Northern Side Research Articles

Case study of bearing capacity failure in a 4-story reinforced concrete building

This case history analyzes the bearing capacity failure of a 4-story reinforced concrete building in Benghazi, Libya, constructed in Fall 2000. The building has a plan area of 65 m² and is supported by an 80 cm thick raft foundation resting on collapsible sandy loess, which can lose shear strength when wet. Several months before the building's failure, nearby construction work caused a broken pipeline, leading to significant water leakage. This moisture infiltrated the soil under the foundation, reducing its bearing capacity, particularly on the northern side. In winter 2002, the building began to tilt northward due to this reduced capacity, although inspections revealed no structural cracks, attributed to the rigidity of the raft foundation and reinforced concrete shear walls. The paper discusses the geotechnical properties of the supporting soil and uses finite element analysis to show that the bearing pressures exceeded allowable limits under wet conditions, emphasizing the importance of moisture content in assessing soil stability. This case highlights the complexities of foundation design and the critical impact of environmental factors on soil behavior, advocating for thorough geotechnical assessments and ongoing monitoring of conditions around structural foundations.

Dynamical downscaling and data assimilation for a cold-air outbreak in the European Alps during the Year Without a Summer of 1816

Abstract. The “Year Without a Summer” in 1816 was characterized by extraordinarily cold and wet periods in central Europe, and it was associated with severe crop failures, famine, and socio-economic disruptions. From a modern perspective, and beyond its tragic consequences, the summer of 1816 represents a rare opportunity to analyze the adverse weather (and its impacts) after a major volcanic eruption. However, given the distant past, obtaining the high-resolution data needed for such studies is a challenge. In our approach, we use dynamical downscaling, in combination with 3D variational data assimilation of early instrumental observations, for assessing a cold-air outbreak in early June 1816. We find that the cold spell is well represented in the coarse-resolution 20th Century Reanalysis product which is used for initializing the regional Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Our downscaling simulations (including a 19th century land use scheme) reproduce and explain meteorological processes well at regional to local scales, such as a foehn wind situation over the Alps with much lower temperatures on its northern side. Simulated weather variables, such as cloud cover or rainy days, are simulated in good agreement with (eye) observations and (independent) measurements, with small differences between the simulations with and without data assimilation. However, validations with partly independent station data show that simulations with assimilated pressure and temperature measurements are closer to the observations, e.g., regarding temperatures during the coldest night, for which snowfall as low as the Swiss Plateau was reported, followed by a rapid pressure increase thereafter. General improvements from data assimilation are also evident in simple quantitative analyses of temperature and pressure. In turn, data assimilation requires careful selection, preprocessing, and bias-adjustment of the underlying observations. Our findings underline the great value of digitizing efforts of early instrumental data and provide novel opportunities to learn from extreme weather and climate events as far back as 200 years or more.

Effect of Aspect and Elevation on the Degree of Aggregation and the Functional Traits in Phlomis floccosa D. Don (Lamiacae) Populations

ABSTRACTPhlomis floccosa D. Don populations are distributed in different microhabitats within Al‐Akhdar mountainous landscape, in Libya. Five populations were selected for the study. Spatial relationships among individuals were investigated using the spatial point pattern analysis. Functional traits were recorded at the vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages. Seeds were collected at the dispersal stage to estimate the regeneration potential. Greater degree of aggregation was found at higher elevations on both northern and southern sides of the mountain but with different demography and traits. On the northern side, greater degree of aggregation was accompanied by absence of large adults and greater percentage of seedlings, and it was positively associated with the reproductive output, while negatively associated with the size and regeneration indices. On the southern side, greater degree of aggregation was accompanied by greater contribution of large adults and greater percentage of seedlings, and it was positively associated with the size and regeneration indices, while negatively associated with the reproductive output. On the other hand, the population in the wadi (valley) microhabitat showed coarse‐scale clumped pattern, higher values for most of the functional traits and higher contribution of seedlings but with lower facilitation offered by adults. The variations in the degree of aggregation and the functional traits trade‐offs in P. floccosa populations ensured successful survival and regeneration in the heterogeneous microhabitats. Meanwhile, stressed conditions greatly affect the survival and regeneration of the species suggesting the need for conservation measures to overcome the adverse effects of climate change.

