Assemblages of benthic foraminifers in the White Sea

Based upon the composition of the dominant species of benthic foraminifers in the bottom sediments sampled at 50 sampling stations in the White Sea, their six assemblages (communities) were defined and mapped. The ranges of these communities depend on the environmental factors determined by the bathymetric, latitudinal, and circum-continental sea zonalities, the sea currents, the bottom upwellings, the continental runoff, the productivity of the waters, and the CaCO₃ content in the near-bottom water layers and bottom sediments.     

Benthic foraminifera communities of the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean)

Eleven communities of benthic foraminifera were distinguished on the basis of the results of a qualitative analysis of the structure the population at 94 stations at sea depths down to 4180 m in the Andaman Sea. The habitats of the communities are formed under the influence of the environmental factors, which are determined by the latitudinal and bathymetric zonality of the basin, the water masses, the currents, the upwellings, the coastal runoff, and the contents of calcium carbonate and oxygen in the near-bottom waters and organic carbon in the sediments.     

Further studies on the feeding habits ofSagitta nagae alvariño in Suruga Bay,central Japan

The feeding ofSagitta nagae was analyzed in connection with food chains in the pelagic and near-bottom communities of Suruga Bay. The following results are obtained: (1)S. nagae feeds on dominant copepod species both in the free water (upper water layers) and the near-bottom habitats; (2)S. nagae did not show any food-size selection in the range of 0.2 to 1.2 mm in cephalothorax width and height of copepods; (3) Feeding activity ofS. nagae in the free water is highest at night, while in the near-bottom habitat the species feeds more actively during the day than at night; and (4)S. nagae migrates between the bottom and free water and plays an important role in shallow water by connecting the near-bottom community with the pelagic community.     

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages of the South China Sea

Based on the dominant species of benthic foraminifers in the bottom sediments sampled at 270 stations in the South China Sea, their 12 assemblages are defined and mapped. The distribution of these assemblages is controlled by environmental factors that are determined by bathymetric and latitudinal zonality, currents, upwellings, continental runoff, and water productivity. The communities established are indicative of different biotopes characterized by upwellings, higher or lower productivity, and intense or less intense impact of freshwater runoff.     

Vertical structure of water masses and silicon-phosphorus ratios in the west Bering Sea and in the Sea of Okhotsk

Using the data obtained from CTD stations and hydrochemical measurements (oxygen, silicates, and phosphates) performed by the Pacific Scientific Research Fishery Center (TINRO Center) in 2001–2004, vertical structures of water masses were considered for the western Bering Sea and for the deep-water depression of the Sea of Okhotsk. It was shown that definite values of the Si/P molar ratio were characteristic for the water mass boundaries within which linear relationships between these two elements were observed. The lower boundaries of cold intermediate layers in both seas are characterized by a value of Si/P = 23. The ratio for the main halocline (the layer of nutrient concentration jump) is equal to 32, while that for the intermediate layer is equal to 43 (47 in the Sea of Okhotsk). In the Bering Sea, linear relationships between the concentrations of these elements are determined by mixing of waters of different origin. The deep convection, regeneration of phosphates in the lower part of the surface layer, and the significant oxygen deficiency in the intermediate layer determine the doubled inclination of their ratio compared to the Redfield’s parameter. At the same time, in the Sea of Okhotsk, the determining role in linear relationships between the elements considered is played by the aeration of intermediate layer with near-bottom shelf waves, and by tidal mixing.     

Thermohaline structure of abyssal and near-bottom waters of the Black Sea

The paper considers the thermohaline structure of Black Sea abyssal and near-bottom waters on the basis of exact measurements recorded in recent years under the HYDROBLACK and COMSBLACK international projects. The surface water mass (along with the cold mixed layer), the intermediate, abyssal, and near-bottom masses are identified. The upper boundary of deep waters is defined as a depth level where the density ratio decreases down to 0.1 This depth roughly corresponds to the 900–1100 m depth levels. Furthermore, the paper provides potential temperature and salinily values in the near-bottom layer, with an error of, respectively, 0.002°C and 0.002‰, at most. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Copepod assemblages in a highly complex hydrographic region

Community structure and diversity patterns of planktonic copepods were investigated for the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean between 34 and 41°S. Our objectives were (1) to define copepod assemblages, (2) to accurately identify their association to different water masses/hydrodynamic regimes, (3) to characterize the assemblages in terms of their community structure, and (4) to test if frontal boundaries between water masses separate copepod assemblages. Biogeographic patterns were investigated using multivariate analysis (cluster and ANOSIM analyses). Biodiversity patterns were examined using different univariate indexes (point species richness and taxonomic distinctness). Five regions of similar copepod assemblages were defined for our study area each one corresponding to different environments (freshwater, estuarine, continental shelf, Malvinas and Brazil current assemblages). These assemblages have major community structure differences. In spite of the complex oceanographic scenario of our study area, that can lead us to expect a pattern of copepod communities with diffuse boundaries, we found a strong spatial correspondence between these limits and the presence of permanent frontal structures.     

