Wet Tropical Climate Research Articles

Influence of Rainfall and Tree Traits on Stem Flow Production of Selected Urban Tropical Trees

Stem flow is small but important fraction of intercepted precipitation channeled through a tree canopy to the base of the trunk. Given increased impervious covers in cities, quantification of stem flow is necessary for a holistic understanding of hydrology in urban ecosystems. The values of urban treesare increasingly being recognized over the decades and authorities have invested in urban green infrastructure including urban forestry. However, knowledge related to rainfall redistribution by urban trees and reduce storm water are yet to be discovered for topical tree species. Therefore, this study aimed study the effect of canopy traits on stem flow percent and funneling ratios for isolated urban trees in a tropical wet climate. The stem flow of 21 individual trees (7 species with 3 replicates) located in University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka were measured from August 2019 to November 2019 by installing SF collars at diameter at breast height (dbh). The stem flow was measured for 20 individual storm events started with dry canopy condition. Gross precipitation was recorded using an automated weather station located in an open area in University premises. All trees produced stemflow for storm events larger than 4 mm. Felicium decipiens generated the highest stem flow and Pterocarpus marsupium Roxburgh generated the lowest among studied species. While F. decipiens showing negative correlation between rainfall and stem flow others showed positive correlation. In all species, crown volume, dbh and bark thickness showed negative relationship with stem flow. However, individual-tree stem flow percent and funneling ratio values were variable, even for similar rain depths, suggesting that meteorological factors play a role. Our findings highlight the need of careful species selection for urban forestry and importance of infiltration capacity at the base of urban trees when integrating storm water management with vegetation and soils in cities.
 Keywords: Stem flow percent, Funneling ratio, Urban hydrology, Urban forestry, Storm water management

Revegetation as a driver of chemical and physical soil property changes in a post-mining landscape of East Kalimantan: A chronosequence study

As a result of mixing soil materials from various natural soil horizons, mine soils generally have low organic C and total N content. In wet tropical climates where the vegetation is evergreen, we hypothesize that with the start of revegetation, the organic C and total N levels of the mine soils will recover rapidly and increase as the time since revegetation increases. The increase in organic C and total N content will have implications for changes in other soil chemical and physical properties. The development of mine soils in wet tropical climate conditions is so far rarely considered only. This study aims to determine changes in the physical and chemical properties of mine soils in the initial stages of formation triggered by the increasing time since revegetation. Soils from permanent observation plots in ex-coal mined sites divided by time since revegetation (0–12 years) were sampled together with an adjacent site with natural forest. Decisive soil physical and chemical properties were determined for the soils from 0 to 30 cm depth. With the increasing time since revegetation, there was a decrease in bulk density, and an increase in total soil porosity following a logarithmic equation. Linear changes with increasing time since revegetation were found for organic C, total N, and available P levels. The linear increase in organic C, total N, and available P levels, the logarithmic decrease in bulk density and the increase in total porosity with increasing time since revegetation suggest that these parameters are controlled by vegetation in the initial stages of mine soil development, while the polynomial changes in extractable P and K (25% HCl), CEC, exchangeable bases, base saturation percentage, and exchangeable Al over time suggest that these parameters can be assigned to processes independent of vegetation and are highly dependent on the composition of the original substrate.

Performance of combined daylighting strategies in varied sky conditions: post occupancy evaluation of lecture rooms in a tropical climate

Due to the inadequate attention given to daylighting in lecture rooms in tropical wet and dry climate, this study, using field measurement, evaluates combined daylighting strategies in three lecture rooms labelled LLH, BMS and ANB with distinct bilateral glass louvre windows, window floor ratio, orientation and shading strategies. It determines the difference in illuminance in varied sky conditions, and the relationship between the strategies. Results revealed that under the clear sky condition, combined strategies in LLH and BMS rooms were effective in illuminance performance except during evening hours while the one in ANB was ineffective. Both rooms recorded poor daylight uniformity. Similar performance was obtained under overcast sky but they produced effective daylight uniformity. An effective daylighting was obtained throughout the process in the intermediate sky condition, however, the strategy in ANB room was ineffective in the evening hours. Only ANB room had an effective daylight uniformity in the intermediate sky. The strategy in LLH room had a strong positive relationship with BMS’s. The strategy in LLH had a weak positive correlation with ANB’s, but ANB’s strategy had strong positive correlation with BMS’s. Overall, the study contributes to the performance of combined daylighting strategies in tropical wet and dry climate.

