Abstract
Isolating long-term trend in sea surface temperature (SST) from El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO) variability is fundamental for climate studies. In the present study, trend-empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, a robust space-time method for extracting trend patterns, is applied to isolate low-frequency variability from time series of SST anomalies for the 1982-2006 period. The first derived trend pattern reflects a systematic decrease in SST during the 25-year period in the equatorial Pacific and an increase in most of the global ocean. The second trend pattern reflects mainly ENSO variability in the Pacific Ocean. The examination of the contribution of these low-frequency modes to the globally averaged SST fluctuations indicates that they are able to account for most (>90%) of the variability observed in global mean SST. Trend-EOFs perform better than conventional EOFs when the interest is on low-frequency rather than on maximum variance patterns, particularly for short time series such as the ones resulting from satellite retrievals. Copyright (C) 2009 Royal Meteorological Society

Abstract

Abstract
Indoor radon activities were measured during a period of 6 months, as well as several physical environmental variables (temperature, pressure, humidity and rainfall). The location was a small room at an administrative building of the University of Coimbra, usually undisturbed by human activities and situated over bedrock of low-uranium Triassic red sandstones. A low average activity of radon was observed (36 Bq m(-3)), however showing a very well marked daily periodicity (10 +/- 5 Bq m(-3)), with maximum values occurring more frequently between 9 and 10 a.m. Daily variations are shown to have no relation with earth tides, and their amplitudes exhibit a significant correlation with outdoor temperature; no dependence on barometric pressure was found. Rainfall disturbs the observed daily radon cycles through a strong reduction of their amplitude, but has no effect on the long-term variability of the gas concentration.

Abstract
This study was carried out to improve diagnosis and prediction of geomaterials status from coastal protection structures. A methodology is proposed for the characterization of rock materials and management of the structures. The characterization was organized in different phases: i) visual inspection; ii) field techniques to study geologic-geotechnical features; iii) in situ measurement of geomechanical parameters; and iv) development of GIS-based mapping and assessment of the block materials. The results obtained allowed to define a geotechnical zonation for the structure armor layer, according to the type of geomaterial source, weathering/degradation grade and geomechanical rebound values. The GIS project developed, combined an applied cartography of the groins' superficial layer with the results of the field techniques. The interactive base included the pilot case presented in this work, from Espinho coastal area (NW Portugal, Iberian Peninsula), which comprises four different sectors. The results of this work, support the need to apply geomechanic concepts to coastal structures, since they allow the evaluation of deterioration levels and improve the planning of intervention works. This methodology contributes to ameliorate the efficiency of monitoring and maintenance, in an economically beneficial mode. © ISRM International Symposium on Rock Mechanics, SINOROCK 2009.

Abstract
This study was carried out to develop a systematic methodology for the analysis of coastal protection structures in a GIS database project. This work contributes to ameliorate the efficiency of monitoring and maintenance, in an economically beneficial mode. Low-level aerial surveys were conducted from a light aircraft, providing high-resolution digital images Suitable for armour layer integrity analysis. Combining photogrammetric and field techniques, this research aims to define an applied cartography for geomaterials characterisation in hydraulic works. This research comprehends different phases: i) Visual inspection; ii) field techniques to study geologic-geotechnical features; iii) in situ measurement of geomechanical parameters; and iv) development of GIS mapping and assessment of the block materials. The GIS project incorporates high-resolution aerial imagery surveys and the results of the field techniques applied for the structures' cartography. The interactive base included the pilot case presented in this work, from Espinho coastal area (NW Portugal), which comprises five sectors. Based on the described methodology, different geomaterials were recognised, providing an evaluation of the current condition of the structure and the revetment material status. The results obtained allowed to define a geomaterial zonation for the structures' armour layer, according to the type of rock source, weathering/degradation grade and in situ, geomechanical tests. Also, the outcome established by these results indicates the need for repairing/maintenance works in some parts of the studied structures. This guidance may be helpful during pre-design or planning assessments, supported by coastal geoengineering concepts. It also generates useful knowledge for repairing recommendations and conceptual coastal management.

Abstract
Shoreline change in the Espinho area ( northwest Portugal) is a chronic problem. The present study takes advantage of geographical information system (GIS) tools to contribute to the knowledge of the geologic and geomorphological dynamics of the Espinho shoreline. A GIS-based monitoring project was compiled, which gathers information on all coastal works located along the Espinho shoreline, focusing especially on construction, monitoring, and repair aspects. Shoreline change was analyzed using the ArcGIS extension "Digital Shoreline Analysis System'' (DSAS) to understand this important aspect of coastal management. This work also emphasizes the importance of geotechnical assessment of coastal protection structures in diagnosing their degree of damage and/or deterioration so that one can plan more efficient maintenance works. Our results indicate a general trend of erosion to the south and accretion to the north of the Espinho coastal area. Geoengineering characterization of the Paramos groin defines three main zones for the armor block materials (i.e., Zones I, II/III, and IV), which show, respectively, very low, medium to high, and low deterioration levels.