In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodivers...In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase soil erosion, potentially triggering abrupt and rapid changes in ecosystem condition. Alternate stable state theory provides a framework for understanding this type of dynamic. In the Sanjiangyuan atop the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP), grassland degradation has been accompanied by irruptions of native burrowing animals, which has accentuated the loss of ground cover. Severely degraded areas of alpine meadows are referred to as 'Heitutan'. Here, using the framework of alternate stable state theory, we describe the proximate and ultimate drivers of the formation of Heitutan on the QTP, and we assess prospects for recovery, in relation to the degree of biophysical alteration, of these alpine meadows. Effective rehabilitation measures must address the underlying causes of degradation rather than their symptoms. Heitutan degradation is not uni-causal. Rather it reflects different mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales across this vast region. Underlying causes include overly aggressive exploitation of the grasslands (e.g. overgrazing), amplification of grazing and erosion damage by small mammals when outbreaks occur, and/or climate change. Given marked variability in environmental conditions and stressors, restorative efforts must vary across the region. Restoration efforts are likely toyield greatest success if moderately and severely degraded areas are targeted as the first priority in management programmes, before these areas are transformed into extreme Heitutan.展开更多
The processes of nutrient depletion and soil degradation within smallholder farms of central Kenya are spatially heterogeneous, determined by both biophysical and socio-economic factors. A monitoring study involving n...The processes of nutrient depletion and soil degradation within smallholder farms of central Kenya are spatially heterogeneous, determined by both biophysical and socio-economic factors. A monitoring study involving nutrient stocks, flows and balances was conducted in central Kenya to explore between and within-farm variability in soil fertility management and identify spatial niches for targeting soil fertility management strategies. Focus group discussions were conducted and farms grouped into 3 farm types (rich, medium and poor). Nine case-study farms - three from each of the farm types - were randomly selected from the 50 farms studied, for detailed resource flow mapping. The farms were visited to record movement of nutrients inputs using a monitoring protocol covering soil, crops, livestock, and socio-economic aspects of the farm. Soil in different plots were sampled at a depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed for texture, pH, C, N, available P, exchangeable K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Results revealed that wealthy farmers added an average of 51.3 kg/ha N, 37 kg/ha P, and 244 kg/ha K, compared to 25.9 kg/ha N, 14.5 kg/ha P and 50.7 kg/ha K for the poor farmers. In all farm types, home fields received more nutrient inputs compared to the outfields. Consequently, maize grain yields, partial nutrient balances and soil nutrient stocks were significantly higher in wealthy farms and home fields compared to poor farms and outfields, respectively. These results imply that different soil management strategies are required to achieve similar yields on the different field and farm types and avert soil degradation.展开更多
Aims Grasslands are globally threatened by climate changes and unsustainable land-use,which often cause transitions among alternative stable states,and even catastrophic transition to desertification.Spatial vegetatio...Aims Grasslands are globally threatened by climate changes and unsustainable land-use,which often cause transitions among alternative stable states,and even catastrophic transition to desertification.Spatial vegetation patch configurations have been shown to signify such transitions at large spatial scale.Here,we demonstrate how small-scale patch configurations can also indicate state transitions.Methods The whole spatial series of degradation successions were chosen in alpine grasslands characterized as seven typical communities.Patch numbers,and perimeter and cover of each patch were recorded using adjacent quadrats along transects in each type of the communities.Species abundance within each patch was measured.Important Findings Across seven grazing-induced degradation stages in the world’s largest expanse of grassland,from dense ungrazed turf to bare black-soil crust,patch numbers and perimeters first increased as patch cover decreased.Numbers and perimeters then decreased rapidly beyond an intersection point at 68%of initial continuous vegetation cover.Around this point,the vegetation fluctuated back and forth between the sedge-dominated grassland breaking-up phase and the forb-dominated phase,suggesting impending shift of grassland state.This study thus demonstrates how ground-based small-scale vegetation surveys can provide a quantitative,easy-to-use signals for vegetation degradation,with promise for detecting the catastrophic transition to desertification.展开更多
