Regional distribution and temporal trends of some contaminants in the water of the Baltic Sea

During a cruise on board RV Gauss in May/June 1988, joint investigations into organochlorine compounds, dissolved trace metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and basic hydrography were carried out at representative stations of the Baltic Monitoring Programme (BMP). The aim of the cruise was to study distribution patterns and — using previous data — to establish temporal trends if at all discernible.Each group of contaminants investigated showed specific characteristics, with differences even between compounds within the same group. The differences are due to:

Transformation of phosphorus species in settling seston and during early sediment diagenesis

Sequential P extraction was combined with electron microscop and X-ray spectroscopy to characterise various P species and to study their transformation in settling seston and in recent sediment. During early diagenesis most of the particulate P formed in the water was redissolved. No net transformation into species that would resist dissolution was observed.It was shown that

Stochastic model of bedrock earthquake motion and determination of its parameters

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Geomagnetic quiet day selection

Based on published literature and the response to a questionnaire sent to geomagnetic field, ionospheric and magnetospheric researchers, several methods of choosing periods of quiet conditions based on geomagnetic records, as well as other observed parameters, have been identified. Caveats with respect to using geomagnetic indices to select quiet periods include the following:

Characteristics of afferent activity of ampullary electroreceptors in catfish Parasilurus asotus

The spontaneous and evoked activity of electroreceptors were electrophysiologically studied. The results are:

Subvolcanic structure of the central dike swarm associated with the ring complexes in the Shitara district,central Japan

The Subvolcanic structure of the central dike swarm associated with the Miocene Otoge ring complex and the Shitara igneous complex, central Japan, has been reconstructed. The central dike swarm was supplied from several aligned magma reservoirs. Flow lineations observed at the margin of the dikes converge towards a region that is regarded as a magma reservoir about 1–2 km below present sea level. The minimum diameter of the magma reservoir corresponds to the width of the central dike swarm, estimated to be about 3–4 km. The inferred magma reservoir of the Otoge ring complex, may have a zoned structure, as suggested by the flow lineations of dikes and the arrangement of cone sheets. Felsic magma occupied the upper part, about 1–2 km below present sea level, and basic magma the lower part, deeper than 2 km. The centre of the Shitara igneous complex is interpreted to be composed of several other shallow magma reservoirs. The distribution pattern in plan view of the central dike swarm is summarized from the frequency of dikes (defined by the number of dikes per kilometre in the direction normal to the trend of the dike swarm) and the variations of the different properties of individual dikes along the dike swarm. It has a plane of symmetry normal to the dike swarm above the magma reservoir. The patterns critical to a general understanding of the dike formation are:

A Multiple Criteria Decision Modelling approach to selection of estimation techniques for fitting extreme floods

The problem of fitting a probability distribution, here log-Pearson Type III distribution, to extreme floods is considered from the point of view of two numerical and three non-numerical criteria. The six techniques of fitting considered include classical techniques (maximum likelihood, moments of logarithms of flows) and new methods such as mixed moments and the generalized method of moments developed by two of the co-authors. The latter method consists of fitting the distribution using moments of different order, in particular the SAM method (Sundry Averages Method) uses the moments of order 0 (geometric mean), 1 (arithmetic mean), –1 (harmonic mean) and leads to a smaller variance of the parameters. The criteria used to select the method of parameter estimation are:

The P and S wave velocity structures of the crust and upper mantle beneath Tibetan Plateau

Using the P-and S-wave arrivals from the 150 earthquakes distributed in Tibetan Plateau and its neighboring areas, recorded by Tibetan seismic network, Sichuan seismic network, WWSSN and the mobile network situated in Tibetan Plateau, we have obtained the average P-and S-wave velocity models of the crust and upper mantle for this region:

Saving lives in earthquakes: successes and failures in seismic protection since 1960