Angular Momentum Transportation by Zonal Circulation Helps Meridional Displacements of East Asian Westerly Jet

ABSTRACTThe meridional displacements of the East Asian westerly jet (EAJ) exhibit remarkable interannual variability characteristics, significantly modulating the weather and climate over East Asia. Our study aims to refine the thermal‐driven (angular momentum transport) and dynamically driven (atmospheric eddy activities) processes that dominate the interannual meridional motion of the wintertime EAJ. We employ the recently proposed three‐pattern decomposition of global atmospheric circulation (3P‐DGAC) theory to decompose the zonal momentum equation for the purpose of diagnosing the zonal momentum budget of the EAJ from three‐dimensional (3D) horizontal, meridional and zonal circulation perspectives. Results indicate that, in addition to the widely recognised driving mechanisms of angular momentum transported by thermal direct meridional Hadley circulation and horizontal eddy momentum flux convergence, the previously neglected role of local zonal circulation in transporting angular momentum significantly impacts the meridional shift of EAJ. The uneven accumulation of angular momentum transported by asymmetric zonal circulations emerges on the northern and southern sides of EAJ axis, causing an abnormal meridional displacement of EAJ. Notably, the local zonal circulation rising from the Tibetan Plateau and descending across the North Pacific Ocean transported angular momentum to the core and downstream regions of EAJ, thereby significantly accelerating zonal winds and pushing the EAJ northward. Further investigation into the potential mechanisms suggests that anomalous snow depth on the southern Tibetan Plateau is the main factor causing abnormal local zonal circulation. Our study addresses the deficiency in traditional two‐dimensional (2D) circulation decomposition methods that neglect the significant role of zonal circulation in the thermal‐driven process of EAJ, complements the understanding of 3D angular momentum transport mechanisms and reveals potential nonlinear synergies of 3D circulations related to the interannual meridional displacement of EAJ.

Clockwise extrusion of the Sichuan‒Yunnan block toward the Red River Fault in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau

The Xiaojiang Fault and the Red River Fault, which are located on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, are the eastern and southern boundaries of the Sichuan–Yunnan Block, respectively. The relationship between these two faults is highly important for the study on the tectonic evolution and seismic risk of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Using the digital elevation model (DEM) data, we extracted and analyzed the maximum elevation, peak steepness index, maximum slope, and relatively flat surface of the Ailaoshan Shear Zone on the southwest side of the Red River Fault. The results revealed that the geomorphic indices result around Yuanjiang were significantly lower than those on the northern and southern sides of Yuanjiang. On the basis of lithology, climate and tectonics, it is inferred that tectonic activity is the main factor controlling landform development. On the basis of existing geophysical and geomorphic survey results in this area, a geodynamic model of this area was constructed: in the mid-Miocene, tectonic inversion of the Red River Fault occurred, and material from the Tibetan Plateau flowed into the Sichuan‒Yunnan Block around the East Himalayan Syntax. The resulting extrusion caused the Red River Fault to bend of ∼50 km; in the early Pliocene, the middle and lower crust broke through the barrier and entered the interior of the Ailaoshan Shear Zone. Because of the extrusion of the middle and lower crust, the role of the Red River Fault as the boundary has weakened.

The influence of the Biobio Canyon on the circulation and coastal upwelling/downwelling off central Chile

The influence of Biobio Canyon on the circulation and coastal upwelling and downwelling was evaluated by using high-resolution hydrodynamic simulations of the coastal ocean off central Chile, a highly productive zone of the Southern Humboldt Current System that supports important coastal ecosystem services. The model bathymetry was GEBCO 2020 with a spatial resolution of 500 m, which allows a relatively fine representation of the complex topography of the region. To understand the role of the Biobio Canyon, contrasting experiments were run. A Reference Simulation (RS) considering the canyon bathymetry and the Biobio River discharge, a Simulation Experiment 1 (SE1) considering only the canyon bathymetry without the Biobio River discharge, and a Simulation Experiment 2 (SE2) only with the Biobio River discharge (without the canyon). During upwelling conditions, the characteristic asymmetry in the along-canyon circulation was observed, with onshore flow over the northern side of the canyon and most of the upper water column, and offshore flow over the upstream canyon wall. In contrast, the cross-shore flow was limited to a narrow band over the northern wall of the canyon in RS and SE1 during downwelling conditions. Not many differences were detected between the RS and SE1 during both upwelling and downwelling conditions, which suggest that the canyon imposes a major effect on the circulation in comparison to the river discharge. Our results exhibit a net onshore transport onto the continental shelf during coastal upwelling and, net offshore transport restricted to the area south of the canyon during downwelling conditions. Finally, the advection of high-density waters on the northern shelf dominates during upwelling conditions in RS and SE1. Similarly, presence of the canyon promotes higher bottom density over the shelf even during downwelling conditions, as compared to the no-canyon experiment.

