Modeling and assimilation of root zone soil moisture using remote sensing observations in Walnut Gulch Watershed during SMEX04

Soil moisture status in the root zone is an important component of the water cycle at all spatial scales (e.g., point, field, catchment, watershed, and region). In this study, the spatio-temporal evolution of root zone soil moisture of the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW) in Arizona was investigated during the Soil Moisture Experiment 2004 (SMEX04). Root zone soil moisture was estimated via assimilation of aircraft-based remotely sensed surface soil moisture into a distributed Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant (SWAP) model. An ensemble square root filter (EnSRF) based on a Kalman filtering scheme was used for assimilating the aircraft-based soil moisture observations at a spatial resolution of 800 m × 800 m. The SWAP model inputs were derived from the SSURGO soil database, LAI (Leaf Area Index) data from SMEX04 database, and data from meteorological stations/rain gauges at the WGEW. Model predictions are presented in terms of temporal evolution of soil moisture probability density function at various depths across the WGEW. The assimilation of the remotely sensed surface soil moisture observations had limited influence on the profile soil moisture. More specifically, root zone soil moisture depended mostly on the soil type. Modeled soil moisture profile estimates were compared to field measurements made periodically during the experiment at the ground based soil moisture stations in the watershed. Comparisons showed that the ground-based soil moisture observations at various depths were within ± 1 standard deviation of the modeled profile soil moisture. Density plots of root zone soil moisture at various depths in the WGEW exhibited multi-modal variations due to the uneven distribution of precipitation and the heterogeneity of soil types and soil layers across the watershed.     

Precision equipment for symmetrical bending— Part 1. The loading system

The design and performance of precision bending equipment for testing straight beams with constant rectangular section under a pure bending moment is described. Part 1 deals with the loading arrangements and Part 2 with the rig for measuring beam deflection. The methods for recording deflection of strain gauges applied on the beam have been described elsewhere.^1–4
The reactions to the deadweight gravity loads are taken via ball bearings. The total bending moment inaccuracy, i.e. the sum of estimated systematic errors and random errors, the latter expressed as the 2Ga confidence interval about the mean (2G_cim), is about ± 25 x. 10^-4%, for 23 tests with a steel beam with 15 mm × 75 mm cross sectional dimensions, loaded to 1-1.5 mm/m strain.
The measuring rig stands on the beam via hardened and polished spherical segment feet and uses a capacitive transducer system with less than 5nm resolution. Various application tasks are described. The total inaccuracy of the measured deflection, i.e. apart from bending moment inaccuracy, is about ± 35 times 10^4% for about 10 reproduced, not repeated, tests with the same steel beam. The deflection for such a beam is of the order of 2 to 4 mm.     

Effect of refraction on optical microscopic measurement of internal blood-vessel diameter and its correction

In optical microscopic measurement of internal blood-vessel diameters, the effect of refraction must be taken into account to ensure accuracy of the result. This effect is discussed and an analytical correction formula derived. Phantom blood vessels with known internal and external diameters were used to test the validity of the correction formula. The errors obtained prior to correction were reduced significantly after correction.     

The solution of the inverse problem of gravitational potential using a set of measurements of different field elements

A numerical solution of the inverse problem of the gravitational field at a single point is obtained using six field elements for a point, a spherical cap, a differential spherical sector and a vertical segment. In the system of six equations obtained, the unknowns are the mass of the body, the depth of its center, and the second, third, and fourth degree moments. The accuracy of the solution of this system is ten times higher than when using three field elements. __________ Translated from Izmeritel’naya Tekhnika, No. 5, pp. 3–8, May, 2007.     

Feasibility study of absolute activity measurement with metallic magnetic microcalorimeters

We report on a feasibility study on precise determination of mass-specific activity of low-energy emitting radioisotopes. Conventional methods of activity measurement suffer from source self-absorption and a strong decrease in detection efficiency for low-energy electrons and photons. We propose a new method based on metallic magnetic microcalorimeters with the source embedded in the detector target in a 4π geometry. First results with a ⁵⁵Fe source show that electrons and photons are detected with a detection efficiency close to unity and with little loss of energy for electrons. The aim of this study is to provide standards of activity with very low uncertainties in the framework of radiation metrology.     

Effects of Surface Concentration on Drying Behavior of Carbohydrate Solutions

As the surface properties of the drying materials are very important not only for the drying rate but also for the quality change during drying, the effects of surface concentration on the drying behavior of liquid foods (sugar solutions) were investigated by isothermal drying experiments and by numerical calculation experiments. The isothermal drying experiments with gelled sugar solution systems (sucrose and maltodextrin) were carried out at various relative humidity (RH) values (RH = 0 to 84%). Separate experiments were carried out for determination of the desorption isotherms.

The isothermal drying curves of sugar solutions at RH = 0 to 51% were very similar. Numerical simulations also showed that the drying curves of these sugars at the surface concentration = 0 and 0.1 are almost the same, although the concentration distributions are different.

When a small amount of gelatin was added to sugar solutions, the drying rate decreased remarkably as the gelatin might form a thin film (skin) near the surface, and consequently the retention of ethanol increased.     

Multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture dynamics in trickle irrigated fields. II: Model testing

The mathematical model which was developed in part I of this work for multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture in irrigated fields is converted into computer algorithms. The algorithms are capable of emulating many field conditions of practical applications during both design and operation phases. The model is subjected to various tests, the results of which are reported here. The tests in various modes of simulations verified the numerical performance of the model and the accuracy of its predictions. The model provides a powerful tool for detailed studies of soil moisture dynamics in one or multi-dimensional problems irrigated fields     

纳米颗粒的测量与表征

介绍了用于纳米颗粒测量的电镜观察法、X射线衍射线宽法、激光粒度分析法、比表面积法、颗粒沉降法、扫描探针显微术以及小角X射线散射等,并对其测量原理、测量过程、适用范围及测量方法的优缺点进行了讨论。     

过氧化甲乙酮合成研究

论述了过氧化甲乙酮的合成方法，用阳离子交换树脂催化剂代替传统的无机酸催化剂。考察了离子交换树脂用量、反应温度对反应产率、活性氧含量的影响及溶剂对产品稳定性的影响。     

超声波流量计计量系统性能的主要影响因素

随着我国天然气工业的发展，已有大量超声波流量计用于高压、大流量的天然气计量。尽管我国已于2001年颁布并实施了气体超声波流量计使用方面的国家标准GB/T18604-2001，但是随着超声波流量计越来越广泛的使用，国内外对超声波流量计计量性能的影响因素已有了进一步的研究；而且，目前我国超声波流量计在天然气计量中的应用效果也还需要进一步改善。因此，根据目前国、内外最新研究成果，对噪声、脏污、压力及温度测量对超声波流量计计量系统性能的主要影响因素以及控制对策进行了分析探讨，以期改变虽经实验室检定合格、但用于现场却不能达到预期计量性能效果的情况，使超声波流量计在现场能够得到更好的应用。