Santa Ana Winds: Fractal-Based Analysis in a Semi-Arid Zone of Northern Mexico

A fractal analysis based on the time series of precipitation, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed was performed for 16 weather stations located in the hydrographic basin of the Guadalupe River in Baja California, Mexico. Days on which the phenomenon known as Santa Ana winds occurs were identified based on the corresponding criteria of wind speed (≥4.5 m/s) and wind direction (between 0° and 90°). Subsequently, the time series was formed with data representing the days on which this phenomenon occurs in each of the analyzed weather stations. A time series was additionally formed from the days in which the Santa Ana winds condition does not occur. Hurst exponents and fractal dimension were estimated applying the rescaled range method to characterize the established time series in terms of characteristics of persistence, anti-persistence, or randomness along with the calculation of the climate predictability Index. This enabled the behavior and correlation analysis of the meteorological variables associated with Santa Ana winds occurrence. Finally, this type of research study is instrumental in understanding the regional dynamics of the climate in the basin, and allows us to establish a basis for developing models that can forecast the days of occurrence of the Santa Ana winds, in such a way that actions or measures can be taken to mitigate the negative consequences generated when said phenomenon occurs, such as fires and droughts.

OCS Rehabilitation and Kevlar Contact Wire Fall Prevention VTA San Jose, CA

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) required their original overhead contact system (OCS) along North 1st Street between interstate highway I-880 and West San Carlos Street at the Guadalupe River (opened in 1987) to be rehabilitated. HNTB was chosen to assist with the project and the first task included an overall inspection of the line to ascertain condition, operational deficiencies, and safety concerns. From this inspection, VTA prepared a scope of work for HNTB to perform and then prepare design documents for contractor bidding. During the inspection process, VTA further requested an evaluation of pole deflection in their Guadalupe Yard. Of interest is the line from Younger Street to the Guadalupe River at West San Carlos Street being joint pantograph and trolley pole compatible as VTA operates heritage streetcars during their Christmas holiday season. The inspection of the OCS revealed deficiencies and safety concerns due to the age and type of equipment in use, most of it being original. Trolley frogs, crossover pans, and section insulators had field constructed gliders that were non-standard or inconsistent between assemblies. Trolley wires were suspended by clamps with no insulation requiring span wire insulators which made the span wire between the insulators alive at 750 volts. An open faced disconnect switch was too close to an apartment balcony with the possibility of the live parts being touched by people on the balcony, and some OCS poles were too short to raise span wires for adjustment. During inspection, a trolley wire broke at a trolley frog anchor tip and fell to the street at the pedestrian mall in downtown San Jose. VTA systems engineering had the idea of supporting the single contact wire supported and clamped to a Kevlar messenger wire. This support system in theory was proven to prevent the broken contact wire to hang 3.047m [10 feet] above ground, a CPUC G.O. 95 requirement. Similar Kevlar restraining supports were used by VTA to prevent the contact and messenger wires from falling down as a result of in-span insulator failure. VTA directed HNTB to use VTA’s idea to design a system of wire constraint using Kevlar synthetic rope to prevent wires from falling. This paper describes the deficiencies and safety concerns discovered during inspection and how they were eliminated through creative OCS design. It further describes the process of inspection, direction, design, and operation of the rehabilitation project and how the use of Kevlar synthetic rope was used to keep trolley wire from falling during wire breaks both in theory and actuality. It also describes the issues encountered during construction, stagger issues from joint operation, pole extension implementation, and general improvements made to the OCS.

Ancient DNA analysis of archaeological specimens extends Chinook salmon’s known historic range to San Francisco Bay’s tributaries and southernmost watershed

Understanding a species’ historic range guides contemporary management and habitat restoration. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are an important commercial and recreational gamefish, but nine Chinook subspecies are federally threatened or endangered due to anthropogenic impacts. Several San Francisco Bay Area streams and rivers currently host spawning Chinook populations, but government agencies consider these non-native hatchery strays. Through the morphology-based analysis of 17,288 fish specimens excavated from Native American middens at Mission Santa Clara (CA-SCL-30H), Santa Clara County, circa 1781–1834 CE, 88 salmonid vertebrae were identified. Ancient DNA sequencing identified three separate individuals as Chinook salmon and the remainder as steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These findings comprise the first physical evidence of the nativity of salmon to the Guadalupe River in San Jose, California, extending their documented historic range to include San Francisco Bay’s southernmost tributary watershed.

