Dynamic modelling of weathering rates – the benefit over steady-state modelling

Weathering rates are of considerable importance in estimating the acidification sensitivity and recovery capacity of soil and are thus important in the assessment of the sustainability of forestry in a time of changing climate and growing demands for forestry products. In this study, we modelled rates of weathering in mineral soil at two forested sites in southern Sweden included in a monitoring network, using two models. The aims were to determine whether the dynamic model ForSAFE gives comparable weathering rates to the steady-state model PROFILE and whether the ForSAFE model provided believable and useful extra information on the response of weathering to changes in acidification load, climate change and land use. The average weathering rates calculated with ForSAFE were very similar to those calculated with PROFILE for the two modelled sites. The differences between the models regarding the weathering of certain soil layers seemed to be due mainly to differences in calculated soil moisture. The weathering rates provided by ForSAFE vary seasonally with temperature and soil moisture, as well as on longer timescales, depending on environmental changes. Long-term variations due to environmental changes can be seen in the ForSAFE results, for example, the weathering of silicate minerals is suppressed under acidified conditions due to elevated aluminium concentration in the soil, whereas the weathering of apatite is accelerated by acidification. The weathering of both silicates and apatite is predicted to be enhanced by increasing temperature during the 21st century. In this part of southern Sweden, yearly precipitation is assumed to be similar to today's level during the next forest rotation, but with more precipitation in winter and spring and less in summer, which leads to somewhat drier soils in summer but still with increased weathering. In parts of Sweden with a bigger projected decrease in soil moisture, weathering might not increase despite increasing temperature. These results show that the dynamic ForSAFE model can be used for weathering rate calculations and that it gives average results comparable to those from the PROFILE model. However, dynamic modelling provides extra information on the variation in weathering rates with time and offers much better possibilities for scenario modelling.</p

Non-Linear Least Squares Analysis of Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission Data

A Fortran program for analysis of spectra obtained in proton induced x-ray emission spectroscopy is under development. The first version is working and some results are shown. The program uses a model which describes the physics involved in the analysis. The continuum is described by an exponentially decreasing function representing secondary electron induced bremsstrahlung and a constant approximating different Compton scattering processes. Absorption effects are also included. All parameters in the model are fitted simultaneously. About 100 test runs have been made with good results. The continuum was accurately fitted for each spectrum. Other advantages are reliability, speed, and the fact that the program is easily adaptable to a small computer with 16K memory

REX - A Computer Programme for PIXE Analysis

The implementation of a physics-based model for non-linear least-squares analysis of proton-induced X-ray emission spectra via a Fortran programme REX is discussed. The modelling of distinct spectral components and of the physical effects involved is briefly discussed. Results are presented in graphical and tabular form. The limitations of the present model are discussed and future refinements indicated