The Pimpama estuarine plain in subtropical southeast Queensland is comprised of Quaternary sediments infilling older bedrock. These multilayered unconsolidated sediments have various depositional origins, and are highly heterogeneous. The plain is low-lying and the surface drainage is controlled by flood mitigation measures including tidal gates and channelised streams. The control of surface drainage potentially affects the shallow water table. This modification of hydrology has implications for future viability of agriculture and also the environmental health of waterways. Increased landscape modification and water management is likely in the coming years. The combination of sediment heterogeneity, low hydraulic gradients, and artificial drainage modification result in the plain being hydrogeologically complex. In order to understand hydrologic processes in this setting, a multi-disciplinary research programme was conducted which included a drilling program, overland electromagnetic induction and other geophysical surveys (downhole gamma log, electromagnetic induction and magnetic susceptibility) to initially establish the geologic framework. These surveys were followed by hydrogeochemical testing which includes for major and minor ions and also stable isotopes, and mineralogical analysis of drillhole material. Underlying basement rock occurs at up to 60 m depth. Unconsolidated gravel and sand deposits occur within incised paleo-valleys and are overlain by predominantly low-permeability fluvial sandy clays and estuarine and lagoonal muds. Fine-grained delta sands occur in the top 15 m of the sub-surface. Within the unconsolidated sediments, hydrodynamic trends clearly discriminated between upper unconfined and lower semi-confined aquifer systems. A comparison of surface water and shallow groundwater levels indicate limited interaction of groundwater and surface water. Hydrogeochemical analysis effectively distinguished between groundwater bodies, and also distinguished saline groundwater from seawater. Trends in major ion chemistry in the semi-confined system (particularly Na/Cl and Ca/Cl ratios) showed ion exchange accompanying saline intrusion. However, due to factors such as mineral dissolution, major ion chemistry does not clearly identify solute flux trends in the shallow aquifer system. Water stable isotope analysis (δ18O and δ2H) indicated the provenance of fresh and saline groundwater and also the relative importance of the principal hydrologic processes, i.e. evaporation and water uptake by plants. Groundwater exhibited a wide range in salinity, from very fresh to hypersaline. The formation of hypersaline groundwater was attributed largely to uptake of water by mangrove forests. Since mangrove forests were more extensive at the time of the Holocene maximum sea level (approximately 6,000 years ago) than at present, some of this groundwater may represent relict salinity from this earlier time. The relationship of relict salinity to low permeability sediments, particularly at intermediate depths, and their depositional history was examined. Vertical salinity gradients and hydrogeochemistry within these sediments varied according to position within the plain, suggesting deposition under various hydrological and sea level regimes. A preliminary investigation using analysis of stable sulfate isotopes (δ34S and δ18OSO4) was made. This study shows substantial potential for the application of this technique for quantification of solute flux and sulfur chemical transformations within settings such as this coastal plain. To establish shallow groundwater flow processes, a MODFLOW-based numerical model was used to inversely estimate aquifer parameters under various recharge scenarios. The model was designed to examine the relative importance of evapotranspiration and discharge to surface waters. However, largely due to the complexity of the drainage network and non-uniform surface water flows, the quantification of surface water- groundwater interaction by consideration of hydrodynamics is problematic. Therefore, the chemistry of groundwater and surface water was compared. While the estimated contribution of rainfall to groundwater level fluctuations was significant (46%), high evapotranspiration rates reduced net recharge and it was concluded that baseflow to drains and creeks during dry periods was insignificant, and groundwater velocities in the shallow aquifer are low. The study illustrates the value of both hydrodynamic and hydrogeochemical analyses in estuarine settings where relict salinity and groundwater-aquifer interactions impact significantly on water quality. Saline groundwater is chemically distinct from theoretical mixtures of seawater and freshwater. The study also demonstrates the value of particular chemical parameters, e.g. Na/Cl and SO4/Cl ratios and stable water isotopes, for identifying hydrologic processes in this setting.

