Search

The analysis of the relief characteristics of a hydrographic basin is relevant for the study of flood danger. Its influence on hydrological and geomorphological processes and meteorological characteristics is closely related to the phenomena that manifest on its surface. The aim of the work is to analyze the parameters (average height, unevenness, slope gradient and slope orientation) that define the relief of the upper basin of the Sauce Corto stream as factors of flood hazard. Parameters and morphometric indices associated with the relief were used at two categorical levels: on the one side at the level of each sub-basin in particular and on the other side jointly according to the margin of the main course to which their waters contribute. In the southwestern and southern subbasins of the upper basin of the Sauce Corto stream (Martirio, Cerro 832, Nacimiento Oeste and Nacimiento Este) it is possible to infer sudden floods enhanced by the high slope gradients. Likewise, in the subbasins on the left bank of the main course, runoff processes are accelerated given their altitudinal and slope characteristics. This study allows us to understand the distribution and association of the relief variables that make up the hazard associated with flood events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution affects cities and countries all over the world. One of the most common air pollutants is particulate matter (PM10) which has a direct impact on people´s health (WHO, 2006). The concentration of this pollutant in the troposphere depends principally on weather conditions. This paper seeks to analyse variations in Bahía Blanca (Argentina) PM10 concentration over time by evaluating the relationship between physical and anthropogenic factors that may influence its dynamics. It was observed that variations in PM10 concentrations are related to both natu- ral and anthropogenic factors. Traffic flow and agroindustrial activities, mainly related to grain transport and storage, promote high pollutant concentrations. This is reflected by marked variations of PM10 concentrations throughout the day and between working and nonworking days. PM10 concentrations are affected by Northern, high speed winds, which cause clouds of dust and smoke very often. In addition, results from this investigation revealed that PM10 concentrations may be related to volcanic activity, as the eruption of the Puyehue- Caulle Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]