The characteristic distribution of silica over the East China Sea shelf slope

The localized near-bottom water with silica content higher than that in the adjacent shelf water was observed to exist at the eastern margins of the East China Sea continental shelf. The core of the high silica water possessed the silica content corresponding to that in the Kuroshio at depths greater than on the shelf. The mixing analysis of water masses using temperature (T) and silica (Si) showed that the core water can be produced through the vertical mixing of intermediate water of the Kuroshio deeper than 100 m. This study provides us a conclusion that the intermediate water of the Kuroshio is strongly mixed on the shelf slope and then upwelled to form the ridge-like distribution of water masses with low temperature and high silica content at the shelf edge.     

用模糊集合观点讨论水团的有关概念

本文将划分水团的基本原则,概括为水团内部特征的相对均一性及其与外部海水的明显差异性。用模糊集合讨论了水型、水团和水系等有关概念。提出了用模糊集合观点定义水团及其核心、本体、边界与混合区的建议,并以1979年8月黄海和东海表层为例,给出了各水团的隶属函数。计算了其核心、本体、边界、混合区及贴近度,按其模糊性排出了顺序。     

浅海变性水团的软划分

In this paper, the principle and steps for differentiating water masses by fuzzy cluster method are introduced, and a scalar formula bsed on Euclidean distance and a method for determining objectively the number of water masses by F-test are proposed. Consequently, a method and specific steps for differentiating modified water masses in shallow sea according to fuzzy elastic classification are given. Computation of the membership degree in which each sample belongs to every water mass determines conveniently and quantitatively the cores, boundaries of water masses and mixed zones. An example for the Huanghai Sea and East China Sea is shown and compared with previous results.     

黄、东海域春季水团的模糊分析

本文对黄、东海毗连海域1987年春季的水团,用模糊数学方法进行了系统的分析。在聚类分析和判别分析的基础上,对各水团的点集进行必要的处理,分别建立它们的隶属函数。根据隶属度的分析,用图示给出各水团的核心、本体和边界。本文还计算了各水团的熵以及水团之间的贴近度。据此划分水系,分析它们之间的逐级变性与相互关系,取得了满意的结论。     

ELASTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MODIFIED WATER MASS IN SHALLOW SEA

In this paper, the principle and steps for differentiating water masses by fuzzy cluster method are introduced, and a scalar formula based on Euclidean distance and a method for determining objectively the number of water masses by F-test are proposed. Consequently, a method and specific steps for differentiating modified water masses in shallow sea according to fuzzy elastic classification are given. Computation of the membership degree in which each sample belongs to every water mass determines conveniently and quantitatively the cores, boundaries of water masses and mixed zones. An example for the Huanghai Sea and East China Sea is shown and compared with previous results.     

Application of method of fuzzy sets to the analysis of water masses in the northern South China Sea

Some methods of fuzzy sels are applied to the analysis of water masses in the north area of the South China Sea. In distinguishing water masses with the fuzzy clustering method, the authors propose a fuzzy similar relation based on Euclidean distance, and suggest a method for determining the number of water masses by the F-test, and further adjust rationally the boundaries of water masses and the membership relation of samples by the elastic classification method. Eight water masses are distinguished in the area, i.e., Nearshore Diluted Water F, Nearshore Mixed Water M, Warm Surface Water WS, Surface Water S, Surface-Subsurface Mixed Water SU, Subsurface Water U, Subsurface-Intermediate Mixed Water UI and Intermediate Water I. These point-sets of various water masseson the (?)-S diagram may be summed up in three types, that is, the deformed elliptical convexpoint-set, the half-boundless convex point-set and the point-set with single-side concave. For them, we have proposed methods of making their member     

DISCUSSION OF SOME CONCEPTIONS OF A WATER MASS BASED ON THE THEORY OF FUZZY SETS

The fundamental principle for differentiating water masses is a strict consideration of their relative "interior homogeneity" and obvious "exterior differences" with others in characteristics. The conceptions of water type, water mass and water system are dealt with on the basis of the theory of fuzzy sets. A proposal to apply the theory of fuzzy sets to define the water mass and its core, independent area, boundary and mixing area is put forward.As an example, the membership function of the surface water masses in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea in August, 1979, are considered. Their cores, independent areas, boundaries, mixing areas and the approximation degrees between different water masses are calculated respectively. The water masses are ranged according to their fuzzy degrees.     