This paper will look at what we have and have not achieved in reducing the risks to human life from earthquakes in the last 50 years. It will review how success has been achieved in a few parts of the world, and consider what needs to be done by the scientific and engineering community globally to assist in the future task of bringing earthquake risks under control. The first part of the talk will re-examine what we know about the casualties from earthquakes in the last 50 years. Almost 80% of about 1 million deaths turn out to have been caused by just ten great earthquakes, together affecting a tiny proportion of the territory at risk from heavy ground shaking. The disparity between richer and poorer countries is also evident, not only in fatality rates, but also in their rates of change. But the existing casualty database turns out to be a very poor basis for observing such differences, not only because of the small number of lethal events, but also because of the very limited data on causes of death, types and causes of injury. These have been examined in detail in only a few, recent events. All that can be said with certainty is that a few wealthier earthquake-prone countries or regions have made impressive progress in reducing the risk of death from earthquakes, while most of the rest of the world has achieved comparatively little, and in some areas the problem has become much worse. The second part of the paper looks in more detail at what has been achieved country-by-country. Based on a new expert-group survey of key individuals involved in earthquake risk mitigation, it will examine what are perceived to be the successes and failures of risk mitigation in each country or group of countries. This survey will be used to highlight the achievements of those countries which have successfully tackled their earthquake risk; it will examine the processes of earthquake risk mitigation, from campaigning to retrofitting, and it will consider to what extent the achievement is the result of affluence, scientific and technical activity, political advocacy, public awareness, or the experience of destructive events. It will ask to what extent the approaches pioneered by the global leaders can be adopted by the rest. The final section of the talk will argue that it can be useful to view earthquake protection activity as a public health matter to be advanced in a manner similar to globally successful disease-control measures: it will be argued that the key components of such programmes—building in protection; harnessing new technology and creating a safety culture—must be the key components of earthquake protection strategies also. It will consider the contribution which the scientific and engineering community can make to bringing down today’s unacceptably high global earthquake risk. It will be suggested that this role is wider than commonly understood and needs to include: Building-in protection

Experimental study on the mechanism of non-synchronism of seismo-electromagnetic radiation precursors

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Strontium, oxygen, and hydrogen isotope geochemistry of hydrothermally altered and weathered rocks in DSDP Hole 504B, Costa Rica Rift

DSDP Hole 504B was drilled into 6 Ma crust, about 200 km south of the Costa Rica Rift, Galapagos Spreading Center, penetrating 1.35 km into a section that can be divided into four zones—Zone I: oxic submarine weathering; Zone II: anoxic alteration; Zones III and IV: hydrothermal alteration to greenschist facies. In Zone III there is intense veining of pillow basalts. Zone IV consists of altered sheeted dikes. Isotopic geochemical signatures in relation to the alteration zones are recorded in Hole 504B, as follows:

Zone	Depth(m)	Average87Sr/86Sr	Average δ18O (%o)	Average δD (%o)
I	275–550	0.7032	7.3	−63
II	550–890	0.7029	6.5	−45
III	890–1050	0.7035	5.6	−31
IV	1050–1350	0.7032	5.5	−36

Full-size table

Alteration temperatures are as low as 10°C in Zones I and II based on oxygen isotope fractionation. Strontium isotopic data indicate that a circulation of seawater is much more restricted in Zone II than in Zone I. Fluid inclusion measurements of vein quartz indicate the alteration temperature was mainly 300 ± 20°C in Zones III and IV, which is consistent with secondary mineral assemblages.The strontium, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopic compositions of hydrothermal fluids which were responsible for the greenschist facies alteration in Zones III and IV are estimated to be 0.7037, 2‰, and 3‰, respectively. Strontium and oxygen isotope data indicate that completely altered portions of greenstones and vein minerals were in equilibrium with modified seawater under low water/rock ratios (in weight) of about 1.6. This value is close to that of the end-member hydrothermal fluids issuing at 21°N EPR.Basement rocks are not completely hydrothermally altered. About 32% of the greenstones in Zones III and IV have escaped alteration. Thus 1 g of fresh basalt including the 32% unaltered portion are required in order to make 1 g of end-member solution from fresh seawater in water-rock reactions.     

