Special Geography Research Articles

The impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on the total column ozone over the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau (TP; approximately 27.5–37.5° N, 75.5–105.5° E) is the highest and largest plateau on Earth with a mean elevation of over 4 km. This special geography causes strong surface solar ultraviolet radiation (UV), with potential risks to human and ecosystem health, which is mainly controlled by the local stratospheric ozone concentration. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the dominant mode of interannual variability on Earth, is characterised by the tropical Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) and sea level pressure change for the warm-phase El Niño and cold-phase La Niña events. Although some studies have suggested the existence of positive correlation between ENSO and the total column ozone (TCO) over the TP, the mechanism underlying this effect is not fully understood. Here we use the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) merged satellite dataset, the Stratospheric Water and OzOne Satellite Homogenized (SWOOSH) dataset and the TOMCAT three-dimensional (3D) offline chemical transport model forced by ERA5 meteorological reanalyses from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) over the period 1979–2021 to investigate the influence of ENSO on the TCO over the TP. We find that the El Niño (La Niña) events favour positive (negative) TCO anomalies over the TP from wintertime of its mature phase to springtime of its decaying phase. Through studying the ozone profile, we attribute the positive (negative) TCO anomalies mainly to the increased (decreased) ozone at the 200–70 hPa levels, i.e. in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) regions. Our results suggest that the El Niño events impact the TP TCO via the following potential processes: (1) a negative upper-level geopotential height anomaly associated with El Niño is responsible for a decrease in air column thickness; (2) the thickness decrease modulates reduced tropospheric temperature and thus favours a decrease in the tropopause height (TH); and (3) such a TH decrease tends to induce a change in the relative amounts of ozone-poor tropospheric and ozone-rich stratospheric air in the profile, which increases the partial column ozone in the UTLS and hence corresponds to the TP TCO increase. The La Niña events affect TP TCO in a manner resembling the El Niño events, except with anomalies of opposite sign. This work provides a systematic understanding of the influence of ENSO on ozone over the TP, which has implications for the interannual variability of ozone.

Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality assessment of snow cover in the northeastern tibet plateau

Snow cover as an important water resource is essential for regional water environment system. The Three-Rivers Headwater Region (THR) in the Tibetan Plateau is the source of the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and the Lantsang River with fragile ecological environment and large snow cover. The analysis of hydrochemistry in snow cover can provide reliable data for the research of environmental changes. Snow cover samples in 57 sites across the THR region were collected, and arsenic (As) and major ions were analyzed to investigate the distribution characteristics. The snow cover samples were weakly alkaline with water type of SO4–Cl–Ca–Mg. The As concentration varied from 0.24 to 6.12 μg/L with average value of 1.25 μg/L. Major ions and As have similar distribution characteristics, with higher levels in the northern part of the study area due to anthropogenic influence and special geography. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of snow cover samples based on principal component analysis and absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression indicated that As was substantially controlled by burning of fossil fuels and local mining activities, while major ions mainly derived from terrestrial dust, human activities and marine sources. Although there were different trajectories at the sampling points, the air mass in THR was mainly controlled by the westerly circulation. The water quality of THR was excellent with water quality index <50. This work will shed lights for the migration and transformation of pollutants in the Tibet Plateau and for assessing the impact of human activities on geochemical cycling of pollutants.

Spatio-Temporal Variation of Economic Drivers of Urban Heat Island Effect in Yangtze River Delta

It is not deep enough that the theoretical and empirical analysis of economic drivers on the urban heat island (UHI) effect have been researched. Consequently, the study of economic drivers of the UHI effect is not only conducive to the governance of the UHI problem but also conducive to deepening the study of related issues in the economic field. The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China has developed economic status and the special geography of estuaries and coasts. Therefore, 26 central cities in the YRD region are selected as research samples, and the period from 2003 to 2017 is taken as the observation period. The Spatio-temporal variability of UHI intensity caused by industrialization and urbanization is analyzed by using MODIS land surface temperature (LST) data and related yearbook data. The conclusions are as follows:(1) The UHI intensity of cities in the YRD region is significant and fluctuates to a certain extent. (2) Empirical analysis shows that the agglomeration of single economic factors in the process of industrialization and urbanization does correlate with the UHI intensity in the YRD region, but the correlation may show a downward trend due to the influence of exogenous factors suc0h as physical geography. (3) In terms of economic drivers, the combination of multiple factors can produce a greater UHI intensity. The model of their impacts on UHI intensity is increasingly-changed, which is from a model of Fixed Asset Investment and the Motor Vehicle Population as dominant factors to a model of multiple overlapping economic factors, and the latter has a greater impact.

