scholarly journals Rapid gravity flow transformation revealed in a single climbing ripple

Geology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaco H. Baas ◽  
Jim Best ◽  
Jeff Peakall
Keyword(s):  
Plug Flow ◽  
Gravity Flow ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Geometrical Characteristics ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flow ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sediment Deformation ◽  
Rheological Character ◽  
Current Ripples

Sediment gravity flows demonstrate a wide range of rheological behaviors, and past work has shown how transformations between flow types generate spatiotemporal changes in the resultant sedimentary successions. We used the geometrical characteristics of a single climbing ripple to demonstrate how such flows can transform from a turbulent to a quasi-laminar plug flow, with the transitional clay flow sequence being manifested by abnormally large heterolithic sand-clay current ripples with small backflow ripples, and then abundant clay deposition associated with smaller ripples. Analysis of ripple size, angle of climb, grain size, internal erosional surfaces, and soft-sediment deformation suggests that transformation in the rheological character of the sediment gravity flow was rapid, occurring over a period of tens of minutes, and thus probably over a spatial scale of hundreds of meters to several kilometers. Our study indicates how the character of flow transformation can be elucidated from the details of a small-scale sedimentary structure.

Recognizing tide- and wave-dominated compound deltaic clinothems in the rock record

Geology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 1149-1153
Author(s):  
Yang Peng ◽  
Cornel Olariu ◽  
Ronald J. Steel
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravity Flow ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sedimentary Record ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flow ◽  
Rock Record ◽  
Storm Wave ◽  
Tidal Deposits

Abstract Many modern deltas exhibit a compound geometry that consists of a shoreline clinoform and a larger subaqueous clinoform connected through a subaqueous platform. Despite the ubiquity of compound clinoforms in modern deltas, very few examples have been documented from the ancient sedimentary record. We present recognition criteria for shelf compound-clinoform systems in both tide- and wave-dominated deltas by integration of ancient and modern examples from multiple types of data. The compound clinothem can be identified by using a combination of: (1) the three-dimensional (3-D) configuration identified in bathymetric or seismic data, (2) bipartite stacked regressive units, consisting of a lower muddy coarsening-to-fining-upward (CUFU) or coarsening-upward (CU) unit (30–100 m thick) and an overlying sandier CU unit (5–30 m thick) (together they represent the subaqueous and shoreline clinoform pair), and (3) distinct facies described herein, though both types of delta have highly bioturbated mudstone and siltstone bottomsets. Tide-dominated deltas have muddy foresets with tidal scours containing tidal rhythmites or inclined heterolithic strata in the subaqueous clinothem overlain by river and tidal deposits of the shoreline clinothem. Wave-dominated deltas show mainly wave-enhanced sediment-gravity-flow (WSGF) beds and some thin hummocky/swaley cross-stratified (HCS/SCS) sandstones toward the top in the subaqueous muddy foreset, and upward-thickening HCS/SCS and trough/planar cross-bedded sandstones interbedded with siltstones in the shoreline clinothem. The subaqueous platform, which links the clinoform couplet, shows evidence of frequent tidal or wave reworking and redeposition. The platform in tide-dominated deltas is characterized by tide-generated heterolithic strata (e.g., bidirectional current-rippled and cross-stratified sandstones, spring and neap tidal bundles, tidal rhythmites) with occasional storm-wave–influenced strata. In contrast, the wave-dominated platform comprises small-scale swales with scours and mud clasts and some WSGF deposits. The proposed criteria can aid in the recognition of compound deltaic clinothems in other basins, particularly those with limited amounts and/or types of data.

