Spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton related to the environmental conditions in the coral reef lagoon of New Caledonia,Southwest Pacific

The distribution of zooplanktonic prey of fish larvae was examined in three bays and two lagoonal stations in the Southwest lagoon of New Caledonia. Water column conditions were characterized by increasing chlorophyll a and particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations from the lagoon to the estuarine bay. The mean zooplankton settled volume and total density were significantly higher in the estuarine bay, reaching 35.1 mL m⁻³ and 3.5 × 10⁵ individuals m⁻³, respectively. The total zooplankton density also progressively increased along the sampling period. The composition of assemblages differed between the lagoon and the bays, and was similar in the three bays. Wind speed, surface temperature, chlorophyll a and POM explained these variations, as revealed by a co-inertia analysis (COIA). The prey preferred by fish larvae, i.e. small crustaceans and small copepods, were more abundant in bays. Sheltered bays, most influenced by terrigenous inputs, are likely to provide the best feeding conditions.     

Temporal and spatial complexity in post-glacial sedimentation on the tectonically active,Poverty Bay continental margin of New Zealand

On the eastern Raukumara Ranges of the New Zealand East Coast, active tectonics, vigorous weather systems, and human colonisation have combined to cause widespread erosion of the mudstone- and sandstone-dominated hinterland. The Waipaoa River sedimentary dispersal system is an example that has responded to environmental change, and is now New Zealand's second largest river in terms of suspended sediment discharge. This paper presents new sediment accumulation rates for the continental shelf and slope that span century to post-glacial time scales. These data are derived from radiochemical tracer, palynological, tephrostratigraphic, and seismic methods. We hypothesise on the temporal and spatial complexity of post-glacial sedimentation across the margin and identify the broad extent of sediment dispersal from the Waipaoa system. The ∼15 km³ Poverty Bay mid-shelf basin lies adjacent to the mouth of the Waipaoa River, reaching a maximum thickness of ∼45 m. A post-glacial mud lobe of an additional ∼3 km³ extends through the Poverty Gap and out onto the uppermost slope, attaining 40 m thickness in a structurally controlled sub-basin. Here, an offset in the last-glacial erosion surface indicates that deposition was sympathetic with fault activity and the creation of accommodation space, implying that sedimentation was not supply limited. Contrary to classical shelf sedimentation models, the highest modern accumulation rate of 1 cm y⁻¹ occurs on the outer-shelf sediment lobe, approximately ∼2 times the rate recorded at the mid-shelf basin depocentre, and ∼10 times faster than the excess ²¹⁰Pb rates estimated from the slope. Pollen records from slope cores fingerprint Polynesian then European settlement, and broaden the spatial extent of post-settlement sedimentation initially documented from the Poverty Bay mid-shelf. Changes in sub-millennial sedimentation infer a 2–3-times increase in post-settlement accumulation on the shelf but a smaller 1–2 times increase on the slope. Over longer time scales, seismic evidence infers slower but steady sedimentation since the last transgression, and that significant cross-shelf sediment pathways pre-date the increase in sedimentation resulting from colonisation and deforestation. From a summation of coastal bedload, shelf and slope sediment mass accumulation, the total sediment budget for the Holocene is ∼1 Mt y⁻¹. Under modern conditions a larger proportion of the Waipaoa sediment dispersal system likely extends onto the slope and beyond.     

The larvae of congeneric gastropods showed differential responses to the combined effects of ocean acidification,temperature and salinity

The tolerance and physiological responses of the larvae of two congeneric gastropods, the intertidal Nassarius festivus and subtidal Nassarius conoidalis, to the combined effects of ocean acidification (pCO₂ at 380, 950, 1250 ppm), temperature (15, 30 °C) and salinity (10, 30 psu) were compared. Results of three-way ANOVA on cumulative mortality after 72-h exposure showed significant interactive effects in which mortality increased with pCO₂ and temperature, but reduced at higher salinity for both species, with higher mortality being obtained for N. conoidalis. Similarly, respiration rate of the larvae increased with temperature and pCO₂ level for both species, with a larger percentage increase for N. conoidalis. Larval swimming speed increased with temperature and salinity for both species whereas higher pCO₂ reduced swimming speed in N. conoidalis but not N. festivus. The present findings indicated that subtidal congeneric species are more sensitive than their intertidal counterparts to the combined effects of these stressors.     