Effects of groundwater level changes on soil characteristics and vegetation response in arid and semiarid coal mining areas.

Coal mining in arid and semiarid regions often leads to numerous ecological and environmental problems, such as aquifer depletion, lake shrinkage, vegetation degradation, and surface desertification. The drainage from coal mining activities is a major driving force in the evolution of the groundwater-soil-vegetation system. In order to explore the effect of groundwater level fluctuation on soil properties and the response mechanism of surface vegetation in coal mining areas, this study is based on hydrogeological and ecological vegetation investigations in the Bojianghaizi Basin, and soil and vegetation samples are collected in the areas with different groundwater levels, and soil and vegetation indexes are analyzed with the aid of methods such as numerical statistics, linear regression, and correlation analysis with the aid of the Origin software. The results show that there is a significant negative correlation between groundwater table (GWT) and soil water content (SWC), soil conductivity, soil organic matter (SOM), soil available nitrogen (SAN), and soil available potassium (SAK). Mining activities have led to the destruction of the soil structure, greatly reducing its ability to retain water and fertilizer. The contents of SWC, SOM, and SAN in the mining area are significantly reduced, which are at least 49.73%, 47.56% and 59.90% lower than those around the mining area. On the northern and southern sides of the lake, serious soil salinization exists in the lakeshore zone where the depth to the water table is <0.5m, and the water required for the growth of vegetation here mainly comes from the groundwater, so there are only a few water-loving and saline-resistant plants; when the depth to the water table is 0.5-7m, the growth of surface vegetation is influenced by the double impacts of the water table and atmospheric precipitation with a high degree of species richness; when the depth to the water table is >7m, the surface vegetation is only dependent on the limited atmospheric precipitation for water. When the depth of groundwater is >7m, the surface vegetation only relies on limited atmospheric precipitation for water, and drought-tolerant plants mainly grow in these areas. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development and environmental protection of similar mines in the world, but also has important significance in guiding the ecological management and rational utilization of water resources in coal mine areas. What is more, This study provides valuable insights into sustainable water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions, crucial for mitigating the ecological impacts of coal mining activities.

Environmental and Climatic Drivers of Phytoplankton Communities in Central Asia.

Artificial water bodies in Central Asia offer unique environments in which to study plankton diversity influenced by topographic barriers. However, the complexity of these ecosystems and limited comprehensive studies in the region challenge our understanding. In this study, we systematically investigated the water environment parameters and phytoplankton community structure by surveying 14 artificial waters on the southern side of the Altai Mountains and the northern and southern sides of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang region. The survey covered physical and nutrient indicators, and the results showed noticeable spatial differences between waters in different regions. The temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus of artificial water in the southern Altai Mountains vary greatly. In contrast, the waters in the northern Tianshan Mountains have more consistent physical indicators. The results of phytoplankton identification showed that the phytoplankton communities in different regions are somewhat different, with diatom species being the dominant taxon. The cluster analysis and the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) results also confirmed the variability of the phytoplankton communities in the areas. The variance partitioning analysis (VPA) results showed that climatic and environmental factors can explain some of the variability of the observed data. Nevertheless, the residual values indicated the presence of other unmeasured factors or the influence of stochasticity. This study provides a scientific basis for regional water resource management and environmental protection.

