Comparative predictions of discharge from an artificial catchment (Chicken Creek) using sparse data

Ten conceptually different models in predicting discharge from the artificial Chicken Creek catchment in North-East Germany were used for this study. Soil texture and topography data were given to the modellers, but discharge data was withheld. We compare the predictions with the measurements from the 6 ha catchment and discuss the conceptualization and parameterization of the models. The predictions vary in a wide range, e.g. with the predicted actual evapotranspiration ranging from 88 to 579 mm/y and the discharge from 19 to 346 mm/y. The predicted components of the hydrological cycle deviated systematically from the observations, which were not known to the modellers. Discharge was mainly predicted as subsurface discharge with little direct runoff. In reality, surface runoff was a major flow component despite the fairly coarse soil texture. The actual evapotranspiration (AET) and the ratio between actual and potential ET was systematically overestimated by nine of the ten models. None of the model simulations came even close to the observed water balance for the entire 3-year study period. The comparison indicates that the personal judgement of the modellers was a major source of the differences between the model results. The most important parameters to be presumed were the soil parameters and the initial soil-water content while plant parameterization had, in this particular case of sparse vegetation, only a minor influence on the results

Специфика использования социолектов в русском языке

Uniaxially strained (011)Si is attractive for high performance p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor devices due to the predicted high hole mobilities. Here, we demonstrate the realization of purely uniaxially relaxed (011) SiGe virtual substrates by He+ ion implantation and thermal annealing. Perfect uniaxial relaxation is evidenced by precise ion channeling angular yield scan measurements and plan view transmission electron microscopy as predicted theoretically on the basis of the layer symmetry dependent dislocation dynamics. Strikingly, misfit dislocations propagate exclusively along the [0 (1) over bar1] direction in the (011) oriented crystal and, in contrast to (100)Si, no crosshatch is formed. We describe dislocation formation and propagation inducing strain relaxation of (011)SiGe and enlighten the differences to (100) oriented SiGe on Si

Thermal stability of amorphous LaScO3 films on silicon

The thermal stability of amorphous LaScO3 thin films deposited by molecular-beam deposition directly on (001) Si was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), transmission infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). IRAS indicated that the as-deposited films contained < 0.1 A of SiO2 at the interface between LaScO3 and silicon. XRD studies showed that the films remained amorphous after annealing in N-2 at 700 degrees C, although HRTEM showed structural order on an similar to 1 nm length scale even in the as-deposited films. By 800 degrees C, the LaScO3 had started to crystallize and formed a similar to 5 nm thick Sc-deficient interlayer between it and silicon. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics

Human and environmental health risks and benefits associated with use of urban stormwater

For stormwater harvesting to achieve its full potential in mitigating water scarcity problems and restoring stream health, it is necessary to evaluate the human and environmental health risks and benefits associated with it. Stormwater harbors large amounts of pollutants and has traditionally been viewed as a leading cause of water-quality degradation of receiving waters. Harvesting stormwater for household use raises questions of human exposure to pollutants, especially human pathogens, which have the potential to cause large-scale disease outbreaks. These issues are compounded by uncertainties relating to the performance of stormwater treatment technologies in pathogen removal. Quantitative microbial risk assessment provides an objective risk estimate based on scientific data and the best assumptions, which can be used to educate and instil confidence in stakeholders of the practice. Although limited, human health risk studies have positively supported the use of minimally treated rainwater and stormwater for some non-potable applications. In addition to the well-known benefit of preserving the stream hydrology and ecology, wetlands used for harvesting stormwater can also provide new habitats for wildlife that benefit environmental health. A fundamental change from viewing stormwater as waste to resource requires the coordinated efforts in research, education, and effective communication