Respiration rate and swimming activity of larvae of two sub-tidal nassariid gastropods under reduced oxygen levels: Implications for their distributions in Hong Kong waters

The effects of hypoxia on the larvae of two sub-tidal nassariid gastropods, Nassarius siquijorensis and N. conoidalis were compared so as to understand how the species-specific tolerance to hypoxia might have resulted in changes in the abundance and distribution of these two species in the hypoxic Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong, since the 1980s. Respiration rates of N. siquijorensis and N. conoidalis larvae were reduced at 4.5 mg O₂ l⁻¹, or below, as compared with the normoxic control. Significant reduction in swimming velocity was also observed for 10-day old larvae which were exposed to <2.0 mg O₂ l⁻¹ for N. siquijorensis and <1.0 mg O₂ l⁻¹ for N. conoidalis. The 48 h LC₅₀ values of N. siquijorensis and N. conoidalis larvae were 0.7 and 1.7 mg O₂ l⁻¹, respectively. The results suggested that N. siquijorensis are more tolerant to hypoxia than N. conoidalis.     

Planktic foraminiferal production along an offshore–onshore transect in the south-eastern Bay of Biscay

The distribution of planktic foraminifera from the continental slope onto the shelf of the south-eastern Bay of Biscay is discussed in relation to environmental factors. Samples were obtained between March and November, 2006–2008, along a bathymetric transect from 2000 to 145 m water depth, from 50 km off the shelf-break onto the outer shelf. Live specimens and empty tests (>100 μm) were collected with vertical plankton tows from the sea surface to a maximum water depth of 700 m, and temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration, and fluorescence/chlorophyll-a concentration were recorded. Additional data on chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface temperature were derived from satellite imagery (Aqua MODIS and SeaWIFS). Planktic foraminifera were most abundant in the upper 80 m of the water column at all locations, with decreasing numbers towards the coast in March, April, and June. In November, maximum numbers of live specimens occurred at the outer shelf location. In July, planktic foraminiferal standing stocks were low throughout the sampling area.Chlorophyll-a concentration (i.e., food) and fresh water input were found to affect the abundance of planktic foraminifera along the transect; however we found no influence of water depth or proximity to the shelf.     

Sedimentary features of the Yangtze River-derived along-shelf clinoform deposit in the East China Sea

A predominant sigmoidal clinoform deposit extends from the Yangtze River mouth southwards 800 km along the Chinese coast. This clinoform is thickest (∼40 m) between the 20 and 30 m isobaths and progressively thins offshore, reaching water depths of 60 and 90 m and distances up to 100 km offshore. Clay mineral, heavy metal, geochemical and grain-size analyses indicate that the Yangtze River is the primary source for this longshore-transported clinoform deposit. ²¹⁰Pb chronologies show the highest accumulation rates (>3 cm/yr) occur immediately adjacent to the Yangtze subaqueous delta (north of 30 °N), decreasing southward alongshore and eastward offshore. The interaction of strong tides, waves, the China Coastal Current, winter storms, and offshore upwelling appear to have played important roles in trapping most Yangtze-derived sediment on the inner shelf and transporting it to the south.     

Features of the central Norwegian shelf circulation

The central Norwegian shelf between 62 and 68°N covers an area of about 150 000 km². The bottom topography is complicated and consists of several shallow banks separated by deeper channels. The area plays an important site-specific role for the recruitment strategy of the Norwegian spring spawning herring. The aim of this contribution is to elucidate the general circulation pattern and the physical processes related to drift and spreading of herring larvae, primarily by the use of satellite-tracked drifting buoys. The results indicate two drift routes; the main inner one on the coastal side of the banks, and a secondary outer one which follows the shelf break. Both routes are highly governed by the bottom topography. The inner transport route is the proper Norwegian Coastal Current characterised by having the higher drift speeds, the lower mean residence time and the higher current directional stability. Several banks at the shelf may induce topographically trapped eddies. The herring seems to prefer to spawn in these eddies.     

