The relation of seasonal pattern in stable carbon compositions to meteorological variables in the leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sabina</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">przewalskii</Emphasis> Kom. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sabina chinensis</Emphasis> (Lin.) Ant.

The seasonal variation of foliar δ¹³C values in Sabina przewalskii Kom. and Sabina chinensis (Lin.) Ant. was measured. The relationships between foliar δ¹³C values and branch δ¹³C values as well as environmental factors (monthly total precipitation, monthly average air temperature, monthly average soil temperature, monthly total solar duration, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, vapor pressure, wind speed and potential evaporation) were investigated. The results showed that the foliar δ¹³C values were negatively correlated with air pressure, and positively correlated with air temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure, potential evaporation, solar duration, wind speed and soil temperature. No significant relationship between δ¹³C values and relative humidity was detected. This demonstrates that the foliar δ¹³C of Sabina is a successful empirical indictor of these meteorological factors within the usual range of C₃ whole-leaf δ¹³C values. Furthermore, the δ¹³C signature of leaf tissue is similar to that of wood tissue and the responses of δ¹³C values in S. przewalskii Kom. to environmental factors are also relatively stronger than that of S. chinensis (Lin.) Ant. These results provided strong evidence that it is feasible to extract climatic information from tree-ring δ¹³C series and S. przewalskii Kom. is a dendroclimatologically promising tree species.     

The dynamics of organic matter in soil size and density fractions traced by stable carbon isotopes

1IntroductionSoilorganicmatter (SOM)isakeysourceofnutrientsforplantgrowth ,itisessentialforthemaintenanceofsoilstructureanditcontributestotheabilityofsoiltoretainnutrientsandwater.AnimprovedunderstandingofSOMdynamicsiscentraltothedevelopmentofmoreenvironmentallysoundandsustainablepracticesofagriculturalmanagement (Collinsetal.,2 0 0 0 ) .Avarietyofcon ceptualmethodshavebeenusedtodescribetheprocessesofSOMaccumulationandturnover (Jen kinsonandRayner,1 977;Duxburyetal.1 989;Partonetal.,1 99…     

Spatial distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope compositions in desert plant Reaumuria soongorica (Pall.) Maxim

In order to investigate the distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope ratios (δ ¹³C) in the desert plant Reaumuria soongorica, the δ ¹³C values of leaves were measured in 407 individuals of 21 populations. Soil physicochemical properties including soil water content, soil total dissolved solids, soil total nitrogen, soil total phosphorus and soil organic content were also analyzed in order to survey the major factors influencing δ ¹³C values on spatial variation. Leaves and soil samples were simultaneously collected from the ten major distribution areas in Northwest China at altitudes from 394 m to 1 987 m above sea level, at latitudes from 36°10′N to 44°33′N, and at longitudes from 81°43′E to 106°37′E. These ten areas include Shihezi, Baicheng, Yiwu areas in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; Anxi, Zhangye, Baiyin, Lanzhou areas in Gansu Province; Shapotou, Yinchuan areas in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; and Alashan County in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The results show that the δ ¹³C value of R. soongorica ranges from −22.77‰ to −29.85‰ with an average of −26.52‰. Foliar d13C values in R. soongorica are not significantly correlated with altitude, latitude or longitude, and a spatial distribution trend of d13C values of R. soongorica is not obvious on a large scale. However, when d13C values of two R. soongorica populations under the same climate conditions are compared, δ ¹³C values increase obviously from east to west and from north to south. As none of the soil total dissolved solids, soil total nitrogen, soil total phosphorus, and soil organic content shows a uniform trend from east to west and from north to south, we suppose that the small-scaled spatial distribution pattern of δ ¹³C values of R. soongorica is mainly controlled by the soil water content. Translated from Quaternary Sciences, 2006, 26(6): 947–954 [译自: 第四纪研究]     

用树轮δ13C重建1685年以来的大气CO2浓度变化趋势

对采自浙江西天目山地区的3株柳杉树盘,交叉定年后,测定了3株树轮^δ13C的年序列,分析了3株树轮^δ13C序列中所含的共同环境变化信息。用二项式拟合法去除气候因素引起的3个^δ13C序列的高频变化,得到3个低频变化序列。分析了theLowDome冰芯记录的大气CO₂浓度与树轮^δ13C序列低频变化趋势的关系,建立了相应的转移函数,重建了天目山地区1685年以来大气CO₂浓度变化。结果表明:用3株树轮^δ13C序列重建的结果有较好的一致性,并与南极冰芯的记录及前人研究结果有很好的吻合。这一结果表明用同一地区不同树木个体的树轮^δ13C序列的低频变化序列可以重建出基本一致的大气CO₂浓度变化历史。     