The more oxidized mantle peridotites above subducting slabs than stable continental areas have been attributed to the infiltration of some oxidizing fluids released from the subducting slabs. However, knowledge for th...The more oxidized mantle peridotites above subducting slabs than stable continental areas have been attributed to the infiltration of some oxidizing fluids released from the subducting slabs. However, knowledge for the redox states of the slabs itself is very limited. Until now, few oxybarometers can be directly used to constrain the redox states of the subducting slabs.The rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer was proposed and successfully applied to constrain the oxygen fugacity of mantle assemblages.However, its application to rocks equilibrated at crustal P-T conditions has been hampered by some uncertainties in an early solid solution model of ilmenite. With a newly-released solid solution model for the ilmenite, we have conducted high-P experiments(at 3 and 5 GPa, and 900–1300°C) to test the accuracy of this oxybarometer. The experiments were performed with their oxygen fugacities controlled by the CCO buffer(i.e., C+O_2=CO_2). We demonstrated that the oxygen fugacities calculated for our high-P experimental products by using the rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer were in excellent agreement with the fO_2 dictated by the CCO buffer, suggesting a wide applicability of this oxybarometer to crust rocks. As examples, the rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer has been used to constrain the oxygen fugacities of some metamorphic rocks such as eclogite, granulite and amphibolite usually observed from the subduction zones.展开更多
Based on a comprehensive analysis on Sonic Anemometer and gradient data, wind profile radar(WPR) and GPS sounding data of March–August 2008 from the boundary layer(BL) tower observation system at Dali on the southeas...Based on a comprehensive analysis on Sonic Anemometer and gradient data, wind profile radar(WPR) and GPS sounding data of March–August 2008 from the boundary layer(BL) tower observation system at Dali on the southeastern edge of Tibetan Plateau(TP), it is found that the strengths of turbulent kinetic energy(TKE), buoyancy term and shear term depend on vegetation cover in association with local stability and thermodynamic condition. Strong kinetic turbulence appears when near surface layer in neutral condition with the large contribution from shear term. In an unstable condition within near surface layer, the atmospheric turbulent motion is mainly thermal turbulence, as buoyancy term is obviously larger than shear term. Under a stable condition the intermittent turbulence is accompanied by weak shear and buoyancy term, and TKE is significantly less than neutral or instable condition. The study also presents that the buoyancy term contribution at Nyingchi station in the southern slopes of the TP large topography in spring is significantly larger than that at Dali over the southeastern TP edge, reflecting that the thermal turbulence makes an important contribution to convection activity in the southern slopes of TP. Dali station is located in complex terrain with mountain and valley leading to larger kinetic turbulence. From the perspective of interaction of turbulence-convection in different scales, the study revealed that the height of convective boundary layer(CBL) could reach up to 1500–2000 m. TKE, shear term, and buoyancy term in near surface layer have the notable correlations with BL height and local vertical motion. The daytime thermodynamic turbulence effect of heat flux and buoyancy term has an obvious impact on the height of CBL, whereas mechanical turbulence only exerts a less impact. Mechanical turbulence in near surface layer has a significant impact on vertical motion especially in the forenoon with impacting height of 2500–3000 m. The peaks in diurnal variations of shear term and buoyancy term correspond to the high instable periods, especially in summer forenoon. Our observation analysis characterized the convection activity triggered by TKE source and their interaction in the southeastern TP edge.展开更多
The equation of states (EOS) of high energy explosive HMX (octahydro-l,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) has been studied by using the first principle method. Our results include the lattice constants, elastic...The equation of states (EOS) of high energy explosive HMX (octahydro-l,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) has been studied by using the first principle method. Our results include the lattice constants, elastic constants, and the dependence of total en- ergy and pressure on volume for β- and 5-HMX. The calculated elastic constants and the pressure-volume relationship of ^-HMX are also compared with the experimental values. The theoretical tensile experiments are implemented on the 13-HMX. The atomic-scale analysis displays that the fracture originates from the intermolecule of HMX and is possibly due to the weak interaction of intermolecules.展开更多
By using the coupled duster method and the numerical density matrix renormalization group method, we investigate the properties of the quantum plateau state in an alternating Heisenberg spin chain. In the absence of a...By using the coupled duster method and the numerical density matrix renormalization group method, we investigate the properties of the quantum plateau state in an alternating Heisenberg spin chain. In the absence of a magnetic field, the results obtained from the coupled cluster method and density matrix renormalization group method both show that the ground state of the aiternating chain is a gapped dimerized state when the parameter a exceeds a critical point ac. The value of the critical points can be determined precisely by a detailed investigation of the behavior of the spin gap. The system therefore possesses an m = 0 plateau state in the presence of a magnetic field When a 〉 ac. In addition to the m = 0 plateau state, the results of density matrix renormaiization group indicate that there is an m = 1/4 plateau state that occurs between two critical fields in the alternating chain if a 〉 1. The mechanism for the m = 1/4 plateau state and the critical behavior of the magnetization as one approaches this plateau state are also discussed.展开更多
基金supported by Special Fund for Agroscientific Research in the Public Interest(201203041)the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(41161084)International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China(2011DFG93160,2011DFA20820)
