A detailed geochemical and rock magnetic study of dredged basalt from the Sheba Ridge,Gulf of Aden

We report the results of petrological, geochemical and rock magnetic studies of basalt dredged from the eastern end of the west Sheba Ridge during cruise 11/1979 of R. R. S. Shackleton to the Western Gulf of Aden. The ridge is part of the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden spreading axis and the basalts are olivine tholeiites. The abundances of some elements are characteristic of normal MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) but other elemental abundances suggest affinites with transitional-type MORB.The observed magnetic properties are interpreted in terms of the composition, concentration and microstructure of the magnetic mineral fraction by recourse to the available data on synthetic analogues. The analysis has been carried out in greater detail than has been attempted in previous magneto-petrological studies. It appears that submarine weathering of the magnetic minerals (maghemitization) brings about not only the expected change in composition but also a fall in concentration of the magnetic fraction. This could result from the removal-of-iron oxidation mechanism operating in the submarine environment. It is also found that the fall in remanence with increasing degree of maghemitization is not explicable in terms of the change in composition and concentration of the magnetic minerals. A further influence—probably microstructural change—significantly reduces the remanence intensity.     

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in the North Pacific and Indian Oceans

PCBs, DDT compounds and HCH isomers were detected in the air and surface waters of the North Pacific and Indian Oceans, including the Bering Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The general concentrations of each chlorinated hydrocarbon were as follows: water PCBs 0.1 to 1.0, DDT 0.01 to 1.0, HCH 1.0 to 10 ngl ^–1; air DDT 0.01 to 1.0, HCH 0.1 to 10 ng m^–3. PCB concentrations in surface waters were slightly lower than those of the North Atlantic and North Sea previously reported, while DDT concentrations in the air and water were higher. Remarkably high concentrations of DDT and HCH were found in the air off the western coast of India. Also in the Pacific site off Central America, a fairly high concentration of DDT was observed in an air sample. These data suggest that large amounts of DDT and HCH are being used in the tropical zone, especially in southern Asia. Furthermore, high concentrations were observed both in the air and water of the Northwest Pacific between 30°N and 40°N latitude. There is a possibility that both pesticides are not only still being used in lower latitude countries but also in the mid-latitude ones of the Asian continent excluding Japan. In addition to this atmospheric circulation may also contribute to the concentration of these pesticides in the mid-latitudinal zone.     

Analysis of photographic images of the structure of the surface of the sea near a speck of light

Values of root mean square slope ₀ and its variations -₀ are estimated using the brightness field of an image of the surface of the sea near a speck of light. When ₀ and -₀ are defined it is highly important to take into account direct as well as dissipated solar radiation.The space-time analysis of the structure of the image brightness field is performed. This gives an opportunity to estimate dispersion relationship and the running effect of a brightness contrast packet. Comparison of the parameters obtained with the theoretical dispersion ratio of internal waves (IW) allows one to make a conclusion that IW surface manifestations are recorded in a frame.UDK 551.463.5     

Transmission and reflection of planetary and topographic Rossby waves in a two-layer ocean

Transmission and reflection problems when kissing≓ occurs among planetary and topographic Rossby waves in a two-layer ocean are studied. The slope parameterS(=dh ₂/dx, whereh ₂is the thickness of the lower layer) is assumed to have constant values in the regionsx 0 andxL and to vary linearly with the increase ofx in the region0xL (refer to Fig. 2 in the text). Furthermore, a wave is entered fromx=– and kissing is assumed to occur in the region (0<)x _axx_b(<L).It is found that a wave of the same type as the incident wave is mainly transmitted when the width of the region in which kissing occurs,L _kiss(=tx _b–x_a), is smaller than _kiss=2/(¦K¦+ _y/2), whereK is a representative wavenumber in the regionx _ab, _y is they-component of , and is the frequency. WhenL _kiss is larger than _kiss, on the other hand, the main wave transmitted is of a different type to the incident wave. As an application, transmission and reflection problems of planetary Rossby waves are considered, and it is shown that when an external (internal) planetary Rossby wave is entered, an internal (external) one can be transmitted due to the effect of kissing.     