Spawning ground and larval transport processes of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus in the shelf-break region of the southern East China Sea

Horizontal distribution patterns of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus larvae were investigated extensively in the East China Sea (ECS) along the shelf-break region between 26° and 30°N during February–March based on fine-scale larval sampling in 2002 and 2003. A total of 2363 T. japonicus ranging from 1.2 to 12.4 mm body length (BL) were collected at 310 bongo net sampling stations, of which larvae <10 mm BL accounted for 99.1%. In both years, newly hatched larvae (<3 mm BL) were concentrated in the shelf-break region mainly in the southern part of ECS between 26° and 27°N in warm water of 21–23 °C, suggesting that their primary spawning ground existed in and around this area. With growth, larvae were transported in two different directions, i.e., northward and northeastward, corresponding closely with the direction of the Kuroshio Branch Current north of Taiwan (KBCNT) and the Kuroshio, respectively. Replicate sampling cruises at 2 week intervals were conducted in 2003, and the larval distribution pattern changed significantly between the sampling cruises, suggesting that the transport process fluctuates over relatively short periods in relation to oceanographic processes. The transport speed by the KBCNT was estimated to be 0.13–0.28 knots based on the larval distribution, which is one order of magnitude slower than that by the Kuroshio (1.5–3 knots). Habitat temperature gradually declined with growth in both the Kuroshio and KBCNT, but in the KBCNT it was 1–2 °C lower than in the Kuroshio. Our results suggest that the two different larval transport processes lead to a significant difference in the transport route, habitat conditions (such as temperature and food), and site where young fish recruit to the demersal habitat, which will result in different survival and recruitment processes.     

Flocculation,heavy metals (Cu,Pb, Zn) and the sand–mud transition on the Adriatic continental shelf,Italy

Across a limited depth range (5–10 m) on many continental shelves, the dominant sediment size changes from sand to mud. This important boundary, called the sand–mud transition (SMT), separates distinct benthic habitats, causes a significant change in acoustic backscatter, represents a key facies change, and delimits more surface-reactive mud from less surface-reactive sand. With the goal of improving dynamical understanding of the SMT, surficial sediments were characterized across two SMTs on the Adriatic continental shelf of Italy. Geometric mean diameter, specific surface area (SSA), mud fraction (<63 μm) and heavy metal concentrations were all measured. The SMT related to the Tronto River is identified between 15 and 20 m water depth while the SMT associated with the Pescara River varies between 15 and 25 m water depth. The sediment properties correlate with a new, process-based sedimentological parameter that quantifies the fraction of the sediment in the seabed that was delivered as flocs. These correlations suggest that floc dynamics exert strong influence over sediment textural properties and metal concentrations. Relative constancy in the depth of the SMT along this portion of the margin and its lack of evolution over a period during which sediment input to the margin has dramatically decreased suggest that on the Adriatic continental shelf energy is the dominant control on the depth of the SMT.     

Winter variability of physical processes and sediment-transport events on the Eel River shelf,northern California

A 5-yr data set of near-bed current and suspended-sediment concentration measured within 2 m of the seabed in 60-m water depth has been analyzed to evaluate the interannual variability of physical processes and sediment transport events on the Eel River continental shelf, northern California. This data set encompasses a wide range of shelf conditions with winter events characterized as: Major Flood (1996/97), strong El Niño (1997/98), strong La Niña (1998/99), and Major Storm (1999/00). Data were collected at a site located 25 km north of the Eel River mouth, on the landward edge of the mid-shelf mud deposit. During the winter months sediment resuspension is forced primarily by near-bed oscillatory flows, and sediment transport occurs both as suspended load and as gravity-driven (fluid-mud) flows. Winter conditions that caused periods of increased sediment transport existed on average for 142 d yr⁻¹ over the total record, ranging between 89 d in the Major Flood year (1996/97) and 171 d in the La Niña year (1998/99). Hourly averaged values of significant wave height varied between 0.5 and 10.7 m and hourly averaged values of near-bed orbital velocities ranged between 0 and 125 cm s⁻¹. During the five winters, sediment threshold conditions were exceeded an average of 35% of the time, ranging from 19% in the Major Flood year (1996/97) to 52% in the La Niña year (1998/99). Mean concentration of suspended sediment, measured at 30 cmab, ranged from values close to 0–8 g l⁻¹. Among winters, major sediment flux events exhibited different patterns due to varying combinations of physical processes including river floods, waves, and shelf circulation. Within winters, the major period of sediment flux varied from a 3-d fluid mud event (Major Flood winter) to a 50-d period of persistent southerlies (El Niño winter) and a winter of continuous storm cycles (La Niña winter). Winter-averaged suspended-sediment concentration appeared to vary in response to river discharge, while total sediment flux responded to storm intensity. The net sediment flux appeared to depend on timing of river discharge and shelf conditions. On the Eel River shelf, the mid-shelf mud deposit apparently is not emplaced by deposition from the river plume, but by secondary processes from the inner shelf including off-shelf transport of sediment suspensions and gravity-driven fluid-mud flows. Thus, these inner-shelf processes redistribute sediment supplied by the Eel River (a point source) making the inner shelf a line source of sediment that forms and nourishes the mid-shelf deposit. Large-scale shelf circulation patterns and interannual variability of the physical forcing are also important in determining the locus of the mid-shelf deposit, and both are influenced by climate variations. Post-depositional alteration of the deposit also depends on the subsequent shelf conditions following major floods.     