Gravity flows: Types, definitions, origins, identification markers, and problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-90
Author(s):  
Shanmugam G
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Sediment Concentration ◽  
Gravity Flow ◽  
Turbidity Currents ◽  
Hyperpycnal Flows ◽  
Gravity Flows ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flow ◽  
Aeolian Dunes ◽  
C 50

Abstract This review covers 135 years of research on gravity flows since the first reporting of density plumes in the Lake Geneva, Switzerland, by Forel (1885). Six basic types of gravity flows have been identified in subaerial and suaqueous environments. They are: (1) hyperpycnal flows, (2) turbidity currents, (3) debris flows, (4) liquefied/fluidized flows, (5) grain flows, and (6) thermohaline contour currents. The first five types are flows in which the density is caused by sediment in the flow, whereas in the sixth type, the density is caused by variations in temperature and salinity. Although all six types originate initially as downslope gravity flows, only the first five types are truly downslope processes, whereas the sixth type eventually becomes an alongslope process. (1) Hyperpycnal flows are triggered by river floods in which density of incoming river water is greater than the basin water. These flows  are confined to proximity of the shoreline. They transport mud, and they do not transport sand into the deep sea. There are no sedimentological criteria yet to identify hyperpycnites in the ancient sedimentary record.  (2) A turbidity current is a sediment-gravity flow with Newtonian rheology  and turbulent state in which sediment is supported by flow turbulence and from which deposition occurs through suspension settling. Typical turbidity currents can function as truly turbulent suspensions only when their sediment concentration by volume is below 9% or C < 9%. This requirement firmly excludes the existence of 'high-density turbidity currents'. Turbidites are recognized by their distinct normal grading in deep-water deposits.  (3) A debris flow (C: 25-100%) is a sediment-gravity flow with plastic rheology and laminar state from which deposition occurs through freezing en masse. The terms debris flow and mass flow are used interchangeably. General characteristics of muddy and sandy debrites are floating clasts, planar clast fabric, inverse grading, etc.  Most sandy deep-water deposits are sandy debrites and they comprise important petroleum reservoirs worldwide. (4) A liquefied/fluidized low (>25%) is a sediment-gravity flow in which sediment is supported by upward-moving intergranular fluid. They are commonly triggered by seismicity. Water-escape structures, dish and pillar structures, and SSDS are common. (5) A grain flow (C: 50-100%) is a sediment-gravity flow in which grains are supported by dispersive pressure caused by grain collision. These flows are common on the slip face of aeolian dunes. Massive sand and inverse grading are potential identification markers.  (6) Thermohaline contour currents originate in the Antarctic region due to shelf freezing and  the related increase in the density of cold saline (i.e., thermohaline) water. Although they begin their journey as downslope gravity flows, they eventually flow alongslope as contour currents. Hybridites are deposits that result from intersection of downslope gravity flows and alongslope contour currents. Hybridites mimic the "Bouma Sequence" with traction structures (Tb and Tc). Facies models of hyperpycnites, turbidites, and contourites  are obsolete. Of the six types of density flows, hyperpycnal flows and their deposits are the least understood.

scholarly journals New interpretation of the basal Bambuí Group, Sete Lagoas High (Minas Gerais, E Brazil) by sedimentological studies and regional implications for the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation: Correlations across Brazil and Central Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franck R.A DELPOMDOR ◽  
Archange M. ILAMBWETSI ◽  
Fabricío A. CAXITO ◽  
Antonio C. PEDROSA-SOARES
Keyword(s):  
Central Africa ◽  
Carbonate Ramp ◽  
Gravity Flow ◽  
Intermediate Water ◽  
Anoxic Conditions ◽  
Accommodation Space ◽  
Sediment Gravity Flow ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Storm Wave ◽  
New Interpretation