Variability of the axial morphology and of the gravity structure along the Central Spreading Ridge (North Fiji Basin): evidence for contrasting thermal regimes

The Central Spreading Ridge (CSR) is located in the central part of the North Fiji Basin, a complex back-arc basin created 12 Ma ago between the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates. The 3.5 Ma old CSR is the best developed, for both structure and magmatism, of all the spreading centers identified in the basin, and may be one of the largest spreading systems of the west Pacific back-arc basins. It is more than 800 km long and 50–60 km wide, and has been intensively explored during the French-Japanese STARMER project (1987–1991).The CSR is segmented into three first order segments named, from north to south, N160°, N15° and N-S according to their orientation. This segmentation pattern is similar to that found at mid-ocean ridges. The calculated spreading rate is intermediate and ranges from 83 mm/yr at 20°30 S to 50 mm/yr at 17°S. In addition, there is a change in the axial ridge morphology and gravity structure between the northern and southern sections of the CSR. The axial morphology changes from a deep rift valley (N160° segment), to a dome split by an axial graben (N15° segment) and to a rectangular flat top high (N-S segment). The Mantle Bouguer Anomalies obtained on the northern part of the CSR (N160°/N15° segments) show bull's eye structures associated with mantle upwelling at the 16°50S triple junction and also in the middle of the segments. The Mantle Bouguer Anomalies of the southern part of the ridge (N-S segment) are more homogeneous and consistent with the observed smooth topography associated with axial isostatic compensation.At these intermediate spreading rates the contrast in bathymetry and gravity structure between the segments may reflect differences in heat supply. We suggest that the N160° and N15° segments are cold with respect to the hot N-S segment. We use a non-steady-state thermal model to test this hypothesis. In this model, the accretion is simulated as a nearly steady-state seafloor spreading upon which are superimposed periodic thermal inputs. With the measured spreading rate of 50 mm/yr, a cooling cycle of 200,000 yr develops a thermal state that permits to explain the axial morphology and gravity structure observed on the N160° segment. A spreading rate of 83 mm/yr and a cooling cycle of 120,000 yr would generate the optimal thermal structure to explain the characteristics of the N-S segment. The boundaries between the hot N-S segment and its cold bounding segments are the 18°10 S and 20°30 S propagating rifts. A heat propagation event along the N-S segment at the expense of the adjacent colder failing segments, can explain the sharp changes in the observed morphology and structure between the segments.     

Seasonal variability and the types of currents in the upper layer of the Black Sea

Spectral analysis of the climatic circulation in the upper 10 m layer of the Black Sea has been carried out. The current field was calculated from a three-dimensional baroclinic non-linear model. The mode composition of the circulation was derived. It is shown that the surface climatic circulation can be represented as the superposition of a finite number of elementary currents of two types:n- andm-modes. Only 4n-modes are shown to be energy-dominant throughout the year. A relation is established between the different sources of energy supply of currents and the modes which assimilate this energy. Problems concerning the nature of the classical Black Sea currents such as the main Black Sea current (MBSC) and the Knipovich spectacles are discussed. A scenario of the field large-scale experiment is suggested which allows the reconstruction of the amplitudes of the first 10n- and the first 10m-modes from mooring data.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Mean Vertical Distribution of the Dissipation Rate of Turbulent Energy in the Black Sea. Comparison with the Existing Models

We compare the results obtained by using theoretical and semiempirical models developed for the evaluation of the dissipation rate of turbulent energy in a stratified ocean with independent distribution of this quantity established by the authors for the active layer of the Black Sea (50–300 m) by using a one-dimensional model taking into account the balance of heat, salt, and fluid inside the layer. It is shown that, in a layer with gradual variation of the Väisälä–Brunt frequency N as a function of depth, the predominant sink of the energy of motion into dissipation N ² is ensured by the flow of energy through the spectrum of internal waves toward low frequencies and small vertical scales. On the contrary, in layers with abrupt drops of density as a function of depth (layers with jumps of density), an important role is played by the interface-type waves and the dependence of on N transforms into N .     

Parameterization of the dispersion relation of internal waves using the data of hydrological soundings in the Tropical Atlantic

Dependences have been determined which connect the parameters of the dispersion relation of the lowest mode of internal waves with the integral characteristics of the seasonal thermocline when 10 min30 min, 20 mh150 m, and 0·4 m²/s² Q5·2 m²/s².Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Magnetic anomalies associated with the southeastern continental margin of South Africa

A total magnetic intensity, iso-magnetic map is presented and discussed. Between East London and Durban large east-west trending anomalies are known on land and can be traced onto the continental shelf but not beyond the slope. Elsewhere the continental shelf is characterized by a remarkably quiet magnetic field. A feature of the map is the linear anomaly, named the Cape Slope Anomaly, which is parallel to the continental margin and coincides approximately with the 68° small circle about the early pole of opening for the South Atlantic as given by Le Pichon and Hayes (1971). The anomaly is traced between 30°54S, 30°48E and 37°45S, 20°31E and is interpreted as occurring over the truncated edge of a semi-infinite, sub-horizontal, remanently magnetized plate in oceanic crust beyond the continental margin.Between 37°03S, 21°49E and 37°41S, 21°12E the Slope Anomaly occurs over a ridge named the Agulhas Ridge. A continuous seismic reflection profile over the ridge shows acoustic basement occurring under a cover of sediments. A two dimensional model study indicates that the basement materials may belong to the body causing the anomaly with the exception of the basement material that forms the landward peak of the ridge, which is non-magnetic.     