Atmospheric Propagation Modelling for Terrestrial Radio Frequency Communication Links in a Tropical Wet and Dry Savanna Climate

Atmospheric impairment-induced attenuation is the prominent source of signal degradation in radio wave communication channels. The computation-based modeling of radio wave attenuation over the atmosphere is the stepwise application of relevant radio propagation models, data, and procedures to effectively and prognostically estimate the losses of the propagated radio signals that have been induced by atmospheric constituents. This contribution aims to perform a detailed prognostic evaluation of radio wave propagation attenuation due to rain, free space, gases, and cloud over the atmosphere at the ultra-high frequency band. This aim has been achieved by employing relevant empirical atmospheric data and suitable propagation models for robust prognostic modeling using experimental measurements. Additionally, the extrapolative attenuation estimation results and the performance analysis were accomplished by engaging different stepwise propagation models and computation parameters often utilized in Earth–satellite and terrestrial communications. Results indicate that steady attenuation loss levels rise with increasing signal carrier frequency where free space is more dominant. The attenuation levels attained due to rain, cloud, atmospheric gases, and free space are also dependent on droplet depths, sizes, composition, and statistical distribution. While moderate and heavy rain depths achieved 3 dB and 4 dB attenuations, the attenuation due to light rainfall attained a 2.5 dB level. The results also revealed that attenuation intensity levels induced by atmospheric gases and cloud effects are less than that of rain. The prognostic-based empirical attenuation modeling results can provide first-hand information to radio transmission engineers on link budgets concerning various atmospheric impairment effects during radio frequency network design, deployment, and management, essentially at the ultra-high frequency band.

BIOLOGY OF THE EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS IN TROPICAL WET AND DRY CLIMATE OF DHARWAD (KARNATAKA), INDIA

Studies on biology of epigeic earthworms is very much necessary for the selection of suitable earthworm species in effective organic waste management through vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer). Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the biology of different epigeic earthworm species such as Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia fetida (EF) and Perionyx excavatus (PE) cultured in cattle manure at tropical wet and dry climate of Dharwad district, Karnataka state, India. The results of the present study revealed that the incubation period or the time of emergence of juveniles from the cocoon was less (16.33±0.53 days) in Perionyx excavatus as compared to Eudrilus eugeniae (22.33±0.73 days) and Eisenia fetida (24.33±0.88 days). The percent hatching of cocoon was more in E. eugeniae (86.66±6.66) followed by E. fetida (73.33±5.33) and P. excavatus (66.66±4.66), whereas number of hatchling/cocoon was more in Eisenia fetida (2.66±0.33) followed by Eudrilus eugeniae (2.33±0.28) and less in Perionyx excavatus (1.33±0.23). The mean weight of juvenile (mg) at the time of hatching was more in EE (7.90±0.20) followed by EF (7.00±0.57) and less in PE (5.70±0.35). The attainment of sexual maturity was observed early during 6th -9th week in EF and PE, but it was late in EE during 7th -10th week and commencement of cocoon production was noticed soon after one or two week of maturity i.e. from 8th week onwards. It was continuous and multimodal in nature with slight decline in the growth rate after maturity and cocoon production in all three epigeic earthworm species (EE, EF and PE). The various life activities such as incubation period and number of hatchling, maturity were more in EF as that of EE and PE, whereas percent hatching and juvenile weight were more in EE followed by EF and PE. Therefore, the success of vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer) is mainly depends on the biology or life cycle of the epigeic earthworms, type of organic waste materials used and it also depends on the prevailing abiotic factors.

