A press database on natural risks and its application in the study of floods in Northeastern Spain

The aim of this work is to introduce a systematic press database on natural hazards and climate change in Catalonia (NE of Spain) and to analyze its potential application to social-impact studies. For this reason, a review of the concepts of risk, hazard, vulnerability and social perception is also included. This database has been built for the period 1982¿2007 and contains all the news related with those issues published by the oldest still-active newspaper in Catalonia. Some parameters are registered for each article and for each event, including criteria that enable us to determine the importance accorded to it by the newspaper, and a compilation of information about it. This ACCESS data base allows each article to be classified on the basis of the seven defined topics and key words, as well as summary information about the format and structuring of the new itself, the social impact of the event and data about the magnitude or intensity of the event. The coverage given to this type of news has been assessed because of its influence on construction of the social perception of natural risk and climate change, and as a potential source of information about them. The treatment accorded by the press to different risks is also considered. More than 14 000 press articles have been classified. Results show that the largest number of news items for the period 1982¿2007 relates to forest fires and droughts, followed by floods and heavy rainfalls, although floods are the major risk in the region of study. Two flood events recorded in 2002 have been analyzed in order to show an example of the role of the press information as indicator of risk perception.

Predictive ability of severe rainfall events over Catalonia for the year 2008

This paper analyses the predictive ability of quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF) and the so-called "poor-man" rainfall probabilistic forecasts (RPF). With this aim, the full set of warnings issued by the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC) for potentially-dangerous events due to severe precipitation has been analysed for the year 2008. For each of the 37 warnings, the QPFs obtained from the limited-area model MM5 have been verified against hourly precipitation data provided by the rain gauge network covering Catalonia (NE of Spain), managed by SMC. For a group of five selected case studies, a QPF comparison has been undertaken between the MM5 and COSMO-I7 limited-area models. Although MM5's predictive ability has been examined for these five cases by making use of satellite data, this paper only shows in detail the heavy precipitation event on the 9¿10 May 2008. Finally, the "poor-man" rainfall probabilistic forecasts (RPF) issued by SMC at regional scale have also been tested against hourly precipitation observations. Verification results show that for long events (>24 h) MM5 tends to overestimate total precipitation, whereas for short events (¿24 h) the model tends instead to underestimate precipitation. The analysis of the five case studies concludes that most of MM5's QPF errors are mainly triggered by very poor representation of some of its cloud microphysical species, particularly the cloud liquid water and, to a lesser degree, the water vapor. The models' performance comparison demonstrates that MM5 and COSMO-I7 are on the same level of QPF skill, at least for the intense-rainfall events dealt with in the five case studies, whilst the warnings based on RPF issued by SMC have proven fairly correct when tested against hourly observed precipitation for 6-h intervals and at a small region scale. Throughout this study, we have only dealt with (SMC-issued) warning episodes in order to analyse deterministic (MM5 and COSMO-I7) and probabilistic (SMC) rainfall forecasts; therefore we have not taken into account those episodes that might (or might not) have been missed by the official SMC warnings. Therefore, whenever we talk about "misses", it is always in relation to the deterministic LAMs' QPFs.

Estudi Biosistemàtic de les poblacions de Ferula communis del NE de la Península Ibèrica i de les illes Balears.

Biosystemalic study of the Ferula communis populations in NE of the Iberian Peninsula and in the Balearic Islands. this paper presents the results of a taxonomic revision of the collective species Ferula communis L. (Umbelliferae) in NE of the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. The main goal of the research has been to characterize the Ferula communis populations in the region under study and to place them into infraspecific taxa. The proposed classification is based on morphology, anatomy, phenology, karyology and numerical taxonomy. A new taxon is described: Ferula communis L. subsp. cardonae Sanchez-Cuxart and Bernal and two new nomenclatural combinations are proposed: Ferula communis L. subsp. catalaunica (Pau) Sanchez- Cuxart and Bernal and Ferula communis L. subsp. catalaunica var. microcarpa (Cauwet-Marc) Sanchez-Cuxart and Bernal. Description, phenology and chorology for each taxon are included. Also an identification key for infraspecific taxa and a list of new localities are provided.

Geochemical exploration in the Montseny Mountains (NE Spain)

A five year program of systematic multi-element geochemical exploration of the Catalonian Coastal Ranges has been initiated by the Geological Survey of Autonomic Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) and the Department of Geological and Geophysical Exploration (University of Barcelona). This paper reports the first stage results of this regional survey, covering an area of 530 km2 in the Montseny Mountains, NE of Barcelona (Spain). Stream sediments for metals and stream waters for fluoride were chosen because of the regional characteristics. Four target areas for future tactic survey were recognized after the prospect. The most important is a 40 km* zone in the Canoves-Vilamajor area, with high base metal values accompanied by Cd, Ni, Co, As and Sb anomalies. Keywords: Catalanides. Geochemical exploration. Stream sediments. Base metal anomalies. Principal Component Analysis.