Chlorofluorocarbons in the western North Pacific in 1993 and formation of North Pacific intermediate water

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC-11 and CFC-12) in the intermediate water having between 26.4 and 27.2 were determined at 75 stations in the western North Pacific north of 20°N and west of 175.5°E in 1993. The intermediate water of 26.4–26.6 was almost saturated with respect to the present atmospheric CFC-11 in the zone between 35 and 45°N around the subarctic front. Furthermore, the ratios of CFC-11/CFC-12 of the water were also of those formed after 1975. These suggest that the upper intermediate water (26.4–26.6) was recently formed by cooling and sinking of the surface water not by mixing with old waters. The water below the isopycnal surface of 26.8 contained less CFCs and the area containing higher CFCs around the subarctic front was greatly reduced. However, the CFC age of the lower intermediate water (26.8–27.2) in the zone around the subarctic front was not old, suggesting that the water was formed by diapycnal mixing of the water ventilated with the atmosphere with old waters not containing appreciable CFCs, probably the Pacific Deep Water. The southward spreading rate decreased with depth and it was one sixth of its eastward spreading rate of the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW).     

Some remarks on the spectrum of rapid-changing random data in the ocean

Spectral characteristics of rapid-changing random data in the ocean are discussed. Analysis shows that, if records are approximated by saw-toothed random series ₁ and step series ₂, ₁ and ₂ generally have spectral ranges of the –4th power and –2nd power, respectively, with respect to frequency (or wave number).     

Detailed oceanic structure in the vicinity of the shoal Kokusho-sone

The detailed oceanic structure was observed near the shoal Kokusho-sone (3000N, 12830E), which is located near the axis of the Kuroshio in the East China Sea. The detailed temperature cross-sections along the meridian 12830E, which passes over the shoal, strongly suggest that upwelling is forced along the north slope of the shoal. The behavior of the coastal waters near the Kuroshio front and of the cold water belt along the north-western side of the Kuroshio are also discussed.     

Regeneration of silicate in the ocean

Regeneration of silicate in the Japan Sea, an example of semi-closed sea, was studied. In the Japan Sea Proper Water the apparent regenerative ratio of the nutrients was determined to be:O C N P Si=–289 (116)14.3181.It was assumed that the dissolved silicate present in sea water is grouped into three fractions; 1)preformed silicate of conservative nature, 2)oxidative silicate which dissolves in oxidation process of organisms with consumption of oxygen, and 3)non-oxidative silicate which dissolves without oxygen consumption. The dissolution rate ofnon-oxidative silicate in the Japan Sea Proper Water was estimated to be 0.07g-at. Si/l/yr from the data ofAOU values and assumed rates of oxygen consumption. This dissolution rate ofnon-oxidative silicate agreed with that obtained in the deep Pacific by the vertical advection diffusion model byKido andNishimura (1972).     

Dilution of North Pacific Intermediate Water studied with chlorofluorocarbons

Assessment was made of residual ratio of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) produced in subpolar region of the North Pacific using chlorofluorocarbons, CFC-11 and CFC-12 (CCl₃F and CCl₂F₂), along 175°E. NPIW on density horizons less than 26.80 remained more than 80% north of 30°N. It was suggested that new NPIW laterally spreads over the northern North Pacific without hardly being diluted by the surroundings. For density horizons greater than 26.80 north of 30°N, NPIW remained less than 60%. The difference in the residual ratio between <26.80 and >26.80 north of 30°N suggests that NPIW is produced on density horizons less than 26.80, which contacts the atmosphere in the subpolar region, and that NPIW is diluted by upwelling deep water on density horizons greater than 26.80 in high latitude of the North Pacific. NPIW on a density horizon of 26.80 remained about 50% south of 30°N. The decrease in the horizontal distribution of the residual ratio of NPIW suggests that half the new NPIW produced in the subpolar region is laterally spread over the North Pacific with the southward movement of NPIW.     

Calcium-alkalinity relationship in the North Pacific

The dissolution of calcium carbonate in deep ocean water causes variation in calcium concentration (Ca) and alkalinity (TA) in the ratio of one to two. The decomposition of organic matter generates nitric acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid. A proton flux which is derived from this process also changes alkalinity. Using the variation in nitrate concentration (NO₃) as an index of the proton flux, the relationship betweenCa,TA andNO₃ is expressed asCa=0.5TA+0.63NO₃ The values of Ca obtained from direct measurements in the North Pacific are in good agreement with the values estimated from this equation.     