文摘In many ecosystems ungulates have coexisted with grasslands over long periods of time. However, high densities of grazing animals may change the floristic and structural characteristics of vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and increase soil erosion, potentially triggering abrupt and rapid changes in ecosystem condition. Alternate stable state theory provides a framework for understanding this type of dynamic. In the Sanjiangyuan atop the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP), grassland degradation has been accompanied by irruptions of native burrowing animals, which has accentuated the loss of ground cover. Severely degraded areas of alpine meadows are referred to as 'Heitutan'. Here, using the framework of alternate stable state theory, we describe the proximate and ultimate drivers of the formation of Heitutan on the QTP, and we assess prospects for recovery, in relation to the degree of biophysical alteration, of these alpine meadows. Effective rehabilitation measures must address the underlying causes of degradation rather than their symptoms. Heitutan degradation is not uni-causal. Rather it reflects different mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales across this vast region. Underlying causes include overly aggressive exploitation of the grasslands (e.g. overgrazing), amplification of grazing and erosion damage by small mammals when outbreaks occur, and/or climate change. Given marked variability in environmental conditions and stressors, restorative efforts must vary across the region. Restoration efforts are likely toyield greatest success if moderately and severely degraded areas are targeted as the first priority in management programmes, before these areas are transformed into extreme Heitutan.
文摘The processes of nutrient depletion and soil degradation within smallholder farms of central Kenya are spatially heterogeneous, determined by both biophysical and socio-economic factors. A monitoring study involving nutrient stocks, flows and balances was conducted in central Kenya to explore between and within-farm variability in soil fertility management and identify spatial niches for targeting soil fertility management strategies. Focus group discussions were conducted and farms grouped into 3 farm types (rich, medium and poor). Nine case-study farms - three from each of the farm types - were randomly selected from the 50 farms studied, for detailed resource flow mapping. The farms were visited to record movement of nutrients inputs using a monitoring protocol covering soil, crops, livestock, and socio-economic aspects of the farm. Soil in different plots were sampled at a depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed for texture, pH, C, N, available P, exchangeable K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Results revealed that wealthy farmers added an average of 51.3 kg/ha N, 37 kg/ha P, and 244 kg/ha K, compared to 25.9 kg/ha N, 14.5 kg/ha P and 50.7 kg/ha K for the poor farmers. In all farm types, home fields received more nutrient inputs compared to the outfields. Consequently, maize grain yields, partial nutrient balances and soil nutrient stocks were significantly higher in wealthy farms and home fields compared to poor farms and outfields, respectively. These results imply that different soil management strategies are required to achieve similar yields on the different field and farm types and avert soil degradation.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)(grant no.2019QZKK0302)the National Key Research and Development Program(2016YFC0501802,2016YFC0501803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41671263,41730752).
文摘Aims Grasslands are globally threatened by climate changes and unsustainable land-use,which often cause transitions among alternative stable states,and even catastrophic transition to desertification.Spatial vegetation patch configurations have been shown to signify such transitions at large spatial scale.Here,we demonstrate how small-scale patch configurations can also indicate state transitions.Methods The whole spatial series of degradation successions were chosen in alpine grasslands characterized as seven typical communities.Patch numbers,and perimeter and cover of each patch were recorded using adjacent quadrats along transects in each type of the communities.Species abundance within each patch was measured.Important Findings Across seven grazing-induced degradation stages in the world’s largest expanse of grassland,from dense ungrazed turf to bare black-soil crust,patch numbers and perimeters first increased as patch cover decreased.Numbers and perimeters then decreased rapidly beyond an intersection point at 68%of initial continuous vegetation cover.Around this point,the vegetation fluctuated back and forth between the sedge-dominated grassland breaking-up phase and the forb-dominated phase,suggesting impending shift of grassland state.This study thus demonstrates how ground-based small-scale vegetation surveys can provide a quantitative,easy-to-use signals for vegetation degradation,with promise for detecting the catastrophic transition to desertification.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41520104004&41502038)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2015M570009)
