ID: 57123
Title: Analysis of the climate variability on Lake Nasser evaporation based on the Bowen ratio energy budget method
Author: Mohamed Elsawwaf, Patrick Willems
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Lake Nasser, Energy budget, Climate variability, Bowen ratio energy budget (BREB)
Abstract: Variations in lake evaporation have a significant impact on the energy and water budgets of lakes. Understanding these variations and the role of climate is important for water resources management as well as predicting future changes in lake hydrology as a result of climate change. This study presents a comprehensive, 10-year analysis of seasonal, intraseasonal, and interannual variations in lake evaporation for Lake Nasser in South Egypt. Meterological and lake temperature measurements were collected from an instrumetned platform (Raft floating weather station) at 2 km upstream of the Aswan High Dam. In addition to that, radiation measurements at three locations on the lake: Allaqi, Abusembel and Arqeen (respectively at 75, 280 and 350 km upstream of the Aswan High Dam) are used. The data were analyzed over 14-day periods from 1995 to 2004 to provide bi-weekly energy budget estimates of evaporation rate. The mean evaporation rate for lake Nasser over the study period was 5.88 mm day-1, with a coefficient of variation of 63%. Considerable variability in evaporation rates was found on a wide range of timescales, with seasonal changes having the highest coefficient of variation (32%), followed by the intraseasonal (28%) and interannual timescales (11.6%; for summer means). Intraseasonal changes in evaporation were primarily associated with synoptic weather variations, with high evaporation events tending to occur during incursions of cold, dry air (due, in part, to the thermal lag between air and lake temperatures). Seasonal variations in evaporation were largely driven by temperature and net energy advection, but are out-of-phase with changes in wind speed. On interannual timescales, changes in summer evaporation rates were strongly associated with changes in net energy advection and showed only moderate connections to variations in temperature or humidity.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57122
Title: Temporal changes of land use in Asi river delta (Hatay, Southern Turkey)
Author: Huseyin Korkmaz, Bayram Cetin, Veysel Kuscu, Ismail Ege, Ahmet Bom, Emre Ozsahin, Atilla Karatas
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Land use, Geographical information systems (GIS), Remote sensing (RS), Asi river delta (Hatay, South Turkey)
Abstract: Increasing non-ecological land use necessitates more efficient using and utilization of land by man. Therefore, in recent years studies on sustainable land use have gained momentum. In this study, temporal change in land use, mainly between years 1940 and 2010, in Asi river delta on Southern Turkey was covered. To this end, in addition to literature, topographical maps and satellite images from year 1940 and after were used. Also, data were collected through field studies and interviews. Collected data were evaluated from geographical viewpoint using Geographical information system (GIS) and Remote sensing (RS) methods. Unplanned settlement in delta has reached levels high enough to threaten agricultural fields. Especially, great tendency shown by Samandag city and the villages around it towards expanding into delta is an indicator of this threat. In addition, uncontrolled sand mining and touristic facilities on the coastline are alos indicators of wrong land use. In future, direction of settlement to slopes around the delta rather than lowlands will be a much more ecological approach.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57121
Title: Atmospheric light air ion concentrations and related meteorologic factors in Rezekne city, Latvia
Author: Andris Skromulis, Gotfrids Noviks
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Air ions, Air quality, Air pollution, Air ionization
Abstract: The well-minded impact of light negative air ions on human organism is still under discussion. The measurements of air ions are not widespread in Latvia yet. The paper presents new results of air pollution evaluation in Rezekne city. Measurements of positive and negative air ion concentrations in Rezekne city were taken during the spring, summer and autumn 2009 and during the winter 2010. Measurements were taken by protative air ions counter "Sapfir-3M" in eight different points of Rezekne city thrice a day. The concentrations of positive and negative air ions with mobility factor k>0.4cm2V-1s-1 were measured. Temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, direction, etc., were also taken into account. The approximate interconnection between ionization and chemical and mechanical air pollution in relation with meterological conditions was analyzed. The highest level of air ion concentration was observed in mornings, whereas in afternoons this concentration level decreased due to the growth of anthropogenic air pollution in the city, as light air ions, because of their charge, promoted the coagulation and the settlement of pollution particles. This regularity is typical for summer, whereas in spring, autumn and winter it is not characteristic. The unipolarity factor was usually less than 1 in mornings, but usually larger than 1 in afternoons especially in the most polluted city areas where minor concentration of air ions was detected. The ionization level is an original indicator of energetic saturation and aerosol pollution of atmospheric air.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57120