Der Einfluß der Wetterlage auf die Salzgehaltsschichtung im Übergangsgebiet zwischen Nord- und Ostsee

Zusammenfassung An Hand der Beobachtungen auf Feuerschiffen wird gezeigt, wie die Wetterlage die Salzgehaltsschichtung im Kattegat-Beltsee-Raum beeinflußt und wie sich dabei die Lage der verschiedenen Wasserkörper und Sprungschichten in den oberen 25–30 m gestaltet. Eine schwachwindige Hochdruckwetterlage läßt die inneren Gradientströme zur vorherrschenden Bewegungskomponente werden und eine Sprungschicht entstehen, die Nordsee- und Ostseewasser scheidet und sich von der Oberfläche, im nördlichen Kattegat durch die Beltsee bis weit jenseits der Darßer Schwelle zum Boden erstreckt. Diese Schichtung wird mit zunehmenden Windgeschwindigkeiten durch Gefällströme gestört, die durch Niveaudifferenzen zwischen Kattegat und südlicher Ostsee verursacht werden, wobei infolge Aufspaltung der Sprungschicht als dritte Wasserart das Kattegat-Wasser stärker in Erscheinung tritt. Die Lage der Sprungschichten zwischen Oberfläche und Boden ändert sich je nach Richtung, Stärke und Dauer des Windes in charakteristischer Weise. Bei extremen Einstromlagen geht die vertikale Schichtung fast ganz verloren, und der Salzgehalt ändert sich im wesentlichen nur in horizontaler Richtung. Ostwetterlagen führen infolge einer Verstärkung des Ausstromes zu einem Vorrücken des Ostseewassers, das die salzreiche Unterschicht in den Belten allmählich abträgt. Der Einfluß des Witterungsverlaufs auf diese Vorgänge wird am Beispiel des Jahres 1937 dargelegt, in dem sich ein ungewöhnlich starker Zustrom von Nordseewasser in die Beltsee ereignete.

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The influences of the weather situation on the salinity layering in the transition area between the North Sea and the Baltic

Summary By means of observations made on board light vessels the author shows how the salinity layering in the area of the Kattegat and the Belt Sea is affected by the weather situation and how the various water bodies and layers of discontinuity in the upper 25–30 m are shifting. High air pressure over Central Europe with its light winds enables the internal gradient currents to become the predominant component of motion and the discontinuity layer to separate the water of the North Sea from that of the Baltic. In extreme cases, this layer may be traced from the surface of the northern Kattegat to the bottom of the Baltic far beyond the Darßer Schwelle. This stratification is disturbed with increasing wind velocity. Owing to differences in sea level between the Kattegat and the southern Baltic and to the appertaining gradient currents, the layer of discontinuity is disarranged and a third type of water, the Kattegat water, becomes more conspicuous. The discontinuity layers between surface and bottom are characteristically shifting according to the wind's direction, force and, duration. If weather conditions are extremely favouring the inflow from the North Sea the vertical stratification almost completely vanishes and differences in salinity are observed only in horizontal direction. On the other hand, with East wind situations with an intensified outflow from the Baltic, the sublayer rich in salinity which is characteristic for the Belts is gradually diluted. These influences are exemplified by the situation in 1937, when a most intensive inflow of North Sea water into the Belt Sea occurred.

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L'influence de la situation du temps sur la stratification en salinité dans la région transitoire entre la mer du Nord et la mer Baltique

Résumé À l'aide des observations faites à bord des bteaux feu l'auteur expose quelle est l'influence effectuée par le temps sur la stratification en salinité dans la région du Kattegat et du Grand et du Petit Belt et de quelle manière les diverses masses d'eau et les couches à saute de salinité à moins de 25 à 30 mètres de profondeur sont déplacées. Au cas d'une aire de haute pression accompagnée de faibles vents dominant sur l'Europe centrale les courants internes de gradient deviennent la composante prédominante du mouvement de l'eau. Dans des conditions extrêmes une couche à discontinuité de salinité séparant l'eau de la mer du Nord de celle de la mer Baltique peut être poursuivie entre la surface du Kattegat du nord et le fond de la mer Baltique loin au delà du Seuil du Darß (Darßer Schwelle). Quand la vitesse du vent recroît, cette stratification est dérangée. Par suite des différences de niveau entre le Kattegat et la mer Baltique du sud et des courants de gradient qui sont y associés la couche à saute est dérangée et un troisième type d'eau, «l'eau du Kattegat», se manifeste d'une manière plus prononcée. La positon des couches à saute de salinité entre la surface et le fond est changée d'une façon caractéristique selon la direction, la force, et la durée du vent. À la présence d'une affluence extrêmement intensive de la mer du Nord la stratification verticale se perd prèsque entièrement et c'est seulement dans la direction horizontale que des changements essentiels de salinité ont lieu. D'autre part, pendant une période de vent d'est accompagnée d'un écoulement augmenté venant de la mer Baltique l'eau assez salée caractérisant les couches inférieures du Grand et du Petit Belt est plus ou moins diluée. Ces influences sont démontrées par l'exemple de l'année 1937 qui était signalée par une affluence extraordinaire portant de la mer du Nord vers le Grand et le Petit Belt.

