Description: This paper is to suggest a means by which confidence limits may be placed around the Epi- & Hypocenter values that are evolved, concurrently and in real-time, on the detection of an increasing number of P-wave first arrivals, by the present algorithm. As described in previous papers, this algorithm is table driven in that it uses an “interpolative tabular scanning process” to deliver its results. For this purpose a set of three main tables are provided: a table of travel times for rays originating from a graduated set of depth points to a given set of colatitudes; a table for a set of take-off angles corresponding to the traveltimes and a set of calibrating tables to correct numerical error found in the table generating process itself. These tables are generated by any from a set of point-to-point (P2P) ray tracers parameterized by any from a set of radial Earth velocity models {PREM, iasp91, ak135}. The production of the confidence limits is concomitant on considering that each value (i.e. discovered Epi- & Hypocenter) is stationary, and subject to perturbation by error. In brief, the error is considered ultimately to be normal. Therefore normal theory is used, as in Chauvenet’s test to screen the production of individual localizations for outlying data inputs. Subsequently it is used to monitor for outliers in the set of localizations themselves. Use is then made of the t-variate (“Student’s t”) to dynamically establish confidence limits, of varying levels of significance, about regressions on the set of localizations as this set increases in real-time. The upshot being that the algorithm can produce sucessive localizations of the Earthquake as data input (P-wave onset times) arises and at the same time monitor the accuracy and integrity of the solutions.

Description: String experimentation has allowed for the observation in the laboratory of a D-brane with an open string for visible light (Tahan 2011). Events in experiments when the best defined, largest D-brane appeared suggested the subsistence of a separate medium that was concluded to be spacetime since no other extra-dimensional environment in which light travels could be imagined. Specifically, a high gravitational area in the tube of the set-up rotating and consequently dragging the background in which the light existed causing deformation of the D-brane with the open string (Tahan 2011) triggered the idea of an additional setting. The observation was in addition to an initial pushing influence that was later concluded to have affected the medium thereby exposing the D-brane and open string by seemingly stopping the laser light in place, rather than having influenced the light directly. This manuscript discusses environmental conditions in experiments that substantiated existence of a distinct medium. Understanding spacetime as a particular extra-dimensional environment does not require the altering of Special or General Relativity since related laws do not change. This paper is not reintroducing the classical, absolute aether but is expressing the existence of a general relativity aether or spacetime; the same explanations for mass influencing spacetime particularly for gravity do not change. This work simply proposes spacetime to be a tangible environment to which properties can be transferred.

Description: Mokala National Park (MoNP) was proclaimed in 2007 in an area that used to be managed as a commercial wildlife and hunting farm, and prior to 2003 as a cattle and goat farm. The vegetation comprises sparse to closed woodlands and shrublands of the Savanna Biome. Shrub densification was deemed undesirable in the context of commercial farming where management objectives were to maximise production of grazing animals and to promote visibility of wildlife to tourists and hunters. Accordingly, previous landowners have attempted to eradicate prolific shrubs (particularly Senegalia mellifera ) by mechanical and chemical means in certain areas during the period 1996–2004. Effects of these treatments are still apparent more than a decade later. Here we document the history of herbicide applications and other management practices in affected areas of MoNP. We furthermore explore potential ecological effects of the herbicide used (‘Molopo 200GG’ with active ingredient Tebuthiuron) in relation to the ecology of the most-affected shrub species, S. mellifera . We conclude with suggestions for future monitoring to establish potential long-term impacts of the chemical control.

Description: In charge of both the flood control of its area and the reduction of floods in downstream of Yellow River, Luhun reservoir is in a absolutely pivotal position. Thus, the research concerning about the flood control scheduling scheme and strategy in Luhun catchment is imperatively essential. Based on the flood data of Luhun reservoir in the year 1980-1998, the study establish a loose distributed hydrological model, which is able to reflect excess storage runoff and excess infiltration runoff simultaneously, to forecast the flood in the section . The other function of the model can effectively obtain spatial distribution of underlying surface from the researched catchment as well as combine weather data conveniently. Subsequently, combining with the DEM data, the catchment was divided into 13 sub-basins on the basis of characteristics of the watershed topography, land use, soil and vegetation distribution. After the information of the sub-streams is acquired, the spatial distribution of the runoff and the flood will be analyzed. Further, it draws a conclusion that the model used is suitable for Luhun catchment, and technical support for flood control can be provided in the section. Meanwhile, pointed flood control strateg ies are presented in Luhun reservoir.  

