Field Survey Observations Research Articles

River parks typology: A case study of river parks in Kalimantan

The aim of this research is to fill in the theoretical gaps regarding the typology of river parks, seen based on the shape and location of parks in relation to rivers, with a case study of parks on the island of Kalimantan. The typology of river parks will open new advanced research opportunities in the field of river park research. The method used is qualitative, with a field observation approach (primary) in twenty-seven parks on the river, field survey observations were carried out, and database (secondary) observations in fifteen parks on the river border were carried out through Google Street View “Big Data Base Analysis” (GSV). As a result, the typology of parks on rivers can be seen based on the shape and location of the park on the river, so that it is divided into three park typologies, namely the first typology of parks on rivers, the second typology of parks on riverbanks, and the third typology of parks bordering rivers. These three typologies are subdivided into eight form variants which are divided based on the potential point of view of the river, adaptation of the park design to the physical nature of the river, functional use of the banks and borders.

Designing Sustainable Housing Using a User-Centred Approach: Paipe Case Study

This paper presents a user-centred design method for developing prototype housing designs in the Paipe community of Abuja, Nigeria, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). UCD is a qualitative methodology that prioritises end users in the design process. This study employs qualitative methods to collect data through interviews, field surveys, and site analysis using a single case study. The UCD approach was used to develop a profile of residents and identify their needs and preferences. Thematic analysis of the data led to the creation of design specifications and prototype designs. Two design options were developed: a cluster design based on field survey observations and an enclosed modern design based on residents’ preferences. This study contends that user-centred design (UCD) is essential for sustainable housing provision in LMICs, aligning with the United Nations’ adequate-housing programme.

UAV and field survey observations on the November 26th 2022 Celario flowslide, Ischia Island (Southern Italy)

ABSTRACT On 26th November 2022, a heavy cloudburst affected Ischia Island (Southern Italy) causing a flash flood and triggering several flowslides. The most affected municipality was Casamicciola Terme, where this event produced 12 casualties, more than 200 people evacuated and several damages to the buildings and the road network. The largest flowslide involved Celario watershed, which started as a small slide (around 10 m3) on the top of Mt. Epomeo at 703 m a.s.l. of height and impacted downward at 645 m a.s.l., successively channelising in the catchment. This study summarises the geological and geomorphological evidence collected during the field investigation of the Celario flowslide and analyses the remotely sensed UAV data to reconstruct the occurred scenario. Finally, some considerations on the relationships between the occurred damage and the flowslide impact are discussed.

Pacific salmon as vectors of environmental contaminants: An experimental test confirms synoptic surveys in natural streams

Pacific salmon transfer large quantities of material to tributaries during their spawning migrations, including carcass tissue and labile nutrients but also persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. We conducted a Before-After-Control-Intervention experiment by adding salmon carcasses and eggs to a Michigan (USA) stream that had never received inputs from non-native salmon to understand the bioaccumulation and persistence of biotransported contaminants. Our experimental outcomes were compared to previous studies using meta-analysis. Coincident with the introduction of salmon, the PCB and DDE burden of resident trout significantly increased. However, we did not observe changes in total mercury (Hg). Two years after the salmon addition experiment concluded, resident trout POP concentrations had returned to pre-addition levels, with no difference between the treatment and control reaches. Analysis of effect sizes suggested that the contaminant response observed in our experiment is consistent with field survey observations. Our study suggested that the consumption of salmon eggs drove the increase in POP burden of resident trout while Hg bioaccumulation was influenced by watershed sources. Critically, our study suggests that ecosystems are capable of quickly recovering from POP inputs from species migrations if contaminant sources are removed.

Sea Surface Chlorophyll-a Concentration Retrieval from HY-1C Satellite Data Based on Residual Network

A residual network (ResNet) model was proposed for estimating Chl-a concentrations in global oceans from the remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) observed by the Chinese ocean color and temperature scanner (COCTS) onboard the HY-1C satellite. A total of 52 images from September 2018 to September 2019 were collected, and the label data were from the multi-task Ocean Color-Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI) daily products. The results of feature selection and sensitivity experiments show that the logarithmic values of Rrs565 and Rrs520/Rrs443, Rrs565/Rrs490, Rrs520/Rrs490, Rrs490/Rrs443, and Rrs670/Rrs565 are the optimal input parameters for the model. Compared with the classical empirical OC4 algorithm and other machine learning models, including the artificial neural network (ANN), deep neural network (DNN), and random forest (RF), the ResNet retrievals are in better agreement with the OC-CCI Chl-a products. The root-mean-square error (RMSE), unbiased percentage difference (UPD), and correlation coefficient (logarithmic, R(log)) are 0.13 mg/m3, 17.31%, and 0.97, respectively. The performance of the ResNet model was also evaluated against in situ measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network-Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) and field survey observations in the East and South China Seas. Compared with DNN, ANN, RF, and OC4 models, the UPD is reduced by 5.9%, 0.7%, 6.8%, and 6.3%, respectively.

