Introduction to the Regional Coupled Model WRF4-LICOM: Performance and Model Intercomparison over the Western North Pacific

Regional coupled modeling is one of the frontiers of regional climate modeling,but intercomparison has not been well coordinated.In this study,a community regional climate model,WRF4,with a resolution of 15 km,was coupled with a high-resolution(0.1°)North Pacific Ocean model(LICOM_np).The performance of the regional coupled model,WRF4_LICOM,was compared to that of another regional coupled model,RegCM4_LICOM,which was a coupling of version 4 of the Regional Climate Model(RegCM4)with LICOM_np.The analysis focused on the 2005 western North Pacific summer monsoon rainfall.The results showed that the regional coupled models with either RegCM4 or WRF4 as their atmospheric model component simulated the broad features over the WNP reasonably well.Quantitative intercomparison of the regional coupled simulations exhibited different biases for different climate variables.RegCM4_LICOM exhibited smaller biases in its simulation of the averaged June–July–August SST and rainfall,while WRF4_LICOM better captured the tropical cyclone(TC)intensity,the percentage contributions of rainfall induced by TCs to the total rainfall,and the diurnal cycle of rainfall and stratiform percentages,especially over land areas.The different behaviors in rainfall simulated by the two models were partly ascribed to the behaviors in the simulated western North Pacific subtropical high(WNPSH).The stronger(weaker)WNPSH in WRF4_LICOM(RegCM4_LICOM)was driven by overestimated(underestimated)diabatic heating,which peaked at approximately 450 hPa over the region around the Philippines in association with different condensation–radiation processes.Coupling of WRF4 with LIOCM is a crucial step towards the development of the next generation of regional earth system models at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Quantitative research of diagenesis:its effect on pore evolution of the Fuyu oil reservoir in the north Qijia region

From observing cores of 18 wells,identifying 175 ordinary thin sections and 61 thin casting sections,energy spectrum analyses of 37 samples,homogenization temperature measurement of fluid inclusions of 11 samples,we determine the types of diagenesis and pores of the Fuyu oil reservoir in the north Qijia region.We classified the pores and measured their plane porosity using CIA 2000,the software of rock image analysis,calculated the effect of different kinds of diagenesis on porosity,studied the controlling actions of diagenesis to pore evolution quantitatively,combined with burial history,thermal history and their diagenetic environments.Our results show that mechanical compaction and carbonate cementation are the major destructive diagenesed,developed during early diagenesis stages.The reduction in porosity by mechanical compaction and carbonate cementation are about 25% and 8%,while the destructive intensity of siliceous cementation and clay mineral cementation is relatively much smaller,i.e.,the reduction of porosity is about 2% and 0.2% Dissolution is constructive diagenesis,the increment of porosity is about 6%.There are four diagenesis evolution stages,during which the porosity reduced from 30%～38% to 2%～20%.Mechanical compaction and early cementation are the main diageneses in the early diagenesis stages,when porosity was reduced to 2%～10%.Dissolution is the main diagenesis of an A I substage of the middle diagenesis stage,when porosity increased 1%～8%.The dissolution of the A Ⅱ substage of the middle diagenesis stage affected by late cementation,raised porosity 1%～5%.The porosity varied slightly during the middle stage B.

Sexual Risk Behaviours among People Living with HIV and Implications for Control in the North West Region of Cameroon

In Cameroon, despite extensive control efforts against HIV/AIDS, the number of new HIV infections is still on the rise. The factors contributing to this are not clearly understood. We hypothesized that it may lie on people living with HIV (PLHIV). In a case-control descriptive study, we studied the characteristics and sexual risky behaviour of PLHIV in the North West Region of Cameroon which has the highest HIV prevalence. Participants were screened for HIV and a structured questionnaire was used in data collection. An equivalent number (350) of PLHIV and controls who did not differ with respect to age and sex participated. Relative to the control, PLHIV were generally less educated (P < 0.001), poorer and less privileged (P < 0.001) with no stable source of income. Among participants that were once married, a greater proportion of PLHIV were divorced (OR = 5.23, P = 0.007), and widows (OR = 2.73, P = 0.001). Among participants that were single, a relatively greater proportion of PLHIV practiced multi-partner sex (OR = 4.55, P< 0.001). History of STDs was higher in PLHIV than the control (OR = 1.88, P = 0.001). Out of 350 PLHIV, 280 (80%) admitted to having had sexual intercourse after being diagnosed of which only 127 (41.78%) admitted to using condoms and 132 (47.14%) admitted to concealing their HIV status from their sexual partner(s). These findings have implications in HIV control programs which should target the poor and the less educated, as well as the sexual behaviour of PLHIV, so as to reverse the current rising trend of new infections in the country.