Response of the Thermal Conductivity as a Function of Water Content of a Burnt Mediterranean Loam Soil

The purpose of this research is to explore the variability on the soil thermal conductivity -λ- after a prescribe fire, and to assess the effects of the ashes on the heat transfer once it"s were incorporated into the soil matrix. Sampling plot was located in the Montgrí Massif (NE of Spain). A set of 42 soil samples between surface and 5 cm depth was collected before and after the fire. To characterize the soil chemical and physical variables were analyzed. To determine the vari-ability on the soil λ a dry-out curve per scenario (before and after fire) was determined. SoilRho® method based on ASTM D-5334-08 which was validated by LabFerrer was used. Soil thermal conductivity has shown changes in their values. Indeed, in all moisture scenarios the values of soil λ decreased after soil was burnt. The critical point in the rela-tionship ϴ (λ) for the soil after fire which always was stronger than soil before to be burnt. Soil with"white" ashes showed a high thermal conductivity. An X-Ray diffractometry analysis allowed to clarify and to verify these results. To sum up, we could say that thermal conductivity presents changes when the scenario changes, i.e. before and after to be burnt. On the other hand, the volume of ashes incorporated on the soil increased the differences between no burnt and burnt soil, showing even some improvements on the heat transfer when water content started to govern the process.

Space Manifold dynamics

The term Space Manifold Dynamics (SMD) has been proposed for encompassing the various applications of Dynamical Systems methods to spacecraft mission analysis and design, ranging from the exploitation of libration orbits around the collinear Lagrangian points to the design of optimal station-keeping and eclipse avoidance manoeuvres or the determination of low energy lunar and interplanetary transfers

Space Manifold dynamics

The term Space Manifold Dynamics (SMD) has been proposed for encompassing the various applications of Dynamical Systems methods to spacecraft mission analysis and design, ranging from the exploitation of libration orbits around the collinear Lagrangian points to the design of optimal station-keeping and eclipse avoidance manoeuvres or the determination of low energy lunar and interplanetary transfers

Noves aportacions al coneixement florístic de l'Empordà - III

New records of some vascular plants in the Empordà (NE of Iberian Peninsula) are given. Some of them are new for this area. We make several annotations about chorology of these taxa. Coronilla repanda (Poir.) Guss. subsp. dura (Cav.) Cout. and Ranunculus nodiflorus L. are indicated for the first time in Catalonia

El circuit comercial de Barcino: reflexions al voltant de les marques amfòriques

Barcino és encara avui una ciutat romana poc coneguda de la província Tarraconense, que segons la majoria d’especialistes fou fundada per raons polítiques. Malgrat això, una anàlisi detallada de les característiques econòmiques suggereixen que es va crear com a resultat de necessitats comercials, ja que es localitzava en una de les millors zones portuàries del NE de la península. L’article present pretén reconstruir tot el circuit comercial de Barcino a partir de les nombroses estampilles d’àmfores trobades en les excavacions. Aquestes marques comercials no solament evidencien una pròspera producció de vi en l’àrea, sinó també la corresponent demanda externa.

Distribuição de líquido da ponta de pulverização com indução de ar e jato excêntrico AIUB 8502 sob diferentes condições

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a distribuição de líquido da ponta de pulverização com indução de ar e jato excêntrico AIUB 8502 sob diferentes condições operacionais. Foram avaliados perfil individual, vazão, ângulo de abertura do jato, faixa de aplicação e distribuição volumétrica simulada de duas pontas AIUB 8502 nas pressões de trabalho de 200, 300, 400 e 500 kPa, altura de 30, 40 e 50 cm em relação ao alvo e espaçamento entre pontas de 30 a 100 cm. Todas as análises foram realizadas seguindo a norma ISSO 5682-1, com algumas adaptações. A ponta apresentou distribuição de líquido excêntrica com um lado descontínuo e extremidade oposta excêntrica, com queda abrupta do volume de líquido. À medida que se aumentou a altura da barra e a pressão de trabalho, alongou-se o perfil do jato. O maior número de configurações uniformes foi obtido na altura de 50 cm, decrescendo nas alturas de 40 e 30 cm. A vazão e o ângulo do jato excêntrico aumentaram com o incremento na pressão, não havendo diferença entre o ângulo do jato descontínuo e o total entre as pressões de 400 e 500 kPa e de 200 e 300 kPa.

