent reservoir water from seeping downstream underground.

Spatiotemporal Pattern Detection of Ground Deformations Induced by Extreme Rainfall using InSAR EGMS: The case of Cortina d’Ampezzo after Vaia Storm

Abstract. During October 2018 Vaia Storm occurred in the north of Italy, resulting in a huge amount of rainfall that was recorded. The focus here is given to Cortina d’Ampezzo area in the Veneto Region, due to the high importance of the area from touristic and sport perspectives and the presence of landslides. This study is devoted to investigating the impact of the severe sudden rainfall caused by this extreme atmospheric disturbance on the trends of ground deformations over this area, adopting a risk assessment perspective. The ground deformation Time Series (TS) have been derived from the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS) Ortho products derived from Sentinel-1 InSAR data. Then, according to the daily precipitation records and considering the time of this event as a turning temporal point, the TSs of all data points have been divided into pre-event and post-event phases. After obtaining the displacement rates in each phase, the quantified magnitude of changes in the pre-post rates has been calculated through a proposed simple formulation. The spatial distribution of the deformation parameters (i.e., pre-event displacement velocity and change in the pre-post displacement velocities) is found to be a practical tool for gaining comprehensive knowledge regarding the ground deformation and the effect of the extreme weather conditions on the displacement trends over the area. Furthermore, the positioning of the occurrence of deformation parameters has been compared to the landslide inventory of the area. The results showed that the extreme rainfall caused severe acceleration of displacements, more significant in horizontal East-West direction rather than vertical Up-Down direction. Some slight deceleration has been also detected. No initiation (or reactivation) of the stable zones was witnessed, and the portions with high magnitude of pre-event velocities are the ones whose displacement rates have been remarkably modified due to the severe event.

Tunnel-induced land subsidence assessment in a densely populated residential area using Sentinel-1 PS-InSAR

Land subsidence detection in residential areas based on advanced remotely sensed data is an effective technique to mitigate catastrophic disasters in time. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in spaceborne platforms is a highly sophisticated technique to estimate ground surface subsidence with millimeter accuracy for wide-area observation. SAR is beneficial for large-scale social infrastructure project planning and monitoring in densely populated residential areas. In this study, we applied a permanent scatterer (PS) interferometric SAR (PS-InSAR)-based technique for monitoring land subsidence in a tunnel construction site in the Greater Tokyo Area to investigate tunnel-induced ground surface subsidence. Sentinel-1 repeat-pass SAR data in ascending and descending orbital directions were used for continuous observation. Consecutively estimated interferograms based on repeat-pass SAR data were generated to monitor and detect tunnel-induced land subsidence as well as confirm long-term stability along the tunnel excavation path. A bidirectional displacement of the ground area parallel to the earth’s surface in the east–west direction and perpendicular to the earth’s surface in the up–down direction was estimated at a high-phase consistency location using a PS interferometric stacking technique. The resultant data were then analyzed to detect anomalies in the ground area in the spatiotemporal domains by performing displacement time-series analysis. An area near Higashi-Tsutsujigaoka’s local administrative region in the metropolitan center of Tokyo was observed to have 15-mm subsidence and 30-mm displacement in the east–west direction during August–October 2020. The conventional level survey results in the same ground area showed 15–20-mm subsidence above the tunnel excavation path. The findings of this study offer insights into understanding land subsidence in residential environments.

Effect of Different Planting Dates and Spacing on Growth Parameters of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Aim: To investigate the effect of various planting dates and spacing on cabbage growth. Study Design: The experimental design Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) was used. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was conducted in the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (U.P.) Methodology: There were twelve treatments with three replications. The variety selected for experiment was Pusa Mukta. Results: The combined data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) had significantly higher plant survivability (95.28%), plant height (14.67 cm, 21.31 cm and 28.39 cm) at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, respectively, stem diameter (2.11 cm), no. of non-wrapper leaves (16.28), no. of wrapper leaves (27.19), plant spread E-W (49.40 cm) and plant spread N-S (52.63 cm). Among spacings. The findings showed that the S4 (60 cm x 60 cm) plant spacing achieved maximum plant survivability at 91.59%. It also led to the greatest plant height at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT) with measurements of 15.73 cm, 22.45 cm and 31.12 cm, respectively. Additionally, this spacing resulted in the largest stem diameter (2.31 cm), the highest no. of non-wrapper leaves (17.40), no. of wrapper leaves (28.30), greatest plant spread in both East-West (52.79 cm) and North-South (56.08 cm) directions. Conclusion: The results obtained from pooled data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) and Spacing 60 cm x 60 cm had significantly higher growth parameters.