Mixing and Water Mass Transformation Over Discovery Bank, in the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence of the Southern Ocean

AbstractThe South Scotia Ridge, in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, is a key region for water mass modification. It is the location of the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence, an area of reduced stratification which separates the Weddell Gyre to the south and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current to the north, and which receives input of shelf waters from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. To elucidate the transformations over the ridge, we focus on one of its largest seamounts, Discovery Bank, which has previously been observed as hosting a stratified Taylor column that retains water for months to years, during which time water masses are entrained from north and south of the Weddell Front and steadily mixed. Data from ship‐deployed sensors and autonomous platforms are analyzed to quantify and understand the diapycnal mixing, heat fluxes and water mass transformations over the bank. Ocean glider and free‐profiling drifting float data show that the mid‐depth temperature maximum of the Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) is eroded between the northern and southern sides of the bank, while diapycnal diffusivity is enhanced by up to an order‐of‐magnitude over its steeply sloping portions. This is accompanied by heat fluxes from the CDW layer being increased by up to a factor of six, which may contribute to a reduction in mid‐depth stratification. Tidal model analysis shows that the southern side of the bank hosts strong barotropic to baroclinic energy conversion (&gt;150 N m−2), emphasizing the role of internal tides in modulating water mass transformations in the Confluence.

New Acoustic Design for the Piscina Mirabilis Located nearby the Port of Misenum

Many heritage buildings from ancient Rome are being refurbished based on their original plan’s structure. One of them is the piscina mirabilis located nearby in Naples, which was a cistern used by the Romans to collect drinkable water for the navy waiting in the port of Misenum. The piscina mirabilis has similar architectural characteristics to a “cathedral”; however, its current precarious architectural state is the result of high levels of humidity that have caused the proliferation of mold on its vertical and horizontal surfaces over the centuries. Acoustic measurements were conducted inside the piscina mirabilis, highlighting an existing condition of the room being very reverberant, not suitable for occasional speech and conversations. The design proposed by the authors involves some mitigation solutions for the acoustics, mainly focused on controlling the low–medium frequencies and the realization of a restoration project consisting of a raised timber-floored walkway that runs along the perimeter walls, with the addition of water covering the existing floor as a natural element dominating the room volume, which represents the primary function of the building in antiquity. A waterfall was designed to be on the northern side wall. Acoustic studies were an important part of the refurbishment strategy, and a mitigation solution was devised to control medium–low frequencies by using inflated balloons of different sizes that were suspended from the ceiling vaults instead of widely used acoustic panels. The proposed strategy lowered the reverberation time by 3–4 s to accommodate a minimal level of conversational understanding. Such a solution is appropriate for this heritage building as well as other future conservation projects.

Paleozoic subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean plate: Constraints from Ordovician-Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks in the northern Beishan orogenic collage, NW China

The subduction history of the Hongshishan Ocean within the Beishan orogenic collage is crucial to understand the evolutionary mechanism of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In this study, we describe the petrography, ages and geochemistry of an Ordovician–Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary succession, which provides a record of the subduction history of the Hongshishan Ocean. We obtained early Ordovician zircon U-Pb ages (482 ± 6 Ma and 472 ± 2 Ma) from the Xianshuihu Formation. The youngest weighted mean detrital zircon age from the Yuanbaoshan Formation is 421.0 ± 8.8 Ma. Most detrital zircons have prominent age peaks at 900–840 Ma and 543–462 Ma, suggesting a main source from the southern Mongolian microcontinent. Volcanic rocks from the Baishan Formation yielded weighted mean ages of 299.3–300.3 Ma. During the Ordovician–Devonian, some volcanic arcs formed on the northern side of Hongshishan-Baiheshan-Erlegen Ula (HBEU) ophiolitic belt, indicating that the Hongshishan Ocean had a northward subduction polarity. During the Carboniferous, continental arcs were well developed on both sides of the HBEU belt, suggesting a bidirectional subduction. An archipelago of multiple arcs of the Hongshishan Ocean resembles that of the West Pacific Ocean. The change in subduction polarity can be attributed to characteristics of multi-oceanic accretion.

