Process of Expropriation of Buildings for the Construction of the New Dock of the Port of Cartagena (Spain) in the 18th Century

The need of the Bourbon monarchy to build a Naval Base in the Bay of Cartagena (Spain) during the eighteenth century, implied performing various actions on the environment which allowed the construction of the new dock. One of the priority actions was the transformation of the watershed of the streams that flowed into Mandaraches´s sea. For this reason, a dike was designed and constructed in the northern part of the city. The design of this great work, which was designed as a fortification of the city, was subject to considerable uncertainties. Its proximity to the city involved the demolition of several buildings in the San Roque´s neighborhood. The greater or lesser number of affected buildings and the value of the just indemnification for the expropriation of them, become decisive factors to determine if the work was viable for the Royal Estate or not.

Numerical model for the study of hydrodynamics on bays and estuaries

A nonlinear implicit finite element model for the solution of two-dimensional (2-D) shallow water equations, based on a Galerkin formulation of the 2-D estuaries hydrodynamic equations, has been developed. Spatial discretization has been achieved by the use of isoparametric, Lagrangian elements. To obtain the different element matrices, Simpson numerical integration has been applied. For time integration of the model, several schemes in finite differences have been used: the Cranck-Nicholson iterative method supplies a superior accuracy and allows us to work with the greatest time step Δt; however, central differences time integration produces a greater velocity of calculation. The model has been tested with different examples to check its accuracy and advantages in relation to computation and handling of matrices. Finally, an application to the Bay of Santander is also presented.

Runup variability due to time dependence and stochasticity in the beach profiles: two extreme cases of the Spanish coast

Equations for extreme runup worked out from several experimental studies are compared. Infragraviatory oscillations dominate the swash in a dissipative state but not in intermediate - reflective states. Therefore two kinds of equation depending on either significant wave height, H-0, or the Iribarren number, xi(0), should be used. Through a sand bed physical model with a uniform sand bed slope, equations are proposed for both beach states, and results are compared with precedent field and physical model experiments. Once the equations are chosen, the time-longshore variability in a medium - long term time scale of the foreshore slope is evaluated in two extreme cases relating to the Spanish coast. The Salinas beach on the North coast (Bay of Biscay) displayed a permanent dissipative beach state with small variations in the beach foreshore slope both along the shore and in time, so foreshore slope deviations in a medium-long term period were irrelevant and extreme runup is predicted with the wave height worked out from the design return period. Peniscola beach on the East coast (Mediterranean sea) displayed an intermediate state. If only time variations are analysed, variations in determining extreme runup are irrelevant. In contrast, significant differences were found when the longshore variations were studied in this Mediterranean beach.

Multilocus DNA fingerprinting reveals high rate of heritable genetic mutation in herring gulls nesting in an industrialized urban site.

Genotoxins, such as polycyclic aromatic compounds, are ubiquitous in urban and industrial environments. Our understanding of the role that these chemicals play in generating DNA sequence mutations is predominantly derived from laboratory studies with specific genotoxins or extracts of contaminants from environmental media. Most assays are not indicative of the germinal effects of exposure in situ to complex mixtures of common environmental mutagens. Using multilocus DNA fingerprinting, we found the mutation rate in herring gulls inhabiting a heavily industrialized urban harbor (Hamilton Harbour, Ontario) to be more than twice as high as three rural sites: Kent Island, Bay of Fundy; Chantry Island, Lake Huron; and Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Lake Ontario. Overall we found a mutation rate of 0.017 +/- 0.004 per offspring band in Hamilton, 0.006 +/- 0.002 at Kent Island, 0.002 +/- 0.002 from Chantry Island, and 0.004 +/- 0.002 from Presqu'ile Provincial Park. The mutation rate from the rural sites (pooled) was significantly lower than the rate observed in Hamilton Harbour (Fisher's exact test, two-tailed; P = 0.0006). These minisatellite DNA mutations may be important biomarkers for heritable genetic changes resulting from in situ exposure to environmental genotoxins in a free-living vertebrate species.

Descriptions of new Indian lepidopterous insects from the collection of the late Mr. W.S. Atkinson. Rhopalocera, by William C. Hewitson. Heterocera, by Frederic Moore. With an introductory notice by Arthur Grote.

1879

World Map Showing Routes of Exploration and Discovery, 1850 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: The world, on Mercator's projection, by David H. Burr. It was published by J. Haven, 86 State St. in 1850. Scale [ca. 1:74,000,000]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to a non-standard 'Mercator' projection with the central meridian at 90 degrees west. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. "Showing the different routes to California, and distance by each, routes of different navigators, route of the contemplated Pacific R. Road, distances to China, Europe, & c." This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown by abbreviated form lines. Includes historical notes, ship ill., tables of distances, "Nicaragua route" distances, and text on "Pacific Railroad." Insets: Map of the Nicaragua route -- Map of the proposed rail road from St. Louis to the bay of St. Francisco. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection and the Harvard University Library as part of the Open Collections Program at Harvard University project: Organizing Our World: Sponsored Exploration and Scientific Discovery in the Modern Age. Maps selected for the project correspond to various expeditions and represent a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates, scales, and purposes.

Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, 1777 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: A topographical chart of the bay of Narraganset in the province of New England : with all the isles contained therein, among which Rhode Island and Connonicut have been particularly surveyed, shewing the true position & bearings of the banks, shoals, rocks &c. as likewise the soundings, to which have been added the several works & batteries raised by the Americans, taken by order of the principal farmers on Rhode Island, by Charles Blaskowitz. It was published in 1777 by Wm. Faden. Scale [ca. 1:50,000]. Nautical chart showing American Revolution military defenses and points of interest. Covers the Narraganset Bay region, Rhode Island. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Rhode Island State Plane Coordinate System (Feet) (FIPS 3800). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as roads, selected buildings, farms, military defenses and structures, drainage, and more. Relief shown by hachures. Depths shown by soundings and form lines. Includes text, "References to the batteries," and "A list of the principal farms in Rhode Island." This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of New England from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.