Climatic significance of D/H and13C/12C ratios in Irish oak cellulose

δD and δ¹³C analyses of cellulose nitrate from two modern Irish oak trees that form part of the 7400 year long chronology were carried out, covering a period of 123 years (1861–1983 A.D.) with a 5 year resolution so as to assess the potential of this long chronology for retrieval of palaeoenvironmental data. One of the trees (Q5293) showed significant correlations of δD, δ¹³ C and ring width with mean annual temperatures as recorded at the Armagh weather station nearby and the mean fall temperatures of Central England. The other tree (Q5296) did not exhibit any significant climatic correlations either because it grew utilizing a nearby permanent source of ground water or because the intra-ring isotopic variations in Irish oak are significant enough to mask the climatic signal. Whilst our results have given a positive indication of the usefulness of these trees for palaeoenvironmental information, more trees need to be analysed to confirm our findings. Even though one of the trees did not exhibit climatic correlations, both trees show a significant positive correlation of δ¹³C and a negative correlation of δD with ring width variations. Furthermore, two tree samples that grew during the 1620s B.C., when a volcano is thought to have erupted on the Aegean island of Santorini, show increased δD and decreased δ¹³C for one to two decades following the eruption, though the magnitudes of change seem to vary with site and trees. We have proposed a possible mechanism based on tree phenology to explain both the above effects.     

Reconstructing the History of eastern and Central Florida Bay using mollusk-shell isotope records

Stable isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) from mollusk shells reflect the water quality characteristics of Florida Bay and can be used to characterize the great temporal variability of the bay. Values of δ¹⁸O are directly influenced by temperature and evaporation and may be related to salinity, δ¹³C values of δ¹³C are sensitive to organic and inorganic sources of carbon and are influenced by productivity. Analyses of eight mollusk species from five short-core localities across Florida Bay show large ranges in the values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O, and reflect the variation of the bay over decades. Samples from southwester Florida Bay have distinct δ¹³C values relative to samples collected in northeastern Florida Bay, and intermediate localities have intermediate values.¹³C values of δ¹³C grade from marine in the southwest bay to more estuarine in the northeast. Long cores (>1m), with excellent chronologies were analyzed from central and eastern Florida Bay. Preliminary analyses ofBrachiodontes exustus andTransenella spp. from the cores showed that both δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O changed during the first part of the twentieth century. After a century of relative stability during the 1800s, δ¹³C decreased between about 1910 and 1940, then stabilized at these new values for the next five decades. The magnitude of the reduction in δ¹³C values increased toward the northeast. Using a carbon budget model, reduced δ¹³C values are interpreted as resulting from decreased circulation in the bay, probably associated with decreased freshwater flow into the Bay. Mollusk shell δ¹⁸O values display several negative excursions during the 1800s, suggesting that the bay was less evaporitic than during the twentieth century. The isotope records indicate a fundamental change took place in Florida Bay circulation early in the twentieth century. The timing of the change links it to railroad building and early drainage efforts in South Florida rather than to flood control and water management measures initiated after World War II.     

Influence of moisture transport on stable isotope in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin

The relationship between the variation of δ ¹⁸O in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin and the moisture flux was analyzed with NCEP/NCAR reanalysis grid data and δ ¹⁸O in precipitation at four stations (Lazi, Nugesha, Yangcun and Nuxia) of the region investigated. In terms of spatial variations, there is obviously a positive correlation between them for the entire basin. With the decrease in moisture flux from the downstream to the upstream area, δ ¹⁸O in precipitation became gradually decreased. However, in terms of temporal variations, higher δ ¹⁸O in precipitation during spring is linked to small moisture flux while low δ ¹⁸O in precipitation during summer is linked to large moisture flux. A model involving meteorological data from NCEP/NCAR was subsequently set up which successfully traced the moisture transport trajectories at Yangcun station. Based on the traced moisture transport trajectories and the δ ¹⁸O in precipitation at Yangcun station, the relationship between δ¹⁸O in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin and the moisture transport history was discussed. We found that the humid marine air mass from the Indian Ocean in general has significantly lower δ ¹⁸O values than the continental air mass from the north or local re-evaporation. The fluctuation of δ ¹⁸O in precipitation during the monsoon season is very pronounced; the lower values are usually related to farther distance and multilayer moisture transport, as well as moisture crossing the Himalaya Mountains. __________ Translated from Advances in Earth Science, 2007, 22(8): 842–850 [译自: 地球科学进展]     

