Self-Organizing Maps for the Classification of Spatial and Temporal Variability of Tornado-Favorable Parameters

A nuanced analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of supercell tornadoes and the characteristics of the near-storm environments associated with those tornadoes is critical to improving our understanding of the range of environments that can be considered tornado-favorable. This work classifies both supercell tornado probabilities and their associated environmental parameters on hourly and daily time scales based on geographical regions: regional probability of tornado events and the probability of deviation above or below the median tornadic near-storm environmental parameter values are estimated by kernel density estimation and classified by self-organizing maps (SOMs). The SOM classification for tornado probability allows for further examination of the deviation of the environmental parameters from the median for each probability cluster. Regions that have similar tornado probabilities but differ in the deviation of the environmental parameters (“parameter anomalies”) are also highlighted using SOMs. The anomaly patterns for different regions and parameters generally evolve along either seasonal or diurnal scales, but rarely both, highlighting the need for flexible models of tornado potential based on the near-storm environment. The spatial and temporal variability of parameter anomalies add complexity to traditional forecasting approaches that depend upon a fixed set of environmental parameter thresholds. This work highlights the need to develop region-specific and potentially time-specific environmental baseline evaluation to improve forecast and warning skill.

Distributions of environmental parameters and fish at Humbold Bay, Jayapura

Research on the distribution of fish and plankton in waters that are equipped with environmental parameters is needed to obtain maximum results and increase accuracy also it provides comprehensive information. The research, which was conducted in Humbold Bay, aimed to map the fish and plankton distribution data both vertically and horizontally and combine it with environmental parameters in the bay. Fish and plankton’s data was the volume backscattering strength (Sv) value obtained using the SIMRAD EK-15 device while environmental parameter data, such as temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll obtained from marine.copernicus.eu which processed in the 5-80 m depth range. The results showed that Humbold Bay had the highest average surface temperature distribution was 30 °C, with the highest average salinity from 35.89 ppt and the highest average chlorophyll value from 0.3859 mg/m3. The horizontal distribution of plankton had an average SV value of -76.63 dB, while the fish was -56.00 dB that evenly distributed. Vertically, the Sv of plankton decreased with increasing depth as well as the Sv of fish which its’ also did not have a distribution pattern in certain environmental parameters.

The existence of epiphyte on thallus Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyceae) in varying depths cultivated with vertical net method

The existence of macroepiphyte is one of the issues seaweed farmers often face. This research aims to explore the existence of macroepiphyte attached to seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum at varying depths using vertical net method. Research found that the highest and the lowest velocity of macroepiphyte on day -10 in the depth of 50 cm and 200 cm is 248,4 and 121,28 ind/m2/day. On day-20, in the depth of 100 cm and 200 cm is 333,54 and 270,01 ind/m2/day. The most dominating macroepiphyte in the attachment velocity is C. Crasa. Physical and chemical parameter showed around 29o-30oC. Current velocity 0,050-0,067 m/sec. Brightness 92%. Salinity 30-33‰. Nitrate 0,237-0,0416 mg/L. Phosphate 0,0015-0,0036 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen 5,7-6,2 mg/L. The obtained optimum environmental parameter and the type of the macroepiphyte attachment did not show any significant negative effect to the growth of E. denticulatum.

The Impact of Midlevel Shear Orientation on the Longevity of and Downdraft Location and Tornado-like Vortex Formation within Simulated Supercells

Despite an increased understanding of environments favorable for tornadic supercells, it is still sometimes unknown why one favorable environment produces many long-tracked tornadic supercells and another seemingly equally-favorable environment produces only short-lived supercells. One relatively unexplored environmental parameter that may differ between such environments is the degree of backing or veering of the midlevel shear vector, especially considering that such variations may not be captured by traditional supercell or tornado forecast parameters. We investigate the impact of the 3-6 km shear vector orientation on simulated supercell evolution by systematically varying it across a suite of idealized simulations. We found that the orientation of the 3-6 km shear vector dictates where precipitation loading is maximized in the storms, and thus alters the storm-relative location of downdrafts and outflow surges. When the shear vector is backed, outflow surges generally occur northwest of an updraft, produce greater convergence beneath the updraft, and do not disrupt inflow, meaning that the storm is more likely to persist and produce more tornado-like vortices (TLVs). When the shear vector is veered, outflow surges generally occur north of an updraft, produce less convergence beneath the updraft, and sometimes undercut it with outflow, causing it to tilt at low levels, sometimes leading to storm dissipation. These storms are shorter lived and thus also produce fewer TLVs. Our simulations indicate that the relative orientation of the 3-6 km shear vector may impact supercell longevity and hence the time period over which tornadoes may form.

Exploration of pitcher plants in University of Palangka Raya

Background: This research is a pilot project of plant diversity, especially the pitcher plant species (Nepenthes sp) at Palangka Raya University. The study aimed at identifying the pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.) at Palangka Raya University. In August-November 2020 conducted this research.Methods: Data on the diversity of pitcher plants were collected using the exploring method. Data analysis used a literature study to identified using the identification book of pitcher plants. Results: The study results found three pitcher plant species in the forest on the campus of Palangka Raya University. The pitcher plants are Nepenthes mirabilis (Lour.) Druce, Nepenthes gracilis Korth., and Nepenthes rafflesiana Jack. Conclusions: The range of environmental parameter values ​​is air temperature 28-380C, medium-open coverage, 62-98% humidity, and soil pH of 5-7.5.

Gravitational Influence on Human Living Systems and the Evolution of Species on Earth

Gravity constituted the only constant environmental parameter, during the evolutionary period of living matter on Earth. However, whether gravity has affected the evolution of species, and its impact is still ongoing. The topic has not been investigated in depth, as this would require frequent and long-term experimentations in space or an environment of altered gravity. In addition, each organism should be studied throughout numerous generations to determine the profound biological changes in evolution. Here, we review the significant abnormalities presented in the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular and musculoskeletal systems, due to altered gravity conditions. We also review the impact that gravity played in the anatomy of snakes and amphibians, during their evolution. Overall, it appears that gravity does not only curve the space–time continuum but the biological continuum, as well.

A Mars Environment Chamber Coupled with Multiple In Situ Spectral Sensors for Mars Exploration

Laboratory simulation is the only feasible way to achieve Martian environmental conditions on Earth, establishing a key link between the laboratory and Mars exploration. The mineral phases of some Martian surface materials (especially hydrated minerals), as well as their spectral features, are closely related to environmental conditions. Therefore, Martian environment simulation is necessary for Martian mineral detection and analysis. A Mars environment chamber (MEC) coupled with multiple in situ spectral sensors (VIS (visible)-NIR (near-infrared) reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and UV-VIS emission spectroscopy) was developed at Shandong University at Weihai, China. This MEC is a comprehensive research platform for Martian environmental parameter simulation, regulation, and spectral data collection. Here, the structure, function and performance of the MEC and the coupled spectral sensors were systematically investigated. The spectral characteristics of some geological samples were recorded and the effect of environmental parameter variations (such as gas pressure and temperature) on the spectral features were also acquired by using the in situ spectral sensors under various simulated Martian conditions. CO2 glow discharge plasma was generated and its emission spectra were assigned. The MEC and its tested functional units worked well with good accuracy and repeatability. China is implementing its first Mars mission (Tianwen-1), which was launched on 23 July 2020 and successfully entered into a Mars orbit on 10 February 2021. Many preparatory works such as spectral databases and prediction model building are currently underway using MECs, which will help us build a solid foundation for real Martian spectral data analysis and interpretation.