Human genetic structure in Northwest France provides new insights into West European historical demography

The demographical history of France remains largely understudied despite its central role toward understanding modern population structure across Western Europe. Here, by exploring publicly available Europe-wide genotype datasets together with the genomes of 3234 present-day and six newly sequenced medieval individuals from Northern France, we found extensive fine-scale population structure across Brittany and the downstream Loire basin and increased population differentiation between the northern and southern sides of the river Loire, associated with higher proportions of steppe vs. Neolithic-related ancestry. We also found increased allele sharing between individuals from Western Brittany and those associated with the Bell Beaker complex. Our results emphasise the need for investigating local populations to better understand the distribution of rare (putatively deleterious) variants across space and the importance of common genetic legacy in understanding the sharing of disease-related alleles between Brittany and people from western Britain and Ireland.

Coral reef condition Kepala Jeri Island, Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Abstract. Aunurrahman, Anggoro S, Saputra SW, Muskananfola MR. 2024. Coral reef condition Kepala Jeri Island, Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2820-2827. Understanding the actual condition of vulnerable coral reef ecosystems such as Kepala Jeri Island (Indonesia) is critical to enabling appropriate management planning. This research aimed to identify current coverage, observe the condition of the coral ecosystem, and identify the species composition of coral reefs in Kepala Jeri Waters. Data collection includes the spatial distribution, actual condition, and species composition of the coral ecosystem on Kepala Jeri Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Using an algorithm-based classification, we analyzed the spatial distribution of coral reefs from Landsat 8 OLI imagery. The study used Landsat OLI 8 images from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and observed the data using a line intercept transect. We obtained the actual coral conditions and species composition through field observation. The results revealed a total distribution of 239.67 ha of coral reef ecosystem in the surrounding area of Kepala Jeri Island. Unfortunately, the coral reef on Kepala Jeri Island was in poor condition, with an approximate living coral coverage of only 5-29.33%. Compared to other locations, we found the sand cover to be the highest, ranging from 28.33 to 51.67%. We also found that the seagrass bed had invaded the coral ecosystem, suggesting a reduced or absent population of halos grazers. Only the western and northern sides of Kepala Jeri Island exhibit adequate coral diversity despite discovering 26 coral species. Even though 26 coral species were found on Kepala Jeri Island, only the western and northern sides have adequate coral diversity. The findings suggest that the coral reef ecosystem on Kepala Jeri Island is under severe degradation, while the risk of further degradation remains. Therefore, human intervention is absolutely important to improve the coral reef ecosystem on Kepala Jeri Island, ensuring its sustainability.

The Ecological Environmental Effects and Topographic Gradient Analysis of Transformation in the Production–Living–Ecological Spaces in the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains

Taking the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (NSTM) in Xinjiang as the research area, this study analyzes the changes in the Production–Living–Ecological (P-L-E) Spaces and their Ecological Environmental Effects, providing a basis for optimizing the spatial pattern of the P-L-E Spaces and regional ecological environment protection in this area. Based on land use data and DEM data, various methods were used for analysis. These methods include the land use transfer matrix, ecological environment quality index, hot spot analysis, ecological contribution rate, and Terrain Position Index. The analysis focused on changes in the spatial pattern of the P-L-E Spaces from 1980 to 2020. It also examined the spatiotemporal distribution of ecological environment quality (EEQ). Furthermore, it explored the differentiation characteristics of EEQ in terrain gradients. The conclusions are as follows: (1) On the NSTM, Ecological Space decreased while Production and Living Space expanded. From 1980 to 2020, Agricultural Production Space increased rapidly. Industrial Production Space also saw rapid growth during this period. Urban Living Space expanded significantly from 1980 to 2020. Rural Living Space experienced steady growth over the same period. Forest Ecological Space initially increased but later decreased. Water Ecological Space showed an initial increase followed by a decrease from 1980 to 2020. (2) The EEQ first remained stable, declined slightly from 2000 to 2010, improved significantly, and then deteriorated from 2010 to 2020. The distribution of EEQ exhibits a “high in the northwest, low in the southeast” pattern. EEQ hot spots on the NSTM are concentrated in the Tianshan Mountains, with clustering increasing in both northern and southern areas. Cold spots are found in the southern, eastern, and northern NSTMs, with aggregation strengthening in the south and north and slightly weakening in the east. Hot spots of EEQ changes on the NSTM show stable distribution, with stronger aggregation from 2000 to 2020. However, aggregation of cold spots has gradually weakened, yet noticeable aggregation persists throughout the study period. (3) There is a significant gradient difference in EEQ distribution. Higher terrain gradients have a higher EEQ. From 1980 to 2020, lower terrain gradients saw improvement, while higher gradients experienced deterioration. The EEQ on the NSTM has declined, showing significant spatial differences, with better quality on the northern side than the southern side. Future efforts should focus on restoring the environment at lower gradients, mitigating deterioration at higher gradients, and enhancing water conservation in the Tianshan Mountains.