Atmospheric dispersion modelling of gaseous emissions from Beirutinternational airport activities

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;The projected increase of civil aviation activity, the degradation of air quality and the location of Beirut Airport embedded in a very urbanized area, in addition to the special geography and topography surrounding the airport which plays a significant role in drawing emissions to larger distances, demanded anassessment of the spatial impact of the airport activities on the air quality of Beirut and its suburbs. This is the first study in the Middle East region that model pollutant concentrations resulting from an international airport's activities using an advanced atmospheric dispersion modelling system in a country with no data. This followed validation campaigns showing very strong correlations (r = 0.85) at validation sites as close as possible to emission sources. The modelling results showed extremely high NO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; concentrations within the airport vicinity, i.e., up to 110 μg∙m&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt; (which is greater than the World Health Organization annual guidelines) posing a health hazard to the workers in the ramp. The major contribution of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport to the degradation of air quality was in the airport vicinity; however, it extended to Beirut and its suburbs in addition to affecting the seashore area due to emissions along the aircraft trajectory; this isan aspect rarely considered in previous studies. On the other hand, elevated volatile organic compound levels were observed near the fuel tanks and at the aerodrome center. This study provides (ⅰ) a methodology to assess pollutant concentrations resulting from airport emissions through the use of an advanced dispersion model in a country with no data; and (ⅱ) a tool for policy makers to better understand the contribution of the airport's operations to national pollutant emissions, which is vital for mitigation strategies and health impact assessments.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Research and application of the mathematical model for extreme weather event in coastal urban areas

Extreme weather event simulation in coastal urban areas is more complex and difficult due to their special geography and climate characteristics, different kinds of land uses, close-packed buildings, and large amounts of flood control works and drainage systems. Urban Flood Simulation Model (UFSM) was integrated in this study to simulate the extreme weather events in the Pudong flood protection area (Shanghai, China). The model is established based on two-dimensional unsteady flow theory and nonstructural and irregular mesh technique. A method based on one-dimensional unsteady flow theory is proposed to deal with small-scale river and road. The calculation of the pumping stations, the water gates is indicated based on the real scheduling discipline. The extreme weather event scenarios (typhoon+rainstorm+ astronomical high tide + upstream flood) are simulated. The results show that the flood risk is higher in the coastal area and the upstream of the Huangpu Rive, and UFSM is a suitable method for simulating the flood inundation of coastal urban areas.

Globalization in the context of multiculturalism and ethnicity in the Western Balkans and intercultural communication

The Balkans have historically been referred to by many as a transition region. There has always been a policy of dissolving (assimilating) one another between the peoples who settled/placed in the Balkan lands and the existing ones. For this reason, it is possible to express that an unstable structure prevails in the historical process. However, Balkan geography, despite its unstable structure, has managed to survive even in a multicultural structure until today. The Balkan lands are located in an attractive region where the Asian, European and African continents intersect with the Eastern Mediterranean. Therefore, the changes taking place on the Balkan geography can also affect the stability structures of the nearby geographies. In this context, the Balkans, which have an important geostrategic structure, are a region that has been a fighting area between many cultures throughout history. Instead of being referred to as a geographical domain name with its characteristics, the Balkans have taken its place in the history scene as a political issue. The Balkan Peninsula has a complex ethnic mosaic, including religion, language, culture and ethnic differences. It is a special geography that has witnessed identity formations where the worlds of individuals of different beliefs intersect and at the same time identity separations. The Balkan geography was an important place because it was the spark that ignited the fuse, which was the reason for the emergence of both World Wars. With this aspect, the Balkans, which are projected to host important developments in the future, are considered to be the cradle of innovations due to the effect of globalization phenomenon. This is why Turkey must take into account regional and global power actors while establishing foreign policy strategies for the Balkans. Throughout history, language, religion, culture, ethnic pluralism and multiculturalism such as conflict and instability in the Balkans due to differences together with the end of the Cold War, disputes carried over to generation for centuries, the religion brought by the difference in clashes, big country remained under the influence of many factors such as ideologies. Tito Yugoslavia was subjected to the exploitation of the global powers, which came into competition to become “world dominant” in the international environment through the influence of the world political cyclical restructuring, which is referred to as globalization. Related abuses and ideologies have also pushed Balkan peoples into conflicts and civil wars. The aim of this study is to examine Turkish and Balkan cultures and explain the concepts of ethnic, intercultural communication and multiculturalism in the context of globalization. The main claim of the study is that the idea of creating national identities is based on the fact that the nationalist movements that emerged after the French Revolution of 1,789 increased with each passing day, shaping political relations, nurturing political ideologies and their derivative developments led to ethnic conflicts. The argument that there may be a relationship between nationalism and ethnic conflicts is the main starting point of the study. The study aims to analyze the Western Balkans from the Ottoman Empire to the present day within the framework of the concepts and theories of ethnic identity, intercultural communication and multiculturalism.

Hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of natural water in the border areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The special geography and human environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has created the unique hydrochemical characteristics of the region’s natural water, which has been preserved in a largely natural state. However, as the intensity of anthropogenic activities in the region has continued to increase, the water environment and hydrochemical characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have altered. In this study, water samples from the western, southern, and northeastern border areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where human activities are ongoing, were collected, analyzed, and measured. The regional differences and factors controlling them were also investigated. The key results were obtained as follows. (1) Differences in the physical properties and hydrochemical characteristics, and their controlling factors, occurred in the different boundary areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These differences were mainly the consequence of the geographical environment and geological conditions. (2) The water quality was good and suitable for drinking, with most samples meeting GB (Chinese national) and WHO (World Health Organization) drinking water standards. (3) The chemical properties of water were mainly controlled by the weathering of carbonates and the dissolution of evaporative rocks, with the former the most influential. (4) The biological quality indicators of natural water in the border areas were far superior to GB and WHO drinking water standards.

Evolution characteristics and influence factors of deep groundwater depression cone in North China Plain, China—A case study in Cangzhou region

The North China Plain (NCP) is one of the global hotspots of groundwater depletion, groundwater is almost the only source of water for agricultural, industrial and drinking water in this region. After long-term’s over-exploitation of deep groundwater, there appeared several deep groundwater depression cones, such as Cangzhou cone, Dezhou cone, Hengshui cone, Tianjin cone, etc., in which the Cangzhou cone is one of the typical cones for its special geography and hydrogeology conditions. In this study, the authors intended to analyze the evolution characteristics and influence factors of deep groundwater depression cone in Cangzhou region, especially the No. III aquifer depression cone, which is the main exploitation zone in this region. Analysis of the evolution of the groundwater depression cone of the No. III aquifer group in Cangzhou region showed that this process can be divided into four stages, namely, development, stable development, rapid expansion, and gradual recovery. The shape and evolution characteristics of the depression cone at different stages are described by analyzing the evolution of the −30, −40, and −50 contours of the groundwater table, for example the closed area of water table contour of −50 m has been enlarged from 95 km2 in 1985 to 6 528.5 km2 in 2005. The dominant factors that affect the evolution characteristics at different stages are proposed. The results showed that relatively long dry periods with less precipitation, special geological and hydrogeological conditions, and sharply increased water consumption for industrial and agricultural development are the main factors that cause the formation of deep groundwater depression cones. Meanwhile, an environmental response against groundwater exploitation is presented, and rational solutions are suggested to avert water crisis.

A comparative study on the dynamics and geologic conditions of wetlands in Shangri-La County and Lijiang City in northwestern Yunnan plateau

The plateau wetlands found in northwestern Yunnan are unique ecosystems with important ecological and environmental values. They are also rather fragile due to the special physical geography conditions on the plateau. Based on Landsat MSS data in 1975, Landsat ETM + data in 2000, and Landsat TM data in 2008, geologic information of three major wetlands in northwestern Yunnan plateau as well as their temporal changes were investigated and their most influential factors were analyzed. The results indicate that the wetlands in northwestern Yunnan are not well developed due to the influence of mountainous landforms. Although the overall changes in the wetlands were not significant, there were significant spatial variations among the three regions because of different tectonic movements and human activities. The survey demonstrated that the marsh and lake wetlands in the northwestern Yunnan increased steadily from 1975 to 2000. This suggests that the improved awareness of environment protections has resulted in enhanced protection measures. Some marsh and lake wetlands were listed as Nature Reserves so that those wetland environments have been effectively protected and their area has been increased. The tectonic movement could also have contributed to the increase in lake and marsh wetlands. Wetland degradation and reduction between 2000 and 2008 were caused by regional climate changes, the expansion of farming lands around wetlands, and overgrazing on the mountain slopes.

