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The Government of Canada has implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a carbon tax and its proposed Clean Fuel Standard. Alberta's Oil Sands industry, arguably one of Canada's largest and most energy intensive industries, has made significant progress towards improving energy efficiency and reducing its fossil energy footprint, including investigating options for integrating bio-based feedstocks into bitumen extraction and processing. Nevertheless, developing sustainable bioenergy supply chains remains a crucial challenge to reaching this goal. This paper investigates pathways for harvesting and hauling biomass residues to produce bio-oil that can replace fossil fuels used in oil sands bitumen processing. A 3–stage grid model is developed, comprising a square grid distribution of harvesting fields and district centres. Biomass is collected and hauled to fast pyrolysis units centrally located within square harvesting fields. Raw bio-oil is hauled from fields to the centre of one of 11 District centres, where it is stabilized and blended. Stage–1 and Stage–2 estimate hauling distance using hypothetical roads described by geometric equations and tortuosity factors. Stage–3 hauling of stabilized bio-oil from District centres to upgraders at Scotford AB and Fort McMurray AB is estimated by using web-based mapping tools and actual road networks. Total diesel requirements for hauling are calculated using total distances obtained from the 3–stage hauling model. Average diesel consumption obtained from the model is 0.32 L per 1000 L of bio-oil produced, increasing to 3.45 L per 1000 L bio-oil delivered to district centres. Total diesel consumption is 10.23 and 14.40 L per 1000 L bio-oil delivered to Scotford and Ft. McMurray, respectively. The model shows that co-processing of biomass residues can reduce the fossil energy footprint of processing oil sands synthetic crude oil by 22–28%. The quantity of delivered bio-oil is sufficient to replace petroleum coke and synthetic crude oil used for combustion as well as a substantial fraction of natural gas fuel. Moreover, the model can help to determine the most suitable processing and hauling options at each stage in order to minimize diesel fuel requirements, and the model framework can be extended to other jurisdictions as well as other industries. • 3–stage hauling model for biomass and bio-oil destined for bitumen upgraders. • Diesel requirement estimated using hypothetical and actual road networks. • 87% of bio-oil's energy can replace fossil inputs to synthetic crude production. • Energy footprint is lower by 22% for SAGD operations and 28% for mining operations. • Model is applicable to other jurisdictions and other energy intensive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the stratigraphic occurrence of n -alkanes (C n) is investigated in three peat cores (Mildred, JPH4 and McMurray) from the ombrotrophic peatlands in northeastern Alberta, Canada, to determine their origin, biomass input, and paleoclimatic significance. The molecular composition of n -alkanes is dominated by the >C 21 medium- to long-chain homologues, with a strong odd over even predominance. A number of n -alkane-based indices (e.g. predominant n -alkane, C 23 /C 29 , C 23 /(C 27 + C 31), P aq , ACL, and CPI), show changing conditions in the organic matter (OM) input from Sphagnum species or terrestrial vascular plants, which increasingly contributed upwards in the peat profiles, and through time. P aq and C 23 /(C 27 + C 31) proxies are similar in the three cores, and allow us to infer vegetation variations that coincide with the climate alternations of the Medieval Warm Period (MWP), Little Ice Age (LIA), and modern Recent Warming (RW). The utilization of ACL-ket and (C 23 + C 25)/(C 27 + C 29 + C 31)-ket proxies, performed in comparison with n -alkane proxies, further support the biomarker-based reconstructions of paleoclimate variations over recent centuries. This study suggests that n -alkane homologues are sensitive to vegetation and climate changes and thus are reliable biomarkers for tracking past shifts in vegetation and climate variations in peat archives. • Determine organic matter source of peat sediments from n -alkane biomarkers. • C 23 /(C 27 +C 31) n -alkane proxy is proposed and can effectively characterize climate changes. • P aq proxy indication could be misleading when the contribution of Sphagnum fuscum to the peat is large. • n -Alkan-2-one proxy is studied to further confirm the biomarker-based reconstruction of paleoclimatic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the recent years, by rapid growth of wind power generation in addition to its high penetration in power systems, the wind power prediction has been known as an important research issue. Wind power has a complicated dynamic for modeling and prediction. In this paper, different hybrid prediction models based on neural networks trained by various optimization approaches are examined to forecast the wind power time series from Alberta, Canada. At first, time series analysis is performed based on recurrence plots and correlation analysis to select the proper input sets for the forecasting models. Next, a comparative study is carried out among neural networks trained by imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization approach. The simulation results are representative of the out-performance of ICA in tuning the neural network for wind power forecasting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes frazil ice events detected using upward looking sonars, one high (546kHz) and one low (235kHz) frequency, during the 2009/2010 freeze-up field deployment on the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, AB, Canada. The field acoustic data have been processed to compute time series of the depth averaged volume backscatter strength, S vd (dB). A