Nesta pesquisa são apresentadas as contribuições dos métodos GPR e eletromagnético indutivo (equipamento EM-38) nos estudos de sítios arqueológicos de sambaquis costeiros Jabuticabeira II, Santa Marta IV, V, VII e VIII, e Encantada III, localizados no município de Jaguaruna, litoral centro-sul de Santa Catarina. Estes sítios são caracterizados por acúmulos de conchas carbonáticas construídos por sociedades do período pré-colonial (7,5 a 1,3 mil anos AP). Os estudos foram desenvolvidos, visando o mapeamento de artefatos de interesse arqueológico e de estruturas estratigráficas que auxiliem a compreensão do processo construtivo e funcional destes sítios. A interpretação dos resultados GPR foi apoiada nas modelagens numéricas GPR 2D e nas imagens 3D e integrada com os levantamentos EM-38, e tiveram como objetivos orientar as escavações arqueológicas. Os resultados permitiram encontrar alvos e artefatos arqueológicos, reduziram os custos no processo exploratório e preservaram o patrimônio histórico. Complementando o processo de interpretação integrada, os perfis estratigráficos e as análises granulométricas dos sedimentos provenientes dos furos de sondagens foram importantes para a definição dos ambientes de deposição onde os sambaquis estão assentados, corroborando de maneira significativa com as pesquisas em desenvolvimento no litoral de Santa Catarina. Em termos metodológicos, as antenas GPR blindadas de 200 MHz propiciaram um melhor compromisso entre a profundidade de investigação e a resolução vertical das camadas geo-arqueológicas, e a implementação da técnica de aquisição radial permitiu um mapeamento detalhado do sítio Jabuticabeira II de forma rápida, cobrindo uma grande área. Por outro lado, com o método eletromagnético indutivo (EM-38), a correção do efeito topográfico dos dados melhorou os contrastes de condutividade elétrica entre as estruturas arqueológicas e o background, permitindo assim, que os alvos pontuais, antes mascarados pela influência da topografia, fossem realçados. Com relação aos resultados geofísicos em estudos geoarqueológicos, no sambaqui Jabuticabeira II, foi possível caracterizar a geometria de uma estrutura geológica, associada a um paleo-canal e a deposição dos sedimentos em barras de pontal; mapear alvos arqueológicos e metálicos contemporâneos; traçar os limites do sítio; imagear uma camada conchífera, camadas antrópicas recentes e a profundidade do nível dágua; detectar a presença de dois sistemas deposicionais, paleolaguna e paleoduna, bem como delimitar o assentamento do sítio sobre estes ambientes por meio das informações das análises granulométricas dos sedimentos coletados nos furos de sondagens. Nos sambaquis de Santa Marta IV, V, VII e VIII, a integração dos dados GPR e EM38 permitiram o mapeamento de diversos alvos de grande importância para os estudos arqueológicos, tais como, paleofogueiras, sepultamentos e concentração de materiais cerâmicos e líticos, bem como feições geológicas, tais como, estruturação de camadas e paleotômbolos. Além disso, a redução do efeito topográfico sobre os dados de condutividade elétrica (EM-38) permitiu relacionar as regiões anômalas com um paleofogueira e uma concentração de material cerâmico. No sambaqui Encantada III, duas fortes anomalias GPR, caracterizadas por reflexões hiperbólicas, estavam associadas: i) a uma estrutura escura pontual, caracterizada como um bolsão de conchas carbonáticas; e ii) a presença de uma raiz de árvore concrecionada, que embora não seja de interesse arqueológico, é significativa, pois serve como um bom exemplo de ambiguidade na interpretação de dados geofísicos. Também foi possível delimitar o assentamento do sítio sobre os sedimentos da paleo-laguna, evidenciado pelas análises granulométricas dos sedimentos. / In this study, GPR and electromagnetic induction (EM-38 instrument) methodcontributions in coastal sambaqui archaeological sites (Jabuticabeira II, Santa Marta IV, V, VII and VIII as well as Encantada III) are presented. These sites are placed in Jaguaruna, Santa Catarina center-south coast. They are characterized by accumulation of carbonate shells built by societies in pre-colonial period (7.5 to 1.3 thousand years BP). The studies were developed aimed at mapping archaeological artifacts and stratigraphic structures that help to understand constructive and functional process of these sites. The interpretation of GPR results was supported by 2D GPR numerical modeling, 3D images and integrated with EM-38 surveys. They had as objectives to guide archaeological excavations. The results allowed finding archaeological targets and artifacts, reduced costs in exploratory process, and preserved historical heritage. Complementing integrated interpretation process, stratigraphic profiles and granulometric analysis of sediment from sounding