Sources and transformations of N in reclaimed coastal tidelands: evidence from soil δ<Superscript>15</Superscript>N data

Electrical conductivity of saturated soil extracts (EC_e) in three reclaimed tideland (RTL) soils on the west coast of Korea decreased with time since reclamation, indicating natural desalinization through leaching of salts by precipitation water. Soil N concentration increased with decreasing EC_e. With the increase in soil N concentration, the δ¹⁵N decreased, likely caused by the input of ¹⁵N-depleted N sources. As N₂-fixing plant species were found in the oldest RTL, atmospheric N₂ fixation likely contributed to the increase in soil N concentration in the oldest RTL. Negative δ¹⁵N (−7.1 to −2.0‰) of total inorganic N (NH₄ ⁺+NO₃ ⁻) and published data on N deposition near the study area indicate that atmospheric N deposition might be another source of N in the RTLs. Meanwhile, the consistently negative δ¹⁵N of soil NO₃ ⁻ excluded N input from chemical fertilizer through groundwater flow as a potential N source, since NO₃ ⁻ in groundwater generally have a positive δ¹⁵N. The patterns of δ¹⁵N of NH₄ ⁺ (+2.3 to +5.1‰) and NO₃ ⁻ (−9.2 to −5.0‰) suggested that nitrification was an active process that caused ¹⁵N enrichment in NH₄ ⁺ but denitrification was probably minimal which would otherwise have caused ¹⁵N enrichment in NO₃ ⁻. A quantitative approach on N budget would provide a better understanding of soil N dynamics in the studied RTLs.     

The Variation of Soil Organic Matter in a Forest-Cultivation Sequence Traced by Stable Carbon Isotopes

On the basis of different photosynthetic pathways.there is an obvious difference in δ^13C values between C3 and C4 plants,In terms of this characteristic,we analyzed the organic carbon content (forestlands:1.81%-16.00%;farmland:0.45%-2.22%) and δ^13C values(forestlands:-23.86‰--27.12‰;farmland:-19.66‰--23.26‰)of three profile-soil samples either in farmland or in forestland near the Maolan Karst virgin forest,where there were developed plant C3 plants previously and now are C4 plants.Results showed that the deforestation has accelerated the decomposition rate of soil organic matter and reduced the proportion of active components in soil organic matter and thus soil fertility.     

A study of turbulent characteristics of atmospheric boundary layer over monsoon trough region using Kytoon and Doppler sodar

As a part of the MONTBLEX-90 observational programme, Kytoon and Doppler sodar observations were taken at Kharagpur. These data are analysed to study the turbulent characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer in terms of stability, temperature structure function (C _T ² ) and velocity structure function (C _v ² ).C _T ² follows aZ ^−4/3 law on most of the days, whereas the variation ofC _V ² is not systematic.C _V ² andC _T ² values are found to vary between 10⁻⁵−10⁻¹ m^4/3s⁻² and 10⁻⁵−10⁻²°C² m^−2/3 respectively.     

Carbon isotopic composition of fossil leaves from the Early Cretaceous sediments of western India

Stable carbon isotope analysis of fossil leaves from the Bhuj Formation, western India was carried out to infer the prevailing environmental conditions. Compression fossil leaves such as Pachypteris indica, Otozamite kachchhensis, Brachyphyllum royii and Dictyozamites sp. were recovered from three sedimentary successions of the Bhuj Formation, Early Cretaceous in age. A chronology was established based on faunal assemblage and palyno-stratigraphy and further constrained by carbon isotope stratigraphy. The three sampling sites were the Karawadi river bank near Dharesi; the Chawad river bank near Mathal; and the Pur river section near Trambau village in Gujarat. The Dharesi sample was also analyzed to investigate intra-leaf δ ¹³C variability. The mean δ ¹³C of the leaf was − 24.6 ± 0.4‰ which implied negligible systematic change along the leaf axis. The Mathal sample was fragmented in nature and showed considerable variation in carbon isotopic composition. The Trambau sample considered to be the oldest, dating to the middle of Aptian (ca. 116 Ma), shows the most depleted value in δ ¹³C among all of them. The overall δ ¹³C trend ranging from mid Aptian (ca. 116 Ma) to early Albian (ca. 110 Ma) shows a progressive increase in δ ¹³C from −26.8 to −20.5‰. Based on these measurements the carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric carbon dioxide of the Aptian–Albian period is estimated to be between −7.4 and −1.7‰. The ratio of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in leaf to that of the ambient atmosphere calculated based on a model is estimated to be similar to that of the modern plants. This indicates that the Early-Cretaceous plants adapted to the prevailing high carbon dioxide regime by increasing their photosynthetic uptake.     