Observations of the Near‐Field Yellow River Plume, Multiple Fronts and Their Biogeochemical Effects

AbstractRiver plumes transport fresh water into the ocean, and exhibit intense convergent and turbulent processes in the frontal regions, ultimately influencing coastal ecosystems. Satellite images show multiple fronts can be generated in river plumes. Although some efforts have been done to study the generation of multiple fronts inside river plumes by theoretical, numerical modeling and laboratory methods, their generation mechanisms and effects on biogeochemical processes remain to be clarified through in situ observational evidence. In the present study, the near‐field Yellow River plume, multiple fronts and their biogeochemical effects are investigated through moored, shipboard, and remote sensing observations. Numerical model simulations are conducted to help study the tidal movement of the Yellow River plume. The results show that the near‐field Yellow River plume is generally advected back and forth in the east‒west direction under the effects of tidal currents. Following the plume leading front, a turbulent bore is observed to be generated and mix near‐surface water with low turbidity and high concentration of dissolved oxygen into the water column. Behind the turbulent bore, a series of subfronts with distances of O (∼100 m) are formed. The generation mechanisms of these subfronts are found to be associated with internal shear instabilities. Under the effects of cross‐front shear currents and vertical mixing near the subfronts, a three‐layer structure of turbidity and surface low‐turbidity stripes form inside the plume. Multiple fronts also have significant effects on the accumulation of surface materials.

Aspect sensitivity measurement of backscattering radar echoes from 205 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere radar at a tropical coastal station

Aspect sensitivity in VHF radar refers to the extent to which the power and spectrum width of echoes vary with changes in the zenith angle, which is related to the backscattering process. The scattering of clear air signals is primarily caused by Fresnel reflection, anisotropic scattering, and isotropic scattering. The aspect sensitivity and accuracy of moment and wind estimation in clear air radars are influenced by the beam width, beam pointing angle from zenith, and atmospheric conditions. This study proposes a method to determine the sensitivity of the recently developed Stratosphere–Troposphere (ST) wind profile Radar in Cochin, India (10.04°N, 76.33°E). The radar operates at a distinct frequency of 205 MHz in the far VHF band. The experiment is conducted at an altitude of 5 to 20 km above the ground by adjusting the beam’s orientation with a resolution of 2°in both the east–west and north-south directions. The estimation of wind components is subject to uncertainty due to the varying aspect angles caused by the distinct dispersion properties in this height range. The study found that power variance is lowest between 6 and 12 km in both north-south and east–west directions, while daily fluctuations in aspect-sensitive echoes complicate wind component estimation. Correlation length (ζ) ranges from 0.5 to 15 m, indicating various air scattering processes. Notably, θs is smaller near the zenith and increases with tilt angles, exceeding 20°up to 14 km before declining at higher altitudes, indicating significant anisotropy at elevated levels. The wide range of R factor values (0.1 to 0.9) across different heights causes significant ambiguity in wind estimation. In this study, the impact of various aspect sensitivity parameters on wind estimation on days with clear air has been analyzed.

Influence of spraying nutrients and bioregulators on vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of litchi

Aim: To investigate the influence of nutrients and bioregulators on the vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of Litchi. Methodology: The vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of litchi cv. Bombai was assessed through application of nutrients and bioregulators. Results: The plants receiving treatment with @ 0.5% Borax (T1) showed the highest percentage increase in canopy volume (7.56 %) and plant height (2.46 %) in litchi, outperforming all other treatments. The maximum productivity (38.69 kg per plant) was registered in plants under treatment T2 (0.3% Borax), which was found to be statistically at par (36.68 kg per plant) with plants treated with 0.1% Seaweed extract (T10) . The percentage increase in the plant height, plant spread in East-West and North-South direction, canopy volume, , fruit weight and fruit set capture positive correlation in both PC-1 and PC-2. The total contribution of PC-1 and PC-2 was 60.857 %. Interpretation: Among all the treatments, T2 (0.3% borax) and T4 (ZnSO4 @ 0.4%) treatments proved superior over other treatements with respect to vegetative growth, flowering and productivity parameters in litchi. However, further investigation need to be carried out with combination of these applied nutrients and bioregulators for getting acceptable results. Key words: Bioregulators, Flowering, Growth, Litchi, Nutrients