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF E. COLI GENETIC DIVERSITY IN THE GUADALUPE RIVER: INITIAL APPROACH TO FECAL POLLUTION TRACKING

Four sites in the Guadalupe River were sampled for coliform bacteria from the winter 2016 through spring 2017 to assess the microbiological pollution situation in the river and to identify pollution sources. Numbers of putative coliforms detected ranged from below detection limits to 260 CFUs per 100 mL. Over the time period sampled, coliform levels exhibited strong seasonality, probably linked to the amount of rainfall prior to the sampling date. Molecular analysis of confirmed E. coli isolates demonstrated that the spike in coliform numbers 03 December 2016 was dominated by only two unique fingerprints, suggesting the possibility of a watershed source for fecal contamination in the urban area. The diversity of E. coli fingerprints was much greater in the rural portion of the river, suggesting a variety of coliform sources, probably including wildlife. Further studies are needed to identify and manage sources of fecal pollution.

Ancient DNA Analysis of Archaeological Specimens Extends Chinook Salmon’s Known Historic Range to San Francisco Bay and Its Southernmost Watershed

Understanding a species’ historic range guides contemporary management and habitat restoration. Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) are an important commercial and recreational gamefish, but nine Chinook subspecies are federally threatened or endangered due to anthropomorphic impacts. Several San Francisco Bay Area streams and rivers currently host spawning Chinook populations, but government agencies consider these non-native hatchery strays. Using ichthyofaunal analysis of 17,288 fish specimens excavated from Native American middens at Mission Santa Clara circa 1781-1834 CE, 86 salmonid vertebrae were identified. Ancient DNA sequencing identified three of these as from Chinook salmon and the remainder from steelhead trout. These findings comprise the first physical evidence of the nativity of salmon to the Guadalupe River in San Jose, California, extending their historic range to include San Francisco Bay’s southernmost watershed.

Environmental History of an Early Spanish Settlement in the Visayas, Philippines: Excavations in the Parian District of Cebu City | Kasaysayang Pangkalikupan sa usa ka Karaang Puluy-anan Katsila sa Kabisay-an, Pilipinas: Mga Nakubkoban sa Distritong Parian, Lungsod sa Sugbu

The Jesuit House was built in 1730 on land reclaimed from the Tinago Marsh at the edge of the early Spanish settlement of Cebu City, Philippines, two centuries after it was first encountered by the Spanish explorer Magellan. As the city expanded from its core areas ca. 1565 around Fort San Pedro, Plaza Independencia, and the sites of Santo Nino Church and the Cebu Cathedral, waterways were drained and filled, and canals were dredged to extend the urban Spanish grid. Archaeological excavations at the Jesuit House and in the nearby Casa Gorordo Annex project document these changes in the urban landscape. Soil profiles throughout the downtown coastal plain in conjunction with chronostratigraphic data from the excavations demonstrate its submergence during the late Holocene high sea still-stand, followed by dissection by local drainages and the Guadalupe River. Relict channels and distinct interfluvial terraces are observed showing a migrating series of channels along the shoreline as well as a distinct escarpment at the back of the plain that marked the limits of marine intrusion during the high still-stand. Visayans and Spanish settlers selected higher ground for settlement in the interfluves and modified lowland areas such as the marshlands one of which became the Parian District of urban Cebu. Archaeological investigations at the Jesuit House and the Casa Gorordo Annex document the environmental history as well as the transition from native to colonial lifeways at the edge of Empire.Ang Balay Hesuita natukod niadtong tuig 1730 pinaagi sa pagtambak og yuta sa Katunggan sa Tinago diha sa ngilit sa nag-unang nahimutangan sa mga Katsila sa Sugbu, Pilipinas, mga duha ka gatusan ka tuig human kini nakaplagan sa Katsilang manunuhid nga si Magallanes. Sa dihang nilapad ang lungsod, gibana-bana 1565, nga naglangkob sa Kotang San Pedro, Hawan Independencia, ug mga luna sa Simbahang Santo Nino ug Katedral sa Sugbu, ang mga katunggan gipahubas ug gitambaka’g yuta, ug ang mga kanal gihawas-asan aron sa pagpalugway sa gilapdon sa lungsuranong Katsila. Makita kining mga kausaban sa lungsod pinaagi sa mga nakubkuban sa mga arkeyologo sa Balay Hesuita ug sa Sumpay sa Balay Gorordo nga duol niini. Ang mga takilirang hulagway’ng yuta sa tibuok kabaybayunang patag sa maong lungsod, tali sa datos nga kronostratigrapiko nga nakuha pinaagi sa mga arkeyolohikong pangubkob nagapakita sa pagkalubog niini kaniadto sa kinatas-ang naabtan sa dagat sa panahon sa Holosino, gisundan kini sa pagtabas-tabas pinaagi sa mga gagmay’ng sapa ug sa Subang Guadalupe. Makita sa mga karaang giagian sa katubigan ug tataw’ng mga hinagdanan ang nagsunod-sunod nga mga agianan sa tubig subay sa baybayon ug ang mga tataw nga tagaytay sa likod sa patag nga maoy nagpaila kung asa taman niabot ang kadagatan sa panahon sa kintas-ang gihunungan niini kaniadto. Gipili sa mga lumolupyo nga Bisaya ug Katsila ang hataas nga mga lugar para ila kining puy-an taliwala sa mga dagayday ug ilang giusab ang mga basa nga mga lugar sa ubos niini, sama sa mga katunggan diin usa niini ang Ditritong Parian sa Sugbu. Ang mga pagtulun-ang arkeyologo sa Balay Hesuita ug sa Sumpay sa Balay Gorordo nagapakita sa kaagi sa kalikupan lakip na ang pag-usab gikan sa lumadnon ngadto sa kolonyal nga mga pamaagi sa kinabuhi diha sa ngilit sa Imperyo.