Does regional air–sea coupling improve the simulation of the summer monsoon over the western North Pacific in the WRF4 model?

A new regional coupled ocean–atmosphere model,WRF4-LICOM,was used to investigate the impacts of regional air–sea coupling on the simulation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon(WNPSM),with a focus on the normal WNPSM year 2005.Compared to WRF4,WRF4-LICOM improved the simulation of the summer mean monsoon rainfall,circulations,sea surface net heat fluxes,and propagations of the daily rainband over the WNP.The major differences between the models were found over the northern South China Sea and east of the Philippines.The warmer SST reduced the gross moist stability of the atmosphere and increased the upward latent heat flux,and then drove local ascending anomalies,which led to the increase of rainfall in WRF4-LICOM.The resultant enhanced atmospheric heating drove a low-level anomalous cyclone to its northwest,which reduced the simulated circulation biases in the stand-alone WRF4 model.The local observed daily SST over the WNP was a response to the overlying summer monsoon.In the WRF4 model,the modeled atmosphere exhibited passive response to the underlying daily SST anomalies.With the inclusion of regional air–sea coupling,the simulated daily SST–rainfall relationship was significantly improved.WRF4-LICOM is recommended for future dynamical downscaling of simulations and projections over this region.

Discovery of Ophiolitic Mélange in the North Region of Geji County, Northwest Tibet and Its Zircon U-Pb Age

Objective The Bangong Co–Nujiang River suture zone is the great boundary between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes in the Tibetan Plateau.A series of major scientific issues are still controversial at present such as the subduction polarity and evolutionary process of this suture（Wei Shaogang et al.,2017）.

Dynamic influence of Holocene characteristics on vadose water in typical region of central North China Plain

In the typical region of central North China Plain, vadose sediments are Holocene sediment strata. With samples from field drillings, the study analyzes the sedimentary characteristics of vadose zone. The study takes the content of silty sand as the basis for sedimentary environment analysis, and the content of clay and sand as the sensitive indicator for sedimentary characteristics. Combining palynology analysis, the study divides vadose zone from top to bottom into diluvia oxbow lacustrine sediments, lacustrine sediments, lacustrine and swamp sediments, weak palaeohydrodynamic lacustrine sediments and alluvial sediments. Based on the sedimentary characteristics of Holocene strata, it analyzes the changes across depth of vadose zone water potential and matrix potential, obtaining the influence of vadose zone sedimentary characteristics on the migration of water in typical region of central North China Plain.

Characteristics of Horizontal Crustal Movement in the North China Region in the Last Decade

Based on high-precision data obtained in the past decade from GPS re-measurement in the North China Network, the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and GPS measurement along the Shanxi graben zone, the status and evolution of horizontal crustal movement in the North China region are analyzed. The results show that(1) the Yanshan tectonic zone (Zhangjiakou-Bohai Sea zone)is an active one with the largest horizontal strain in the North China region; The largest tendency differential movement of adjacent blocks is seen between the Yanshan block and the North China plain block; about 2mm/a (left lateral); (2) The significant horizontal differential movement along the boundaries of the North China region is characterized by right-lateral strike-slip movement at the middle-north segment on its west boundary (composed of Yinchuan and other active tectonic zones) and compressive movement at the south segment; while the Yinshan rift zone located along the west segment on its north boundary is dominated by tensile movement. Other boundaries and zones have no obvious differential movement; (3) On the whole, measurements of each period differ from one another, which might result from the nonlinear movement component as well as from the error effect. In the paper, results of the relative movement and strain in different periods are given for different blocks and boundary zones.

The 144–140 Ma Mafic Dykes in North China and Northeast China Indicating Regional Extensional Tectonic Setting

Objective Previous studies indicate that the North China Craton（NCC）had undergone the loss of thickened lithosphere and fundamental change of physical and chemical property of lithospheric mantle（the destruction of NCC）during the Mesozoic.The peak period of the destruction of NCC is estimated to be 130 Ma,accompanied by widespread metamorphic core complex,rift basins,A-type granites and mafic dykes. However, it remains greatly controversial on the tectonic setting of NCC in the pre- 130Ma.

Application of the predictable model ofregional time-magnitude to North and Southwest China region

In this paper, the method which can combine different seismic data with the different precision and completeness, even the palaeo-earthquake data, has been applied to estimate the yearly seismic moment rate in the seismic region. Based on this, the predictable model of regional time-magnitude has been used in North China and Southwest China. The normal correlation between the time interval of the events and the magnitude of the last strong earthquake shows that the model is suitable. The value of the parameter c is less than the average value of 0.33 that is obtained from the events occurred in the plate boundary in the world. It is explained that the correlativity between the recurrence interval of the earthquake and the magnitude of the last strong event is not obvious. It is shown that the continental earthquakes in China are different from that occurred in the plate boundary and the recurrence model for the continental events are different from the one for the plate boundary events. Finally the seismic risk analysis based on this model for North China and Southwest China is given in this paper.