Spatial and Temporal Evolution and Conservation Significance of Traditional Villages in the Yangtze River Basin, China

Traditionally, “ancient villages” are communities that date back to a previous era, possess abundant traditional resources, and hold significant historical, social, cultural, ecological, and economic significance. This study examines the geographical and chronological development of 2957 traditional communities in the Yangtze River Basin and extensively employs GIS spatial analysis, geostatistical analysis, and historical literature review to study the evolution of the locations of traditional settlements under various factors. The study’s findings revealed that: (1) From a geographical standpoint, the traditional villages in the study area present a distribution state of “two cores, small aggregation, and many dispersions”. The two core clusters are located at the intersection of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces, where the natural geographical advantages attracted people from different dynasties to settle here. (2) From a temporal perspective, the quantity of traditional villages shows a growing trend, and the distribution center of each dynasty shows an east–west direction. Among them, the shift from the Song to the Yuan dynasties marked the period of greatest change in village distribution, which originated from the Song Dynasty’s quick economic growth. In addition, the village distribution was clustered in the eastern part of the country, adapting to the needs of commercial trade. When the Song Dynasty fell, the society was in turmoil, and the villages were transferred to the central region to avoid the war. The Yuan Dynasty also laid down the fundamental distribution pattern of conventional villages. (3) From the standpoint of choosing a village location, most of them are distributed in mountainous, hilly, and plain regions; the gentle slopes of 0°~15° are favored by people. Sufficient water sources, abundant precipitation, and a suitable climate are also necessary choices. (4) From the perspective of driving factors, traditional village distribution in the basin is impacted by historical, cultural, social, and ecological factors. Included among these, traditional village distribution is inversely connected with socio-economic variables. Under the interaction of two factors, the distribution will be more affected. To summarize, the complex human geographic factors together create the conventional village dispersal pattern, and examining these elements holds substantial practical importance for comprehending, safeguarding, and preserving traditional villages.

Design and performance analysis of a net-zero energy building in Owerri, Nigeria

Building cooling load depends on heat gains from the outside environment. Appropriate orientation and masonry materials play vital roles in the reduction of overall thermal loads buildings. A net-zero energy building performance has been analyzed in order to ascertain the optimum orientation and wall material properties, under the climatic conditions of Owerri, Nigeria. Standard cooling load estimation techniques were employed for the determination of the diurnal interior load variations in a building incorporating renewable energy as the major energy source, and compared with the situation in a conventionally powered building. The results show a 19.28% reduction in the building’s cooling load when brick masonry was used for the wall construction. It was observed that a higher heat gain occurred when the building faced the East-West direction than when it was oriented in the North-South direction. Significant diurnal cooling loads variation as a result of radiation through the windows was also observed, with the east facing windows contributing significantly higher loads during the morning hours while the west facing windows contributed higher amounts in the evening. The economic analysis of the net-zero energy building showed an 11.63% reduction in energy cost compared to the conventional building, with a 7-year payback period for the use of Solar PV systems. Therefore, the concept of net-zero energy building will not only help in energy conservation, but also in cost savings, and the reduction of carbon footprint in the built environment.

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis for Sustainable Structural Mapping of the Missiakat Al Jukh Area in the Central Eastern Desert: Enhancing Resource Exploration with Minimal Environmental Impact