文摘The more oxidized mantle peridotites above subducting slabs than stable continental areas have been attributed to the infiltration of some oxidizing fluids released from the subducting slabs. However, knowledge for the redox states of the slabs itself is very limited. Until now, few oxybarometers can be directly used to constrain the redox states of the subducting slabs.The rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer was proposed and successfully applied to constrain the oxygen fugacity of mantle assemblages.However, its application to rocks equilibrated at crustal P-T conditions has been hampered by some uncertainties in an early solid solution model of ilmenite. With a newly-released solid solution model for the ilmenite, we have conducted high-P experiments(at 3 and 5 GPa, and 900–1300°C) to test the accuracy of this oxybarometer. The experiments were performed with their oxygen fugacities controlled by the CCO buffer(i.e., C+O_2=CO_2). We demonstrated that the oxygen fugacities calculated for our high-P experimental products by using the rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer were in excellent agreement with the fO_2 dictated by the CCO buffer, suggesting a wide applicability of this oxybarometer to crust rocks. As examples, the rutile-ilmenite oxybarometer has been used to constrain the oxygen fugacities of some metamorphic rocks such as eclogite, granulite and amphibolite usually observed from the subduction zones.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41130960,41165001,41175010)the China Special Fund for Meteorological Research in the Public Interest(Grant No.GYHY201406001)
文摘Based on a comprehensive analysis on Sonic Anemometer and gradient data, wind profile radar(WPR) and GPS sounding data of March–August 2008 from the boundary layer(BL) tower observation system at Dali on the southeastern edge of Tibetan Plateau(TP), it is found that the strengths of turbulent kinetic energy(TKE), buoyancy term and shear term depend on vegetation cover in association with local stability and thermodynamic condition. Strong kinetic turbulence appears when near surface layer in neutral condition with the large contribution from shear term. In an unstable condition within near surface layer, the atmospheric turbulent motion is mainly thermal turbulence, as buoyancy term is obviously larger than shear term. Under a stable condition the intermittent turbulence is accompanied by weak shear and buoyancy term, and TKE is significantly less than neutral or instable condition. The study also presents that the buoyancy term contribution at Nyingchi station in the southern slopes of the TP large topography in spring is significantly larger than that at Dali over the southeastern TP edge, reflecting that the thermal turbulence makes an important contribution to convection activity in the southern slopes of TP. Dali station is located in complex terrain with mountain and valley leading to larger kinetic turbulence. From the perspective of interaction of turbulence-convection in different scales, the study revealed that the height of convective boundary layer(CBL) could reach up to 1500–2000 m. TKE, shear term, and buoyancy term in near surface layer have the notable correlations with BL height and local vertical motion. The daytime thermodynamic turbulence effect of heat flux and buoyancy term has an obvious impact on the height of CBL, whereas mechanical turbulence only exerts a less impact. Mechanical turbulence in near surface layer has a significant impact on vertical motion especially in the forenoon with impacting height of 2500–3000 m. The peaks in diurnal variations of shear term and buoyancy term correspond to the high instable periods, especially in summer forenoon. Our observation analysis characterized the convection activity triggered by TKE source and their interaction in the southeastern TP edge.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10774017, 10475058 and 10976004)the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 61383)+2 种基金the Foundation of National Key Laboratory (Grant No. 9140C6901031004)Development Foundation of China Academy of Engineering Physics (Grant Nos. 2010A0201008 and 2009A0101001)Defense Industrial Technology Development Program (Grant No. B1520110002)
文摘The equation of states (EOS) of high energy explosive HMX (octahydro-l,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) has been studied by using the first principle method. Our results include the lattice constants, elastic constants, and the dependence of total en- ergy and pressure on volume for β- and 5-HMX. The calculated elastic constants and the pressure-volume relationship of ^-HMX are also compared with the experimental values. The theoretical tensile experiments are implemented on the 13-HMX. The atomic-scale analysis displays that the fracture originates from the intermolecule of HMX and is possibly due to the weak interaction of intermolecules.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.10804053 and 61203147the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province under Grant No.BK20131428+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions under Grant No.13KJD140003the Scientific Research Foundation of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications under Grant No.NY211008Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu Province
文摘By using the coupled duster method and the numerical density matrix renormalization group method, we investigate the properties of the quantum plateau state in an alternating Heisenberg spin chain. In the absence of a magnetic field, the results obtained from the coupled cluster method and density matrix renormalization group method both show that the ground state of the aiternating chain is a gapped dimerized state when the parameter a exceeds a critical point ac. The value of the critical points can be determined precisely by a detailed investigation of the behavior of the spin gap. The system therefore possesses an m = 0 plateau state in the presence of a magnetic field When a 〉 ac. In addition to the m = 0 plateau state, the results of density matrix renormaiization group indicate that there is an m = 1/4 plateau state that occurs between two critical fields in the alternating chain if a 〉 1. The mechanism for the m = 1/4 plateau state and the critical behavior of the magnetization as one approaches this plateau state are also discussed.