review of three scattering models: the sphere, prolate spheroid, and disk models, together with their formulation, assumptions and limitations are presented. Estimation methods for the concentrations and sizes from S vd (dB) using scattering models are discussed. The applicability of the three scattering models to measuring suspended frazil ice was investigated using laboratory data reported by Ghobrial et al. (2012a). It was found that the laboratory measured concentrations were in a good agreement with concentrations estimated with these scattering models. It was also found that the disk model is the most applicable because it provides more realistic particle sizes. In total, eight frazil events were detected with the sonars during the field deployment. Preliminary linkages between the meteorological (air and water temperatures) and surface ice conditions measured at the site, and the duration and magnitude of the detected frazil events are presented. Both the laboratory results and the disk scattering model were used to estimate frazil ice concentration and sizes from the field data. Concentrations ranging between 0.01 and 0.05% and disk radii between 0.13 and 0.21mm have been estimated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Birds can be used as indicators to monitor success of programs encouraging prairie landowners to increase biodiversity. Using a case study from Alberta, Canada, this paper compares bird diversity measures at the farm scale and examines their consistency across different habitat types to test for design, output, and end use validation. Based on 2005 point count data (two types) from 178 sites at 22 farms, we calculated bird species richness, abundance, Shannon index, and Inverse Simpson index. The 50m radius data produced species richness and abundance measures about half the size as those produced by the unlimited radius data. The bird diversity measures were consistent across habitat types. The 50m radius data showed differences among 3–5 habitat types, whereas the unlimited radius data showed differences between only two habitat types. Using any bird diversity measure, the wetland/riparian habitat scored highest, followed by homestead, upland forest, native prairie, tame pasture, and cultivated land habitats. Bird monitoring methods should favor fixed over unlimited radius point counts, because of the former''s greater discriminating ability. Given that diversity measures are consistent across habitats and are highly correlated, the species richness measure, which is simple and easy to understand, can be used in conversations with landowners and policy-makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The geometry of a foreland basin is mainly a product of a complex dynamic balance between the orogenic loading, erosion and sedimentation, and lithospheric flexural response. To improve our understanding of the relationships between these processes and the foreland basin stratigraphy, a detailed stratigraphic and sedimentologic study of the Middle–Late Cenomanian Belle Fourche Formation in the subsurface of southern Alberta is presented in this paper. The Middle Cenomanian lower Belle Fourche Formation and the Late Cenomanian upper Belle Fourche Formation were deposited in underfilled conditions, showing prominent forebulge zones. It is demonstrated that during the Late Cenomanian with the cratonward migration of the uplifting forebulge zones, the axes of backbulge zones also migrated cratonwards and a wide uplifted forebulge zone was formed. During the last stage of the underfilled condition, the foreland basin had a relatively flat topography and fine sands were deposited along the flank of the uplifting forebulge. A qualitative model for the migration and stratigraphic fill of an underfilled foreland basin is proposed. This model provides a qualitative pattern of the cratonward migration of the forebulge zone and backbulge zone within a several-million-year tectonically-driven cycle. It is suggested that during the early underfilled period, the basin geometry is mainly controlled by the orogenic loading, and a prominent forebulge zone with an approximately fixed location is formed. During the late underfilled period, the basin geometry is mainly controlled by the sediment loading, and the forebulge zone move very fast along with the rapid cratonward shift of the sediment loading center. Over a longer time period and between different tectonically-driven cycles, along with the cratonward propagation of the thrusting wedge, the orogenic loading plays a more important role than the sediment loading for the migration of the forebulge zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: These have been growing concerns over the environmental impacts of the coal-fired power plants in the western Canadian province of Alberta, which collectively comprise one of the largest point sources of Hg and other trace elements nationally. The overall cumulative impact of the power plants since the beginning of their activities several decades ago has been a critical question for industry, government agencies, and the research community. This paper aims to delineate the cumulative geographic extent of impact by investigating the spatial distribution of mercury and other trace elements of environmental concern in nine freshwater lakes, which cover the large area surrounding the coal-fired power plants in central Alberta, Canada. 