Nature of decadal-scale sediment accumulation on the western shelf of the Mississippi River delta

Sediment delivered to coastal systems by rivers (15×10⁹ tons) plays a key role in the global carbon and nutrient cycles, as deltas and continental shelves are considered to be the main repositories of organic matter in marine sediments. The Mississippi River, delivering more than 60% of the total dissolved and suspended materials from the conterminous US, dominates coastal and margin processes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Draining approximately 41% of the conterminous US, the Mississippi and Atchafalaya river system deliver approximately 2×10⁸ tons of suspended matter to the northern Gulf shelf each year. Unlike previous work, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of sediment accumulation covering majority of the shelf (<150 m water depth) west of the Mississippi Delta from 92 cores collected throughout the last 15 years. This provides a unique and invaluable data set of the spatial and modern temporal variations of the sediment accumulation in this dynamic coastal environment.Three types of ²¹⁰Pb profiles were observed from short cores (15–45 cm) collected on the shelf. Proximal to Southwest Pass in 30–100 m water depths, non-steady-state profiles were observed indicating rapid accumulation. Sediment accumulation rates in this area are typically >2.5 cm yr⁻¹ (>1.8 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹). Kasten cores (∼200 cm in length) collected near Southwest Pass also indicate rapid deposition (>4 cm yr⁻¹; >3 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹) on a longer timescale than that captured in the box cores. Near shore (<20 m), profiles are dominated by sediments reworked by waves and currents with no accumulation (the exception is an area just south of Barataria Bay where accumulation occurs). The remainder of the shelf (distal of Southwest Pass) is dominated by steady-state accumulation beneath a ∼10-cm thick mixed layer. Sediment accumulation rates for the distal shelf are typically <0.7 cm yr⁻¹ (<0.5 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹). A preliminary sediment budget based on the distribution of ²¹⁰Pb accumulation rates indicates that 40–50% of the sediment delivered by the river is transported out of the study region. Sediment is moved to distal regions of the shelf/slope through two different mechanisms. Along-isobath sediment movement occurs by normal resuspension processes west of the delta, whereas delivery of sediments south and southwest of the delta may be also be influenced by mass movement events on varying timescales.     

Modern sediment accumulation on the Po shelf,Adriatic Sea

Sediment accumulation over the past century on the continental shelf near the Po delta varies with distance from the most active distributary channels. Near the Pila and Goro distributaries, sediment accumulation is rapid (1–4 cm yr⁻¹) and occurs in pulses. In these areas, the seabed is dominated by physical sedimentary structures that can be related to flood sedimentation. Between the two distributaries and in the southern portion of the dispersal system, sediment accumulation is slower (rates reach a minimum of 0.23 cm yr⁻¹ at ∼50 km from the Pila mouth) and steady-state, reflecting more continuous dispersal of sediment during non-flood periods. Sedimentary strata in these locations are composed of finer (clayey silt), mottled sediment. The similarity in the spatial distribution of long-term (100-yr) sediment accumulation to deposition resulting from the 2000 flood event suggests that the Po shelf is flood-dominated.About half of the sediment delivered by the Po River on a 100-yr time scale can be accounted for in the seabed deposit within ∼50 km of the Pila mouth. The remaining sediment is likely transported southward by the prevailing circulation, and this sediment coalesces with inputs from the Apennine Rivers.     