     

Modeling the impact of wind and waves on suspended particulate matter fluxes in the East Frisian Wadden Sea (southern North Sea)

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) fluxes and dynamics are investigated in the East Frisian Wadden Sea using a coupled modeling system based on a hydrodynamical model [the General Estuarine Transport Model (GETM)], a third-generation wave model [Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN)], and a SPM module attached to GETM. Sedimentological observations document that, over longer time periods, finer sediment fractions disappear from the Wadden Sea Region. In order to understand this phenomenon, a series of numerical scenarios were formulated to discriminate possible influences such as tidal currents, wind-enhanced currents, and wind-generated surface waves. Starting with a simple tidal forcing, the considered scenarios are designed to increase the realism step by step to include moderate and strong winds and waves and, finally, to encompass the full effects of one of the strongest storm surges affecting the region in the last hundred years (Storm Britta in November 2006). The results presented here indicate that moderate weather conditions with wind speeds up to 7.5 m/s and small waves lead to a net import of SPM into the East Frisian Wadden Sea. Waves play only a negligible role during these conditions. However, for stronger wind conditions with speeds above 13 m/s, wind-generated surface waves have a significant impact on SPM dynamics. Under storm conditions, the numerical results demonstrate that sediments are eroded in front of the barrier islands by enhanced wave action and are transported into the back-barrier basins by the currents. Furthermore, sediment erosion due to waves is significantly enhanced on the tidal flats. Finally, fine sediments are flushed out of the tidal basins due to the combined effect of strong erosion by wind-generated waves and a longer residence time in the water column because of their smaller settling velocities compared to coarser sediments.

Storm-related sea level variations along the North Sea coast as simulated by a high-resolution model 1958–2002

Storm-related sea level variations 1958–2002 along the North Sea coast from a high-resolution numerical hindcast are investigated and compared to the results of earlier studies. Considerable variations were found from year to year and over the entire period. The large-scale pattern of these variations is consistent with that derived from previous studies, while the magnitudes of the long-term trends differ. The latter is attributed to different analysis periods, improvements in the atmospheric forcing, and the enhanced spatial resolution of the numerical simulation. It is shown that the different analysis periods, in particular, represent an issue as the increase in storm-related sea levels was found to be weaker over the last few years that have not been included in earlier studies. These changes are consistent with observed changes of the storm climate over the North Sea. It is also shown that observed and hindcast trends may differ significantly. While the latter are in agreement with observed changes in the storm climate, it may be concluded that observed sea level changes along the North Sea coast comprise a considerable fraction that cannot be attributed to changes in the large-scale atmospheric circulation.

Derivation of Photosynthetically Available Radiation from METEOSAT data in the German Bight with Neural Nets

Two different models, a Physical Model and a Neural Net (NN), are used for the derivation of the Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) from METEOSAT data in the German Bight; advantages and disadvantages of both models are discussed. The use of a NN for derivation of PAR should be preferred to the Physical Model because by construction, a NN can take the various processes determining PAR on a surface much better into account than a non-statistical model relying on averaged relations.

Spatial random field simulation by a numerical series representation

An approach to the simulation of spatial random fields is proposed. The target random field is specified by its covariance function which need not be homogeneous or Gaussian. The technique provided is based on an approximate Karhunen–Loève expansion of spatial random fields which can be readily realized. Such an approximate representation is obtained from a correction to the Rayleigh–Ritz method based on the dual Riesz basis theory. The resulting numerical projection procedure improves Rayleigh–Ritz algorithm in the approximation of second-order random fields. Simulations are developed to illustrate the convergence and accuracy of the method presented.