drifts were important for defining the deposition environments where sambaquis (shell mounds) are settled, significantly supporting in developing research on Santa Catarina coast. Methodologically, 200 MHz shielded GPR antennas provided a better agreement between depth of investigation and vertical resolution of geoarchaeological layers, and the implementation of radial acquisition technique allowed a quickly detailed mapping of Jabuticabeira II site, covering a large area. Furthermore, with electromagnetic inductive method (EM-38), the topographic effect correction of data has improved the contrast in electrical conductivity between archaeological structures and background. Thus, punctual targets before masked by topography influence were highlighted. Regarding geophysical results in geoarchaeological studies, in Jabuticabeira II sambaqui, it was possible to characterize the geometry of a geological structure associated with a paleochannel and sediment deposition in point bars; to map archaeological and contemporary metal targets; to trace site boundary; to image shell layer, recent anthropic layers and water level depth; to detect the presence of two deposicional systems, paleolagoon and paleodune as well as to delimit the settlement site on these environments through information of granulometric analysis of sediments collected in sounding drifts. In Santa Marta IV, V, VII and VIII sambaquis, GPR and EM-38 data integration allowed mapping several targets of great importance for archaeological studies, such as paleofires, burials and concentration of ceramic and litic material as well as geological features, such as layer structuring and paleotombolos. Moreover, the reduction of topographic effect on electrical conductivity data (EM-38) allowed relating anomalous regions with a paleofire, and a concentration of ceramic material. In Encantada III sambaqui, two strong GPR anomalies characterized by hyperbolic reflections were associated with: i) a dark punctual structure, characterized as a pocket of shell carbonate, and ii) the presence of a concretion tree root that is significant, despite not of archaeological interest, because it serves as a good example of ambiguity in geophysical data interpretation. It was also possible to delimit the settlement site on paleolagoon sediments, evidenced by granulometric analysis of sediments.

The purpose of this study was to investigate physics undergraduate students’ conceptual change in the concepts of electric potential and energy (EPE) and electromagnetic induction (EMI). Along with this, categorization of students’ conceptions was done based on students’ epistemological and ontological descriptions of these concepts. In addition, the effect of cognitive perturbation using physics interactive simulations (CPS) in relation to cognitive conflict using physics interactive simulations (CCS) was investigated. A pragmatic mixed methods approach was used in a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected by using the modified Diagnostic Exam of Electricity and Magnetism (DEEM), focus group discussions (FGD) and concept maps (CM). Framework analysis was conducted separately on FGD and CM qualitative data to categorize students’ conceptions while concentration analysis was used to categorize students’ responses to the modified DEEM into three levels, during pre and post intervention. In the qualitative results, six categories of alternative conceptions (naive physics, lateral alternative conceptions, ontological alternative conceptions, Ohm’s P-Primes/ P-Primes, mixed conceptions and loose ideas) and two categories of conceptual knowledge (hierarchical and relational) were identified. The alternative conceptions were less frequently and inconsistently revealed within and across the categories. It was concluded that the categories have common characteristics of diversified distribution of alternative conceptions and multiple alternative conceptions of specific concepts within and across the categories. Most of the categories found in pre intervention persisted in post intervention, but with a lesser percentage extensiveness of categories of alternative conceptions in the CPS than in the CCS class and more percentage extensiveness of categories of conceptual knowledge in the CPS than in the CCS class. ANCOVA was separately conducted on the scores of 45 students on the modified DEEM and CM tests to compare the effectiveness of the CCS and CPS. The results showed a significant difference between the two classes of the post test scores on the DEEM test, (1, 36) = 4.66, p=0.04 and similarly, on the CM test, (1, 31) = 8.33, p=0.007. Consequently, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant difference between CPS and CCS in changing students’ alternative conceptions towards scientific conceptions favoring CPS. To characterize and compare students’ conceptual change of both treatment classes, Hake’s average normalized gain <g> from pre to post scores (the modified DEEM and the CM) were analyzed. Finally, it is suggested that in abstract conceptual areas of EM, cognitive perturbation through interactive simulations is more effective than cognitive conflict through interactive simulations in facilitating conceptual change, and, thus, should guide classroom instruction in the area. Furthermore, recommendations are also suggested for guiding future research in this area. / Science and Technology Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Physics Education))