The impact of floods and storms on the acoustic reflectivity of the inner continental shelf: A modeling assessment

Flood deposition and storm reworking of sediments on the inner shelf can change the mixture of grain sizes on the seabed and thus its porosity, bulk density, bulk compressional velocity and reflectivity. Whether these changes are significant enough to be detectable by repeat sub-bottom sonar surveys, however, is uncertain. Here the question is addressed through numerical modeling. Episodic flooding of a large versus small river over the course of a century are modeled with HYDROTREND using the drainage basin characteristics of the Po and Pescara Rivers (respectively). A similarly long stochastic record of storms offshore of both rivers is simulated from the statistics of a long-term mooring recording of waves in the western Adriatic Sea. These time series are then input to the stratigraphic model SEDFLUX2D, which simulates flood deposition and storm reworking on the inner shelf beyond the river mouths. Finally, annual changes in seabed reflectivity across these shelf regions are computed from bulk densities output by SEDFLUX2D and compressional sound speeds computed from mean seafloor grain size using the analytical model of Buckingham [1997. Theory of acoustic attenuation, dispersion, and pulse propagation in unconsolidated granular materials including marine sediments. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 102, 2579–2596; 1998. Theory of compressional and shear waves in fluidlike marine sediments. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 103, 288–299; 2000. Wave propagation, stress relaxation, and grain-tograin shearing in saturated, unconsolidated marine sediments. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 108, 2796–2815]. The modeling predicts reflectivities that change from <12 dB for sands on the innermost shelf to >9 dB for muds farther offshore, values that agree with reflectivity measurements for these sediment types. On local scales of ∼100 m, however, maximum changes in reflectivity are <0.5 dB. So are most annual changes in reflectivity over all water depths modeled (i.e., 0–35 m). Given that signal differences need to be ⩾2–3 dB to be resolved, the results suggest that grain-size induced changes in reflectivity caused by floods and storms will rarely be detectable by most current sub-bottom sonars.     

Late Miocene shortening of the Northern Apennines back-arc

The inner Northern Apennines (western Tuscany and Tyrrhenian basin) is characterized by a relatively thin continental crust (∼20–25 km), high heat flow (>100 mW m⁻²), and the presence of relevant tectonic elision of stratigraphic sequences, a setting known as Serie Ridotta. These features are normally ascribed to an extensional deformation that affected the back-arc area above the subducting Adria plate since the Early-Middle Miocene (∼16 Ma). However, various geophysical studies image the continental crust to be currently affected by W-dipping thrust faults (and associated basement uplifts) that have not been obliterated by this claimed long-lasting extensional process. These observations raise the question whether the thrusts are older or younger than the continental extension. To address this question we have reprocessed and interpreted the deep seismic reflection profile CROP03/c that crosses the onshore hinterland sector, and investigated the structural setting of some of the Late Miocene-Pliocene hinterland basins (Cinigiano-Baccinello, Siena-Radicofani, Tafone, Albegna and Radicondoli basins) that are situated at the front or in-between the basement uplifts. The analysis of field structures and commercial seismic profiles has allowed the recognition that both substratum and basins’ infill have been intensely shortened. These findings and the architecture of the basins suggest that the latter developed under a contractional regime, which would have started around 8.5 Ma with the onset of the continental sedimentation. This compressive stress state followed an earlier phase of continental extension that presumably started at ∼16 Ma (with the blocking of the Corsica-Sardinia rotation), and thinned both the continental crust and sedimentary cover producing most of the Serie Ridotta. The main phases of basin shortening are bracketed between 7.5 and 3.5 Ma, and thus overlap with the increase in the exhumation rate of the metamorphic cores at ∼6–4 Ma determined through thermochronological data. We therefore propose a correlation between the basin deformation and the activity of the nearby basement thrusts, which would have thus shortened a previously thinned continental crust. This chronology of deformation may suggest a geodynamic model in which the back-arc and hinterland sector of the Northern Apennines was recompressed during Late Miocene-Early Pliocene times. This evolution may be explained through different speculative scenarios involving a blockage of the subduction process, which may vary between end members of complete slab detachment and stalled subduction.     

