SCoRE’17: Science Communication for Researchers in Education: course evaluation booklet

The evaluation of SCoRE’17 was conducted through a survey technique - a questionnaire was filled out by all participants (students, keynote speakers, organizing committee and scientific committee members).publishe

Integrated approach of hydrogeomorphology and GIS mapping to the evaluation of ground water resources: an example from the hydromineral system of Caldas da Cavaca, NW Portugal.

Understanding the role of geomorphology is essential to accurately assess hydrogeological systems and groundwater resources. Hard-rock watersheds provide a source of valuable water resources. They commonly exhibit complex geological bedrock and morphological features as well as distinctive gradients in rainfall and temperature. A comprehensive evaluation and integrated gro undwater resources study has been carried out for Caldas da Cavaca hydromineral system in NW Portugal, using hydrogeomorphology and GIS mapping techniques. Thematic maps were prepared from satellite imagery, topographical and geological mapping and other hydrogeological field data. These maps were converted to GIS format a nd then integrated using GIS software with the purpose of elaborating a hydrogeomorphological map intended to delineate the infiltration potential areas for the study region. Finally, this study highlights the importance of hydrogeomorphological cartography and groundwater GIS mapping as useful tools to support hydrogeological surveys, as well as for decision-making in the scope of management plans respecting to land and water resources and groundwater sustainability

Characterization of soils in an area of prescribed fire

The prescribed fire is a technique that is often used, it has several advantages. Pedological and hydropedological techniques were tested to assess the prescribed fire changes may cause in soils. This work was performed in Tresminas area (Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Northern Portugal), during February and March 2011. In the present study we applied several techniques. For the field sampling was followed the ISO 10381-1[1], ISO 10381-2[2], and FAO rules [3], as well as were used a grid with 17 points for measuring the soil parameters. During the fire, we have tried to check, with the assistance of the Portuguese Forestry Authority, some important parameters such as, the propagation speed, the size of the flame front and the intensity of energy emitted per unit area. Before the fire, was collected carefully soil disturbed and undisturbed samples for laboratory analysis, and measured soil water content; we also have placed four sets of thermocouples for measuring soil temperature. After the fire, were collected the thermocouples and new soil samples; the water content were measured in the soil and collected ashes. In the laboratory, after preparing and sieving the samples, were determined the soil particle size. The soil pH and electrical conductivity in water was also determined. The total carbon (TC) and inorganic carbon (IC)[4] was measured by a Shimadzu TOC-Vcsn. The water content in soil has not varied significantly before and after the fire, as well as soil pH and soil electrical conductivity. The TC and IC did not change, which was expected, since the fire not overcome the 200° C. Through the various parameters, we determined that the prescribed fire didn’t affect the soil. The low temperature of the fire and its rapid implementation that lead to the possible adverse effects caused by the wild fire didn’t occurred

Insignificant impact of prescribed fire on surface soil in a Pinus pinaster plantation, northern Portugal

Following a prescribed fire in a Pinus pinaster forest site located in the north-west Portugal, monitoring of any changes in selected soil characteristics and soil hydrology was undertaken to assess the effects of burning on the following: pH, electrical conductivity, water content, organic carbon and porosity. Thirty plots were established on a regular grid. At each sample plot before and after the fire, samples were collected (disturbed samples from depths of 0-1cm and 1-5cm; undisturbed core samples from 0-5cm). The results indicate that there was no measurable impact on the properties of the soil following this carefully conducted prescribed fire. The fire only affected the litter layer, as intended. Confirmation of this minimal impact on the soil was provided by regrowth of grasses and herbs already occurring two months after the fire. The implication is, therefore, that provided this wildfire-risk reduction strategy is carried out under existing strict guidelines, any impact on soil quality will be minimal

Contaminação de água subterrânea por substâncias de limpeza da neve em estradas: o caso do sector de Nave de Santo António – Covão do Curral (Serra da Estrela, Centro de Portugal)

Num momento em que a gestão sustentável dos recursos hídricos se assume como uma das maiores preocupações à escala mundial, as regiões de montanha têm vindo a ser reconhecidas como Reservatórios de Água (PROGRAMA UNESCO IHP-VI). O facto de muitas destas áreas se localizarem a altitudes elevadas e serem recortadas por rodovias obriga a frequentes operações de limpeza de neve, especialmente no inverno. A aplicação de substâncias químicas como cloreto de sódio e cloreto de cálcio na promoção da fusão do gelo e na limpeza da neve das estradas constitui um problema ambiental de elevado interesse científico, social e económico. Devido às suas características geológicas, geomorfológicas e climáticas, a Serra da Estrela é considerada estratégica para a gestão da água em Portugal. No presente trabalho apresentam-se alguns resultados hidrogeoquímicos que indicam que a utilização dos referidos sais na limpeza do gelo e da neve das rodovias contribui para a contaminação dos recursos hídricos