Along the preserved southeast border (i.e., the Sete Lagoas High) of the Bambuí basin, the Pedro Leopoldo Member, basal succession of the Sete Lagoas Formation, unconformably overlies the Archean basement, and mostly includes carbonates with thin pelite intercalations and rare ruditic deposits. One of these, the so-called Carrancas conglomerate in its type-section, has been considered one of the lowermost rudite deposits of the Bambuí basin, being frequently ascribed to a Neoproterozoic glaciation. However, our detailed study, based on facies analysis, reveals that the Carrancas conglomerate was deposited by sediment gravity flow currents within the basal Pedro Leopoldo Member. Two outcrop sections in the São José de Lapa and Vespasiano areas, including thirteen abandoned quarry-cut and cliff outcrops, display eight distinct lithofacies (LF1 to LF8) forming a shallowing-upward carbonate ramp succession. It is composed, from the base to the top, by a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate outer ramp distally bounded by a slope-outer ramp system with sediment gravity flow deposits, a deep outer ramp developed below storm-wave base environments, an outer-middle ramp with aragonite pseudomorph crystal fans developed in a CaCO3 oversaturated below storm-wave base environment in suboxic/anoxic conditions. According to published isotope data correlating δ13C trends and values in basal carbonates of the Pedro Leopoldo Member of the Sete Lagoas and Januária highs, the relatively deep outer-slope ramp mixed siliciclastic-carbonate units of the study area appear to be coeval in age with the cap dolostone of shallow-water inner ramp of the Januária High. The absence of a cap dolostone in the Sete Lagoas High could be explained by lack of accommodation space or a regional erosion due to the tectonically driven forebulge uplift of the Sete Lagoas High. The Pedro Leopoldo Member in the Sete Lagoas High was accumulated in a brine-seawater bottom waters under suboxic/anoxic conditions in the relatively deeper portion of the carbonate ramp system, whilst the cap dolostone in the Januária High was developed in oxygenated mixed layer and intermediate water near the surface water in the shallower portion of the carbonate ramp system. Such lateral variations of facies and δ13C fluctuations are similar to those recorded by the cap carbonate sequences of the basal Schisto-Calcaire/Lukala (Sub)Group in the West Congo Belt and the basal Araras Group in the Paraguay Belt, which display a similar wide range of sub-environments like the studied part of the Pedro Leopoldo Member.

Integrated Design and Multi-Objective Optimization of a Single Stage Heat-Pump Turbocompressor

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Schiffmann
Keyword(s):  
Design Optimization ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Multi Objective Optimization ◽  
Design Constraints ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Standard Design

Small scale turbomachines in domestic heat pumps reach high efficiency and provide oil-free solutions which improve heat-exchanger performance and offer major advantages in the design of advanced thermodynamic cycles. An appropriate turbocompressor for domestic air based heat pumps requires the ability to operate on a wide range of inlet pressure, pressure ratios and mass flows, confronting the designer with the necessity to compromise between range and efficiency. Further the design of small-scale direct driven turbomachines is a complex and interdisciplinary task. Textbook design procedures propose to split such systems into subcomponents and to design and optimize each element individually. This common procedure, however, tends to neglect the interactions between the different components leading to suboptimal solutions. The authors propose an approach based on the integrated philosophy for designing and optimizing gas bearing supported, direct driven turbocompressors for applications with challenging requirements with regards to operation range and efficiency. Using previously validated reduced order models for the different components an integrated model of the compressor is implemented and the optimum system found via multi-objective optimization. It is shown that compared to standard design procedure the integrated approach yields an increase of the seasonal compressor efficiency of more than 12 points. Further a design optimization based sensitivity analysis allows to investigate the influence of design constraints determined prior to optimization such as impeller surface roughness, rotor material and impeller force. A relaxation of these constrains yields additional room for improvement. Reduced impeller force improves efficiency due to a smaller thrust bearing mainly, whereas a lighter rotor material improves rotordynamic performance. A hydraulically smoother impeller surface improves the overall efficiency considerably by reducing aerodynamic losses. A combination of the relaxation of the 3 design constraints yields an additional improvement of 6 points compared to the original optimization process. The integrated design and optimization procedure implemented in the case of a complex design problem thus clearly shows its advantages compared to traditional design methods by allowing a truly exhaustive search for optimum solutions throughout the complete design space. It can be used for both design optimization and for design analysis.

