Das Projekt B1 'Allometrie und Raumbesetzung von krautigen und holzigen Pflanzen' ist Teil des Sonderforschungsbereiches 607 Wachstum und Parasitenabwehr und befindet sich bereits in der vierten Phase des seit 1998 laufenden Forschungsprojektes. Bisher wurde im Projekt B1 die Allometrie als Resultat der pflanzeninternen Steuerung der Allokation untersucht. Auf Individuenebene wurden Allometrie und ihre Veränderung für verschiedene Baumarten in verschiedenen ontogenetischen Stadien untersucht. Auf Bestandesebene wurden die self-thinning-Linien von Yoda und Reineke für krautige bzw. holzige Pflanzenbestände analysiert. Bisherige Allometriebestimmungen erbrachten für diese Arten zwar ähnliche Größenordnung aber auch charakteristische Unterschiede, die Ausdruck spezifischer Strategien der Raumbesetzung und -ausbeutung widerspiegeln. Die bisher vereinzelten Auswertungen sollen in Phase IV in eine übergreifende Analyse (versch. Arten, ontogenetische Stadien, Konkurrenzsituationen, Störfaktoren) der Allometrie auf Pflanzen- und Bestandesebene münden.
Building Materials are a basic need, which is often difficult to meet in developing countries. Concrete is the building material best suited to meet these demands, although cement, the central ingredient is often disproportionately expensive in developing counties. The most promising option to lower costs (and environmental impact) is to blend conventional Portland cement with pozzolanic materials. The aim of this project is to develop technologies appropriate for the small scale, local production of pozzolans from clay (a material widely available) in conjunction with the exploitation of waste biomass for combined heat and power production. The modular concept of a clay activation unit, CAU to be coupled with a biomass boiler, will give the flexibility to adapt the solution to local conditions. We have already demonstrated that relatively common (low grade) clayey soils can be activated to give a pozzolan similar in performance to fly ash (from coal fired electricity production) widely used in the developed world. Results also indicate that it is possible to improve their reactivity by using and optimizing flash calcination, to allow high levels of substitution and very significant improvements in cost/performance ratio. To achieve this we need also to look at the performance of the activated clays in concrete from the point of view of rheology, hardening and durability to enable optimum cost/performance to be achieved according to local materials and applications. The partnership between LMC, EPFL and two academic groups in Cuba has already been established in a previous project. Furthermore, one of the Cuban partners plays a leading role in ECOSUR (a Swiss NGO) which has established workshops, producing low cost building materials, in many developing countries. In the first part of the project significant scientific advances were made, which enabled a huge acceleration in progress, relative to previous work by the Cuban partners alone. In addition, 3 Cuban PhD students spent several months working in the Swiss laboratory and have now returned to Cuba to continue their research. In this project, funding is requested for one PhD student to be based in Switzerland, who will work closely with 3 Cuban PhD Student (funded be the Cuban government). On the Cuban side, funds are requested for essential equipment and to fund the stays of the students at EPFL. Each of the Cuban students will spend 4-8 months working at EPFL during the course of the project.
The aim of the current research is to identify regional sources and trans-boundary flow leading to the observed salinity of Lake Tiberias (LT) -also known as the Sea of Galilee or Lake Kinneret-, and its surroundings, which is considered the only natural surface fresh water reservoir of the area. The current study will include all sources of brines in the Tiberias Basin (TB) with specific emphasis of the relationship between the brines from the Ha'on and Tiberias Regions (HTR).The tasks will be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach involving: (i) numerical modelling of density-driven flow processes (i.e., coupled heat and dissolution of evaporites), (ii) hydrochemical studies, supplemented by investigations of subsurface structures.(i) Numerical modelling will be carried out by applying the commercial software FEFLOW® (WASY, GmbH) complemented with the open source code OpenGeoSys developed at the UFZ of Leipzig (Wang et al., 2009). The final goal is to build a 3D regional-scale model of density-driven flow that will result in: (1) revealing the different interactions between fresh groundwater and natural salinity sources (2) elucidate the driving mechanisms of natural brines and brackish water body's movements.(ii) Hydrochemical study will include major, minor and, if possible, rare earth elements (REE) as well as isotope studies. The samples will be analysed at the FU Berlin and UFZ Halle laboratories. Geochemical data interpretation and inverse modelling will be supported by PHREEQC. Hydrochemical field investigations will be carried out in Tiberias basin and its enclosing heights, i.e. the Golan, Eastern Galilee and northern Ajloun in order to search for indications of the presence of deep, relic saline groundwater infested by the inferred Ha'on mother-brine. The current approaches will be supplemented by seismic and statistical data analysis as well as GIS software applications for the definition of the subsurface structures. The key research challenges are: building a 3D structural model of selected regions of TB, adapting both structural and hydrochemical data to the numerical requirements of the model; calibrating the 3D regional-scale model with observational data. The results of this work are expected to establish suitable water-management strategies for the exploitation of freshwater from the lake and from the adjacent aquifers while reducing salinization processes induced by both local and regional brines.