This master’s thesis deals with the assesment of directional sensivity and accuracy of current stream velocity using electromagnetic induction meters in circumstances simulating the real measurement profiles condictions. The theoretical part of the thesis describes the issue of streamflow measurement in open channels and determination of the relevant measurement uncertainties. It also includes description of the hydraulic circuit and the subject current velocity meters. The experimental part of the thesis focuses on the effect of turbulence on the value and accuracy of measured velocity and directional sensivity of electromagnetic induction meters of current velocity. The results are compared with parameters given by manufacturers, research by other authors and with the metrological characteristics of hydrometric propellers, which are commonly used for streamflow measurement in open channels.

This thesis deals with wireless power transfer from an external source to embedded small devices (such as for conditioning monitoring, control etc.) located at different distances from the source. The proposed designs can be used in a variety of applications, including mobile phones, electric cars, unmanned aerial vehicles, robots, etc. where it could be very convenient to transmit power without wires/cables. The wireless charging method which avoids using conventional cables and wires for energizing or charging electrical devices has been one of the fastest developed recent technologies. The inductive coupling technique is one way to transfer power wirelessly and works fairly well over very short distances. For distances greater than the radius of the emitter, however, inductive coupling rapidly declines. An improved approach is to create inductive-capacitive resonance which improves efficiency and transfer distance, which was proposed by Tesla. Other methods using more than two coils have lately been proposed, which improve transfer characteristics even further. Several designs were proposed consisting of two, three and four coil combinations, with different shapes and sizes. A ferrite cored solenoid was also chosen as emitter in some setups over air cored solenoid, for better field enhancement in longitudinal energy transfer applications. To have low resistive high energy transfer, coil-capacitor designs were proposed. Several simulations were performed using COMSOL Multiphysics software to understand the magnetic field distribution and transfer to the adjacent coils in air medium. Based on this power transfer efficiency graphs were plotted for every proposed design. For validation, few simulations were contrasted with lab experiments. The focus was to develop and contribute to the improvement of existing techniques. For this, it is sometimes enough to transfer a small amount of power (e.g., 0.5 W) at different distances and frequencies with different set ups. The results obtained from the simulation and measurements were used to evaluate the impact of frequency and transfer distance on energy transfer in wireless power transfer techinque for proposed design. The analysis was used to suggest the improvements or part of future work in the designs such as use of Litz wire and ferrite concentrators with thin conductive laminates. / Detta examensarbete behandlar trådlös kraftöverföring från en extern källa till inbyggda små enheter (såsom för tillståndsövervakning, kontroll etc.) placerade på olika avstånd från källan. De föreslagna designerna kan användas i en mängd olika applikationer, inklusive mobiltelefoner, elbilar, obemannade flygfordon, robotar, etc. där det kan vara mycket bekvämt att överföra ström utan ledningar/kablar. Den trådlösa laddningsmetoden som undviker att använda konventionella kablar och ledningar för att strömsätta eller ladda elektriska apparater har varit en av de snabbast utvecklade nya teknologierna. Den induktiva kopplingstekniken är ett sätt att överföra ström trådlöst och fungerar ganska bra över mycket korta avstånd. För avstånd större än sändarens radie avtar emellertid den induktiva kopplingen snabbt. Ett förbättrat tillvägagångssätt är att skapa induktiv-kapacitiv