scholarly journals A broadbanded pressure differential wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Righi ◽  
Giacomo Moretti ◽  
David Forehand ◽  
Lorenzo Agostini ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Large Deformations ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Pressure Differential ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Waves

AbstractDielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are a promising option for the implementation of affordable and reliable sea wave energy converters (WECs), as they show considerable promise in replacing expensive and inefficient power take-off systems with cheap direct-drive generators. This paper introduces a concept of a pressure differential wave energy converter, equipped with a DEG power take-off operating in direct contact with sea water. The device consists of a closed submerged air chamber, with a fluid-directing duct and a deformable DEG power take-off mounted on its top surface. The DEG is cyclically deformed by wave-induced pressure, thus acting both as the power take-off and as a deformable interface with the waves. This layout allows the partial balancing of the stiffness due to the DEG’s elasticity with the negative hydrostatic stiffness contribution associated with the displacement of the water column on top of the DEG. This feature makes it possible to design devices in which the DEG exhibits large deformations over a wide range of excitation frequencies, potentially achieving large power capture in a wide range of sea states. We propose a modelling approach for the system that relies on potential-flow theory and electroelasticity theory. This model makes it possible to predict the system dynamic response in different operational conditions and it is computationally efficient to perform iterative and repeated simulations, which are required at the design stage of a new WEC. We performed tests on a small-scale prototype in a wave tank with the aim of investigating the fluid–structure interaction between the DEG membrane and the waves in dynamical conditions and validating the numerical model. The experimental results proved that the device exhibits large deformations of the DEG power take-off over a broad range of monochromatic and panchromatic sea states. The proposed model demonstrates good agreement with the experimental data, hence proving its suitability and effectiveness as a design and prediction tool.

scholarly journals A Threat of Farmers’ Suicide and the Opportunity in Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Development in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karthikeyan Mariappan ◽  
Deyi Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Conventional Farming ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Input Cost

Agriculture is the main sources of income for humans. Likewise, agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. In India, Tamil Nadu regional state has a wide range of possibilities to produce all varieties of organic products due to its diverse agro-climatic condition. This research aimed to identify the economics and efficiency of organic farming, and the possibilities to reduce farmers’ suicides in the Tamil Nadu region through the organic agriculture concept. The emphasis was on farmers, producers, researchers, and marketers entering the sustainable economy through organic farming by reducing input cost and high profit in cultivation. A survey was conducted to gather data. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been used to test the hypothesis regards the cost and profit of rice production. The results showed that there was a significant difference in profitability between organic and conventional farming methods. It is very transparent that organic farming is the leading concept of sustainable agricultural development with better organic manures that can improve soil fertility, better yield, less input cost and better return than conventional farming. The study suggests that by reducing the cost of cultivation and get a marginal return through organic farming method to poor and small scale farmers will reduce socio-economic problems such as farmers’ suicides in the future of Indian agriculture.

Electromechanical fields in a hollow piezoelectric cylinder under non-uniform load: flexoelectric effect

2021 ◽  
pp. 108128652110207
Author(s):  
Olha Hrytsyna
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Solutions ◽  
Point Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Gradient Theory ◽  
Local Mass ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mass Displacement ◽  
Local Mass Displacement ◽  
Local Gradient

The relations of a local gradient non-ferromagnetic electroelastic continuum are used to solve the problem of an axisymmetrical loaded hollow cylinder. Analytical solutions are obtained for tetragonal piezoelectric materials of point group 4 mm for two cases of external loads applied to the body surfaces. Namely, the hollow pressurized cylinder and a cylinder subjected to an electrical voltage V across its thickness are considered. The derived solutions demonstrate that the non-uniform electric load causes a mechanical deformation of piezoelectric body, and vice versa, the inhomogeneous radial pressure of the cylinder induces its polarization. Such a result is obtained due to coupling between the electromechanical fields and a local mass displacement being considered. In the local gradient theory, the local mass displacement is associated with the changes to a material’s microstructure. The classical theory does not consider the effect of material microstructure on the behavior of solid bodies and is incapable of explaining the mentioned phenomena. It is also shown that the local gradient theory describes the size-dependent properties of piezoelectric nanocylinders. Analytical solutions to the formulated boundary-value problems can be used in conjunction with experimental data to estimate some higher-order material constants of the local gradient piezoelectricity. The obtained results may be useful for a wide range of appliances that utilize small-scale piezoelectric elements as constituting blocks.