This study integrates aeromagnetic data with geological information to develop a consistent interpretation of both shallow and deep structural frameworks at various depths in the Missiakat Al Jukh area, located in the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. The research begins by processing reduced-to-the-north magnetic pole (RTP) anomalies, using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques to distinguish between local residual structures and broader regional features. This multi-scale approach enables a more detailed understanding of the geological complexity in the region, revealing its subsurface structures. Advanced geophysical methods such as upward continuation, Euler deconvolution, source parameter imaging (SPI), and global particle swarm optimization (GPSO) were applied to further refine the determination of structural depths, offering critical insights into the distribution and orientation of geological features at varying depths. The study reveals dominant structural orientations aligned in the NNW-SSE, ENE-WSW, north–south, and east–west directions, reflecting the region’s complex tectonic history. This research is of great importance in terms of sustainability. By delivering detailed subsurface maps and providing more accurate depth estimates of basement rocks (between 0.6 and 1.3 km), it contributes to sustainable resource exploration in the region. A better understanding of the geological structure helps minimize the environmental impact of exploration by reducing unnecessary drilling and concentrating efforts on areas with higher potential. Additionally, the use of non-invasive geophysical techniques supports the transition toward more environmentally conscious exploration practices. The integration of these advanced methods promotes a more sustainable approach to mineral and resource extraction, which is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation in geologically sensitive areas. Ultimately, this work provides a thorough geological interpretation that not only aids future exploration efforts but also aligns with the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly resource management.

Station keeping control method based on deep reinforcement learning for stratospheric aerostat in dynamic wind field

Aiming at the problem of long-endurance station keeping of stratospheric aerostats under energy constraints in dynamic wind environment, a stratospheric aerostat station keeping controller was designed using the D3QN (Dueling Double Deep Q Network) algorithm of deep reinforcement learning in this article. The performance of the station keeping controllers are evaluated by the average station keeping radius and station keeping effective time ratio. Meanwhile, the effects of different reward functions on the performance of station keeping controller are studied. The simulation results of typical scenarios with European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data show that: under the task constraints of three days of station keeping time and 50 km of station keeping radius, the average station keeping radius of the stratospheric aerostat without power propulsion is 28.25 km, the station keeping time ratio is 90.56%, and the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery is more than 50%. Under the condition of propulsion, the control effect of the average station keeping radius of stratospheric aerostat is significantly improved. The control effect of adding dynamic propulsion in the north-south direction is better than that in the east-west direction, which is close to the dual-channel control effect. At the same time, this study verifies that the station keeping controller based on deep reinforcement learning has strong robustness, and demonstrates that the station keeping controller can be designed with different reward functions for the requirements of different station keeping task.

Three-dimensional deformation monitoring of San Francisco Bay based on GNSS-InSAR data

As a cutting-edge technology in the field of remote sensing, Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) plays a significant role in monitoring urban surface deformation. The traditional multi-temporal InSAR technique can only obtain surface deformation in the line-of-sight (LOS) direction, and there are fewer studies on three-dimensional(3D) deformation monitoring in coastal areas. At the same time, there is a lack of research on integrating GNSS-InSAR data to obtain the three-dimensional deformation field in the San Francisco Bay area. Using ascending and descending orbit InSAR images and GNSS data to monitor ground subsidence in the San Francisco Bay area, various schemes of integrating GNSS and InSAR data to invert the three-dimensional deformation field were analyzed and compared. An improved Robust-Helmert estimation method was proposed to calculate the 3D ground deformation velocity. The results showed that the Robust-Helmert estimation method performed best, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 3.96 mm, 6.51 mm, and 2.75 mm in the East-West (E), North-South (N), and Up-Down (U) directions, respectively. It also exhibited more stable solution accuracy and good universality.

Modeling Gravity Gradients from Surface Gravity Anomaly Data

Gravity gradients are useful to characterize near mass anomalies since they are much more sensitive to short wavelength anomalies than gravitational accelerations. Estimating gravity gradients from surface gravity data is based on numerical implementations of solutions to geodetic boundary value problem for determination of disturbing potential. One of methods to solve this problem is least-squares collocation which is basically based on data and a defined covariance function. This study deals with estimating gravity gradient tensor components from along track surface gravity anomaly data. The Least-Squares Collocation solution is based on a stationary local covariance function defined for the disturbing potential which allows upward continuation of the observations to a desired altitude. The modeling method is evaluated in using Earth Gravitational Model 2008(EGM2008) and real airborne gravity gradiometry data collected over Southern Texas, Oklahoma region. The results show that modeled gravity gradients estimated in both on the ground and at a certain altitude have basically good agreement with EGM08 gradients. Modeled gradients including horizontal components in the east-west direction exhibit some discrepancies in comparison to the airborne gradiometry data, which may be attributed to some measurement errors in the gradient data.