Experimental Investigations and Microstructural Characterization of Construction Materials of Historic Multi-Leaf Stone-Masonry Walls

In order to correctly define the pathology of multiple-leaf stonemasonry walls and determine the appropriate interventions for its conservation and preservation, comprehensive studies on its building materials should be carried out since the overall behaviour of masonry structures is highly dependent on the characterization of its construction materials. Consequently, an interdisciplinary procedure for construction material characterization used in multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in Egypt has been implemented to enrich documentation, conservation and restoration issues of this type of wall. The research methodology integrates experimental data obtained through on-site sampling, conducted tests and analyses, historical information, and field survey observations. The fundamental physical and mechanical properties of the masonry elements were examined by incorporating stone blocks, mortars and core-infill materials. The mineralogical composition and interlocking textures of the collected samples were investigated utilizing a large range of complementary investigation and analysis techniques, including polarizing microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) attached to an EDX unit. Through the results thus obtained, a complete characterization of the mineralogical composition; physical–mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties; and the interlocking textures of the construction materials of both the outer and inner-core layers was performed. The outer leaves of the majority of the multiple-leaf stone-masonry walls in medieval architectural heritage were mainly built of well-dressed limestone blocks with nearly uniform dimensions, while the inner-core layer was usually built of stone-rubble infill with bending lime-based mortar. The uniaxial compressive strengths of core infill (corresponding to the inner core layer) and lime-based mortar of the embedded joints are shown to be 85 and 92.5% lower than the limestone units of the outer layer, respectively. Moreover, experimental observations indicate that the inner core layer exhibits the highest porosity values; consequently, deteriorated, loose and cohesionless core infill could greatly affect the durability and thermal resistivity of this kind of wall. The results provide scientific support for investigating the overall structural behaviour of this type of walls and for decision-making in future conservation and restoration strategies.

Using Daily Observations from Planet Labs Satellite Imagery to Separate the Surface Deformation between the 4 July Mw 6.4 Foreshock and 5 July Mw 7.1 Mainshock during the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

Abstract On 4 July 2019, the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence began with a series of foreshocks including an Mw 6.4 event near Searles Valley, California. This was then followed 34 hr later by an Mw 7.1 mainshock located just 15 km to the north, with the earthquake sequence resulting in a complex array of intersecting faults. This earthquake sequence poses several interesting questions including, did the stress changes induced by the Mw 6.4 foreshock trigger the Mw 7.1 mainshock and what possible mechanism(s) could explain the occurrence of widespread secondary faulting surrounding both surface ruptures? However, most of the geodetic data (such as Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, light detection and ranging, and optical satellite imagery) were acquired after both events had occurred making it difficult to discern which surface fractures happened when and their possible triggering mechanism. Here, we provide a dataset composed of high-resolution optical imagery, pixel-value difference maps, .kmz fracturing mapping, and horizontal deformation maps derived from subpixel image correlation, which can uniquely separate the surface fracturing and deformation between the foreshock and mainshock events that can help answer these questions. Separate imaging of the events is made possible by the daily acquisition of optical imagery by the Planet Labs cubesat constellation, which acquired data between the two earthquakes, in the morning of 4 and 5 July, at 11.13 a.m. and 05.12 p.m. PST, respectively, with the images acquired just 40 min after the foreshock and 56 min before the mainshock, respectively. Analysis from this optical imagery reveals the location of surface faulting that allows us to map their spatial extent and determine their timing. These data which we provide here can help guide and validate field survey observations to help understand which faults ruptured when, and constrain slip inversion models for more accurate estimates of stress changes induced by the foreshock imposed on the surrounding faults.

Dam break test for scaled down slab beam and flat slab Dom-ino house structural system

Tsunami is a succession of waves travelling throughout water body which is resulted by the sudden displacement of a substantial volume of water on the ocean. This disastrous event typically generated due to seismic activity occurs on the seabed or any kind of disturbance that happen either naturally or man-made, below or above the ocean. The hydrostatic pressure produced during this catastrophic event might cause significant damage to many common structures should that they are not being built to resist such imposed load by the tsunami. Tsunami field survey observations also indicate that the structural failure would be escalated more in the presence of water borne debris such as wooden logs, vehicles, containers or other heavy objects. Through this paper, the outcomes of the experimental study are obtainable for the quantification of the hydrodynamic pressure force on the structures. The structure used for the experiment is a scaled down 1:10 model by utilizing the flat slab structural system, a typical structural system that being used in most building worldwide other than the slab beam structural system, thus resembling the exact behaviour of failure to the real structure when it imposed with the tsunami pressure.

