Hydrodynamics of steep streams with planar coarse-grained beds: Turbulence, flow resistance, and implications for sediment transport

The hydraulics of steep mountain streams differ from lower gradient rivers due to shallow and rough flows, energetic subsurface flow, and macro-scale form drag from immobile boulders and channel- and bed-forms. Heightened flow resistance and reduced sediment transport rates in steep streams are commonly attributed to macro-scale form drag; however, little work has explored steep river hydrodynamics in the absence of complex bed geometries. Here we present theory for the vertical structure of flow velocity in steep streams with planar, rough beds that couples surface and subsurface flow. We test it against flume experiments using a bed of fixed cobbles over a wide range of bed slopes (0.4 – 30%). Experimental flows have a nearly logarithmic velocity profile far above the bed; flow velocity decreases less than logarithmically towards the bed and is non-zero at the bed surface. Velocity profiles match theory derived using a hybrid eddy-viscosity model, in which the mixing length is a function of height above the bed and bed roughness. Subsurface flow velocities are large (> 1 m/s) and follow a modified Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer relation that accounts for channel slope and shear from overlying surface flow. Near-bed turbulent fluctuations decrease for shallow, rough flows and scale with the depth-averaged flow velocity rather than bed shear velocity. Flow resistance for rough, planar beds closely matches observations in natural steep streams despite the lack of bed- or channel-forms in the experiments, suggesting that macro-scale form drag is smaller than commonly assumed in stress partitioning models for sediment transport

Direct measurements of lift and drag on shallowly submerged cobbles in steep streams: Implications for flow resistance and sediment transport

Steep mountain streams have higher resistance to flow and lower sediment transport rates than expected by comparison with low gradient rivers, and often these differences are attributed to reduced near-bed flow velocities and stresses associated with form drag on channel forms and immobile boulders. However, few studies have directly measured drag and lift forces acting on bed sediment for shallow flows over coarse sediment, which ultimately control sediment transport rates and grain-scale flow resistance. Here we report on particle lift and drag force measurements in flume experiments using a planar, fixed cobble bed over a wide range of channel slopes (0.004 < S < 0.3) and water discharges. Drag coefficients are similar to previous findings for submerged particles (C_D ∼ 0.7) but increase significantly for partially submerged particles. In contrast, lift coefficients decrease from near unity to zero as the flow shallows and are strongly negative for partially submerged particles, indicating a downward force that pulls particles toward the bed. Fluctuating forces in lift and drag decrease with increasing relative roughness, and they scale with the depth-averaged velocity squared rather than the bed shear stress. We find that, even in the absence of complex bed topography, shallow flows over coarse sediment are characterized by high flow resistance because of grain drag within a roughness layer that occupies a significant fraction of the total flow depth, and by heightened critical Shields numbers and reduced sediment fluxes because of reduced lift forces and reduced turbulent fluctuations

Accelerated global glacier mass loss in the early twenty-first century

Glaciers distinct from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are shrinking rapidly, altering regional hydrology1, raising global sea level2 and elevating natural hazards3. Yet, owing to the scarcity of constrained mass loss observations, glacier evolution during the satellite era is known only partially, as a geographic and temporal patchwork4,5. Here we reveal the accelerated, albeit contrasting, patterns of glacier mass loss during the early twenty-first century. Using largely untapped satellite archives, we chart surface elevation changes at a high spatiotemporal resolution over all of Earth’s glaciers. We extensively validate our estimates against independent, high-precision measurements and present a globally complete and consistent estimate of glacier mass change. We show that during 2000–2019, glaciers lost a mass of 267 ± 16 gigatonnes per year, equivalent to 21 ± 3 per cent of the observed sea-level rise6. We identify a mass loss acceleration of 48 ± 16 gigatonnes per year per decade, explaining 6 to 19 per cent of the observed acceleration of sea-level rise. Particularly, thinning rates of glaciers outside ice sheet peripheries doubled over the past two decades. Glaciers currently lose more mass, and at similar or larger acceleration rates, than the Greenland or Antarctic ice sheets taken separately7,8,9. By uncovering the patterns of mass change in many regions, we find contrasting glacier fluctuations that agree with the decadal variability in precipitation and temperature. These include a North Atlantic anomaly of decelerated mass loss, a strongly accelerated loss from northwestern American glaciers, and the apparent end of the Karakoram anomaly of mass gain10. We anticipate our highly resolved estimates to advance the understanding of drivers that govern the distribution of glacier change, and to extend our capabilities of predicting these changes at all scales. Predictions robustly benchmarked against observations are critically needed to design adaptive policies for the local- and regional-scale management of water resources and cryospheric risks, as well as for the global-scale mitigation of sea-level rise.ISSN:0028-0836ISSN:1476-468