The application of δ13C and C/N ratios as indicators of organic carbon sources and paleoenvironmental change of the mangrove ecosystem from Ba Lat Estuary, Red River, Vietnam

In this study, two sediment cores (~70 cm) were collected from separate mangrove forests straddling the Ba Lat Estuary, Red River of northern Vietnam, to examine the origins of sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) and reconstruct the paleoenvironment. In addition, mangrove leaves and particulate organic matter were collected and measured for δ¹³C to trace the origins of SOC. The cores were analyzed by high-resolution sections for δ¹³C, TOC, C/N ratios, sediment grain size, water content, and porosity, with values of δ¹³C, TOC, and C/N ratios ranging from −28.19 to −22.5‰, 2.14–30.94 mg/g, and 10.29–18.32, respectively. The δ¹³C and TOC relationship indicated that there were some small residual effects of diagenetic processes on TOC and δ¹³C values in mangrove sediments. However, the shifts of δ¹³C and C/N ratios from the bottom to the surface sediment of the cores explained the change in organic matter sources, with values of C/N > 12 and δ¹³C < −25‰, and C/N < 12 and δ¹³C > −25‰ indicated terrestrial (e.g., mangrove litter) and marine phytoplankton sources, respectively. The covarying δ¹³C, C/N ratios, and sediment grain sizes during the past 100 years in sediment cores showed that the paleoenvironment may be reconstructed into three environments (subtidal, tidal flat, and intertidal mangrove). General trends in δ¹³C and C/N followed a gradual increase in the C/N ratio and a concomitant decrease in δ¹³C from the subtidal, through to tidal flat, and to the intertidal mangrove. δ¹³C and C/N ratios are therefore effective in measuring the continuum of environmental change in mangrove ecosystem.     

Study on Modern Plant C－13 in Western China and Its Significance

Organic carbon isotopic composition(δ^13C) is one of the important proxies in paleoenvironment studies.In this paper modern plant δ^13C in the arid areas of China and Tibetan Plateau is studied.It is found that most terrestrial plant species in western China are C3 plants with δ^13C values ranging from -32.6‰ to -23.2‰ and only few species are C4 plants with δ^13C values from -16.8‰ to -13.3‰.The δ^13C is closely related to precipitation (or humidity),i.e., light δ^13C is related to high precipitation(or humid climate),while heavy δ^13C to low precipitation (or dry climate),but there is almost no relation between plant δ^13C and temperature.Submerged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -22.0‰ to -12.7‰,like C4 plants,while merged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -28.1‰ to -24.5‰，like C3 C4 plants,while marged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -28.1‰ to -24.5‰,like C3 plants.It can then be concluded that organic δ^13C variations in terrestrial sediments such as loeas and soil in western China can indicate precipitation changes,but those in lake sediments can reflect organic sources and the productivity of different types of aquatic plants.     

n-alkane distribution coupled with organic carbon isotope composition in the shell bar section, Qarhan paleolake, Qaidam basin, NE Tibetan Plateau

Lipids extracted from lacustrine deposits in the paleolake Qarhan of the Qaidam basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau were determined by conventional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Several series of biomarkers were identified, mainly including n-alkanes, n-alkan-2-ones, n-alkanoic acids, branched alkanes, triterpenoids and steroids, indicative of various biogenic contributions. On the basis of cluster analysis, the n-C₁₅, n-C₁₇, n-C₁₉ alkanes were proposed to be derived from algae and/or photosynthetic bacteria, the n-C₂₁, n-C₂₃, n-C₂₅ homologues from aquatic plants, and the n-C₂₉, n-C₃₁ homologues from vascular plants. In contrast, the n-C₂₇ alkane is not categorized in the n-C₂₉ and n-C₃₁ group of alkanes, probably due to more complex origins including both aquatic and vascular plants, and/or differential biodegradation. Stratigraphically, layers-2, 4 and 5 were found to show a close relationship in n-alkane distribution, associated with a positive shift in carbon isotope composition of bulk organic matter (δ¹³C_org), inferring a cold/dry period. Layers-1 and 6 were clustered together in association with a negative δ¹³C_org, excursion, probably indicating a relatively warm/humid climate. The potential coupling between the n-alkane distributions and δ¹³C_org, suggests a consequence of vegetation change in response to climate change, with the late MIS3 being shown to be unstable, thought to be the climatic optimum in the Tibetan Plateau. Our results suggest that the cluster analysis used in this study probably provides an effective and authentic method to investigate the n-alkane distribution in paleolake sediments.     