Encystment ofChattonella antiqua in laboratory cultures

Cysts ofChattonella antiqua (Raphidophyceae) were obtained in laboratory cultures for the first time. They were formed on the surface of glass coverslips added to both P- and N- depleted mediums. The yield was 50–250 cysts cm^–2. Crossing experiments showed the highest cyst production in mixed cultures, although cysts were observed in clonal cultures as well. Cysts had approximately double the DNA content of synchronously growing vegetative cells (G₁ phase). The encystment process was also monitored: Under P-depleted conditions, small cells were formed that fused to become a triangle-shaped cell which in turn changed into a cyst.These results strongly suggest that cysts are the products of fusion and are diploid. Small cells, triangle-shaped cells, and cysts are considered to be gametes, planozygotes, and hypnozygotes, respectively. Significant mortality was observed in laboratory cysts stored in the cold and dark for five months, although those remaining were capable of germination to reestablish a motile, vegetative population.     

Reflection and breaking of internal waves on a sloping beach

The reflection and breaking of internal waves on a sloping beach were studied in a small wavetank filled with water and petroleum. The dependence of the reflection coefficient of the internal waves on wave steepness and on beach slope is found to be very similar to that of surface waves. The reflection coefficient is small for the very gentle slope, increases rapidly as the slope increases, and becomes almost constant for the steep slope. The reflection coefficient decreases with increase of the wave steepness. Also, the transition slope at which the coefficient curve has the maximum gradient increases with increase of the wave steepness. Breaking pattern of the internal waves is classified into four types; breaking, semi-breaking, wrinkle-generating, and non-breaking. Their dependence on beach slope and wave steepness is examined. The regular sequence of the four breaking types from breaking to non-breaking is observed with decrease of wave steepness or with increase of beach slope.     

Organic geochemistry of the Japan Sea sediments-1: Bulk organic matter and hydrocarbon analyses of Core KH-79-3, C-3 from the Oki Ridge for paleoenvironment assessments

Organic geochemical study of bulk organic matter (OM), hopanoid hydrocarbon and normal hydrocarbon (C₂₃C₃₅) was conducted for a 936-cm-long sediment core sample from the Oki Ridge of the Japan Sea (Core KH-79-3, C-3; 37°03.5 N, 134°42.6E, water depth 935 m). Stable carbon isotopic ratios were also measured for both bulk OM and individual hydrocarbons. The following results were obtained: (1) The weight ratios of total organic carbon to total nitrogen range from 6.2 to 9.4 in the core. The ¹³C values of bulk OM range from –25.1–20.7%.. The ¹³C values of OM in the sections of 140190 cm are lower (–25–24) than those in the other sections (–23–21). This result indicates that OM in the core except for the 140190 cm sections is essentially of marine origin. (2) The ¹³C value of diploptene (a hopanoid hydrocarbon) in the last glacial maximum (LGM), is –66.3 (vs. PDB), which indicates it originating in methanotrophic bacteria. This result provides evidence to support for the previous ideas (Oba et al., 1980, 1984; Masuzawa and Kitano, 1984) that the bottom waters in the Japan Sea were anoxic in LGM. (3) Long chain (C₂₃C₃₅) n-alkanes of higher-plant wax origin were found throughout the core. Their concentration is high in 140190 cm in depth, suggesting that eolian dust load was high in LGM. (4) The n-alkane/TOC ratio increases with decreasing ¹³C values of bulk OM. This result indicates that the load of terrestrial (probably eolian dust-derived) OM to the Japan Sea became higher in colder climates. (5) The CPI values of long-chain n-alkanes are different in different ¹³O stages of paleoclimate, probably reflecting variations in species of terrestrial higher plants as a result of climatological adaptations.     

How does the ocean response to the withdrawal of water from a watergate located at the eastern boundary on a beta-plane?

The formation of the spun up region by the withdrawal of water from a watergate located in the eastern boundary in a homogeneous ocean on a beta-plane at low Rossby number is presented. The spun up region penetrates only westward from the Watergate because of the special character of the generated Rossby waves. The growth rate and the final longitudinal length of the spun up region in the dissipative system is much affected by the watergate scale in the north-south direction.The relation with the experiment ofLong (1952) and the geophysical application are presented.     

Pressure-induced alteration in fatty acid composition of barotolerant deep-sea bacterium

Barotolerant bacterium was isolated from sediment sample which was obtained from the depth of 4033 m in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. The physiological property, growth characteristics and fatty acid composition were examined. The strain was a psychrotrophic and barotolerant bacterium, and was identified as species in the genusAlteromonas. The fatty acids of the strain were from C12 to C18. As the growth pressure increased, the portion of unsaturated fatty acid in membrane fraction increased due to an increase in the portion of C171 and C181, while the relative portion of C160 and C161 decreased. On the other hand, as the growth temperature decreased, the portion of unsaturated fatty acid increased due to the increase in the portion of C161 and C181.