波浪作用下细颗粒泥沙悬移特性的试验研究

通过9组室内水槽试验,系统分析了不同周期和波高波浪作用下粉砂质细砂的悬移特性。试验结果表明,在波浪作用下,细颗粒泥沙在水体中悬浮产生明显的三层混浊结构：近底高浓度混浊层、中部混浊层和上部低浓度混浊层。其混浊度的大小与波浪动力条件相关,波浪周期的延长和波高的增加都会使近底层悬沙浓度显著增大,悬沙浓度的波动性在近底层表现得最为突出和复杂;波浪动力条件的改变对上层水体的悬沙浓度基本不产生影响。当波浪作用停止,悬沙开始静水沉降时,近底层水体含沙浓度的变化与波浪要素的比值相关,当波浪要素的比值大于临界值时,底层含沙浓度在一定时间段内反而增加,出现浓度返起现象。     

Underway Measurement of Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity in the Taiwan Straits in August,1999

The distributional features of sea surface temperature and salinity(SST and SSS) in the Taiwan Straits have been analyzed using the SST and SSS underway measurements in August,1999.The characteristics of SST and SSS are summarized as foloows:There are several upwellings and diluted water in the Taiwan Straits.The upwellings are divided into two kinds:those along the western coast of the Taiwan Straits and those around the Taiwan Shoal.There are three sources of diluted water:diluted water of the Jiulongjiang River,diluted water of the Zhujiang River and diluted water of the Minjiang River.     

Vortex braids in the head wave formed as a dam breaks

The formation of flow-backing large vortex braids in a head dam-break wave running over the washed-out soil is revealed experimentally. Vortex dipoles braiding together with the captured soil are formed in the viscous near-bottom layer. Ascending and descending dipoles twist, forming a large near-bottom braid which rises to the water surface and forms a wall consisting of water and soil. The braids hold large soil particles if the flow velocity exceeds the critical value.     

Distribution of alkalinity and dissolved calcium in the Sea of Okhotsk

During the summer seasons of 2002 and 2004, the total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved calcium (Ca) were studied at 41 stations in different areas of the Sea of Okhotsk: the Kuril depression, Deryugin Basin, the slopes of the Kamchatka Peninsula and Sakhalin Island, and in Sakhalin Bay. It was shown that the distributions of the TA and Ca in the water mass of deep sea areas are determined by the processes of CaCO₃ formation and dissolution according to the relation Δ Ca = 0.5 Δ TA (1). The variations of the TA and Ca values observed in the upper 10-m layer and in the near-bottom layers of local depressions in the Deryugin Basin do not satisfy relationship (1). Probable reasons for this discrepancy are considered: organic matter mineralization, mixing of water masses with different preform TA and Ca values, sea ice melting, runoff from land, and sea bottom effects. It is shown that the enrichment in the alkalinity and calcium is caused by the Amur River runoff in the desalinated sea surface layer and by the high geochemical activity in the Deryugin Basin in the near-bottom 200-m layer of local depressions.     

The near-bottom boundary layer in the black sea: Hydrological structure and modelling

The paper discusses the parameters derived through deep-sea precision CTD-probings, characteristic of the structure of the near-bottom boundaries layer, specifically, the depth of the layer's upper boundary and the mean vertical potential temperature/salinity gradients, as well as the density ratio over the layer of the near-bottom convection. The peculiarities of the parameters' spatial distribution have been identified. The conclusion derived from the analysis of the model implies that the near-bottom boundary layer occurs, aside from the presence of the bottom geothermal heat flux, due to the strong dependence of the Bosphorus salt flux on stratification. The dependence of the Black Sea buoyancy flux and vertical diffusion coefficient on depth has been estimated. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin     

西南季风不同阶段南海北部珠江口外断面水文调查分析

根据2000年7月及2001年5月南海北部珠江口外断面CTD调查资料、同期气象资料,并结合该海域历史资料,对调查断面珠江冲淡水扩展范围、跃层变动情况及上升流特征进行了分析,观察到对应于夏季西南季风的不同阶段,调查断面跃层分布与珠江冲淡水影响范围均发生明显变动,升降流的影响也呈现出不同特征：(1)西南季风较强时,断面陆架区上表层受冲淡水影响明显,海区的层化结构明显加强;(2)西南季风较强时．调查断面出现上升流和下降流。研究结果表明：(1)局地风应力与热通量的变化控制了调查断面跃层或混合层的温度和深度的变化,影响着珠江冲淡水的扩展范围,西南季风较强时珠江冲淡水扩展范围变大,调查断面跃层或混合层强度变大,深度变深;(2)夏季西南季风强时调查断面存在上升流,其形成机制为风产生的离岸水体Ekman输运的补偿效应,底地形的变化虽然也造成较弱的外海次表层水涌升,但可能只是加强了上升的速度或强度;(3)夏季西南季风强时调查断面上存在上升流区与下降流区毗邻的现象,下降流成因可能有二,一为近岸流和陆坡流呈相反方向运动形成弱的反气旋涡,二为“上升与下降因相互水体补充的需要而共生”。