Resultados de la aplicación en parcelas comerciales de un programa de control integrado de plagas de manzano en Lleida

Se describen los métodos de muestreo, los umbrales de tolerancia y los métodos de control utilizados en un programa de control integrado de plagas de manzano basado en el control biológico de Panonychus ulmi Koch mediante Amblyseius andersoni Chant y en el empleo de productos selectivos cuando existen, contra el resto de las plagas, en Lleida. El programa se ha llevado a cabo en 6 fincas en las campañas 1989-90 y 1990-91. Sólo en un caso no se produjo control biológico de P. ulmi, siendo necesario un tratamiento acaricida. En general, los métodos de control del resto de las plagas han funcionado correctamente, aunque en algunos casos son tácticas conservadoras. Se discuten finalmente los distintos componentes del programa de control integrado y se señalan los objetivos del plan de trabajo futuro.

Caracterización selvícola de las masas monoespecíficas de pino laricio en Cataluña

En el presente trabajo se ha abordado, a partir de la información suministrada por el Segundo Inventario Forestal Nacional, la caracterización de las masas monoespecíficas de pino laricio en Cataluña (NE de España), formalizándola en una tipología de enfoque silvogenético. Basándose en los resultados obtenidos del análisis factorial realizado sobre variables dasométricas, los categoremas de la tipología se articularon sobre aspectos concernientes a la distribución diamétrica y espesura del rodal, identificándose nueve tipos. El carácter irregularizado, presente en cinco de ellos aunque con rasgos diferentes, se examinó a través de la distribución de Weibull truncada. La tipología, que se maneja computando tan sólo el nivel de regenerado y los diámetros de los pies inventariables, contempla los distintos estadios evolutivos y permite diagnosticar situaciones comprometidas en cuanto a la persistencia de la masa, bien causadas por deficientes estados de espesura o por falta de regenerado.

Evolución del crecimiento radial en un rodal adulto de Pinus nigra Arn. de la provincia de Lleida

Se ha estudiado un rodal adulto (edad media = 139 años) de Pinus nigra ssp. salzmannii var. pyrenaica en el W de la comarca del Solsonès (Lérida). Se han medido y extraído testigos de madera de 97 árboles adultos, a partir de los cuales se han medido e interdatado 13.340 anillos anuales, construyendo una cronología de crecimientos que abarca desde 1818 a 1996. Se han analizado las relaciones entre diversos parámetros dendrométricos medidos y los crecimientos observados, encontrándose en general muy bajas correlaciones. Se han construido tres series medias de crecimiento (cronología media, estandarizada, y en función de la edad) a partir de las cuales se ha analizado la evolución del rodal. Se ha observado un prolongado período de ralentización y estancamiento del crecimiento que se mantiene cerca de ochenta años, seguido de una fuerte corta a la que la masa reacciona con un notable incremento del crecimiento radial en un momento en que la edad media era ya de 101 años.

Riqueza y rareza de los insectos acuáticos de la laguna temporal de Espolla (Pla de l’Estany, Cataluña)

The richness and rarity of an insect community were analysed in a Mediterranean temporary pond located in NE of the Iberian Peninsula. The aquatic community was sampled weekly over 7 periods of flooding during y years (1996-1999). Distribution of rare species (with scarce presence at regional or peninsular levels, is detailed. The richness of the Espolla pond has been compared with that of other aquatic environments. The number of rare species of insects (8 taxa: 5 Corixidae, 1 Limnephilidae and 2 Chironomidae) and the insect richness (82 taxa) contrast with the traditional attribution of a low richness and rarity to the temporary aquatic environments

Fish passage assessment at the most downstream barrier of the Ebro River (NE Iberian Peninsula)

Fish passage at artificial barriers is necessary for the conservation of healthy fish stocks. The first barrier that migratory fish encounter when ascending the Ebro River is the Xerta Weir, where a pool-type fishway was constructed in 2008. From 2007 to 2010, boat electrofishing surveys were conducted in the Ebro River downstream of the Xerta Weir to assess the potential pool of species that could use the fishway. Nine native and 12 exotic species were captured, the latter comprising 62 % of the relative abundance and 70 % of the biomass. A combination of video recording, electrofishing and trapping was used to assess the effectiveness of the fishway in facilitating the passage of fish. Eight species were detected using the fishway, of which five were native (Liza ramada, Anguilla anguilla, Barbus graellsii, Gobio lozanoi and Salaria fluviatilis) and three exotic (Alburnus alburnus, Cyprinus carpio and Rutilus rutilus). Only L. ramada used the fishway in substantial numbers. The rate of fish passage was the highest from June to August and decreased afterwards. The effectiveness of the fishway might be lowered by areas of turbulence within the fishway and by distraction flows from a nearby hydropower station