Title: Elaboration of climatic maps using GIS. Case study: Olanesti drainage basin, Romania
Author: Laura Tirla
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Geographic information system (GIS), Climatic maps, Olanesti drainage basin, Romania
Abstract: Creating precise climatic maps (temperature and precipitation map especially) on small areas such as drainage basins or landform units is always very useful for ecology of plants, distribution of vegetation and also different types of agricultural land. The geographic information system (GIS) analysis of several key-factors (aspect and slope of terrain, insolation degree, thermal gradient, geology and structure of landforms) offers the necessary tools to operate with in order to create an accurate climatic map. This method was applied in order to create a map showing the distribution of temperatures in the Olanesti drainage basin, a 235 km2 area located at middle latitude, in Romania. After creating the DEM, aspect and slope of the terrain, reclassifying categories and calculating the thermal gradient, a map showing the distribution of the annual mean teperature is obtained. Other climatic parameters could be calculated for small areas too, with precise results. These demonstrate that not only elevation and mathematical location of an area are important factors in the distribution of temperature, but als the aspect, the gradient, the insolation, the type of rock and the structure.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57119
Title: Land use and land cover change detection in Karinca rivre catchment (NW Turkey) using GIS and RS techniques
Author: Recep Efe, Abdullah Soykan, Isa Curebal, Suleyman Sonmez
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Turkey, land use change, land degradation, Geographical information systems, Remote sensing
Abstract: The basin of Karinca river, in the north-west of Turkey, covers an area of 29, 840 ha. Pronounced changes in land use emerged as a result of the development of activities in the tourism sector in Turkey in the 1970 ' s. The basin has been significantly affected in the course of this process. This study was conducted in order to determine the land use changes (as well as the type of changes and their direction) occurring in the use of land in the Karinca river catchment for the period 1979-2007. The geographical data were gathered by using 1:25000 scale topographical maps as a basis. Thus, the existing soil and land use data from 1979 were processed on these bases and the main materials rendering the land use were produced. Geometric verification was made by putting the previously prepared bases onto landsat ETM+ and satellite images of 2007. In the final stage, results pertaining to the changes in land use were obtained by overlapping the two sets of data. All processes were done using the ArcGIS Desktop v9 x program. According to the data of the year 1979, the catchment are consisted of 43.4% forest, 26.5% grassland, 18.3% olive groves, 10.6% agriculture and 1.2% built-up lands. Comparing these coverage with the data of 2007, show a clear shift among residential areas, olive groves and forest terrain. It was found that the agricultural areas, particularly along the shoreline, were converted into resort houses and that the olive groves (the dominant land use) shifted from lower regions to its upper sectors. All these changes caused loss of natural habitats leading to degradation.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57118
Title: GIS utilization in determining the limits between low morphological units
Author: Sorin Avram, Alina Vladut, Gheorghe Curcan, Sandu Boengiu
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Geomorphologic limit, Geographic Information System (GIS), Getic Piedmont
Abstract: The limit between low morphological units is quite difficult to be established due to the fact that the lithological, elevation and/or structure differences are hardly visible. Thus, the contact between piedmont and plain units is represented, in many cases, by areas where limits are hard to be drawn. In order to establish the way geographic information system (GIS) may contribute to the determination of the aforementioned limits, we used the situation of the limit between the Getic Piedmont and the Romanian plain and compared the obtained results to examples from other areas with different formation and evolution conditions. Presently, the Getic Piedmont undergoes and modelling process as valleys widen, torrential enlargementts laterally advance, and slope denudation develop, which make difficult to establish a clear southern limit. The fan texture of the valleys, their age, the flowing direction, as well as the differences of altitude, lithology, and structure disposal represent the main elements when establishing limits even in the case of GIS analysis. The drawing of thematic layers rendering elements such as hydrographic system, hypsometry, DEM on a traditional cartographic support, orthophotoplans, satellite images, for a better interpretation of the geomorphologic aspects allow a more objective attempt of reconstructing the morphological limits.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57117