Glacial and geomorphic effects of a supraglacial lake drainage and outburst event, Everest region, Nepal Himalaya

A set of supraglacial ponds filled rapidly between April and July 2017 on Changri Shar Glacier in the Everest region of Nepal, coalescing into a similar to 180 000 m(2) lake before sudden and complete drainage through Changri Shar and Khumbu glaciers (15-17 July). We use PlanetScope and Pleiades satellite orthoimagery to document the system's evolution over its very short filling period and to assess the glacial and proglacial effects of the outburst flood. We also use high-resolution stereo digital elevation models (DEMs) to complete a detailed analysis of the event's glacial and geomorphic effects. Finally, we use discharge records at a stream gauge 4 km downstream to refine our interpretation of the chronology and magnitude of the outburst. We infer largely subsurface drainage through both of the glaciers located on its flow path, and efficient drainage through the lower portion of Khumbu Glacier. The drainage and subsequent outburst of 1.36 +/- 0.19 x 10(6) m(3) of impounded water had a clear geomorphic impact on glacial and proglacial topography, including deep incision and landsliding along the Changri Nup proglacial stream, the collapse of shallow englacial conduits near the Khumbu terminus and extensive, enhanced bank erosion at least as far as 11 km downstream below Khumbu Glacier. These sudden changes destroyed major trails in three locations, demonstrating the potential hazard that short-lived, relatively small glacial lakes pose

Reduced melt on debris-covered glaciers: investigations from Changri Nup Glacier, Nepal

International audienceApproximately 25 % of the glacierized area in the Everest region is covered by debris, yet the surface mass balance of debris-covered portions of these glaciers has not been measured directly. In this study, ground-based measurements of surface elevation and ice depth are combined with terrestrial photogrammetry, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite elevation models to derive the surface mass balance of the debris-covered tongue of Changri Nup Glacier, located in the Everest region. Over the debris-covered tongue, the mean elevation change between 2011 and 2015 is −0.93 m year−1 or −0.84 m water equivalent per year (w.e. a−1). The mean emergence velocity over this region, estimated from the total ice flux through a cross section immediately above the debris-covered zone, is +0.37 m w.e. a−1. The debris-covered portion of the glacier thus has an area-averaged mass balance of −1.21 ± 0.2 m w.e. a−1 between 5240 and 5525 m above sea level (m a.s.l.). Surface mass balances observed on nearby debris-free glaciers suggest that the ablation is strongly reduced (by ca. 1.8 m w.e. a−1) by the debris cover. The insulating effect of the debris cover has a larger effect on total mass loss than the enhanced ice ablation due to supraglacial ponds and exposed ice cliffs. This finding contradicts earlier geodetic studies and should be considered for modelling the future evolution of debris-covered glaciers

Quantifying volume loss from ice cliffs on debris-covered glaciers using high-resolution terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry

Mass losses originating from supraglacial ice cliffs at the lower tongues of debris-covered glaciers are a potentially large component of the mass balance, but have rarely been quantified. In this study, we develop a method to estimate ice cliff volume losses based on high-resolution topographic data derived from terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry. We apply our method to six cliffs monitored in May and October 2013 and 2014 using four different topographic datasets collected over the debris-covered Lirung Glacier of the Nepalese Himalayas. During the monsoon, the cliff mean backwasting rate was relatively consistent in 2013 (3.8 ± 0.3 cm w.e. d−1) and more heterogeneous among cliffs in 2014 (3.1 ± 0.7 cm w.e. d−1), and the geometric variations between cliffs are larger. Their mean backwasting rate is significantly lower in winter (October 2013–May 2014), at 1.0 ± 0.3 cm w.e. d−1. These results are consistent with estimates of cliff ablation from an energy-balance model developed in a previous study. The ice cliffs lose mass at rates six times higher than estimates of glacier-wide melt under debris, which seems to confirm that ice cliffs provide a large contribution to total glacier melt

Aspects Epidemiologique, Diagnostique, Therapeutique et Pronostique de la Mole Hydatiforme au CHUD/B Parakou