Energy recovery from municipal solid waste

ABSTRACTKisumu City is fast urbanizing. Implying that challenges posed by improper management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) are increasing at both Kibuye market and Kachok dumpsite, within the City. This is a great hazard to inhabitants in terms of health and environment. This far, the City has been concentrating on addressing the issue of inadequate clean water supply, water hyacinth menace, sewerage management, to mention but a few. No special attention has been given to recover energy from MSW. This is very important as it will help to tackle the ever increasing volumes of MSW both at source of generation (Kibuye market) and disposal (Kachok dumpsite) and thus relieve the need for more land spaces for waste disposal, lessen potential methane emission sites and even provide cheap energy to the household(s), available market (s), and City at large.This paper discusses the potential of recovering energy using available techniques/technologies based on characteristics of MSW in Kisumu City as well as related economics. Various literature reviews, interview-based questionnaire, field survey observations provide evidence for these. The economics of embracing briquetting/palletization technology are briefly reviewed; success of briquetting solely relies on partnering amongst all key stakeholders.Also, this review offers any would-be investor(s) and/or researcher valuable information needed to invest in other waste management practices and/or glaring information gap that requires further interrogation in form of research.

Assessing visibility and geomorphological biases in regional field surveys: The case of Roman Aesernia

AbstractArchaeological field survey data can be biased by many factors, such as ground visibility conditions (e.g. vegetation, plowing) and geomorphological processes (erosion, deposition). Both visibility and geomorphological factors need, therefore, to be assessed when patterns of settlement and location preferences are inferred from survey data. Although both factors have been taken into account in a variety of fieldwork projects and studies, their combined effects remain hard to predict. In this paper, we aim to address this issue by presenting a visualization method that helps in evaluating in combination the possible visibility and geomorphological effects in regional, site‐oriented field surveys. Capitalizing on first‐hand data on both archaeology and soil types produced by the recent Leiden University field survey project in the area of Isernia (Roman Aesernia, Central‐Southern Italy), we propose a combined application of statistical tests and geo‐pedological analysis to assess the extent and scale of the main biases possibly affecting the interpretation of the ancient settlement organization. Translating both sets of biases into GIS maps, we indicate the likelihood that negative field survey observations (absence of sites), in specific parts of the landscape, are genuine or rather distorted by biasing factors. The resulting “archaeological detectability” maps allow researchers to formally highlight critical surveyed zones where the recording of evidence is likely unreliable, and thus provide a filter through which archaeologists can calibrate their interpretations of field survey datasets.

Observations and Numerical Modeling of the 2012 Haida Gwaii Tsunami off the Coast of British Columbia

A major (M w 7.7) earthquake occurred on October 28, 2012 along the Queen Charlotte Fault Zone off the west coast of Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands). The earthquake was the second strongest instrumentally recorded earthquake in Canadian history and generated the largest local tsunami ever recorded on the coast of British Columbia. A field survey on the Pacific side of Haida Gwaii revealed maximum runup heights of up to 7.6 m at sites sheltered from storm waves and 13 m in a small inlet that is less sheltered from storms (Leonard and Bednarski 2014). The tsunami was recorded by tide gauges along the coast of British Columbia, by open-ocean bottom pressure sensors of the NEPTUNE facility at Ocean Networks Canada’s cabled observatory located seaward of southwestern Vancouver Island, and by several DART stations located in the northeast Pacific. The tsunami observations, in combination with rigorous numerical modeling, enabled us to determine the physical properties of this event and to correct the location of the tsunami source with respect to the initial geophysical estimates. The initial model results were used to specify sites of particular interest for post-tsunami field surveys on the coast of Moresby Island (Haida Gwaii), while field survey observations (Leonard and Bednarski 2014) were used, in turn, to verify the numerical simulations based on the corrected source region.

Citizen science and field survey observations provide comparable results for mapping Vancouver Island White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura saxatilis) distributions

Wildlife in alpine ecosystems can be elusive and difficult to survey, yet knowledge of their distributions is critical as these habitats are threatened by climate change. Opportunistic “citizen science” observations submitted by hikers in remote alpine regions can be valuable, as coverage can be extensive compared to scientific field surveys. Here, we compare the performance of two regression and three machine learning statistical modeling approaches and an ensemble model to predict the distribution of the Vancouver Island subspecies of White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura saxatilis) based on two datasets: (1) field survey observations from radio-telemetry and call-playbacks, and (2) opportunistic citizen science observations submitted by hikers. Predictions of suitable habitat for the Vancouver Island subspecies varied from 370 to 1039km2 based on field survey observations and from 404 to 1354km2 based on public observations. All models had fair accuracy (kappa>0.45) when tested on an independent dataset, but Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models tended to over-predict ptarmigan occurrence, had the lowest accuracy, and were most sensitive to the type of response data used. All the machine learning modeling techniques differed little between the datasets. These comparable results are encouraging for the continued use of citizen science monitoring programs, which can save both time and expense while involving and educating the public about threatened species. We advocate the use of opportunistic citizen science data and machine learning modeling techniques (Random Forest, Boosted Regression Trees, and Maxent) for predicting alpine vertebrate species distributions.