Effect of nucleotides and turmeric extract on blood protein and body weight of broiler kept in open cages

Indonesia’s wet tropical climate is a condition that does not support the development chickens. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of nucleotides and turmeric extract in basal feed on broilers’ blood protein and body weight. Data was collected using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 7 treatments that comprised of negative and positive control. Meanwhile, the negative aspects include basal feed + plus Zink Bactitracin 0.1 g, while the positive control consists of N0K1, N1K0, N1K1, N2K0, and N2K1. The results showed that nucleotide supplementation and turmeric extract in the feed had no significant effect on blood PCV, TPP, albumin levels, and broiler body weights. Furthermore, blood protein increases due to the high levels of nucleotides and turmeric extract. The 5 g of nucleotide supplementation and turmeric extract produce the same broilers blood protein and body weight.

Aerosol-modulated heat stress in the present and future climate of India

Heat stress is one of the leading natural causes of mortality in India. Aerosols can potentially impact heat stress by modulating the meteorological conditions via radiative feedback. However, a quantitative understanding of such an impact is lacking. Here, using a chemical transport model, Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with chemistry, we show that high aerosol loading in India was able to mask the heat stress (quantified by the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)) by 0.3 °C–1.5 °C in 2010 with a regional heterogeneity across the major climate zones in India. However, the cooling effect of aerosol direct radiative forcing is partially compensated by an increase in humidity. To understand the potential impact of air quality improvement (i.e. reducing aerosol load) on heat stress in the future, WBGT was projected for 2030 under two contrasting aerosol emission pathways. We found that heat stress would increase by >0.75 °C in all the climate zones in India except in the montane zone under the RCP4.5 scenario with a bigger margin of increase in the mitigation emission pathway relative to the baseline emission pathway. On the contrary, under the RCP8.5 scenario, heat stress is projected to increase in limited regions, such as the tropical wet and dry, north-eastern part of the humid sub-tropical, tropical wet, and semi-arid climate zone in peninsular India. Our results demonstrate that aerosols modulate heat stress and, therefore, the heat stress projections in India and anywhere else with high aerosol loading should consider aerosol radiative feedback.

Geomorphological hazard at some area of the Outer Dieng Volcanic Complex post explosive eruption era

Dieng area as an important and productive area needs the support of various aspects in encouraging regional growth and development. This region also has been experiences many disasters year by year. Disasters due to volcanism are events that cause many losses, especially casualties in the past. Discussions about potential disasters in the Dieng area should not only be limited to volcanism and earthquakes as hazards caused by endogenous processes. The Dieng area is an old landscape. As an old landscape that is heavily influenced by exogenous factors from a wet tropical climate, other potential hazards in the form of geomorphological hazards also need attention. In fact, there are some geomorphological hazards that occur due to the complexity of the landforms of this area, there are various processes that often occur such as mass movement and erosion and these processes usually have a negative impact on social and economic life. This paper aims to analyze the various types and levels of geomorphological hazards that exist outside of the Dieng Volcanic Complex. This region has experienced major eruptions in the past. At present, in the post-explosive era, it is necessary to know whether geomorphological hazards are limited to eruptions or if other hazards are a bigger threat. The terrain survey method or geomorphological survey is a field observation method used to achieve research objectives. The interpretation of remote sensing images, literature research, and documentation provides support in the form of additional data to complement the primary data from the observation. The results obtained show that the area of the Dieng Volcanic Complex after the explosive eruption era, which is largely composed of volcanic landforms, which physically dominates the denudation process. The denudation process is what causes mass movement and erosion to emphasize that there is a very high potential geomorphological hazard in this research location. This research area is also a productive agricultural production area. Although it cannot be separated from criticism because of its negative impact on the environment, because in the use and management of land carried out by the community it affects mass movement and erosion. Therefore, information on geomorphological hazards is very important to be provided and updated continuously in the interest of ensuring effective and sustainable disaster management.