Changes in diet and niche breadth of a small fish species in response to the flood pulse in a Neotropical floodplain lake

This study tested the hypothesis that the flood pulse affects the diet composition and the niche breadth of Moenkhausia forestii, a small characid fish inhabiting the littoral zone of lakes. To this end, we compared the diet composition (at the population and individual levels) between hydrological periods (high and low water phases) in a floodplain lake of the Upper Paraná River. PERMANOVA revealed differences in the diet between periods (pseudoF_1,38 = 8.5; p < 0.001), with predominant consumption of chironomid larvae and Ephemeroptera (aquatic resources) in the low-water period and an increase in the contribution of terrestrial resources (Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera) during the high-water period. Based on the PERMDISP results, inter-individual variability in M. forestii diet also differed between periods (F_1,38 = 5.80; p = 0.02), with higher values during the high-water period resulting in a dietary niche expansion. During the low-water period, we observed the dominance of chironomid larvae in the diets of most individuals, resulting in lower inter-individual variability and thus narrower niche breadth. The diet of M. forestii was affected by the flood pulse at both the population and individual levels. The most important difference was found in the origin of food items; during the low-water period, the diet consisted mainly of aquatic resources, and during the high-water period, there was a large contribution of terrestrial resources. This variation is related to the increased availability of allochthonous resources in the high period, when terrestrial areas are flooded by the overflow of the river, thereby increasing the input of resources into the aquatic environment. The increased availability of food resources during this period allowed the expansion of the trophic niche of M. forestii, accompanied by the highest richness (19 items) and the highest evenness of food items. Our findings demonstrated that the flood pulse affected the composition of the M. forestii diet at both the population and individual levels. These results support the importance of the flood pulse, which connects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, in providing food resources for fish.     

Metabolites in bile of fish from São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo, Brazil as biomarkers of exposure to petrogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds

This study reports the analysis of polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) metabolites, as biomarkers of exposure to PACs in marine environment. PAC metabolites were measured in bile samples from 14 species of demersal fish caught in the São Sebastião Channel (SSC), SE Brazilian coastline. Naphthalene (NPH) equivalents, phenanthrene (PHN) equivalents, and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) equivalents were quantified using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection method. For all samples, the means (±standard deviation, n = 37) of concentrations obtained for NPH, PHN, and BaP equivalents were, respectively, 290,000 ± 200,000 ng/g, 18,000 ± 14,000 ng/g, and 970 ± 1900 ng/g. These results indicate recent exposure of these fish to PACs in their environment. In addition, two species (Cyclichthys spinosus and Prionotus nudigula) of fish were analyzed in order to investigate local sources of PAC contamination in the SSC and the influence of the petroleum terminal in fish caught in remote areas. The results showed that these fish species potentially migrate along the channel, especially P. nudigula. Correlations among groups of PAC metabolites indicate the same petrogenic source for NPH and PHN equivalents and a combustion source (e.g., automobile, ships) for BaP equivalents. The ratio BaP/PHN equivalents (0.05 ± 0.07, n = 37) confirms the predominance of petrogenic PACs for contamination by these chemicals in this region.     

Recent mercury contamination from artisanal gold mining on Buru Island,Indonesia – Potential future risks to environmental health and food safety

In November 2011 gold was found at Mount Botak, Buru Island, Mollucas Province, Indonesia. Since 2012 mercury has been used to extract the gold requiring large volumes of water and resulting in deposition of mercury into Wamsait River and Kayeli Bay. Total mercury in waste ponds was over 680 mg/kg. In sediments at the mouth of the local river and a small feeder creek >3.00 mg/kg and >7.66 mg/kg respectively. River and bay sediments were proportionately higher in available mercury than elemental mercury and more strongly bound mercuric sulfide compared to that in trommel waste. This preliminary investigation raises concerns about the long term distribution and speciation of mercury. The floodplain is an important agricultural resource, and Mollucas Province is recognised nationally as the centre for Indonesian fish stocks. Challenges for management include communicating the potential future risks to the community and leaders and identifying mechanisms to reduce mercury waste.     