Quasi-periodic fluctuations in the Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian Seas region in a coupled climate model

We report an analysis of the mechanisms responsible for interannual variability in the Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian (GIN) Seas in a control integration of the HadCM3 coupled climate model. Interannual variability in sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) is dominated by a quasi-periodic ∼7-year signal. Analyses show that the mechanism involves a competition between convection and advection. Advection carries cold, fresh, Arctic water over warm, salty, Atlantic water, while convection periodically mixes these two water masses vertically, raising SST. Convection is able to raise SST because of the presence of a subsurface temperature maximum. The GIN Seas convection in HadCM3 is forced by wind stress anomalies related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The consequent SST anomalies feedback positively to force the atmosphere, resulting in a weak spectral peak (at ∼7 years) in GIN Seas sea level pressure. Although there is no evidence of a similar oscillation in reality, key aspects of the simulated mechanism may be relevant to understanding variability in the real GIN Seas. In particular, the potential for increases in convection to raise SST offers a possible new explanation for increases in SST that occurred between the 1960s and the late 1980s/early 1990s. These SST increases may have contributed to the observed sea-ice retreat. In addition, a positive feedback between GIN Seas SST and the atmosphere could contribute to the persistence of the NAO, potentially helping to explain its red spectrum or recent northeastward shift.

The distribution of several organochlorine compounds in the Baltic Sea

Summary On a cruise, covering the whole Baltic Sea area, in May/June 1983, from the Kattegat through the Belt Sea, the Baltic Proper, and the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, investigations concerning the distribution of several organochlorine compounds were made. In accordance with the water exchange in the Kattegat and Belt Sea, a vertical stratification can be seen for -, -, -HCH and DDT — with higher concentrations in the outflowing surface water with low salinity and lower values in the inflowing bottom water with high salinity. The bottom water concentrations in the Kattegat and Belt Sea are increasing from North to South by mixture with surface water. East of the Darss Sill, the distribution pattern becomes more homogeneous with only slight differences in the average mean concentrations between the various basins forming the Baltic Sea.

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Über die Verteilung einiger Organochlorverbindungen in der Ostsee

Zusammenfassung Im Wasser des Kattegats, der Beltsee, der zentralen Ostsee, des Finnischen Meerbusens und der Bottensee wurden im Mai und Juni 1983 Untersuchungen auf Organochlorverbindungen vorgenommen. In Übereinstimmung mit den Verhältnissen des Wasseraustausches im Kattegat und der Beltsee kann man für -, -, -HCH und DDT eine vertikale Schichtung erkennen — mit höheren Konzentrationen im abfließenden Oberflächenwasser mit niedrigem Salzgehalt und niedrigeren Werten im einströmenden Bodenwasser mit hohem Salzgehalt. Durch Vermischung mit dem Oberflächenwasser steigen die Konzentrationen im Bodenwasser im Kattegat und der Beltsee von Norden nach Süden hin an. Östlich der Darsser Schwelle ergibt sich eine gleichmäßigere Verteilung mit nur geringen Unterschieden in den mittleren Konzentrationen innerhalb der einzelnen Becken, die die Ostsee bilden.

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De la distribution de quelques composants organochlorés dans la mer Baltique

Résumé En mai et juin 1983 des recherches sur la distribution de plusieurs composants organochlorés furent effectuées durant une campagne couvrant le Kattegat, les Belts, la mer Baltique centrale, les Golfes de Finlande et de Bothnie. En accord avec les échanges des eaux dans le Kattegat et les Belts, une stratification verticale de l'-, -, -HCH et DDT fut mise en évidence, avec une concentration plus forte dans les eaux superficielles sortantes et des valeurs plus faibles dans les eaux de fond entrantes. A l'Est du seuil de Drss, la répartition des échantillons devient plus homogène avec seulement de légères différences des concentrations moyennes entre les différents bassins qui forment la mer Baltique.

     

Topography and morphodynamics in the German Bight using SAR and optical remote sensing data

Morphological changes in coastal areas, especially in river estuaries, are of high interest in many parts of the world. Satellite data from both optical and radar sensors can help to monitor and investigate these changes. Data from both kinds of sensors being available for up to 30 years now, allow examinations over large timescales, while high resolution sensors developed within the last decade allow increased accuracy. So the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs) of, for example, the wadden sea from a series of satellite images is already possible. ENVISAT, successfully launched on March 1, 2002, continues the line of higher resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging sensors with its ASAR instrument and now also allows several polarization modes for better separation of land and water areas. This article gives an overview of sensors and algorithms for waterline determination as well as several applications. Both optical and SAR images are considered. Applications include morphodynamic monitoring studies and DEM generation.