Title: Industrial side-products as possible soil-amendments
Author: Brigitta Toth, Szilvia Veres, Nora Bakonyi, Eva Gajdos, Marianna Marozsan, Laszlo Levai
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Compost, Black soot, Sewage sludge, Soil amendments
Abstract: The protection of our environment is a common task. All pollution that expose our soils, plants or in the narrower and wider sense environment will appear sooner or later in the food chain and in human beings who are at the top of the food-chain pyramid. The aim of our work is to give a brief overview about the effects of some industrial wastes on the physicological parameters of plants. Compost, black soot, sewage sludge and lime sludge dust was examined. Sunflower seeds were used in the experiments. The filtrates of examined materials were added to the nutrient solution in different quantities because of different solubility. The contents of sample elements and uptake of the element were measured by ICP, the relative chlorophyll contents by SPAD 502. Disadvantageous and advantageous physiological effects of compost, black soot, sewage sludge and lime sludge were proved. Larger concentrations of aluminium were measured in the roots than in the shoots. The concentrations of chrome were below the control value in the shoots when black soot, compost, lime sludge and sewage sludge were added to the nutrient solution. The concentrations of zince, phosphorous, magnesium and copepr were very low when black soot was used, and it was lower than the control. The dry matter of shoots increased when compost and sewage sludge was used, but the growth of roots remained under the control level.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57116
Title: The influence of physical soil properties on the water supply of irrigated orchards-some examples from Val Venosta (South Tyrol/Northern Italy)
Author: Sven Grashey Jansen
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Soil water dynamics, Precision irrigation, Soil physics, soil hydrology, soil distribution
Abstract: In irrigated agriculture, irrigation water volume and duration of irrigation can be optimized utilizing soil water dynamics data. Val Venosta in South Tyrol (Northern Italy) is a region where irrigation represents a central factor of production in the Tyrolese fruit-growing areas. Intensive orchard production is practised within an area of about 18,000 ha. Although fruit cultivation experts believe that intensive fruit cultivation should be based on regular irrigaiton of the fruit trees to guarantee optimum results in both fruit quantity and quality; however, fruit growers in the region follow very subjective criteria in regard to irrigation. At many locations much more water is used than the fruit trees actually need. Therefore irrigation in this region is a very cost-intensive factor of prodution and is criticized by the public for both economic and ecological reasons. To optimize the irrigation practice in this region it is essential to provide an objective basis for the irrigation process. A system of "precision irrigation" proposed, which is therefore based on objective and quantitative criteria focusing primarily on soil properties and hydrologica balance. This contribution will provide an overview of the current situation of irrigation and present results from soil-physical and soil-hydrological studies performed in this region since 2003.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57115
Title: Conditions of gully development within piedmont areas with examples from the western part of the Getic Peidmont, Romania
Author: Sandu Boengiu, Alina Vladut, Emil Marinesu
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Gully erosion, Slopes, Torrential transport, Land use, Getic Peidmont
Abstract: Features of gully morphometry and associated relief characteristics emphasize that gully develop under a wide variety of rock conditions, rainfall regimes, geomorphic predisposition, and human influence. Consequently many slopes within piedmont areas, in this case, the Getic Piedmont, are characterized by dense gully systems, as there occur excessive clearing, inappropriate land use, compaction of the soil caused by grazing, on the general background of a favourable climate. Both rainfall and runoff factors must be considered in assessing a water erosion problem. The erosional slope development within the Getic Piedmont was evaluated based on maps and field studies in the last 15 years, which emphasized that about 20% of the total surface of the piedmont is affected by gully erosion. The results show that the factors leading to the strong gully erosion in this area include-the widely distributed fraible rocks, the unique geomorphologic configuration, the strong and time-concentrated rainfall, the alternance of drought-humid periods that prepares the ground for the development of fissures in soils, the drought that influence the growth and recovery of vegetation, and the intense human activities. Gully erosion is one of the most visible forms of soil erosion, which affects its productivity, provides considerable material transport-torrential transports, debris flow, restricts land use, and threatens local communities.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57114