Isotopic and sedimentological clues to productivity change in Late Riphean Sea: A case study from two intracratonic basins of India

Enriched¹³C/¹²C ratios with δ¹³C ∼3%0 (w.r.t PDB) of two Late Riphean (∼ 700-610 Ma) intracratonic carbonate successions viz., Bhander Limestone of Vindhyan Basin and Raipur Limestone of Chattisgarh Basin suggest higher organic productivity during this period. This view is supported by sedimentological evidence of higher biohermal growth and consequent increase in depositional relief in the low gradient ramp settings inferred for these basins. Oxygen isotope analysis of these carbonates show distinct segregation between enriched deeper water carbonate mudstone and depleted shallow water stromatolite facies that received fresh water influx. This shows that facies-specific analyses can be useful in understanding the depositional setting of these sediments.     

Sources of dissolved organic carbon in forest soils: evidences from the differences of organic carbon concentration and isotope composition studies

There is considerable discussion and uncertainty in the literature regarding the importance of fresh litter versus older soil organic matter as sources of soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in forest floor. In this study, the differences of organic carbon concentration and stable isotope composition were analyzed under different background conditions to identify the origins of DOC in forest soil. The data show that there is no significant difference in SOC content between these collected soil samples (P > 0.05), but the litter-rich surface soils have relatively higher DOC concentration than the litter-lacking (P < 0.01) ones, and the δ ¹³C values of DOC (δ ¹³C_DOC) are closer to δ ¹³C of litter than δ ¹³C values of SOC (δ ¹³C_SOC). In the litter-lacking surface soil samples, the range of δ ¹³C_DOC is between δ ¹³C_SOC and δ ¹³C of dominant plant leaves. These results suggest that DOC mainly derive from litter in the litter-rich surface soil with, and the main path of DOC sources may change with surrounding conditions. In addition, δ ¹³C_SOC and δ ¹³C_DOC become more positive, and the absolute values of Δ (δ ¹³C_DOC − δ ¹³C_SOC) decrease with depth in the soil profiles, which indicate that the percentage of DOC below 5 cm, derived from degradation of humus, may increase with soil depth.     

Isotopic and molecular distributions of biochemicals from fresh and buried <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizophora mangle</Emphasis> leaves†

Rhizophora mangle L. (red mangrove) is the dominant species of mangrove in the Americas. At Twin Cays, Belize (BZ) red mangroves are present in a variety of stand structures (tall >5 m in height, transition ~2–4 m and dwarf ~1–1.5 m). These height differences are coupled with very different stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic values[1] (mean tall δ ¹³C = -28.3‰, δ ¹⁵N = 0‰; mean tall δ ¹³C = -25.3‰, δ ¹⁵N = -10‰). To determine the utility of using these distinct isotopic compositions as 'biomarkers' for paleoenvironmental reconstruction of mangrove ecosystems and nutrient availability, we investigated the distribution and isotopic (δ ¹³C and δ ¹⁵N) composition of different biochemical fractions (water soluble compounds, free lipids, acid hydrolysable compounds, individual amino acids, and the residual un-extractable compounds) in fresh and preserved red mangrove leaves from dwarf and tall trees. The distribution of biochemicals are similar in dwarf and tall red mangrove leaves, suggesting that, regardless of stand structure, red mangroves use nutrients for biosynthesis and metabolism in a similar manner. However, the δ ¹³C and δ ¹⁵N of the bulk leaf, the biochemical fractions, and seven amino acids can be used to distinguish dwarf and tall trees at Twin Cays, BZ. The data support the theory that the fractionation of carbon and nitrogen occurs prior to or during uptake in dwarf and tall red mangrove trees. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes could, therefore, be powerful tools for predicting levels of nutrient limitation at Twin Cays. The δ ¹³C and δ ¹⁵N of biochemical fractions within preserved leaves, reflect sedimentary cycling and nitrogen immobilization. The δ ¹⁵N of the immobilized fraction reveals the overlying stand structure at the time of leaf deposition. The isotopic composition of preserved mangrove leaves could yield significant information about changes in ecosystem dynamics, nutrient limitation and past stand structure in mangrove paleoecosystems.     