ICT and energy rebound effect: Empirical analysis based on data from Chinese cities

Information and communication technology (ICT) is predicted to emerge as a new driver of economic growth in the future and has been identified as a significant strategic emerging industry. It is of great theoretical and practical significance to include ICT in the energy rebound measurement framework. Based on Chinese city-level data from 2006 to 2019, this paper incorporates ICT into an improved stochastic frontier (SFA) model of energy consumption to measure the energy rebound effect (ERE) in 252 prefecture-level cities, and further investigates the formation mechanism of ICT affecting the ERE. The results show that when ICT is included in the energy rebound measurement framework, the average value of ERE in each region of China ranges from 0.4627 to 0.6458, with an overall average value of 0.5532, indicating that China's actual reduction in energy consumption is only about 40% of that expected. In terms of distributional characteristics, the mean value of ERE increases from coastal to inland, with the center of gravity always deviating from mainland China's geometric center (103°50′E, 36°N), the degree of spatial imbalance in the east-west direction is much greater than in the north-south direction. It is worth noting that ICT has a significant dampening effect on ERE, and the conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. In addition, the mechanisms by which ICT affects energy rebound include breaking through geographical and administrative barriers and reducing the impact of market segmentation on factor mobility.

Effect of Row Orientation on Productivity Of Sugarcane With Potato as Intercrop

An experiment was carried out at the Regional Sugarcrop Research Station (RSRS) farm, Thakurgaon under the agro-ecological zone of Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain (AEZ-1) of Bangladesh, during 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of row orientation on the productivity of sugarcane with potato as intercrop. Under the study eight treatments viz T1: Single row cane (SRC) only in north-south direction, T2: SRC + potato in North-South direction, T3: SRC only in east-west direction, T4: SRC + potato in east-west direction,T5: Paired row cane (PRC) only in North-South direction, T6: PRC + potato in north-south direction, T7: PRC only in east-west direction and T8: PRC + potato in east-west direction were tested following Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications Significant differences were found among the observed parameters except germination (%) of setts, number of internodes per stalk and unit stalk weight of sugarcane. The highest number of tiller and millable cane population, cane yield and brix reading were achieved from the treatment SRC + potato in the North-South direction. The highest intercrop yield, equivalent cane yield of intercrop, total adjusted yield and gross return were obtained from the treatment PRC + potato in north-south direction, but the highest net return and benefit cost ratio were obtained from the treatment SRC + potato in the North-South direction. Having the highest cane yield, net return and benefit cost ratio with less variable cost, sugarcane planting in a single row system with potato as intercrop in a North-South row direction could be considered the best package practice for successful sugarcane farming. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 7-15

Sustainable Concrete Roof Tiles: Integrating Aluminium Foil, Fly Ash, Solar PV, and Management

This research investigates the use of municipal solid waste cremated fly ash as a viable substitute for natural sand in building methodologies, with a focus on sustainability. The waste material is used in the manufacturing of concrete roof tiles that are combined with solar PV systems, providing advantages in terms of both thermal comfort and improved energy efficiency. These tiles exhibit thermal insulation prowess by effectively preserving a 2-degree temperature differential and collecting heat from solar panels to enhance their energy-production efficiency. In order to enhance performance even further, aluminium foil is strategically placed on all four sides of the roof walls. The foil acts as a reflector, redirecting solar energy towards the tiles, which leads to a 5% boost in power generation. Particular alignments, such as positioning in an east-west or north-south direction, result in further enhancements in performance of 4% and 3%, respectively. This comprehensive approach not only confirms the use of waste materials for environmentally friendly construction but also emphasizes their crucial role in promoting energy-efficient building methods.

Distribution Characteristics and Genesis Mechanism of Ground Fissures in Three Northern Counties of the North China Plain