Analysis of a Rainstorm Process in Nanjing Based on Multi-Source Observational Data and Lagrangian Method

Using multi-source observation data including automatic stations, radar, satellite, new detection equipment, and the Fifth Generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA-5) data, along with the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) platform, an analysis was conducted on a rainstorm process that occurred in Nanjing on 15 June 2020, with the aim of providing reference for future urban flood control planning and heavy rainfall forecasting and early warning. The results showed that this rainstorm process was generated under the background of an eastward-moving northeast cold vortex and a southward retreat of the Western Pacific Subtropical High. Intense precipitation occurred near the region of large top brightness temperature (TBB) gradient values or the center of low TBB values on the northern side of the convective cloud cluster. During the heavy precipitation period, the differential propagation phase shift rate (KDP), differential reflectivity factor (ZDR), and zero-lag correlation coefficient (ρHV) detected by the S-band dual-polarization radar all increased significantly. The vertical structure of the wind field detected by the wind profile radar provided a good indication of changes in precipitation intensity, showing a strong correspondence between the timing of maximum precipitation and the intrusion of upper-level cold air. The abrupt increase in the integrated liquid water content observed by the microwave radiometer can serve as an important indicator of the onset of stronger precipitation. During the Meiyu season in Nanjing, convective precipitation was mainly composed of small to medium raindrops with diameters less than 3 mm, with falling velocities of raindrops mainly clustering between 2 and 6 m·s−1. The rainstorm process featured four water vapor transport channels: the mid-latitude westerly channel, the Indian Ocean channel, the South China Sea channel, and the Pacific Ocean channel. During heavy rainfall, the Pacific Ocean water vapor channel was the main channel at the middle and lower levels, while the South China Sea water vapor channel was the main channel at the upper level, both accounting for a trajectory proportion of 34.2%.

Geospatial analysis of volcano-tectonic interactions: implications for spatiotemporal variations in water quality and quantity at Lake Beseka, East Africa, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Water quality deterioration in the Main Ethiopian Rift Lakes is a problem affecting the area’s public health and socioeconomic development. The present study aimed to assess the water level rise in Lake Beseka using Landsat images from 1975 to 2023 and dilution trends at the pumping site from 2004 to 2022. In addition, the spatial water quality parameters, including pH, EC, TDS, and water surface temperature, for the years 2007, 2018, 2021, and 2023 were determined. The water level increased dramatically from 3 km2 in the 1960s to 27.5 km2 in 1980 following the construction of the Koka dam and the beginning of irrigation activity (sugarcane plantation) for the Metehara sugar estate factory. The water level reached a maximum (50 km2 in the dry season) in the mid of 1910s and become decreased and fluctuated after 2015. The observed pH, EC, and TDS were higher in the central portion of the lake, grouped under brackish water, and lower in the southwest, south, and northeast shores. The EC and TDS were higher in 2007, decreased in 2018, and fluctuated. The geothermal anomaly of the area varies from 23.1 to 47.9°C with the highest anomaly occurring at the northern side of the lake at a recent volcanic area that interlinked with geological structures. However, the observed and estimated water temperatures of the lake decreased from west to east due to hot spring discharge from the southwest shore of the lake. The series of hot springs in the southwest and west shores of the lake with high discharge rates indicate the presence of structural connectivity that leads to the emission of heat from a deep-seated source and heated groundwater of the area recharged from irrigation activity. Overall, spatiotemporal lake water quality variations were due to anthropogenic and geogenic factors, including hot springs and groundwater discharge to the lake, water level rise and bathymetric depth variation, evaporation, and irrigation activity. This study is significant in continuously estimating water level fluctuations and providing early warnings and preparedness to maintain the region's socioeconomic development.