Tsunami Waveform Inversion of the 2007 Peru (Mw8.1) Earthquake

An earthquake shook the central-southern coast of Peru on August 15, 2007, as a coseismic effect a tsunami was generated, which flooded some villages and beach resorts and killed 3 people. From the analysis and signal processing of 10 tidal records, we obtained the parameters of the seismic source and the initial coseismic deformation through an inversion modeling, in which the synthetic signals are compared with the observed signals by a non-negative least square method. The maximum slip located on the southern part of the rupture geometry is 7.0 m. The calculated scalar seismic moment isM0= 1.99 × 1021Nm, equivalent to a magnitude ofMw8.1. We used these parameters to obtain a heterogeneous seismic source model, which was used as initial condition to simulate the tsunami propagation and inundation. We used the field survey observations to validate our source model.

Current and Future of Microlensing Exoplanet Search

AbstractGravitational microlensing has a unique sensitivity to exoplanets at outside of the snow-line with masses down to the Earth-mass. Because of the rarity and short timescale of the planetary signal, the survey groups, MOA-II in New Zealand and OGLE-IV in Chile carry out the wide field survey observation towards the galactic bulge to issue alerts in real time. Then telescopes of the follow-up groups conduct high cadence follow-up observation to get dense sampling of the short planetary signal. Recent high cadence survey observations by MOA-II and OGLE-IV have started to find exoplanets without follow-up observation systematically. This is a transition to the next generation 24-hour high cadence survey network which can reveal the mass function of exoplanets down to Earth-mass outside of the snow-line. The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) is the highest ranked recommendation for a large space mission in the recent New Worlds, New Horizons (NWNH) in Astronomy and Astrophysics 2010 Decadal Survey. Exoplanet microlensing program is one of the primary science of WFIRST. WFIRST will find about 2,000 bound planets and 1,000 unbound planets by the high precision continuous survey with 15 min. cadence. WFIRST can complete the statistical census of planetary systems in the Galaxy, from the outer habitable zone to gravitationally unbound planets – a discovery space inaccessible to other exoplanet detection techniques.

ON MOLECULAR HYDROGEN FORMATION AND THE MAGNETOHYDROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM OF SUNSPOTS

We have investigated the problem of sunspot magnetohydrostatic equilibrium with comprehensive IR sunspot magnetic field survey observations of the highly sensitive Fe I lines at 15650 \AA\ and nearby OH lines. We have found that some sunspots show isothermal increases in umbral magnetic field strength which cannot be explained by the simplified sunspot model with a single-component ideal gas atmosphere assumed in previous investigations. Large sunspots universally display non-linear increases in magnetic pressure over temperature, while small sunspots and pores display linear behavior. The formation of molecules provides a mechanism for isothermal concentration of the umbral magnetic field, and we propose that this may explain the observed rapid increase in umbral magnetic field strength relative to temperature. Existing multi-component sunspot atmospheric models predict that a significant amount of molecular hydrogen (H2) exists in the sunspot umbra. The formation of H2 can significantly alter the thermodynamic properties of the sunspot atmosphere and may play a significant role in sunspot evolution. In addition to the survey observations, we have performed detailed chemical equilibrium calculations with full consideration of radiative transfer effects to establish OH as a proxy for H2, and demonstrate that a significant population of H2 exists in the coolest regions of large sunspots.

INVESTIGATING THE POPULATION-LEVEL EFFECTS OF CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS: AN EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OF AMPHIBIANS

Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease that has recently been reported in amphibian populations throughout the world. It has been associated with many cases of population declines and extinctions. In some areas of the Sierra Nevada of California the disease appears to be the causal factor in the rapid extinction of local populations of the mountain yellow-legged frog, Rana muscosa, within a few years of the first detection of the disease. In other areas, however, R. muscosa populations appear to persist for many years, despite high levels of infection in tadpoles. Here we present simple models of the dynamics of the disease within an individual lake and ask whether our current understanding of the disease is consistent with the field survey observations of: (a) extinction due to the disease over a wide range of host population sizes, and (b) persistence of frog populations with the disease at some sites. Despite our laboratory observation of chytridiomycosis being invariably lethal to postmetamorphic frogs, the observed long-term persistence of infected frog populations can only be explained if at least some infected adult frogs survive and reproduce.