Short Report on an Intensive Archeological Survey for the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation’s Proposed SH123/Austin Street Water Line Installation Project, Guadalupe County, Texas

Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (Client) is proposing to construct an 18-inch water main pipeline along the west side of State Highway (SH) Business 123 (Stockdale Highway/South Austin Street) crossing of the Guadalupe River in the City of Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas (Project). According to current design plans, the proposed water line would be connected to an existing pipeline located approximately 75 feet (ft) [23 meters (m)] north of the Guadalupe River near the existing Max Starke Park Water Treatment Plant and an existing main pipeline located approximately 75 ft (23 m) south of the Guadalupe River along SH 123 in Seguin, Texas. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) consists of two work areas, one north and one south of the Guadalupe River. The northern work area consists of 0.20 acres (ac) and the southern work area consists of 0.15 ac. The APE is 0.35 ac in total. The Project is within the City of Seguin, a subdivision of the state , and thus triggers a review of cultural resources under the Antiquities Code of Texas (Section 191.0525). Additionally, due to Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting requirements the Project falls under the regulations of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (U.S. Code 16, §470, et seq.). TRC archeologists conducted a limited desktop literature and archives review for the proposed Project to assess whether previously recorded cultural resources are within or adjacent to the APE or within a 1-mile (mi) (1.6-kilometer [km]) of the APE. This included a review of the THC’s Archeological and Historic Sites Atlas (Atlas) which provides information related to the location of previously conducted archeological surveys and recorded archeological sites, cemeteries, properties currently listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs), and State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) that may be impacted by the proposed Project. According to the THC-Atlas, no previously conducted archeological surveys, archeological sites, cemeteries, historic properties, or historical markers intersect or are adjacent to the APE. Fieldwork was conducted by TRC archeologists on February 12, 2020 under Antiquities Permit Number 9263. The intensive archeological field survey included survey of 100 percent of the APE supplemented with shovel testing and visual inspection. Survey methods followed the guidelines and survey standards set forth by the THC and Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA). Review of the project plans showed that of the 155 m (509 ft) proposed water line only 27 m (89 ft) of the line to the north and 18 m (59 ft) of the line to the south will be buried with the remainder above ground and spanning the Austin Street bridge. Survey efforts were concentrated along the buried portions of the proposed water line. Due to the high degree of ground disturbance from existing utilities, bridge construction, and the presence of steep slope only a single shovel test could be excavated. Nine additional ‘No Dig’ observation points were recorded to document the areas of disturbance and slope. No cultural resources or historic structures were identified within the APE. No additional work is recommended.