Spatial Distribution of Mangrove Density in Gili Gede, West Lombok Regency

Gili Gede hosts a vital mangrove ecosystem, essential for the community and protecting coastal areas from large waves. However, increasing development and human activities in and around the mangrove areas threaten their distribution and extent. This study aims to map the spatial distribution, density, and area of mangroves on Gili Gede. Sentinel-2A satellite imagery was utilized with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) method, and the image data were validated using hemispherical photography. Environmental parameters measured included sediment salinity, temperature, pH, humidity, NPK nutrients, and substrate type. Additional data were gathered on slope, buffer distances, and through semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling. The findings revealed that the mangrove density on Gili Gede is predominantly sparse, covering 15.56 hectares or 77.07% of the total mangrove area. Medium-density mangroves span 3.45 hectares or 17.09%, while dense mangroves occupy the smallest area, 1.18 hectares or 5.84%. Mangroves are distributed across the northern, western, and eastern sides of Gili Gede. The study identified 22 species of mangroves, both true and associated, across 14 families. Environmental factors influencing the distribution, density, and extent of mangroves across three locations include sediment salinity, temperature, pH, humidity, and nutrient content (NPK), as well as substrate type, slope, and anthropogenic influences such as human activities and the proximity of settlements to the mangrove ecosystem.

The relationship between the paleobiogeography of the northern and southern sides of the Neotethys and the deep geodynamic processes

The relationship between the paleobiogeography of the northern and southern sides of the Neotethys and the deep geodynamic processes

The case of the Guarros fortress (Paterna del Río, Almería):

This paper aims to present the constructive evolution of the fortress of Guarros (Paterna del Río, Almería) and the discovery of a metallurgical production area. This fortification was occupied between the 8th and 13th centuries. This work analyses in detail the evolution of the fortress through building archaeology. It relates it to the mining possibilities of the surrounding territory to contextualise the metallurgical production area. The results show that this production is limited to the early medieval period and seems to correspond to the Late Antique and Early Medieval production models documented on the northern side of Sierra Nevada, with small workshops far from the extraction areas. This is an important advance in our knowledge of medieval mining and metallurgy on the southern face of Sierra Nevada, practically unknown until now.

ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIAL APPROPRIATENESS OF THE FUTURE URBANIZATION OF THE CITY OF (AIN BEIDA, ALGERIA) USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, THE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS, AND THE DELPHI METHOD

Spatial adequacy evaluation is a valuable tool for planning land use strategies. It provides planners with data and outcomes that can help them make informed decisions to ensure effective and secure utilization of land in future urbanization processes. The objective of this study is to analyze the urbanization patterns in the city of Ain El Beida to determine the most appropriate areas for urban development. The aim is to create self-sustaining growth centers that effectively support the city, while also helping decision-makers address current expansions and protect agricultural lands. The study utilized spatial analysis methodology to evaluate and map the suitability of expanding the city's future space. It proposed an integration strategy that combined modern methods and techniques of the Delphi methodology to establish criteria for appropriate land use. The influence of these criteria will be analyzed spatially by administering a questionnaire to a sample of specialists in urban planning and city geography, followed by the application of spatial analyst techniques. The user's text is straightforward and precise. within the GIS framework, integrated via the analytic hierarchy approach. The user's text is straightforward and precise. To evaluate the suitability of the spatial location, to determine the significance of the factors influencing the expansion process based on their relative importance, to ensure that the desired goals are achieved in a way that reflects the priority of the decision-making criteria, and to identify the most favorable options for urban development in the study area. The findings indicated that the optimal locations for the urban growth of Ein El-Baida were determined to be 239.57 hectares, which accounts for 26.31 per cent of the entire land area under investigation. These areas are situated on the northern side of the city along National Road 80 (Ain Beida Presh) and on the western side along National Road 10 (Oum el-Bouaghi Ain Beida). These locations have been identified as the most suitable areas for spatial expansion due to their numerous incentives for urban attraction. Firstly, there is a considerable distance from the fertile and generously compensated agricultural areas, which offer unoccupied and level terrain, as well as its proximity to the central area of the pristine city of Ein. The study also determined that integrating GIS with hierarchy is crucial for constructing spatial models that accurately represent physical reality through mathematical means. This integration aids planners in selecting the most appropriate alternatives for urbanization and achieving comprehensive development of the city.