The Statistical Analysis of Migration of Strong Earthquakes─Taking the North China Region as an Example

The migration of strong earthquakes is an important research topic because the migration phenomena reflect partly the seismic mechanism and involve the prediction of tendency of seismic activity. Research on migration of strong earthquakes has mostly focused on finding the phenomena. Some attempts on getting regularity were comparatively subjective. This paper suggests that there should be indices of migration in earthquake dataset and the indexes should have statistical meaning if there is regularity in the migration of strong earthquakes. In this study, three derivative attributes of migration, i.e., migration orientation, migration distance and migration time interval, were statistically analyzed. Results in the North China region show that the migration of strong earthquakes has statistical meaning. There is a dominant migration orientation (W by S to E by N), a dominant distance (≤100km and on the confines of 300～700km), and a dominant time interval (≤1a and on the confines of 3～4a). The results also show that the migration will differ slightly with different magnitude range or earthquake activity phase.

Regional Geochemistry and Fluid Flow in the Palaeogene Aquifers of the Gaoyou Subbasin in the Southern Part of North Jiangsu Basin, China

Chemical analysis of groundwater in petroliferous basins can be an effective way to determine the regional hydrogeological regime and to evaluate the preservation conditions of hydrocarbons. This paper presents the hydrochemical distribution of both individual aquifers and different structural units within the Palaeogene strata of the Gaoyou subbasin in the North Jiangsu Basin, east China. The results show that the salinity of the Palaeogene aquifers in the Gaoyou subbasin displays a systematic increase from the central deep depression to the periphery areas, and shows a reverse trend as the burial depth increases. Salinity maps of individual aquifers suggest that formation water in the deep layers at the centre of the study area probably retains original features of fresh lake water. Geofluids near the central deep depression of the Gaoyou subbasin migrate vertically through the Zhenwu and Hanliu faults, while those of the northern slope belt mainly flow laterally through aquifers. Both low and high salinity formation water can be found in the hydrocarbon producing areas. The low salinity zones commonly affected by infiltrated meteoric water are unfavourable conditions for the preservation of trapped hydrocarbons.

Diagnostic Analysis on a Regional Rainstorm Weather in North-central Henan Province

[Objective] The research aimed to analyze a regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. [Method] Based on the conventional meteorological observation data and the rainfall data of Henan Meteorological Station, the diagnostic analysis of atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics on a rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province on July 19, 2010 was carried out. The characteristics of physical quantity field and the evolution of weather situation in north-central Henan Province when the rainstorm happened were studied. [Result] Western Pacific subtropical high strengthened to extend westward. The dynamic uplifting of low vortex at the middle and low layers, the strong water vapor transportation of southwest low-level jet caused the regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. The diagnostic results of physical quantity showed that the deep, thick wet layer and the sustained water vapor convergence provided the abundant water vapor for rainstorm generation. The positive vorticity advection center developed and spread from northwest to southeast, which was favorable for the development of vertical movement. The structure maintenance of positive vorticity at the middle and low layers, negative vorticity at the middle and high levels provided the power condition for the regional rainstorm generation. The pumping effect of convergence at the middle and low layers, divergence at the high layer was favorable for the strengthening of vertical ascending motion at the low layer. The uplifting effect of dew point front at the middle and low layers triggered the release of unstable energy. The confrontation of warm and cold air was one of the important reasons for the regional rainstorm. TBB characteristic analysis showed that TBB was from -60 to -50 ℃ in north-central Henan Province in the whole strong precipitation time, and the moving speed was equivalent to that of southwest vortex. The low-value belt of TBB corresponded with the rainstorm occurrence zone in Henan, and the minimum-value center of TBB was basically consistent with the strongest center of precipitation. [Conclusion] The research provided the scientific basis for the short-term forecast of rainstorm.

Analysis on a Regional Heavy Rainstorm Process in North Henan

[Objective] The research aimed to analyze a regional heavy rainstorm process in North Henan.[Method] Based on routine weather chart,rainfall station in county and town,satellite cloud chart,etc.,by using synoptic diagnostic method,formation reason of the regional heavy rainstorm weather in North Henan during 18-19 August,2010 was analyzed initially from large-scale circulation background,influence system,physical quantity field and terrain influence.[Result] The strong precipitation had obvious meso-scale characteristics.The main influence systems were ground meso-scale convergence line,shear line at the middle and low layers,low-level southwest jet.The low-level southwest jet transported sufficient water vapor for generation of the heavy rainstorm.The ground converge line increased convergence ascending movement and water vapor convergence.Atmospheric divergence convergence center at the low layer was just in North Henan.Strong rise zone of the vertical velocity was also in North Henan.It provided sufficient dynamic condition for rainstorm generation.Generation,development and movement of the ground meso-scale convergence line had good indications for occurrence times and falling zones of the rainstorm and short-time strong precipitation.The big-value zones of K index and θse at the low layer both presented Ω distribution at the vertical direction,which had indicative significance for strong precipitation forecast.The strong precipitation center corresponded with fork horn terrain,and orographic rain characteristics were obvious.[Conclusion] The research provided reference basis for forecast of this kind of rainstorm.