Description: Results from magnetic field modelling of the Lower Benue Trough, West Africa revealed thick sedimentation with maximum values in the neigbourhood of 7,000m-10,000m. This is in contrast to the average value of 5000m suggested by earlier studies. The thick sedimentation represent thermal sag which is a regional post-rift subsidence associated with West and Central Africa rift systems. N-S, NNW-SSE and E-W structural fabrics interpreted from the transformed magnetic data bound the trough. The subsurface magnetic models also revealed extended graben structures that form the major depoceters that are segmented by intrarift horsts and average crustal thickness of 22km. The qualitative interpretation comprising, analytic signal, directional derivatives and wavelength filtering in frequency domain and subsurface magnetic modelling show that the rift architecture/geometry is controlled by high angle faults and some sinistral transtensional movements that are predominant in the Benue rift system. The low mean anisotropic susceptibility (kb = -6.7x10-4 SI) correlating with the directional horizontal derivative (dy) of the magnetic field conform with the sinistral movement in the trough indicating that magnetic anomalies align themselves along fractures/faults/shear zones owing to their variations in physical properties. The characteristics/patterns of the magnetic anomaly wavelength and inferred results from earlier studies on geophysical potential field methods, geological investigation and physical parameters (susceptibility and remanence) obtained from the subsurface magnetic modelling are pointers to non-magmatic origin of the Lower Benue Trough. The basement structuring, basin framework and predominance of anisotropic susceptibilities (ka, kb and kc) in three orthogonal directions and remanence suggest tectonic setting in the trough due to Early Cretaceous opening of the South Atlantic Ocean and interplate movement in Africa. The grabens, half grabens, faults and deep sedimentation (depocenters) interpreted from the magnetic data are hydrocarbon related structural features.

Description: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Earth Science Research, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2014

Description: Besides from existing global navigation satellite system (GNSS), several countries such as France, Indian, Japan and China have being developing their regional navigation satellite system (RNSS) in recent years. The Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO) satellites with a big inclination angle play an important role in these RNSS constellations. The mathematical aspects of RNSS constellations are studied in this work. Analysis shows obvious anomaly solutions happen several times in everyday positioning. Therefore redundant satellites are needed in constellation optimization design for RNSS.

Description: An investigation of the variations of the Solar Radiation Balance, SRB, and other solar energy parameters in some cities in Nigeria has been carried out in this work. The data used for the study were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Abuja, (1990-2010). The results show that the maximum range of atmospheric albedo, ALB, between 56-64% was obtained in the rainy season; with the minimum range of about 33 - 39% occurring in the dry season. Direct relationship existed between the SRB and other investigated solar radiation parameters, each of which in turn varied indirectly with the ALB. Relatively high annual values in SRB in Port Harcourt and Makurdi, implies that these locations are suitable for solar energy applications including farming. And devices using solar energy applications in these areas could function efficiently during the dry season.

Description: Surface sediments of Al-Wala Reservoir central Jordan, were evaluated to characterize trace element distribution and sources related to various physicochemical variables. Metallic micronutrient distribution is determined by grain size analysis, parent material in the catchment, and anthropogenic activities. The suitability of reservoir sediment as a source of natural additives for replacing eroded topsoil was assessed by comparing the physiochemical characteristics of bottom sediments to normal worldwide soils. Results suggest that the clayey–silty facies can be considered as a good source of non manufactured additives for highly weathered/eroded topsoil. The bottom sediments are mainly composed of very fine-grained textural facies, characterized by high content of clay and organic matters, medium-high cation exchange capacity, availability of non toxic level concentrations of metallic micronutrients; and optimal pH ranges for availability of most micronutrients. Among the trace elements measured, total abundance of Zn and Cd slightly exceeded recommended safe levels for normal soils, but the high concentrations may decline if sediments are exposed to air. Results of this study have shown that natural fertilizers/additives are safe when used at agronomic rates after performing soil tests.

Description: Structural analysis using aeromagnetic data over parts of southern Bida (Nupe) basin, Nigeria and the surrounding basement rocks was carried out to highlight linear structures and infer the effects of such features on the tectonic events in the survey area. The basin consists of the basal Lokoja Formation, overlain by the Patti Formation and capped by the Agbaja Formation. The basal Lokoja Formation is a sequence of matrix supported conglomerates and sandstones overlying the Pre–Cambrian to lower Palaeozoic basement. Magnetic rocks (iron ore) occur at the central, north eastern and south southern sections of the study area. Trend characteristics of magnetic lineaments were highlighted using the Euler deconvolution method. Werner and Euler deconvolution of aeromagnetic data profiles were utilized to determine the depth to magnetic sources. Depth to magnetic sources along aeromagnetic data profiles ranges from 0.01 km to 0.51 km with an average value of 0.128 km. Deductions made from the research are; mineralization is structurally controlled in parts of the survey area with kaolin occurring along a lineament around Share, western part of the survey area. The occurrence of subsurface linear structures may be due to discontinuities caused by faulting of country rock. Lineaments’ trends inferred include the east–west, north–south, northeast–southwest, north northeast–south southwest and northwest–southeast directions, with the north northeast–south southwest trend being dominant. Werner deconvolution plots for profiles ZZ and HH located at the central and southern sections of the survey area respectively; are inferred to be basement rock fractures beneath the sedimentary rock.