Contrasting key roles of Ruppia cirrhosa in a southern Mediterranean lagoon: Reservoir for both biodiversity and harmful species and indicator of lagoon health status

The distribution of Ruppia cirrhosa meadow density and its epiphytic organisms in relation with environmental factors were studied in summer 2011 at five stations in the Ghar El Melh lagoon (GML; southern Mediterranean Sea). Eleven epiphytic groups were recognised among which diatoms and dinoflagellates were the dominant groups and greatest contributors to temporal dissimilarity. An overwhelming concentrations of harmful microalgae was recorded, mainly represented by the toxic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima with maximal concentrations attaining 6 × 10⁵ cells 100 g⁻¹ of Ruppia fresh weight. The epifauna community accounted for only 1.4% of total epiphyte abundance and was comprised predominantly of nematodes (47.51%), ciliates (32.59%), fish eggs (7.2%) and larvae (4.95%). PERMANOVA analyses revealed a significant spatio-temporal variation of all epiphytic groups (p < 0.01). In this study, R. cirrhosa and its epiphytes were studied as potential early warning indicators of the health status of GML waters.     

A quantitative examination of modern sedimentary lithofacies formation on the glacially influenced Gulf of Alaska continental shelf

Continental-shelf lithofacies are described from a series of cores collected in the northern Gulf of Alaska, a high-energy paraglacial shelf experiencing rapid rates of sediment accumulation. Short-lived tracers (²³⁴Th and chlorophyll-a) indicate that during the annual peak in fluvial sediment input (summer), biologic sediment mixing coefficients in the surficial seabed are generally lower than other coastal environments (<20 cm² yr⁻¹) and mixing extends downward <10 cm.²¹⁰Pb geochronology indicates that sediment accumulation rates (time scales of 10–100 yr) are 0.1–3 cm yr⁻¹. The measured bioturbation and accumulation rates lead to predictions of moderate to bioturbated lithofacies, as observed. Primary depositional fabric is preferentially preserved where sediment accumulation rates >2 cm yr⁻¹ and non-steady sediment deposition occurs. Depositional fabric is also observed in strata at 50–100 m water depths and is similar in appearance to beds that may form through deposition of wave-induced fluid-mud flows, which have been observed forming on other shelves with moderate to high wave energy. Five general lithofacies can be identified for the study area: inner-shelf sand facies, interbedded sandy mud facies, moderate-to-well-bioturbated mud facies, gravelly mud facies, and Tertiary bedrock facies. The moderate-to-well-bioturbated mud facies is areally dominant, representing over 50% of the shelf area, although roughly equal volumes (∼0.4 km³) of strata with some preservation of primary fabric are annually accumulating. Lithofacies on this paraglacial shelf generally resemble mid- and low-latitude allochthonous shelf strata to a much greater degree than Holocene glacimarine strata formed on shelves dominated by icebergs and floating ice shelves. Paraglacial strata may be differentiated from non-glacial shelf strata by lower organic carbon concentrations, a relatively lower degree of bioturbation, and increased preservation of primary depositional fabric.     

The structure of the coastal density front at the outflow of Long Island Sound during spring 2002

South of the eastern end of Long Island (Montauk Point) along the Eastern U.S. coast, a coastal density front forms between the buoyant outflow plume of the Long Island Sound (LIS) and the denser shelf waters offshore. During a 2-day cruise in April 2002, measurements of the density and velocity structure of this front were obtained from high-resolution CTD and ADCP data. Transects show the front intersecting the bottom inshore of the 30 m isobath and shoaling offshore. Variability in the location of the front is small offshore of the 40 m isobath, yet tidal excursions of the front along the bottom are significant (5 km) inshore of this depth.The frontal structure of the LIS plume was similar to observations of bottom-trapped coastal density fronts and shelf break fronts. A coastal jet in the along front direction was the main feature of the mean velocity field and was found to be in thermal wind balance with the mean density field. Stronger than expected offshore velocities near the surface, most likely a result of wind forcing, were the only exception to these similarities. In addition, analysis of temperature and salinity gradients along isopycnals gives evidence of secondary cross-frontal circulation and detachment of the bottom boundary layer. Characteristics of the LIS plume are used to evaluate recent analytical models of bottom-trapped coastal density fronts and bottom-advected plume theory, finding good agreement.