Objective: To study epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of hydatidiform mole (HM) at CHUD/B. Material and methods: It was about a retrospective descriptive study which covered a 10- year period from 1 st January 2007 to 31st December 2016. It was performed in the gynecological department of the University Teaching Hospital of Borgou/ Alibori. Results: Ninety-one cases of HM meeting inclusion criteria were collected. The incidence of HM was 1 mole in 246 pregnancies. The 20- 29 age group was the most affected (46.2%). Most of the patients were not attending school (50.5%) and they were housewives predominantly (52.7%). Metrorrhagia represented the most frequent circumstance of discovery (81.3%). It was noticed excessive fundal height in 79.1% of cases. β-HCG proportioning was carried out in 13 patients out of 91 (14.3%). The anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of HM in 2 of 9 cases. The treatment was a uterine evacuation by intrauterine manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in 76.9% of cases. After 12 months, almost all of our patients were lost to follow-up, the cure rate was 9.9%. Conclusion: HM is relatively frequent at the maternity hospital of CHUD/B and its management is hampered by a lack of monitoring which must be reviewed in order to improve prognosis.Objectif : Etudier les aspects épidémiologique, diagnostique, thérapeutique et pronostique de la môle hydatiforme (MH) au CHUD/B. Matériel et Méthodes : Il s’est agi d’une étude rétrospective de type descriptif s’étendant sur une période de 10 ans allant du 1 er Janvier 2007 au 31 Décembre 2016. Elle a eu pour cadre, le service de gynécologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du Borgou/ Alibori. Résultats : Quatre-vingt-onze cas de MH remplissant les critères d’inclusion ont été colligés. La fréquence de la MH était de 1 e môle pour 246 grossesses. La tranche d’âge de 20 à 29 ans était la plus concernée (46,2%). Les patientes étaient en majorité non scolarisées (50,5%) et étaient à prédominance des femmes au foyer (52,7%). Les métrorragies représentaient la circonstance de découverte la plus fréquente (81,3%). La hauteur utérine excessive avait été retrouvée dans 79,1% des cas. L’échographie pelvienne avait révélé des images typiques en grappe de raisin dans 96,4% des cas. Le dosage des β-hCG avait été réalisé chez 13 patientes sur 91 (14,3%). L’examen anatomopathologique avait permis de confirmer le diagnostic de MH dans 2 cas sur 9. Le traitement était une évacuation utérine par aspiration manuelle intra-utérine dans 76,9% des cas. Au bout de 12 mois, presque toutes nos patientes étaient perdues de vue, le taux de guérison étant de 9,9%. Conclusion : La MH est relativement fréquente à la maternité du CHUD/B et sa prise en charge souffre d’une insuffisance de surveillance qui doit être revue afin d’améliorer le pronostic

Twenty-first century glacier slowdown driven by mass loss in High Mountain Asia

International audienc

BMJ Med

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of covid-19 convalescent plasma to treat patients admitted to hospital for moderate covid-19 disease with or without underlying immunodeficiency (CORIPLASM trial). DESIGN: Open label, randomised clinical trial. SETTING: CORIMUNO-19 cohort (publicly supported platform of open label, randomised controlled trials of immune modulatory drugs in patients admitted to hospital with moderate or severe covid-19 disease) based on 19 university and general hospitals across France, from 16 April 2020 to 21 April 2021. PARTICIPANTS: 120 adults (n=60 in the covid-19 convalescent plasma group, n=60 in the usual care group) admitted to hospital with a positive SARS-CoV2 test result, duration of symptoms 40. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were proportion of patients with a WHO Clinical Progression Scale score of ≥6 on the 10 point scale on day 4 (higher values indicate a worse outcome), and survival without assisted ventilation or additional immunomodulatory treatment by day 14. Secondary outcomes were changes in WHO Clinical Progression Scale scores, overall survival, time to discharge, and time to end of dependence on oxygen supply. Predefined subgroups analyses included immunosuppression status, duration of symptoms before randomisation, and use of steroids. RESULTS: 120 patients were recruited and assigned to covid-19 convalescent plasma (n=60) or usual care (n=60), including 22 (covid-19 convalescent plasma) and 27 (usual care) patients who were immunocompromised. 13 (22%) patients who received convalescent plasma had a WHO Clinical Progression Scale score of ≥6 at day 4 versus eight (13%) patients who received usual care (adjusted odds ratio 1.88, 95% credible interval 0.71 to 5.24). By day 14, 19 (31.6%) patients in the convalescent plasma group and 20 (33.3%) patients in the usual care group needed ventilation, additional immunomodulatory treatment, or had died. For cumulative incidence of death, three (5%) patients in the convalescent plasma group and eight (13%) in the usual care group died by day 14 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 1.53), and seven (12%) patients in the convalescent plasma group and 12 (20%) in the usual care group by day 28 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.51, 0.20 to 1.32). In a subgroup analysis performed in patients who were immunocompromised, transfusion of covid-19 convalescent plasma was associated with mortality (hazard ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 1.10). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, covid-19 convalescent plasma did not improve early outcomes in patients with moderate covid-19 disease. The efficacy of convalescent plasma in patients who are immunocompromised should be investigated further. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04345991