The North China Plain is among the regions most afflicted by ground fissure disasters in China. Recent urbanization has accelerated ground fissure activity in the three counties of the northern North China Plain, posing significant threats to both the natural environment and socioeconomic sustainability. Despite the increased attention, a lack of comprehensive understanding persists due to delayed recognition and limited research. This study conducted field visits and geological surveys across 43 villages and 80 sites to elucidate the spatial distribution patterns of ground fissures in the aforementioned counties. By integrating these findings with regional geological data, we formulated a causative model to explain ground fissure formation. Our analysis reveals a concentration of ground fissures near the Niuxi and Rongxi faults, with the former exhibiting the most extensive distribution. The primary manifestations of ground fissures include linear cracks and patch-shaped collapse pits, predominantly oriented in east-west and north-south directions, indicating tensile failure with minimal vertical displacement. Various factors contribute to ground fissure development, including fault activity, ancient river channel distribution, bedrock undulations, rainfall, and ground settlement. Fault activity establishes a concealed fracture system in shallow geotechnical layers, laying the groundwork for ground fissure formation. Additionally, the distribution of ancient river channels and bedrock undulations modifies regional stress fields, further facilitating ground fissure emergence. Rainfall and differential ground settlement serve as triggering mechanisms, exposing ground fissures at the surface. This research offers new insights into the causes of ground fissures in the northern North China Plain, providing crucial scientific evidence for sustaining both the natural environment and the socio-economic stability of the region.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Optimizing Control Parameters of Traffic Signal Group Systems

On the basis of introducing the concept of intersection signal state phase difference, the author proposes a proportional signal phase difference design scheme for traffic signal system control, on the basis of the HCM signal delay calculation formula, a standardized signal cycle and effective green signal ratio optimization design model were compiled, thus forming a complete set of optimization design modes for the control parameters of the urban main road traffic signal group system. The experimental results indicate that, the entire simulation experiment took 6000 seconds to compare the traditional fuzzy algorithm with the controller implemented by the author's fuzzy neural network, each case was simulated 5 times, the data in the Table is the average of 5 times, compared with traditional fuzzy algorithms, the author's method shows an improvement of 20.8% to 45.67% in average vehicle delay time, especially when the traffic flow is different in the east-west and north-south directions, the improvement is more significant.

Improving thermal comfort using biomimicry in the urban residential districts in New Aswan city, Egypt

AbstractEgypt tends to construct new cities to provide social housing for its citizens. However, the planning of urban residential districts (URDs) in these cities lacks provisions for natural ventilation (NV), and indoor-outdoor thermal comfort, resulting in increased energy consumption during the summer months. This research aims to create a sustainable design through biomimicry to reduce the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) values in the URD in New Aswan thereby enhancing outdoor thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption inside buildings at the level of URD. In this research, the approach of prairie dogs in building their burrows was followed to rearrange and reorient the buildings. Autodesk CFD, Rhino7, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Honeybee, and Dragonfly software was used in the simulation. The rearrangement of the buildings, specifically the oriented design in the east-west direction, caused a difference in pressure between the buildings, leading to improved NV between the buildings. The improvement of NV resulted in a 4.2 °C reduction in UTCI values during specific hours over the six different days in the six summer months, resulting in significant energy savings of 10407.28946 KWh in the URD. The occurrence of a pressure difference between buildings not only improved NV but also enhanced outdoor and indoor thermal comfort, promoting energy conservation. Therefore, careful consideration of the arrangement and orientation of buildings is essential to establish sustainable URDs. Although the difference between the results is slight, it creates substantial differences in the long term for UTCI values, thus the energy conservation in the URDs.

Analysis of Nearshore Near-Inertial Oscillations Using Numerical Simulation with Data Assimilation in the Pearl River Estuary of the South China Sea

The High-Frequency (HF) radar network has become an effective method for detecting coastal currents. In this study, we confirmed the effectiveness of the HF radar measurements by comparing with the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and explore the possibility of assimilating radar data into a regional coastal ocean model. A regional high-resolution model with resolution of 10 m was first built in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). However, analysis of the Hovmöller diagrams from the model simulations in this study indicated a significant deficiency in representing Near-Inertial Oscillations (NIOs) in the PRE, particularly in the east–west direction, despite including wind fields in the input data, during the week from 3 to 8 August 2022. To overcome the model deficiency, we conducted a set of assimilation experiments and performed sensitivity analyses. The results of sensitivity experiments indicate that the model exhibits a sufficient capacity to replicate NIOs after assimilation, lasting approximately 5–6 days. To further analyze the reasons for the decay in the magnitude of the NIOs, data from the three ADCP stations were compared with model results by applying the momentum equation. The assimilated vertical diffusion term outperforms the unassimilated model in representing NIOs. These findings highlight the importance of the vertical diffusion term for simulating NIOs and the data assimilation in improving the model’s representation of physical processes.