Die Erkennung von Veränderungen der Landbedeckung der Erdoberfläche auf der Basis von satellitengestützten Fernerkundungsdaten ist seit Jahrzehnten ein sehr aktives Forschungsfeld. Das Ziel des Landschaftsveränderungsdiensts ist es, freie Copernicus-Satellitendaten für eine automatische Ableitung von Landbedeckungsänderungen zu nutzen und diese Informationen regelmäßig für einzelne Landschaftselemente (z.B. für Waldgebiete, Wasserflächen, Landwirtschaftsflächen usw.) über einen Web Service bereitzustellen. Copernicus Daten eignen sich aufgrund der hohen zeitlichen (ca. 3-5 Tage, je nach Sensor) und mittleren räumlichen Auflösung (ab 10m) ideal für eine regelmäßige bundesweite flächendeckende Analyse der Landbedeckung. Um eine hohe Bearbeitungsleistung zu erreichen wird die 'Copernicus Data and Exploitation Platform - Deutschland' (CODE-DE) für die Datenverarbeitung und -analyse genutzt. Es können aktuelle und konsistenteste Informationen über Landdeckungsänderungen abgeleitet werden, um kontinuierlich Geodaten in einer einheitlichen Qualität zu pflegen (siehe Abbildung 1). Andererseits können die gewonnenen Informationen genutzt werden, um statistisch relevante Geoinformationen zur quantitativen Beschreibung der UN-SDG-Indikatoren zu extrahieren. Die 2015 verabschiedete Agenda 2030 mit 17 Entwicklungszielen (SDG) und 169 Unterzielen verknüpft das Prinzip der Nachhaltigkeit mit der ökonomischen, ökologischen und sozialen Entwicklung. Die Umsetzung erfordert einen soliden Überprüfungsmechanismus. Dieser soll durch eine regemäßige nationale Erfassung von ca. 200 definierten UN-SDG-Indikatoren erfolgen, mit dem Ziel Fortschritte zu monitoren und die Politik zu informieren.
MAGICPAH aims to explore, understand and exploit the catalytic activities of microbial communities involved in the degradation of persistent PAHs. It will integrate (meta-) genomic studies with in-situ activity assessment based on stable isotope probing particularly in complex matrices of different terrestrial and marine environments. PAH degradation under various conditions of bioavailability will be assessed as to improve rational exploitation of the catalytic properties of bacteria for the treatment and prevention of PAH pollution. We will generate a knowledge base not only on the microbial catabolome for biodegradation of PAHs in various impacted environmental settings based on genome gazing, retrieval and characterization of specific enzymes but also on systems related bioavailability of contaminant mixtures. MAGICPAH takes into account the tremendous undiscovered metagenomic resources by the direct retrieval from genome/metagenome libraries and consequent characterization of enzymes through activity screens. These screens will include a highend functional small-molecule fluorescence screening platform and will allow us to directly access novel metabolic reactions followed by their rational exploitation for biocatalysis and the re-construction of biodegradation networks. Results from (meta-) genomic approaches will be correlated with microbial in situ activity assessments, specifically dedicated to identifying key players and key reactions involved in anaerobic PAH metabolism. Key processes for PAH metabolism particularly in marine and composting environments and the kinetics of MAGICPAH aims to explore, understand and exploit the catalytic activities of microbial communities involved in the degradation of persistent PAHs. It will integrate (meta-) genomic studies with in-situ activity assessment based on stable isotope probing particularly in complex matrices of different terrestrial and marine environments. PAH degradation under various conditions of bioavailability will be assessed as to improve rational exploitation of the catalytic properties of bacteria for the treatment and prevention of PAH pollution. We will generate a knowledge base not only on the microbial catabolome for biodegradation of PAHs in various impacted environmental settings based on genome gazing, retrieval and characterization of specific enzymes but also on systems related bioavailability of contaminant mixtures. MAGICPAH takes into account the tremendous undiscovered metagenomic resources by the direct retrieval from genome/metagenome libraries and consequent characterization of enzymes through activity screens. These screens will include a high-end functional small-molecule fluorescence screening platform and will allow us to directly access novel metabolic reactions followed by their rational exploitation for biocatalysis and the re-construction of biodegradation networks. Results from (meta-) genomic approaches will be correlated with microbial in situ activity