Title: The relief formed by the descent phenomenon in the north-east part of Kosova
Author: Shpejtim Bulliqi, Florim Isufi, Ibrahim Ramadani, Gani Gashi
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Kosova, Descent phenomenon, Morphogenesis activity, Sliding, stony torrents, Kopaonik
Abstract: In the diverse relief of north-east part of Kosova a relatively wide range occupies the relief modelled by the descent phenomenon, which is conditioned by morph-structural and climatic factors quite suitable for their development. The morphogenesis activity of descent phenomenon is conditioned by the types of rocks, tectonic process of this region and climatic conditions. These factors condition horizontal and vertical relief fragmentation, slope, especially in Gollaku mountains and in SE part of Kopaonik mountain. Along the tectonic descents, the steepness is detaching and the detaching lines consisting of magmatic rocks show overthrows, demolitions and stony torrents, but the Teri gene composition formations are modelled by sliding and muddy torrents, depending upon the presence of clayey and alverolite belts on these Teri gene ones. The impact of factors and conditions on the relief of this part, the phenomena like demolition, overthrows, sliding, muddy torrents, stony torrents, etc., operate here, which play an important morphological role in the modelling of relief.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57113
Title: Time factor in soils of Georgia-mirror or memory of landscapes?
Author: Lia Matchavariani
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Mirror of landscapes, Memory of landscapes, soil age, micropedology, soils of Georgia
Abstract: The geographic pattern of soils in mountainous region of Georgia is presented. Time is considered as one of the most important factors of soil formation in mountain areas. The age of soil cover in the areas above 1000-1200 m a.s.l. is less than 10,000-12,000 yr b.p. These soils are considered as young component of landscape. In the landscapes below this level soils do not correspond to modern ecological conditions. We can confirm that in Georgia higher than 1000-1200m asl soils correspond to ecological conditions and they are mirror of landscapes, as one of the most important postulates of soil science. In other case, we can talk about soils memory-distorted mirror of landscapes. For diagnosing of relic features (pedogenic and lithogenic) in soils of Georgia the micromorphological method is used. The majority of landscapes in Georgia are heavily used for agriculture and suffer from high instability. These landscaps are very fragile today, characterized by high soil erosion and strong pollution with heavy metals and radionuclides.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57112
Title: Evaluation of reed resources in Latvia and analysis of its use for energy production
Author: Edgars Cubars, Gotfrids Noviks
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Wetlands, common reed, Phragmites australis, renewable energy, Biomass, environmental quality, clean energy
Abstract: The increasing demand for energy, limited resources of fossil fuel, as well as pollution of the environment and changes in the global climate have raised more interest about the renewable resources. The use of renewable resources has become a very important part of European Union policy. The aim of the paper was to analyse reed resources in Latvia, its dynamics, volume and quality to produce clean energy. The use of reeds as a renewable energy resource contributes in minimizing fossil fuel consumption. The paper presents the results of a research of reed resources in lakes of Latgale (a region in Latvia). The investigation of reed resources showed that in the region they are scattered and rational usage of them is connected with environmental aspects. The greatest amounts of reed resources are concentrated in the biggest lake in Latvia - Lubana Lake and near to it. Studies showed that the reed areas in Lubana Lake and Kvapanu ponds have doubled since 1997 and as a result these water reservoirs are becoming overgrown. Using direct measurement methdos and metering from distance, it was stated that the total reed resources of greatest Lake - Lubanas are about 6830 tons year-1 in area of 734 hectares and are situated in 701 reed blocks. The aggregated reed resources of Latgale region are 18 000 tones per year of dry biomass. The investigation proved that reed resources of the region are sufficient to replace up to 21 thousand tons of different fossil fuels. The physical properties of the reed were measured. Carbon quantity, ash content and structure, moisture content proved that reeds are a profitable fuel for heat energy production. Balanced harvesting of reed gives a positive influence on environment.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57111
Title: Simulating future urban growth in the city of Kahramanmaras, Turkey from 2009 to 2040
Author: Hakan Ogguz
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: SLEUTH, Future urban growth, Land use/land cover change, Remote sensing