A preliminary checklist of moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) from Gangajalghati, Bankura, West Bengal, India

The present study was conducted at Gangajalghati, a village near the forest of Bankura district from West Bengal that has a tropical wet and dry climate where moth diversity has not been explored before. The village was surveyed between January 2016 and December 2018. The present study has recorded a total of 1,328 individual moths belonging to 13 families, 31 subfamilies, 80 genera, and 90 species. Three species—Condylorrhiza diniasalis (Walker, 1859), Argyrocosma inductaria (Guenée, 1858), and Oraesia emarginata (Fabricius, 1794)—are reported for the first time from West Bengal and Eublemma roseonivea (Walker, 1863) shows its westernmost distribution in West Bengal, India. It was earlier reported from India (Assam), China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaya, and Borneo.

Evaluating the dynamics of occupancy heat gains in a mid-sized airport terminal through agent-based modelling

The occupancy heat gains of airport terminal buildings are driven by the dynamics of passenger flow. In this paper, we evaluate the heat losses from the human body in a transient state to estimate the sensible and latent loads on the HVAC system. The study pertains to a mid-sized airport terminal building in a tropical wet and dry climate of India. The pattern of passenger movement, service time and discretionary activity choices are evaluated through field measurement and subjective surveys. The sequence of passenger movement, dwell time and occupancy profile at different zones for departure and arrival sequences are estimated through validated agent-based simulations. Transient heat losses from the human body are established through thermo-physiology simulations based on the occupancy dynamics. Hourly sensible and latent heat load profiles of different zones are deduced for different terminal operation periods. The evaporative heat losses from human body varies considerably during passenger transit resulting in significant latent heat gain differences among the zones. Despite lower activity levels in certain zones, latent heat loads from occupancy are higher because of preceding activity sequences. The sensible to latent heat load ratio varies from 0.7:0.3 to 0.52:0.48 across the zones during different operational periods.

The fluctuation of rice production of tidal swampland on climate change condition (Case of South Kalimantan Province in Indonesia)

Indonesia has a wet tropical climate which is part of its territory crossed by the equator. The rice planting period in Indonesia follows the climatic conditions generally divided into two planting seasons, namely the rainy season from October to March and the dry season from April to September. Almost every 3 to 5 years extreme climate changes occur namely El-Nino and La-Nina which have an impact on rice production. Nationally, the extreme climate phenomenon above showed the effect on rice production. El-Nino during the year 1970–2010 was reported to cause a decrease in rice production around -4.08%, while La-Nina in the same period caused an increase in production by about 1.78%. However, the two extreme climatic conditions had reduced rice productivity by -0.50% and -0.65%, respectively. Most of the tidal swamplands have long been cleared and used for the cultivation of lowland rice. In an effort to optimize tidal swampland as a source of rice production in the future, several strategic actions are needed. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the effects of extreme climate change (El-Nino and La-Nina) on rice production and productivity in tidal swamplands and strategic efforts to overcome the decline in rice production due to the extreme climate changes.

The role of heterogenous environmental conditions in shaping the spatiotemporal distribution of competing Aedes mosquitoes in Panama: implications for the landscape of arboviral disease transmission

Monitoring the invasion process of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus and its interaction with the contender Aedes aegypti, is critical to prevent and control the arthropod-borne viruses (i.e., Arboviruses) they transmit to humans. Generally, the superior ecological competitor Ae. albopictus displaces Ae. aegypti from most geographic areas, with the combining factors of biology and environment influencing the competitive outcome. Nonetheless, detailed studies asserting displacement come largely from sub-tropical areas, with relatively less effort being made in tropical environments, including no comprehensive research about Aedes biological interactions in Mesoamerica. Here, we examine contemporary and historical mosquito surveillance data to assess the role of shifting abiotic conditions in shaping the spatiotemporal distribution of competing Aedes species in the Republic of Panama. In accordance with prior studies, we show that Ae. albopictus has displaced Ae. aegypti under suboptimal wet tropical climate conditions and more vegetated environments within the southwestern Azuero Peninsula. Conversely, in the eastern Azuero Peninsula, Ae. aegypti persists with Ae. albopictus under optimal niche conditions in a dry and more seasonal tropical climate. While species displacement was stable over the course of two years, the presence of both species generally appears to fluctuate in tandem in areas of coexistence. Aedes albopictus was always more frequently found and abundant regardless of location and climatic season. The heterogenous environmental conditions of Panama shape the competitive outcome and micro-geographic distribution of Aedes mosquitoes, with potential consequences for the transmission dynamics of urban and sylvatic zoonotic diseases.