Sr isotope excursion across the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary in the Three Gorges area, South China

The Precambrian/Cambrian (PC/C) boundary is one of the most important intervals for the evolution of life. However, the scarcity of well-preserved outcrops across the boundary leaves an obstacle in decoding surface environmental changes and patterns of biological evolution.In south China, strata through the PC/C boundary are almost continuously exposed and contain many fossils, suitable for study of environmental and biological change across the PC/C boundary. We undertook deep drilling at four sites in the Three Gorges area to obtain continuous and fresh samples without surface alteration and oxidation. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the fresh carbonate rocks, selected based on microscopic observation and geochemical signatures of Mn/Sr and Rb/Sr ratios, aluminum and silica contents, and δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values, were measured with multiple collector-inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometric techniques.The chemostratigraphy of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of the drilled samples displays a smooth curve and a large positive anomaly just below the PC/C boundary between the upper part of Baimatuo Member of the Dengying Formation and the lower part of the Yanjiahe Formation. The combination of chemostratigraphies of δ¹³C and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr indicates that the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr excursions preceded the δ¹³C negative excursion, and suggests that global regression or formation of the Gondwana supercontinent, possibly together with a high atmospheric pCO₂, caused biological depression.     

Carbon isotopic records from stalagmites and the signification of paleo-ecological environment in the area of Guangxi—Guizhou, China

High resolution carbon isotopic records in millennial, centennial and decadal timescales from three stalagmites from three different caves under a similar monsoon climate in Guangxi–Guizhou, China, provided detailed information on the paleo-ecological environmental conditions in the past 15,000 years. The results indicate that during the glacial period, or cold-dry period, such as Heinrich event H1 and Younger Dryas event karst development was poor as was pedogenesis, C3 vegetation didn’t grow well, resulting in C4 plants dominating and with heavy δ¹³C values in stalagmites. In a warm-humid stage, C3 vegetation grew well and predominated with negative δ¹³C values. The δ¹³C records from stalagmites could be indicative of sensitive vegetation changes and reflective of climate changes in precipitation, temperature, etc. The δ¹³C records may also be used to distinguish different effects from nature or human activity. Particularly since the late Holocene, human activities have increased disturbances to environment, even more than natural factors. Forest vegetation was destroyed, C4 plants became dominant, and rock desertification was aggravated because of severe water and soil loss, all resulting in sharply increasing δ¹³C values of stalagmites that are heavier than pre-middle Holocene δ¹³C values.     

Temporal and spatial differences in salinity and water chemistry in SW Florida estuaries: Effects of human-impacted watersheds

Three estuaries near Naples, Florida with variably modified watersheds have been investigated to understand the chemical consequences of altering drainage patterns. Blackwater River (near natural drainage, control site), Henderson Creek (moderately modified watershed), and Faka-Union Canal (severe channelization) were sampled for temperature, salinity, δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), molality of CO₂ (ΣCO₂), and Mg:Ca and Sr:Ca ratios between freshwater and marine water end members over a 17-mo period. Carbon isotope composition followed similar seasonal patterns as salinity. Freshwater and seawater end members are more negative than the global average, likely reflecting equilibration with local carbon sources derived from mangrove leaf litter and groundwater. δ¹³C responds to differences in primary productivity between estuaries. Henderson Creek has higher primary productivity than Blackwater River (probable due to higher sewage input and agricultural runoff) and has more positive δ¹³C and lower ΣCO₂. δ¹⁸O is affected by seasonal input of freshwater from atmospheric precipitation, evaporation, and groundwater. Late summer and fall rains lower the δ¹⁸O of estuarine water, whereas evaporative conditions in the dry season elevate δ¹⁸O to values that can be more positive upstream than those from the Gulf of Mexico (estuarine inversion). Evaporation produces water in the Gulf of Mexico that is >1‰ more positive than the global sea surface average most of the year. The very negative δ¹⁸O values in Blackwater River and Henderson Creek likely reflect atmospheric and groundwater contribution. Mg:Ca and Sr:Ca ratios of Gulf water from all three estuaries are similar to global averages at low latitudes. Freshwater end members among estuaries are different in that Blackwater River has higher ratios, suggesting a groundwater contribution. Dolomitic rocks in the subsurface likely provide a source of Mg ions.