Abstract: City of Kahramanmaras has witnessed a rapid growth in the last five decades due to its agricultural and industrial potential. Urbanization has brought great challenges to the sustainable development of cities, especially in developing countries. A modeling system that could provide regional assessments of future development and explore the potential impacts of different regional management scenarios would be useful for the future health of the cities. The main goal of this study was to create a modeling system capable of depicting, quantitatively and graphically, the growth impacts of two land use policies and trends in the city of Kahramanmaras. Given its success with regional scale simulation, its ability to incorporate different levels of land protection through an "excluded" layer, and the relative ease of implementation and computation, the model developed by Keith Clarke from University of California at Santa Barbara, known as SLEUTH, was adopted for this study. SLEUTH is a pixel-based cellular automation (CA) model and has been applied to several cities worldwide successfully. The model was calibrated using historic time series of developed areas derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery between 1984 and 2009, and future growth was projected out to 2040. Two alternative growth scenarios were modeled: (1) current trends, and (2) managed growth: regions with high landscape potential were protected from urbanization. This application of the SLEUTH model demonstrates an ability to address a range of regional planning issues and provides useful information for the cities ' future planning and development.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57110
Title: Vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers in slope failure threats-A preliminary observation for the Klang Valley Region
Author: P Thanaspackiam, Khairulmaini Osman Salleh, Fauza Ab Ghaffar
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Slope failures, vulnerability, adaptation, urban dwellers, Klang Valley Region
Abstract: This paper discusses the outcome of a research that examines the relationships between vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers to the slope failure threat in the Klang Valley Region. Intense urban landuse expansions in the Klang Valley Region have increased urban dwellers vulnerability to slope failures in recent years. The Klang Valley Region was chosen as the study area due to the increasing intensities and frequencies of slope failures threat. This paper examines urban dwellers vulnerability based on their (1) population and demographics characteristics (2) the state of physical structures of dwellings and (3) the situation of the immediate environment threatened by slope failures. The locations of slope failure incidents were identified, mapped and examined followed with a detailed field study to identified areas. The results identified significant relationships between vulnerability indicators and slope failures in the Klang Valley Region. The findings of the study are envisaged to give valuable insights on addressing the threat of slope failures in the Klang Valley Region.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57109
Title: Effects of urbanization on agricultural lands and river basins: Case study of Mersin (South of Turkey)
Author: Celalettin Duran, Halil Gunek, Ersin Kaya Sandal
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 2 (Supplement), April 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Urbanization, land use, degradation, basins of river, Mersin
Abstract: Largely, Turkey is a hilly and mountainous country. Many rivers rise from the mountains and flow into the seas surrounding the country. Mean while along fertile plains around the rivers and coastal floodplains of Turkey were densely populated than the other parts of the country. These characteristics show that there is a significant relationship between river bains and population or settlements. It is understood from this point of view, Mersin city and its vicinity (coastal floodplain and nearby river basins) show similar relatioship. The city of Mersin was built on the southwest corner of Cukurova where Delicay and Efrenk creeks create narrow coastal floodplain. The plain has rich potential for agricultural practices with fertile alluvial soils and suitable climate. However, establishment of the port at the shore have increased commerical activity. Agricultural and commercial potential have attracted people to the area, and eventually has caused rapid spatial expansion of the city, and the urban sprawls over fertile agricultural lands along coastal floodplain and nearby river basins of the city. But unplanned, uncontrolled and illegal urbanization process has been causing degradation of agricultural areas and river basins, and also causing flooding in the city of Mersian and its vicinity. Especially in the basins, urbanization increases impervious surfaces throughout watersheds that increase erosion and runoff of surface water. In this study, the city of Mersin and its vicinity are examined in different ways, such as land use, urbanization, morpholoyg and flows of the streams and given some directions for suitable urbanization.
Location: TE 15, New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None