Grain Quality of Wheat Genotype Dewata Grown Under Wet Tropical Climate of Indonesia

Along with prosperity improvement of countries in the tropic, the consumption of wheat-based pro ducts such as breads, cakes, noodles and cookies has increasing tendency in the recent years. Wh eat that is grown usually in the sub-tropic has been investigated intensively for trial cultivation in tropical region. Successful cultivation of wheat in the tropic has been reported but the informatio n on its quality was still very few. This paper reported the quality of wheat grown in the field expe riment at 5 different provinces of Indonesia at an altitude ranged from 1000 up to 1650 meter abo ve sea level. Two samples of wheat from each location were taken and analyzed the physical, che mical, pasting and dough properties. The quality of wheat genotype Dewata was varied dependin g on the planting location. Out of five planting locations, only Jawa Tengah could produce good q uality of wheat. Meanwhile, the wheat from other locations were characterized by weak in pasting and dough properties. Wheat with weak pasting and dough properties could not be used for brea d and noodles’ production. However, they were still suitable to produce cookies and cake

Thermal Analysis and Experimental Validation of Environmental Condition Inside Greenhouse in Tropical Wet and Dry Climate

A facility for controlled environment agriculture from an energy consumption point of view was investigated at the C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University (21.1667° N, 72.8333° E), Bardoli, Surat, Gujarat, India. It is a tropical wet and dry region of the state of Gujarat. The study was carried out for an even span type 2.45 m × 3.65 m greenhouse with an elevation of 34 m above the sea level under the environmental conditions. A thermal model is proposed to identify the suitable climate condition for the cultivation of different varieties of Banana (Musa) and Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Banana and Sugarcanes are the main crops in the Surat district, wherein around 12,400 hector and 94,500 hector cultivation are done, respectively. The experimental study was carried out during the period of December 2017 (winter) to February 2018 (winter and summer). The proposed thermal model is helpful to indicate the hourly energy balance and average temperature distribution inside the greenhouse. The greenhouse was studied for east–west orientation. The steady state analysis was utilized to find extra thermal energy other than solar radiation needed to keep the plant temperature desirable. Experimental validation of the model was carried out in even span greenhouse. At last, some important conclusions are drawn and suggestions made for further studies based on the main characteristics and results of the study. A higher air change rate seems desirable to bring down the temperature further. It was observed that the extra heating is required during the period of December to February, whereas from March onwards a storage unit is required to absorb the energy available and utilize it whenever necessary in the given climatic condition and crop.

The employment of an earth-to-air heat exchanger as pre-treating unit of an air conditioning system for energy saving: A comparison among different worldwide climatic zones

A great fraction (20–40%) of primary energy is required for building air conditioning, so the use of renewable energy sources is increasing. The geothermal energy for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems can be used considering an Earth-to-Air Heat eXchanger (EAHX). This work analyses the performance of an EAHX through a mathematical model (2D), as a function of diameter and length of the air ducts. The problem is solved with finite element method. A case study office building is analyzed. The air conditioning plant is characterized by fan-coil units and primary air; the EAHX is positioned upstream the Air Handling Unit (AHU) to pre-cool/pre-heat the air. The building is virtually placed initially in six Italian cities (different climatic zones according to Italian regulation DPR 412/93) and subsequently in eight worldwide cities according to Köppen climate classification. The following parameters are calculated: air temperature variation and thermal efficiency of the EAHX; the decreasing of cooling and heating capacity of the coils into the AHU. The best results refer to a duct length of 100 m for Ottawa (warm-summerhumid continental climate, 65% capacity reduction), the worst ones for Rio de Janeiro (tropical wet and dry climate, maximum 24% reduction).