210-Lead dating was used in conjunction with physical evidence of deposited fly ash to determine the sediments'' age and hence the depths corresponding to the onset of coal-fired power generation in 1956. Total mean concentrations and fluxes of elements of environmental concern with integrated values since 1956 were then determined. The concentration values do not reflect the catastrophic oil spill at Lake Wabamun in 2005. The post-1956 flux rates of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, W, and Zn were generally highest in sediment cores obtained from two lakes adjacent to power plants. However, the variable prevailing wind directions played an important role in determining the aerial distribution of Hg and other trace elements to the southeast and to the west of the power plants. Post-1956 fluxes of most elements declined downwind (westward), consistent with strong easterly winds transporting metal pollution further to the west of the power plants. However, spatial interpolation of the data suggested a major southern extension to the area of maximum metal deposition, which has not been sampled by this or previous studies in the region. An atmospheric model estimate of total Hg flux in 2007 near the Genesee power plant was substantially lower than indicated by the most impacted lake sediments, which have integrated Hg fluxes since 1956. The most likely explanations for the model-sediment difference are either that a sharp spatial gradient of deposition exists in the region, and/or recent technology improvements by the power plants have substantially reduced Hg emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: In recent years, climate change impacts on water resources sectors have been extensively documented. Anticipated changes range from more severe storms to more frequent floods and drought at regional scale. Pressure on water resources and hence on the environment will probably increase with the need of quality data for sustainable design of water resources projects. Therefore, for an optimal network design, hydrometric networks are to be reviewed periodically based on the information needs of the various end users and the perspective for future water resources development. This paper evaluates hydrometric networks to identify essential streamflow stations and critical areas (highly poor network density) within major watersheds across the different provinces of Canada using entropy theory. The method is applied to daily streamflow data and information coefficients such as marginal entropy, joint entropy and transinformation index are used for the identification of important stations as well as critical areas in the basin. The analysis results show that almost all Canadian main watersheds contain deficient hydrometric networks. The most deficient streamflow networks are identified in Alberta (North Saskatchewan, Oldman, and Red Deer basins), Northern Ontario (Hudson Bay basin), and the Northwest Territories. The information might prove to be helpful for decision makers to undertake cost-benefit analyses for hydrometric network updating in each region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: River ice jams often lead to disastrous floods, since the sudden failure of a major jam is like a small-scale dam break, producing violent ice runs and rapidly rising water levels. Although the resulting flood wave attenuates as it travels downstream, water levels can rebuild again if the ice run is stalled even briefly. Because of the rapid development of high water, it is highly desirable to be able to forecast ice jam events. However, the advancement of knowledge of these events is limited by the lack of reliable field data. Such data is also needed for validation of numerical forecasting models. This paper presents details of the field observations of ice jam events carried out in 2006 and 2007 on the Athabasca River at Fort McMurray, Alberta (AB), Canada. The river breakup in both years was quite dynamic, with extensive ice runs, as well as ice jam formation and release events. Quantitative data describing the speed, height and shape of ice jam release waves and the celerity of breaking and shoving fronts, as well as qualitative data describing the ice conditions, provide unique and valuable data contributing towards a better understanding of the dynamics of ice jam formation and release processes. Through application of numerical ice jam release modeling, wave propagation, ice resistance effects and ice–water interactions are explored using these data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Statistical models relating habitat characteristics to species occurrences are increasingly used to evaluate the consequences of forest management activities and conservation plans over large spatial and temporal scales. In practice, such models do not always generalize to other locations, hence, they should be validated using independent data. In this paper, we assess the predictive ability of 16 songbird habitat models developed in the Calling Lake region of the boreal mixedwood forest of Alberta using both internal and external validation approaches. Internal validation relied on the same dataset used to develop the models while external validation utilised independent data collected within four validation landscapes in the same ecological region. Two aspects of predictive accuracy were evaluated: the agreement between observations and predicted values (calibration) and the models’ ability to classify locations into those in which species are present or absent (discrimination). Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow (H–L) statistic and plots showing predicted versus observed probabilities of occurrence. Discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the associated area under the ROC curve. With internal validation, the calibration plots were reasonable for all species, however the H–L statistic indicated a good fit for only eight species. Model discrimination between occupied and unoccupied sites, on the other hand, was reasonable for 14 of 16 models. With external validation, both the calibration plots and the H–L statistic identified only three species with a reasonable fit. The remaining models generally over- or under-predicted probability of occurrence. External model discrimination was reasonable for 10 of 16 species. When we re-estimated the models using all available data, the calibration plots were again reasonable for all species, with the H–L statistic indicating good fit for 12 species. Similarly, model discrimination was reasonable for 14 of 16 species. Several factors may help to explain why model performance using external data was generally poorer and more variable than when using internal data. These include differences in landscape structure and disturbance history as well as differences in the frequency of occurrence of individual species. Overall, our analyses identified several species whose habitat models degraded considerably, especially as measured by calibration. By re-estimating the models, we increased the range of variation in our covariates which likely led to an improvement in model calibration. We discuss the importance of ongoing evaluation and refinement of habitat models that will be used in conservation planning or to evaluate management scenarios at large spatial and temporal scales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Composting is gaining increased acceptance as a management alternative for the large volumes of manure produced by southern Alberta’s beef cattle feedlots. Research on windrow composting of feedlot manure was initiated at the Lethbridge Research Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 1996. Early studies looked at physical and chemical changes during composting. Studies have also been conducted on greenhouse gas emissions during composting and the effect of composting on reduction of pathogens, parasites and weed seed viability. The quality of commercially-produced composts at southern Alberta feedlots has been examined as has the mineralization rates of soil-applied composts. This paper reviews results from our feedlot manure composting research program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Canadian oil sands deposits in northern Alberta contain about 1.3 trillion barrels of crude oil equivalent. The largest of the four major formations is found in the Athabasca region where bitumen is heterogeneously distributed throughout an unconsolidated mineral matrix. About one-tenth of the oil sands in this deposit is economically recoverable by conventional surface mining techniques.The Hot Water Extraction Process (HWEP) is used commercially to recover bitumen from surface mined oil sands ore. The viability of this process relies on the existence of a thin water film around each solid particle in the ore matrix. However, a completely water-wet mineral condition is not generally the case for oil reservoirs, including oil sands deposits. In the latter case, it has been shown that certain solid fractions are associated with significant amounts of toluene insoluble organic matter (TIOM), physically or chemically adsorbed onto particle surfaces. These fractions are generically described as ‘organic rich solids’ (ORS). In bitumen separation processes, the organic matter associated with various ORS fractions represents an impediment to optimum bitumen separation and upgrading. In this sense, these solids are considered to be ‘active’ relative to the ‘inactive’ water wetted quartz particles comprising the bulk of the oil sands ore. Preliminary results indicate that the ORS content of an ore appears to be a better predictor for ore processability than the traditional use of bitumen or fines (−44 μm) contents.Two types of ORS have received particular attention. The first is a coarser fraction, usually less than 44 μm but also occurring as particles greater than 100 μm in diameter. This material typically occurs as aggregates of smaller particles bound together by humic matter and precipitated minerals. During the bitumen separation process, these heavy aggregates carry any associated bitumen into the aqueous tailings, thus reducing overall bitumen recovery. The second important fraction comprises very thin, ultra-fine clay particles with a major dimension of <0.3 μm. These ultra-fine clays, with a surface coating of organic matter, remain with bitumen during the separation process. In bitumen upgrading, these solids may be entrained with volatile overheads and cause problems in downstream operations. This paper summarises the protocols developed to separate and characterise these intractable components from HWEP process streams and discusses their role in determining bitumen recovery and quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most habitat maps are presented as if they were a certain fact, with no indication of uncertainties. In many cases, researchers faced with the task of constructing such maps are aware of problems with the modelling data and of decisions that they make within the modelling process that are likely to affect the output, but they find it difficult to quantify this information. In some cases they attempt to evaluate the modelled predictions against independent data, but the summary statistics have no spatial component and do not address errors in the predictions. It is proposed that maps of uncertainty would help in the interpretation of these summaries, and to emphasize patterns in uncertainty such as spatial clustering or links with particular covariates. This paper reviews the aspects of uncertainty that are relevant to habitat maps developed with logistic regression, and suggests methods for investigating and communicating these uncertainties. It addresses the problems of subjective judgement, model uncertainty and vague concepts along with the more commonly considered uncertainties of random and systematic error. Methods for developing realistic confidence intervals are presented along with suggestions on how to visualize the information for use by decision-makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Announces the 95th annual meeting of the Poultry Science Association, Inc. slated in July 16 to 19, 2006 at Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Program chairmen; Papers and Presentation; Participants.