中全新世以来南海琼东南近岸泥质区物质来源

对位于南海琼东南近岸泥质区的X2站柱状沉积物进行了粒度、Sr-Nd同位素、常量元素(Al_2O_3、TFe_2O_3、K_2O、MgO、Na_2O、TiO_2、CaO、P_2O_5、MnO)和AMS14 C年代分析,探讨了中全新世以来该沉积区的物质来源。结果表明,X2站沉积物可划分为上(A2段,120~0cm,4.0~0ka BP)、下(A1段,240~120cm,7.6~4.0ka BP)两个沉积地层单元,A2段较A1段沉积物平均粒径变粗,已测的9种常量元素含量减少。~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr与εNd除异常点外,总体变化幅度不大。X2站沉积物主要来源于海南岛和台湾,珠江贡献较小,其中A1段沉积物主要是海南岛和台湾岛来源物质的混合,A2段沉积物主要来源于海南岛,其次珠江物质可能也有影响。据X2站研究结果初步表明,世界级大河(如珠江)对南海北部陆架区(特别是琼东南近岸泥质区)的贡献以前可能被高估,而山溪型河流(如台湾岛、海南岛等河流)的贡献却可能被低估,日后研究中应该重视小型河流对陆架区的物质贡献。     

海南岛周边浅海砂矿资源潜力浅析

海南岛拥有全国最为丰富的滨海锆钛砂矿资源,然而,随着长期大规模矿产的开发,陆域滨海砂矿资源已日渐枯竭。海南岛四面环海,海岸线漫长,多为砂质海岸,沙滩宽广,特别有利于海洋砂矿的形成。本文总结了近年来海南岛周边浅海砂矿资源勘查现状和勘查成果,分析了区内砂矿的地质特征,从物源、气候与水动力条件、海岸类型与地貌类型、第四纪沉积作用和海平面变化等5个方面综合分析砂矿的成矿条件,阐述了浅海砂矿的成矿控制因素。在此基础上,结合历史调查资料,从成矿的有利因素进行系统分析,认为万宁市东澳南后海至田头港一带、东方感城至乐东莺歌海一带、文昌铺前湾至景心角一带和临高马袅至东英一带等4个浅海区具有较好的砂矿资源潜力,它们可作为今后该区砂矿勘查的重要靶区。     

Tidally driven pore water exchange within offshore intertidal sandbanks: Part II numerical simulations

Field measurements presented by [Gibbes, B., Robinson, C., Li, L., Lockington, D.A., Carey, H., 2008. Tidally driven pore water exchange within offshore intertidal sandbanks: Part I Field measurements. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 79, pp. 121–132.] revealed a tidally driven pore water flow system within an offshore intertidal sandbank in Moreton Bay, Australia. The field data suggested that this flow system might be capable of delivering nutrients, and in particular bio-available iron, across the sediment–water interface. Bio-available iron has been implicated as a key nutrient in the growth of the toxic marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula and therefore this pore water exchange process is of interest at sites where L. majuscula blooms have been observed. In this study two-dimensional numerical simulations were used in conjunction with hydraulic data from field measurements to further investigate the tidally induced pore water flow patterns. Simulation results generally showed good agreement with the field data and revealed a more complex residual pore water flow system in the sandbank than shown by the field data. The flow system, strongly influenced by the geometry of the sandbank, was characterized by two circulation cells which resulted in pore water discharge at the bank edge and also to a permanently ponded area within the sandbank interior. Simulated discharge volumes in these two zones were in the order of 0.813 m³ and 0.143 m³ per meter width (along shore) of sandbank per tidal cycle at the bank edge and sandbank interior respectively. Transit times of pore water circulating through these cells were found to range from ≈ 17 days to > 60 years with an average time of 780 days. The results suggest that the tidally driven flow systems might provide a mechanism for transport of bio-available iron across the sediment–water interface. This flow could constitute a previously unrecognized source of bio-available iron for L. majuscula blooms in the Bay.     