Impact of urbanization and land surface temperature changes in a coastal town in Kerala, India

Rapid urbanization and unscientific developments have resulted in large-scale degradation of the environment around major cities all over the world. The problem is acute in many tropical and sub-tropical Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) having high population density and are undergoing rapid economic developments. Lack of adequate studies to contain the ill-effects of developments is major challenge before the decision makers at different levels. In this paper, an attempt has been carried out to examine the spatio-temporal changes in urban growth and land surface temperature (LST) responses in a coastal city in SW India, the Thiruvananthapuram city (Kerala) that enjoys a tropical wet climate, as an example. Landsat imageries of 1988, 2000 and 2019 have been used to estimate the extent of urban growth and LST changes. The study revealed a marked decrease in vegetation cover (125–71 km2) and barren land (7–4 km2) in the area during 1988–2019. The built-up area showed a marked increase from 10 to 68 km2. It was noticed that the average LST has been increased from 26.5 °C to 28.1 °C during the study period. The study stresses the imminent need for strengthening the extent of green cover in the area and make developments more environment-friendly.

Modelling Hydrological Processes and Identifying Soil Erosion Sources in a Tropical Catchment of the Great Barrier Reef Using SWAT

Study region: North Johnstone catchment, located in the north east of Australia. The catchment has wet tropical climate conditions and is one of the major sediment contributors to the Great Barrier Reef. Study focus: The purpose of this paper was to identify soil erosion hotspots through simulating hydrological processes, soil erosion and sediment transport using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). In particular, we focused on predictive uncertainty in the model evaluations and presentations—a major knowledge gap for hydrology and soil erosion modelling in the context of Great Barrier Reef catchments. We carried out calibration and validation along with uncertainty analysis for streamflow and sediment at catchment and sub-catchment scales and investigated details of water balance components, the impact of slope steepness and spatio-temporal variations on soil erosion. The model performance in simulating actual evapotranspiration was compared with those of the Australian Landscape Water Balance (AWRA-L) model to increase our confidence in simulating water balance components. New hydrological insights for the region: The spatial locations of soil erosion hotspots were identified and their responses to different climatic conditions were quantified. Furthermore, a set of land use scenarios were designed to evaluate the effect of reforestation on sediment transport. We anticipate that protecting high steep slopes areas, which cover a relatively small proportion of the catchment (4–9%), can annually reduce 15–26% sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tectonic and climate control on allochthonous bauxite deposition. Example from the mid-Cretaceous Villeveyrac basin, southern France

Karst bauxite deposits represent 11% of the global quantity of bauxite (Bardossy and Aleva, 1990). Karst Bauxite is defined as bauxite deposits overlying carbonate rocks above a more or less karstified surface. Allochtonous karst bauxites result from two successive processes: (1) intense weathering and formation of a lateritic profile, involving the development of bauxitic and duricrust horizons; and (2) erosion of the lateritic profile and deposition above a carbonate unit located downstream. In the Villeveyrac basin (southern France), Lower to Mid-Albian allochtonous karstic bauxites are deposited on a Jurassic karstified bedrock, and are overlain by a Late Albian marine siliciclastic cover. A drillcore, sampling the substratum, the bauxites and their cover, is analyzed and offers the opportunity to investigate the depositional conditions and interactions of climate and tectonic during the mid- to late Cretaceous, through the analysis of mechanical and chemical weathering evidence. Sedimentological study allowed the definition of four bauxite facies and three siliciclastic cover facies, overprinted by four different pedofacies. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses allowed the distinction of four mineralogical units controlled by climate-related weathering processes. The bauxite deposits emplaced by mud-flow/debris-flow gravity currents are composed by boehmite-hematite and goethite. The top of the bauxite presents a progressive upward decrease in Al2O3 and TiO2 associated with the occurrence of kaolinite. The base of the cover that overlies the bauxite interval corresponds to a paralic environment, dominated by kaolinite, with a sub-ferricrete paleosol. The following paralic sequence presents a clay-rich suite dominated by smectite, associated with mica/illite and quartz, which suggests aridification of climate around the latest Albian. We interpret this sedimentary succession as the result of erosion of an autochthonous laterite cover, induced by major tectonic uplift in the upstream drainage area, which led to a significant increase in slope gradient, under a wet tropical climate. Mechanical erosion of autochthonous laterite bauxite in the upstream drainage led to a reverse stacking of the reworked autochthonous lateritic profile in the depositional basin. A continuous transgressive trend was responsible for trapping of the allochtonous karst bauxite. This was followed by stacking of siliciclastic paralic sequences, which record progressive erosion of the bedrock in the upstream drainage area, under dry tropical conditions. Our results thus suggest that dismantling of the autochthonous laterite cover was initiated by Albian uplift and this ended with a change towards drier and more seasonal climate at the Albian-Cenomanian transition.

