Coastline changes in relation to longshore sediment transport and human impact, along the shoreline of Kato Achaia (NW Peloponnese, Greece)

Coastal configuration depends upon the equilibrium between available sediment budget and prevailing nearshore wave and current conditions. Human activities often disturb this natural equilibrium by altering the sources of beach material and littoral drift pattern. In the coastal zone of NW Peloponnese, an essentially tideless environment, the oblique approach of wind-induced waves implies an overall longshore drift from east to west. On an annual basis, the potential longshore sediment transport rates at the different sections of the study area (Kato Achaia) is estimated to vary between 0.02 10-3 m3/s and 5 103 m3/s and to fluctuate seasonally. The construction of a port and the extraction of aggregates from the R. Peiros have changed significantly the pattern of sediment transport inducing dramatic changes on coastline configuration; thus, the part of the coastline west to the port had retreated as much as 70 m eliminating a touristic beach, while the entrance of the port was silted inhibiting navigation. Coastal engineering measures, such as modification of port-breakwaters and construction of groins have had only minimal contribution in beach recovery. Hence, coastal management plans should consider this dynamic equilibrium and protect the natural coastal system from the arbitrary human activities

Arts on prescription for community‐dwelling older people with a range of health and wellness needs

Published evidence for the role of participatory art in supporting health and well‐being is growing. The Arts on Prescription model is one vehicle by which participatory art can be delivered. Much of the focus of Arts on Prescription has been on the provision of creative activities for people with mental health needs. This Arts on Prescription program, however, targeted community‐dwelling older people with a wide range of health and wellness needs. Older people were referred to the program by their healthcare practitioner. Professional artists led courses in visual arts, photography, dance and movement, drama, singing, or music. Classes were held weekly for 8–10 weeks, with six to eight participants per class, and culminated with a showing of work or a performance. Program evaluation involved pre‐ and postcourse questionnaires, and focus groups and individual interviews. Evaluation data on 127 participants aged 65 years and older were available for analysis. We found that Arts on Prescription had a positive impact on participants. Quantitative findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale(WEMWBS) as well as a statistically significant increase in the level of self‐reported creativity and frequency of creative activities. Qualitative findings indicated that the program provided challenging artistic activities which created a sense of purpose and direction, enabled personal growth and achievement, and empowered participants, in a setting which fostered the development of meaningful relationships with others. This evaluation adds to the evidence base in support of Arts on Prescription by expanding the application of the model to older people with a diverse range of health and wellness needs

CAUSES OF SIMULTANEOUS LEE AND UPWIND RECORD SNOWFALL AND EXTRAORDINARY SNOWFALL VARIATION IN A ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLIZZARD

We describe our investigation of an extreme snowfall event in the Colorado Rocky Mountains during Mar 2003. This event was characterized by extraordinary micro-scale snowfall variability and record snowfall both upwind and in the lee of the 3000 m north-south oriented barrier. We utilize observational analysis and numerical sensitivity tests with the MM5 mesoscale model to test our hypotheses. Stunning micro-scale snowfall variability observed in-situ and visualized by satellite is found to be a consequence of local terrain-induced warming and reduced microphysical efficiency and the amplified influence of this effect due to the relatively warm temperatures accompanying this storm. Record snowfall (2 m) downwind of the barrier simultaneous with record snowfall (2.2 m) upwind is very rare climatologically, and is found to be caused, in effect, by the exceptional synoptic dimensions of this storm. A rare combination of, 1) moist, deep inflow, 2) a reversal of the mid-latitude westerlies to the tropopause overlying a well-developed barrier jet for an extended period and, 3) static stability favoring cross-barrier microphysical production and hydrometeor transport rather than drying, are implicated