Scale-dependent Regional Climate Predictability over North America Inferred from CMIP3 and CMIP5 Ensemble Simulations

Through the analysis of ensembles of coupled model simulations and projections collected from CMIP3 and CMIP5, we demonstrate that a fundamental spatial scale limit might exist below which useful additional refinement of climate model predictions and projections may not be possible. That limit varies among climate variables and from region to region. We show that the uncertainty（noise） in surface temperature predictions（represented by the spread among an ensemble of global climate model simulations） generally exceeds the ensemble mean（signal） at horizontal scales below 1000 km throughout North America, implying poor predictability at those scales. More limited skill is shown for the predictability of regional precipitation. The ensemble spread in this case tends to exceed or equal the ensemble mean for scales below 2000 km. These findings highlight the challenges in predicting regionally specific future climate anomalies, especially for hydroclimatic impacts such as drought and wetness.

ON THE DIFFERENTIATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA’S NORTH,CENTRAL & SOUTH COASTAL REGIONS

Ⅰ. An analysis of the development trend of the economy in the north,middle aud south coastal regions or China since China began to implementreform and open

Breast Cancer and Its Screening Awareness in the North Region of Cameroon

Due to the late diagnosis, resulting partly from the absence of national screening programs, breast cancer has become a real public health problem in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas. This work aimed to assess breast cancer awareness in the North Region of Cameroon. Participants were selected randomly in six health centers surrounding rural areas of Garoua, North Region of Cameroon, and administered a questionnaire aimed at assessing their awareness about breast cancer warning signs and screening methods. Out of 475 women (including 37 medical personnel) interviewed, 23.3% had misconceptions and myth-based ideas on the origin of the disease. Employed women were more aware of breast cancer, its risk factors and symptoms as compared to other groups (p < 0.0001) for most of the risk factors and symptoms. Participants with higher education and employed women were also more aware of breast cancer screening, including breast self-examination mammography, and breast ultrasound (p < 0.0001 vs. other groups). Breast cancer screening and breast self-examination were mostly performed by women with higher education and employed women (p < 0.0001 compared to other groups). Ignorance was the main reason preventing women from performing breast self-examination and the high cost prevented going for mammography. Our study highlights the need to raise awareness among the populations in Cameroon North Region about the risk factors and clinical signs of breast cancer and the importance of screening practice for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Elementary Research on Activity Behavior of the Crust in Funan-Huoqiu Area, Southern Border of the North China Active Block Region

The Funan-Huoqiu area is located in the border tectonic belt between the North China and South China active block regions. By means of seismological and geological surveys and synthetic analysis, evidences of tectonic deformation in lower intensity have been found in the area since Late Pleistocene, where small earthquakes are distributed linearly along the main faults, conjugate shear joints are developed in the Upper Pleistocene nearby the faults. In the south of the studied region, fissures with different lengths, widths and directions occurred successively in Gushi, Huoqiu, Funan and other places of the area, in the 1970’s, and the direction of the fissures is approximately consistent with that of the Feizhong fault and Wanglaorenji fault. The authors hold that the clustering of small earthquakes, the conjugate shear joints developed in the Upper Pleistocene, the crumpled deformation of materials on fault plane, and the development of modern surface fissures in the area all reflect that the energy in the crust was slowly released, and that the weak deformation took place in corresponding faults. There was only one destructive earthquake taking place in the area (the Jiangkouji {M_S43/4} earthquake). Altogather, there has been weak activity in the area since the Late Quaternary, and it is mainly shown as a creep-slip.

Study on the Method of Short-Term Synthetic Earthquake Prediction in the North China Region

Based on the extraction and calculation of the short-term seismic precursory information magnitude from the 114 major precursory observations in the North China region, and together with consideration of factors such as geological structure, seismicity, crustal thickness, and in particular, the current geodynamics of the region, the authors studied the time-space evolution characteristics of the short-term earthquake precursory information magnitude and its relationship with earthquakes and proposed the index and method for the short-term synthetic prediction of earthquakes with M S≥5.0 in the North China region. The inspection through R-value shows that the method is effective to a certain extent for earthquake prediction.