La renovación de la enseñanza de la geografía en el Instituto del Cardenal Cisneros de Madrid hacia 1912

The aim of this paper is to provide new elements of knowledge about the teaching of geography in Spanish institutes in the early twentieth century. Between 1900 and 1910, approximately, there was an interesting methodological movement to renew that teaching school discipline, little known yet. A group of high school teachers designed new educational tools to improve the teaching of geography, among which there were new manuals, and especially school atlas. In this text is presented one of them. It is the Special Geography Atlas of Spain published in 1910 by Jose Esteban y Gomez, Professor of Geography and History of the Cardenal Cisneros Institute in Madrid. That Atlas had a wide circulation. In two subsequent editions of 1912 and 1917, the author introduced changes in its contents. It was used by many students, like Juan Manuel de Villodas y Revilla, when he did second high school at the Cardenal Cisneros Institute in 1912. Its practical workbook of geography of Spain, based on the aforementioned atlas, is available on the website www.ceimes.es. This paper argues that the atlas of Jose Esteban y Gomez shows the deep relationship between geography and statistics in 1910. It also presents a detailed analysis of this teaching tool that will allow further study of the role played by the teaching of geography in shaping national identity in sectors of Spanish society during the early twentieth century

Trans-systemic Society and Regional Perspective in Chinese Studies

This essay proposes to establish a connection between the concept of “trans-systemic society” and the concept of “region” mainly for two reasons. On the one hand, the idea of region, which is distinct both from nation-state and from ethnicity, and which is based on a special human geography and culture, is uniquely hybrid, fluid, and integrated. Thus, it affords us a perspective that transcends nationalism with which to reinterpret China and its historical evolution. On the other hand, the idea of trans-systemic society shows a society composed of different ethnic groups or nationalities, religions, and even civilizations, which is also intertwined with the concept of trans-societal system. For example, the tributary system in Chinese history is not only a mode of contact in a trans-systemic society but also a form of network in the trans-societal system. It links various political communities within a broader region. Therefore, revisiting the idea of region, especially the idea of ethnic region, through the lens of trans-systemic society and trans-societal system, is crucial to addressing such questions as “How do we understand China?” or “What is China?”

COLLECTION, CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF TAIWAN NATIVE ORCHID GERMPLASM

Taiwan is located in a subtropical rainy area with special geography and rich in ecological resources comprising more than 300 orchid species. Many species are being worth developed for further utilization as ornamental and medicinal herbs. Great efforts have been made on the positive collections for the native orchids from middle mountain area in Taiwan. At present, more than 60 species of orchids have been collected and the database of their characteristics was established. Some collections of native orchids can be used as medicinal herbs. The medium goal of this research is to determine the unique utilization of collections and to develop proper methods for the long-term germplasm preservation. The long-term goal is to determine how to use these important germplasms to develop new varieties via hybridization among species or genera. Finally, the precious germplasms of native orchids in Taiwan can be inherited and preserved well through sustainable management.

The establishment of a rapid natural disaster risk assessment model for the tourism industry

At the current time, the Taiwan government is aggressively promoting projects, such as the so-called “Double Tourist Plan”, designed to encourage the development of the sightseeing related business. Operators in the tourist industry hope to construct facilities at or near scenic areas, which, given their special geography, are often adjacent to the mountains or the ocean. Unfortunately these are also the areas that most often experience natural disasters. This has a negative impact on the tourism industry. The centralization of tourist facilities, leading to the gathering of large numbers of visitors during the holiday seasons, can place people in danger. In other words, tourism operators in the Taiwan region face a high risk of natural disasters. It is difficult to assess such risks. Most of the existing models for catastrophe risk assessment consume huge amounts of time and are costly to use, so are more commonly applied for assessment at high-value facilities (such science-based industrial parks), rather than by the tourism industry, where economic factors are of greater concern. It is necessary to develop a simple and rapid assessment method that will allow ordinary business owners to carry out comprehensive risk analysis of tourist facilities. Thus, in this study, we explore various theories related to different kinds of natural disaster risk analysis mechanisms, with the goal of establishing a rapid risk assessment model suited to the tourism industry that can be used to quickly analyze disaster-forming characteristics and risk weaknesses in local regions. Furthermore, we incorporate an expert weighting process for assigning weightings for natural disaster risk index assessment. This method can help tourism asset owners prepare for the worst, and be capable of responding appropriately if and when such an event occurs. Good planning can effectively reduce the loss and risks associated with natural disasters and allow recovery work to commence sooner.