resonans som förbättrar effektiviteten och överföringsavståndet, vilket föreslogs av Tesla. Andra metoder som använder mer än två spolar har nyligen föreslagits, vilka förbättrar överföringsegenskaperna ytterligare. Flera konstruktioner föreslogs bestående av två, tre och fyra spolar kombinationer, med olika former och storlekar. En solenoid med ferritkärna valdes också som sändare i vissa inställningar framför solenoid med luftkärna, för bättre fältförstärkning i longitudinella energiöverföringstillämpningar. För att ha låg resistiv hög energiöverföring föreslogs spolkondensatorkonstruktioner. Flera simuleringar utfördes med COMSOL Multiphysics programvara för att förstå magnetfältets distribution och överföring till intilliggande spolar i luftmedium. Baserat på detta ritades grafer för effektöverföringseffektivitet för varje föreslagen design. För validering kontrasterades få simuleringar med labbexperiment. Fokus var att utveckla och bidra till förbättringen av befintliga tekniker. För detta räcker det ibland att överföra en liten mängd effekt (t.ex. 0,5 W) på olika avstånd och frekvenser med olika uppsättningar. Resultaten från simuleringarna och mätningarna användes för att utvärdera effekten av frekvens och överföringsavstånd på energiöverföring i trådlös kraftöverföringsteknik för föreslagen design. Analysen användes för att föreslå förbättringar eller delar av framtida arbete i designen, såsom användning av Litz-tråd och ferritkoncentratorer med tunna ledande laminat.

The need to consider groundwater and surface water as a single resource has fostered the interest of the scientific community on the interactions between surface water and groundwater. The region below and alongside rivers where surface hydrology and subsurface hydrology concur is the hyporheic zone. This is the region where water exchange determines many biogeochemical and ecological processes of great impact on the functioning of rivers. However, the complex processes taking place in the hyporheic zone require a multidisciplinary approach. The combination of innovative point and distributed techniques originally developed in separated disciplines is of great advantage for the indirect identification of water exchange in the hyporheic zone. Distributed techniques using temperature as a tracer such as fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing can identify the different components of groundwater-surface water interactions based on their spatial and temporal thermal patterns at the sediment-water interface. In particular, groundwater, interflow discharge and local hyporheic exchange flows can be differentiated based on the distinct size, duration and sign of the temperature anomalies. The scale range and resolution of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing are well complemented by geophysics providing subsurface structures with a similar resolution and scale. Thus, the use of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing to trace flux patterns supported by the exploration of subsurface structures with geophysics enables spatial and temporal investigation of groundwater-surface water interactions with an unprecedented level of accuracy and resolution. In contrast to the aforementioned methods that can be used for pattern identification at the interface, other methods such as point techniques are required to quantify hyporheic exchange fluxes. In the present PhD thesis, point methods based on hydraulic gradients and thermal profiles are used to quantify hyporheic exchange flows. However, both methods are one-dimensional methods and assume that only vertical flow occurs while the reality is much more complex. The study evaluates the accuracy of the available methods and the factors that impact their reliability. The applied methods allow not only to quantify hyporheic exchange flows but they are also the basis for an interpretation of the sediment layering in the hyporheic zone. For upscaling of the previous results three-dimensional modelling of flow and heat transport in the hyporheic zone combines pattern identification and quantification of fluxes into a single framework. Modelling can evaluate the influence of factors governing groundwater-surface water interactions as well as assess the impact of multiple aspects of model design and calibration of high impact on the reliability of the simulations. But more importantly, this modelling approach enables accurate estimation of water exchange at any location of the domain with unparalleled resolution. Despite the challenges in 3D modelling of the hyporheic zone and in the integration of point and distributed data in models, the benefits should encourage the hyporheic community to adopt an integrative approach comprising from the measurement to the upscaling of hyporheic processes.