Observations of Small-Scale Turbulence and Energy Dissipation Rates in the Cloudy Boundary Layer

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1451-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Siebert ◽  
Katrin Lehmann ◽  
Manfred Wendisch
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Energy Dissipation ◽  
Wind Velocity ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Horizontal Wind ◽  
Inertial Subrange ◽  
Intermittent Flow ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dissipation Rates ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Tethered balloon–borne measurements with a resolution in the order of 10 cm in a cloudy boundary layer are presented. Two examples sampled under different conditions concerning the clouds' stage of life are discussed. The hypothesis tested here is that basic ideas of classical turbulence theory in boundary layer clouds are valid even to the decimeter scale. Power spectral densities S( f ) of air temperature, liquid water content, and wind velocity components show an inertial subrange behavior down to ≈20 cm. The mean energy dissipation rates are ∼10−3 m2 s−3 for both datasets. Estimated Taylor Reynolds numbers (Reλ) are ∼104, which indicates the turbulence is fully developed. The ratios between longitudinal and transversal S( f ) converge to a value close to 4/3, which is predicted by classical turbulence theory for local isotropic conditions. Probability density functions (PDFs) of wind velocity increments Δu are derived. The PDFs show significant deviations from a Gaussian distribution with longer tails typical for an intermittent flow. Local energy dissipation rates ɛτ are derived from subsequences with a duration of τ = 1 s. With a mean horizontal wind velocity of 8 m s−1, τ corresponds to a spatial scale of 8 m. The PDFs of ɛτ can be well approximated with a lognormal distribution that agrees with classical theory. Maximum values of ɛτ ≈ 10−1 m2 s−3 are found in the analyzed clouds. The consequences of this wide range of ɛτ values for particle–turbulence interaction are discussed.

scholarly journals Surface kinetic energy transfer in surface quasi-geostrophic flows

2008 ◽  
Vol 604 ◽  
pp. 165-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
XAVIER CAPET ◽  
PATRICE KLEIN ◽  
BACH LIEN HUA ◽  
GUILLAUME LAPEYRE ◽  
JAMES C. MCWILLIAMS
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Surface Dynamics ◽  
Spectral Flux ◽  
Advection Term ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Geostrophic Flows ◽  
Scale Range ◽  
Density Variance

The relevance of surface quasi-geostrophic dynamics (SQG) to the upper ocean and the atmospheric tropopause has been recently demonstrated in a wide range of conditions. Within this context, the properties of SQG in terms of kinetic energy (KE) transfers at the surface are revisited and further explored. Two well-known and important properties of SQG characterize the surface dynamics: (i) the identity between surface velocity and density spectra (when appropriately scaled) and (ii) the existence of a forward cascade for surface density variance. Here we show numerically and analytically that (i) and (ii) do not imply a forward cascade of surface KE (through the advection term in the KE budget). On the contrary, advection by the geostrophic flow primarily induces an inverse cascade of surface KE on a large range of scales. This spectral flux is locally compensated by a KE source that is related to surface frontogenesis. The subsequent spectral budget resembles those exhibited by more complex systems (primitive equations or Boussinesq models) and observations, which strengthens the relevance of SQG for the description of ocean/atmosphere dynamics near vertical boundaries. The main weakness of SQG however is in the small-scale range (scales smaller than 20–30 km in the ocean) where it poorly represents the forward KE cascade observed in non-QG numerical simulations.

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