The contribution of geothermal energy is a key factor to the successful achievement of the objectives of the European Commission concerning the development of renewable and sustainable energy. The concept of Unconventional Geothermal Resources and in particular Enhanced Geothermal Systems examines ways of increasing the potential of geothermal power generation through (i) exploring new types of reservoirs for heat exchange (Hot Dry Rock, supercritical fluids..), (ii) enlarging the extent of productive geothermal fields by stimulating Geothermal energy for all permeability, (iii) enhancing the viability of current and potential hydrothermal areas by stimulation technology and improving thermodynamic cycles. The main objective of the proposed action is the co-ordination of the present research and development initiatives for Unconventional Geothermal Resources and Enhanced Geothermal Systems, from resource investigation and assessment stage through to exploitation monitoring. The Co-ordination Action will provide (1) an updated framework of activities concerning geothermal energy in Europe, including the integration of scientific and technical know-how and practices, the evaluation of socio-economic and environmental impacts; (2) the definition of innovative concepts for investigation and use of Unconventional Geothermal Resources and Enhanced Geothermal Systems; groups of expects will present a Best Practice Handbook; (3) a scientific and technical European Reference Manual including the information and dissemination systems developed during the Co-ordination Action. The links established between research and development teams, national development programmes, industrial partners and international agencies will be used to promote the geothermal energy as a major renewable and sustainable source of energy and to propose innovative high.level medium- to longer-term research projects.
For centuries sophisticated oasis agriculture and ocean fishery provided the living of the sedentary population in the mountainous desert country of Oman. Since the early 1970s, the country's political opening and commercial oil exploitation led to fundamental changes in the conditions for agricultural production. Being part of an interdisciplinary programme comprising research in social and natural sciences, the overall aim of this subproject is to quantify the bio-physical processes and socio-economic variables that determine the current crop-livestock husbandry in Omani mountain oasis settlements. To this end, nutrient and water use efficiencies in the cropping system are determined along with feeding strategies in livestock husbandry, labour needs and financial in- and outputs related to the various activities. Through bio-economic modelling land use options that are biologically and economically sustainable are identified and scenarios are developed for a socially acceptable future agricultural use of the millennia-old terrace systems with their high cultural value.
Die Bereitstellung von Industrierohstoffen und Energie in der Form von Wärme und elektrischen Strom aus Einjahres-, zweijährigen und ausdauernden Pflanzen stellt in allen industrialisierten Ländern und auch in Österreich mittel- und langfristig eine bedeutende Alternative zum Verbrauch fossiler Resourcen dar. Miscanthus Giganteus, eine ausdauernde Pflanze, benötigt eine stark vom Standort abhängige ein- bis zweijährige Etablierungsphase. Die Ernte des Aufwuchses ist erst ab dem zweiten Vegetationsjahr wirtschaftlich. Nach bisherigen Ergebnissen und Erwartungen ist eine ca. 20jährige Nutzungsdauer möglich. Die Feldversuche an fünf bezüglich Klima und Bodenform (Bodentyp und Art) unterschiedlichen Standorten ergaben von 1989 bis 2001 jährlich Trockensubstanzerträge von 17500 bis 24000 kg/ha. Die Ertragsschwankungen zwischen den Jahren sind relativ niedrig, standortbezogen zwischen 2000 und 4000 kg/ha. Zwischen den einzelnen Standorten gibt es bedeutende Ertragsunterschiede. Jährlich hohe Erträge werden an den Standorten ILZ (Steiermark) und in ST. FLORIAN (Oberösterreich) bei durchschnittlichen Jahresniederschlagsmengen zwischen 700 und 900 mm erzielt. Durch die geringeren Niederschläge bedingt ist das Ertragsniveau in MICHELNDORF, MARKGRAFNEUSIEDL, GROSS ENZERSDORF und STEINBRUNN niedriger. Bei Bewässerung in einer Menge von 100 bis 150 mm (Juli bis September) steigt der Biomasseertrag um ca. 2000 bis 5000 kg/ha an. Das Ertragsmaximum wird Ende November - Anfang Dezember erreicht. Bis zum üblichen Erntetermin Ende Februar - Mitte März fällt der Ertrag aufgrund des Blattfalles und Abbrechen der dünnen Stängel und