La inundación de 1714 de la Ciudad de México: impacto, consecuencias y dicotomía entre riesgos naturales e intereses económicos

RESUMENLa Ciudad de México es un ejemplo paradigmático de un asentamiento en un territorio en riesgo. Durante el periodo colonial, los cambios ecológicos que en el valle de México se produjeron tuvieron como consecuencia un aumento en la frecuencia e intensidad de las inundaciones. En nuestra contribución analizamos el impacto que tuvo el evento de inundación de 1714, sus causas y las decisiones que se tomaron por las autoridades civiles para la reconstrucción y la prevención. Especialmente dedicamos un importante interés al conflicto que hubo en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe debido a las modificaciones del cauce del río Guadalupe por la Hacienda de Santa Ana Aragón, que provocaron el anegamiento de la población.PALABRAS CLAVECiudad de México, inundaciones, desastre, siglo XVIII, ciencia y técnica. TITLEThe fl ood of 1714 in Mexico City: a paradigmatic example of the dichotomy between natural risks and economic interestsABSTRACTMexico City is a paradigmatic example of a settlement in a territory at risk. During the colonial period, the ecological changes that occurred in the Valley of Mexico resulted in an increase in the frequency and intensity of floods. In our contribution we analyze the impact that the flood event of 1714 had, its causes and the decisions that were made bythe civil authorities for the reconstruction and the prevention. Especially we dedicate an important interest to the conflict that there was in Nuestra Señora of Guadalupe due to the modifications of the course of the Guadalupe River by the Hacienda of Santa Ana Aragón, that caused the flood of the village.KEY WORDSMexico City, floods, disaster, 18th century, science and technology.

Molecular phylogeny, biogeography, and conservation status of the Texas-endemic freshwater mussel Lampsilis bracteata (Bivalvia, Unionidae)

Lampsilis bracteata (Gould), the Texas Fatmucket, is a regional endemic species in the central Texas biogeographic province which is a candidate to be listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Lampsilis bracteata is morphologically similar to the common species L. hydiana (Lea). Here, we examine the molecular taxonomic identification of L. bracteata, and compare its historical range with its current geographic distribution. Tests of genetic affinities based on two mitochondrial genes typically used for DNA barcoding (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, ND1) support recognition of L. bracteata as a full species. An unexpected spin-off result was that ND1 sequences of L. satura (Lea), a threatened species in Texas, formed a highly supported cluster within putative L. cardium Rafinesque. As an endemic species, the distribution of L. bracteata has been historically restricted; however, poor land and water management practices have further reduced its distribution from eighteen to just eight streams in the Colorado River drainage and to one stream in the Guadalupe River drainage. For L. bracteata, as for many other imperiled freshwater mussel species, effective conservation measures rely on correct species identification, definition of its geographic range and assessment of its changes in the recent past.

Managing Centrarchid Fisheries in Rivers and Streams

<em>Abstract.</em>—We reexamined a local population of Guadalupe Bass <em>Micropterus treculii </em>after cessation of a stocking program that significantly reduced the number of individuals that were hybridized with Smallmouth Bass <em>M. dolomie</em> u. Analysis of five years of post-stocking fish collection data show that the percentage of hybrids has increased in all four study sections of the upper Guadalupe River since stocking stopped. We found that hybridization had increased from 0.0% to 9.9% in Johnson Creek, 19.8% to 28.8% in North Fork Guadalupe River, 5.6% to 12.0% in South Fork Guadalupe River, and 24.2% to 26.5% in Guadalupe River main stem sections. This represents an average increase of 6.8% for all streams combined (range = 2.2–9.9%) from the last year of stocking. We also examined hybridization levels in individual stream fragments created by instream barriers (<em>n </em>= 76) to assess spatial variability along tributary and main stem corridors. Although hybridization appears to be increasing on a stream-wide basis, finer scale analysis show that hybrid distribution was spatially complex and there was a substantial portion of the study area with little or no hybridization. There were gradients of decreasing hybridization in an upstream direction in each of the tributaries and marked break points upstream of which hybridization was considerably lower (<10%). We also found that hybridization was highly variable among individual stream fragments (range 0%–71.4%) including those immediately adjacent to one another. These findings suggest that instream barriers may restrict genetic mixing throughout the system and contribute to partial isolation of populations within stream fragments. As such, further targeted intervention efforts are likely necessary to further reduce hybridization in fragments that still contain high proportions of hybrids. The patchy distribution that we observed may be a critical component to consider in assessment and restoration efforts; not only for Guadalupe Bass but also in other endemic black basses threatened by hybridization.