Subsurface control on seafloor erosional processes offshore of the Chandeleur Islands,Louisiana

The Chandeleur Islands lie on the eastern side of the modern Mississippi River delta plain, near the edge of the St. Bernard Delta complex. Since abandonment approximately 2,000 years b.p., this delta complex has undergone subsidence and ravinement as the shoreline has transgressed across it. High-resolution seismic-reflection, sidescan-sonar, and bathymetry data show that seafloor erosion is influenced by locally variable shallow stratigraphy. The data reveal two general populations of shallow erosional depressions, either linear or subcircular in shape. Linear depressions occur primarily where sandy distributary-channel deposits are exposed on the seafloor. The subcircular pits are concentrated in areas where delta-front deposits crop out, and occasional seismic blanking indicates that gas is present. The difference in erosional patterns suggests that delta-front and distributary-channel deposits respond uniquely to wave and current energy expended on the inner shelf, particularly during stormy periods. Linear depressions may be the result of the sandy distributary-channel deposits eroding more readily by waves and coastal currents than the surrounding delta-front deposits. Pits may develop as gas discharge or liquefaction occurs within fine-grained delta-front deposits, causing seafloor collapse. These detailed observations suggest that ravinement of this inner shelf surface may be ongoing, is controlled by the underlying stratigraphy, and has varied morphologic expression.     

Electron microscopic observations of shale diagenesis, offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico

 Scanning and transmission electron microscopic analyses of shale samples from offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico, reveal the relationship between mineralogical and microfabric changes during burial diagenesis. The local geopressured zone begins at 2200-m depth. Above that depth the shales are smectite-rich, generally lack particle orientation, and contain appreciable pores. Below the 2200-m depth, the shales become more illite-rich with increasing burial, more crystalline, and less porous. Microfabric changes are mainly caused by compaction during burial diagenesis; mineralogical changes (smectite-to-illite) and crystal growth also play an important role in fabric alteration during deep burial diagenesis. Received: 12 May 1998 / Revision received: 14 July 1998     

Electron microscopic observations of shale diagenesis, offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic analyses of shale samples from offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico, reveal the relationship between mineralogical and microfabric changes during burial diagenesis. The local geopressured zone begins at 2200-m depth. Above that depth the shales are smectite-rich, generally lack particle orientation, and contain appreciable pores. Below the 2200-m depth, the shales become more illite-rich with increasing burial, more crystalline, and less porous. Microfabric changes are mainly caused by compaction during burial diagenesis; mineralogical changes (smectite-to-illite) and crystal growth also play an important role in fabric alteration during deep burial diagenesis.     

Direct numerical simulations of flow over two-dimensional and three-dimensional ripples and implication to sediment transport: Steady flow

A well resolved and highly accurate direct numerical simulation (DNS) solver has been developed to understand the implication of hydrodynamics to sediment transport. In the first part of the study we focus on steady flow over two-dimensional and three-dimensional ripples at two Reynolds numbers Re_τ = 180 and 400 (defined by channel half-height and wall-friction velocity) in a channel geometry. The DNS scheme is based on a fourth-order vertical velocity and second-order vertical vorticity formulation, which resolves the difficulties in pressure boundary condition encountered when solving the Navier–Stokes equations. The complex boundary introduced due to the ripples has been imposed in the Cartesian domain using an elegant immersed boundary method. Detailed hydrodynamic analysis has revealed turbulence statistics (in particular, the higher order) and henceforth, the flow structures are sensitive — whether the ripples are two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The importance of fluctuating component of the bottom stress in addition to its mean component; and its significance to sediment transport and ripple migration speed have been investigated.     

南海季风试验期间海面低层大气过程的初步数值模拟试验

采用一维高分辨率大气边界层模式(OSUPBL),模拟了南海海面低层大气,得到高分辨率的海面低层大气的各种气象要素及界面通量和能量平衡关系,并将模拟结果和南海季风试验(SCSMEX)观测结果和日本气象厅(JMA)再分析资料进行对比分析.结果指出,OSUPBL模式模拟得到的海面大气边界层的风速、温、湿垂直廓线,大气边界层高度以及海表面短波辐射、长波辐射、感热、潜热通量、净辐射和海面热收支等与实际观测结果基本一致.     

Gas hydrates from the continental slope,offshore Sakhalin Island,Okhotsk Sea

Ten gas-vent fields were discovered in the Okhotsk Sea on the northeast continental slope offshore from Sakhalin Island in water depths of 620—1040 m. At one vent field, estimated to be more than 250 m across, gas hydrates, containing mainly microbial methane (¹³C = –64.3), were recovered from subbottom depths of 0.3–1.2 m. The sediment, having lenses and bedded layers of gas hydrate, contained 30–40% hydrate per volume of wet sediment. Although gas hydrates were not recovered at other fields, geochemical and thermal measurements suggest that gas hydrates are present.     

The mesoscale numerical simulation of the flow field of the Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula

The flow field over Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula in summer and winter is discussed with three-dimensional mesoscale model developed in the University of Virginia and using the representative meteorological data of January and July.Simulation results indicate that the local weather characteristics over the Hainan Island are distinctly influenced by theWuzhi Mountain terrain. The cloudy or rainfall weather over the northeast of the Wuzhi Mountain occurs easily, under proper large-scale conditions of flow, temperature and humidity. while west wind prevails. The overcast or rainfall weather is often induced by strong convection in the afternoon over west of the Hainan Island under easterly prevailing wind.     