Triebspitzen ab. Der Wassergehalt im Erntegut liegt bei einer Ernte Ende November - Anfang Dezember über 50 Prozent, er fällt je nach mittlerem Stängeldurchmesser und Winter-Witterungsverlauf bis Ende Februar auf 30 bis ca. 42 Prozent ab. Eine Stickstoffdüngermenge über 60 kg N/ha führt nur selten zu steigenden Erträgen. Gülle als Dünger erreicht wegen der meist dichten Blattmulchauflage nur eine geringe Düngerwirkung. Die wesentlichen Qualitätskriterien bei einer thermisch energetischen bzw. stofflichen Nutzung sind konstant. Der Aschegehalt im Erntegut weist ab dem dritten Aufwuchsjahr Werte zwischen 3,2 und 5,0 Prozent auf. Auch der N- Gehalt im Erntegut bleibt ab dem Dritten Aufwuchsjahr beinahe konstant und liegt zwischen 0,3 und 0,42 Prozent. Den größten Anteil der Miscanthusasche bilden Siliciumoxyd (ca. 40 bis 50 5) und K2O (12 bis 20 Prozent). Miscanthuserntegut ist bei entsprechender Technologie ein Rohstoff für die Zellulosegewinnung. Der Gehalt ab dem dritten Aufwuchsjahr liegt bei ca. 47,5 Prozent und ist nur geringfügig niedriger als im Laub- oder Nadelholz.
GLORIA combines a Michelson interferometer with a detector array of 128 x 128 pixels and will be the first 2D infrared limb imaging spectrometer worldwide. It is designed for HALO and will measure the distribution of temperature and a considerable number of trace constituents along with cloud mapping with unprecedented spatial resolution in the free troposphere and lower stratosphere. It is an essential contribution to the HALO demo missions TACTS, POLSTRACC, and CIRRUS-RS. Imaging Fourier transform spectrometers impose a number of challenges with respect to instrument calibration / characterisation and for algorithm development. The work of the first proposal focused on characterisation and modeling of the instrument and on the development of methods and algorithms which are capable of generating calibrated spectra with high accuracy. Accurately calibrated spectra are a prerequisite for the retrieval of atmospheric parameters and the scientific data exploitation. Within this renewal proposal the developed characterisation methods will be applied to the instrument in flight configuration, and the new algorithms will be used to generate highly accurate calibrated spectra from the raw interferograms measured during the HALO demo missions. The work will be completed by a thorough error analysis for the calibrated spectra. Finally, instrument settings, calibration scenario and data processing shall be optimised with respect to data quality. This proposal contributes to the development of high technology sensors and instruments for the use on HALO.
The COMTES project has as goal to develop and demonstrate three novel systems for compact seasonal storage of solar thermal energy. These systems will contribute to the EU 20-20-20 targets by covering a larger share of the domestic energy demand with solar thermal energy. Main objective of COMTES is to develop and demonstrate systems for seasonal storage that are significantly better than water based systems. The three technologies are covered in COMTES by three parallel development lines: solid sorption, liquid sorption and supercooling PCM. Strength of this approach is the collaboration of three development groups in activities that pertain to the analyses, methods and techniques that concern all technologies, without risking the exchange of confidential material. In this way, the development is much more effective than in three separate projects. The project starts with a definition of system boundary conditions and target applications. Next comes the investigation of the best available storage materials. Detailed numerical modelling of the physical processes, backed by experimental validations, will lead to optimum component design. Full-scale prototypes are simulated, constructed and tested in the laboratory in order to optimize process design. One year of fully monitored operation in demonstration buildings is followed by an integrated evaluation of the systems and their potential. When deemed successful, the involved industry partners will pick up the developed storage concepts and bring them further to a commercial level. The COMTES project is a cooperation of key scientific institutions active in the above mentioned heat storage technologies. For the first time, all relevant research disciplines are covered in an international effort. For each development line, a top-Ieading industry partner contributes its know-how and experience, providing the basis for further industrial development and exploitation of project results.
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