Begründung der wissenschaftlichen Geographie durch Bernhard Varenius (1622‐1650)? Gedanken zu den Defiziten der Varenius‐Forschung aus Anlaß des Varenius‐Jahres 2000

AbstractBeeing sofar a part of mathematics Geography was drafted by Bernard Varenius in 1650 as full‐geography (Büttner: Vollgeographie) which contents mathematical, physical and even human geography. Whereas the «Geographia Generalis» has been published in England for several times its influence in continental Europe seems to have been marginal. Therefore Varenius cannot be considered as founder of modern geography. The relation of general and special geography is discussed und a lot of mistakes and absurdities in Varenius' work is exposed.

Book reviews : Sitwell, O.F.G. 1993: Four centuries of special geography: an annotated guide to all books that purport to describe all the countries in the world published in English before 1888, with a critical introduction. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press. xii + 668 pp. £70.00 cloth. ISBN: 0 7748 0444 0

Book reviews : Sitwell, O.F.G. 1993: Four centuries of special geography: an annotated guide to all books that purport to describe all the countries in the world published in English before 1888, with a critical introduction. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press. xii + 668 pp. £70.00 cloth. ISBN: 0 7748 0444 0

Incorporating Student Logbooks into Geography Classes

Abstract I began assigning logbooks many years ago, to a special field geography class, and have since become so enamored with the idea of logs (journals, class diaries) that I now require them from all my students. In this essay my purpose is to provide encouragement and assistance for geographic educators who might wish to make logbooks a part of their teaching arsenals. Benefits to us, as teachers, can include feedback about the content and process of our courses, insights about our students, and the pure pleasure of reading what their fertile minds produce. For our students, benefits can include the chance to better their writing skills; a feeling of worth about their thoughts on geographic issues; and, perhaps, a lifelong interest in the keeping of a daily journal. Teachers should choose, from the long list of suggestions I provide here, ideas appropriate for their particular instructional setting.

Ob 70-letnici poučevanja in raziskovanja geografije na ljubljanski univerzi

Oddelek za geografijo je na ljubljanski univerzi od njene ustanovitve. Predstavlja slovensko matično geografsko ustanovo, ki opravlja pedagoško in znanstveno-raziskovalno vlogo. V bodoče bo ena izmed osrednjih nalog uskladiti specializacijo in geografsko sintezo.

Place–Name Literature, United States and Canada, 1975

Gannett, Henry. The origin of certain place names in the United States. 2nd ed. Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co, 1973. 334p., Reprint of the 1905 ed. which was issued as Bulletin no. 258, Series F, Geography, 45 of the U.S. Geological Survey. Bibliography: p. 10-14. Gitman, Carolyn Lieberman. From these roots. N.Y., Vantage Press, 1971. 581p. Official. New Yorker 48:25, Jan.27, 1973. A brief news note on the United States Board on Geographic Names. Paige, H.W. American names, American places. America 130: 112-13, Feb. 16, 1974. Schorr, Alan Edward. A brief history of the United States Board on Geographic Names. Special Library Association, Geography and Map Division Bulletin no. 96: 18-20 June 1974. Stewart, George Rippey. Cape Cod to Dragon Rocks; explanation of animal names for geographic areas. American History Illustrated 9:34-41, July 1974. United States. Post Office Department. Street directory of the principal cities of the United States, embracing letter-carrier offices established to April 30, 1908. Rev. in the Division of Dead Letters, under the direction of P.V. DeGraw, fourth assistant Postmaster-General. 5th ed. Washington, Published by order of the Postmaster-General, 1908. Detroit, Gale Research Co., 1973.904p.

A Physical, Historical, Political, and Descriptive Geography

THIS work is in every way creditable to its unfortunate young author, who, our readers may remember, succumbed some months ago to the hardships of African travel while leading an expedition from the West Coast towards Lake Tanganyika. Mr. Johnston has not sought to enter into that minute and often painful detail with which we are familiar in most text-books of geography. His object has been to record in each of the great departments of geography the results of the latest research, leaving it to the teacher or to special text-books to fill up with details. After a brief sketch of some of the main points in mathematical geography, a clear and sufficiently full sketch of historical geography is given, treating not merely of the progress of discovery, but of the various movements of peoples and nations which have led up to the political divisions of the earth as they are at present; this we think a useful introduction of scientific method into history. Then follows a section on physical geography, in which the most trustworthy results of research in the various departments of this subject are stated with clearness and accuracy. The remaining two-thirds of the work is devoted to the special geography of the various continents and countries—their physical features, natural history, products, industries, peoples, and political and social conditions. The same method is followed throughout of dwelling only upon the important features. The work is amply illustrated by useful and beautifully executed maps, and is one of the best general handbooks of geography that we know.