Resilience of cactus pear genotypes in a tropical semi-arid region subject to climatic cultivation restriction

The cactus pear has demonstrated productive potential in arid and semi-arid regions due to its photosynthetic process of crassulacean acid metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of three genotypes of cactus pear at different locations of a tropical semiarid region classified as non-suitable for cactus pear cultivation. A completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (3 × 7) (three genotypes of cactus pear [Miúda, Baiana (Nopalea cochenillifera) and Orelha de Efefante Mexicana - OEM (Opuntia stricta)] and seven locations) was used. The climatic conditions characterized an environment that restricts the growth of cactus pear genotypes, mainly due to the air relative humidity values. All morphological characteristics of the cactus pear genotypes were influenced by the interaction genotype x location, with higher expression of the characteristics on the different genotypes under hot semi-arid climate and tropical wet and dry climate. An effect of the interaction genotype x location was observed (p < 0.05) on water use efficiency, water accumulation and carrying capacity, where the highest values were observed for genotype Baiana at location 1. Also, there was influence of the interaction genotype x location over the chemical composition of the cactus pear. The cultivation of cactus pear is recommended under restricted climatic conditions in semi-arid tropical regions, especially the genotype Baiana, based on growth factors, biomass production and chemical composition.

1978 – 2018, Os 40 anos da primeira experiência de aplicação da cartografia geomorfológica francesa de detalhe na zona tropical úmida brasileira: histórico, princípios da legenda, mudanças e sua difusão no país

A cartografia geomorfológica francesa de detalhe (RCP.77) foi aplicada pioneira-mente no Brasil em 1978, ano em que foram publicadas as cartas geomorfológicas do Vale do Rio do Peixe em Marília – SP (1:100.000), São Pedro – SP (1:50.000) e Carste de Lagoa Santa – MG (1:50.000) e a Carta do Modelado e das Formações Superficiais do Médio Vale do Rio Parateí – SP (1:25.000). Caracterizada pelo detalhamento na representação das formas, inclusive nos mapas de escala média, essa legenda é dividida em itens morfogenéticos, os quais associam o relevo aos processos responsáveis pela sua formação. Muitas adaptações têm sido realizadas na legenda desde 1978, em função dos objetivos dos trabalhos, dos materiais disponíveis para a realização das pesquisas e das condições climáticas da zona tropical úmida brasileira, bastante diferentes daquelas do território francês, onde a legenda foi idealizada. Infelizmente, a difusão desta legenda no Brasil ficou restrita aos pesquisadores que passaram pelo Laboratório de Pedologia, ou por pessoas influenciadas por eles. Isso se deu provavelmente pela dificuldade de leitura e elaboração desses mapas, pouca disponibilidade de bases cartográficas e fotografias aéreas de escala média e grande necessárias à realização desses mapeamentos, falta de estudos detalhados sobre a gênese das formas e concorrência com outras legendas de aplicação mais simples. As novas técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e de estudos das formações superficiais abrem novas possibilidades para o uso da legenda.