Geochemistry of gas hydrate accumulation offshore NE Sakhalin Island (the Sea of Okhotsk): results from the KOMEX-2002 cruise

Geochemical properties of gas hydrate accumulation associated with an active gas vent on the continental slope offshore northeast Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk have been investigated. The pore water chemistry data suggest that the gas hydrates (GHs) were formed in an environment of upward-migrating fluid combined with a mechanism of pore water segregation. The upward infiltration of water enriched mainly by Cl^– and K⁺ species appears to occur on the background of earlier diagenesis processes within the gas vent sediments. The GHs were formed from water with chlorinity ranging from 530 to 570 mM. The ¹⁸O and D of GH water varied from –1.4 to –1.8 and from –13 to –18, respectively, representing a mix of seawater and infiltrating fluid water. A complex interaction of pore water, water of ascending fluid and segregated pore water during hydrate formation is also supported by water content measurements and observed gas hydrate structure. The direction of segregated water is opposite to upward fluid migration. Decreasing activity of the gas vent is inferred by comparing the present top of the recovered hydrate layer with previous observations.     

海南岛东南外海海底沉积物特征及其声学物理性质研究

分析研究了南海北部大陆架西南缘的海南岛东南外海海底沉积物声学物理特性,在多个航次中进行了海底沉积层取样、海水CTD测量、浅地层及旁侧声呐扫测等工作.在实验室里对沉积物样品进行声学参数、沉积学基本参数、物理力学参数和14C年龄测试等分析.根据多尔特曼公式求解出弹性模量、体积弹性模量、压缩系数、切变模量、泊松比和拉梅常数等六项沉积物弹性参数.分析结果表明在该海区海底沉积物的压缩波速为1.474~1.700 m/s,在不同的海区内有高低声速两类性质的沉积物分布;沉积物的切变波速为150~600 m/s;沉积物在100 kHz的声衰减为35~260 dB/m;沉积物的密度为1.4~2.0 g/cm3;沉积物的孔隙度为42%~88%.     

西门岛红树林区大型底栖动物的群落结构

浙南乐清湾西门岛红树林区是中国红树林的最北分布地,为研究该区红树林与底栖动物的生态关系,于2004年5月和8月对红树林区大型底栖动物进行现场采样,共发现大型底栖动物42种,其中软体动物20种、甲壳类11种、多毛类5种、其它类6种。平均生物量和平均栖息密度分别为74.26g/m2和340个/m2,软体动物和其它类动物分别占总生物量的43%和39%,它们的栖息密度分别占动物总栖息密度的66%和30%。红树林区底栖动物的特征种为可口革囊星虫Phascolosomaesculenta,在中潮区其生物量和栖息密度分别高达84.33g/m2和304个/m2。该红树林区底栖动物群落结构的分析结果表明:底栖动物种类与红树林发育状况呈负相关、底栖动物生物量与红树林发育状况呈正相关,红树林主分布区(中潮区)底内群落结构较低潮区简单、生物量高、物种多样性低,而无红树林的低潮区则与之相反,生物量低、种间分布均匀、多样性高。多样性指数低潮区(2.44)>中潮区(1.21)>高潮区(1.0);均匀度指数为0.30～0.73,中潮区为最低。     

珠海桂山岛米氏裸甲藻赤潮对鱼鳃损伤的病理学组织观察

1998年3～4月广东沿海及香港海域爆发了大规模的米氏裸甲藻(Gymnodinium mikimotoi)赤潮.此次赤潮发生范围广,持续时间较长,给广东省及香港的海洋渔业造成了巨大的损失,据统计粤港两地因此造成的经济损失达3.5亿元,其中广东省近5000万元(羊城晚报,1998年4月25日).为了研究此次赤潮发生过程中赤潮生物变化趋势及赤潮引起大量死鱼的原因,笔者对发生赤潮的珠海桂山岛海域浮游植物进行了定性、定量分析,同时对赤潮发生水域养殖鱼类鳃组织进行了病理组织学观察,为进一步研究此类赤潮的成因、消长及防治研究打下基础.     

The constrained politics of the Svalbard offshore area

This study identifies some mechanisms through which external factors constrain state behavior. Examining Norwegian governance for the disputed Svalbard offshore area, it finds the behavior of Norway to be constrained in multiple ways by the conflicting policies of foreign powers toward the area. When shaping the management regime of the controversial maritime zones of the former terra nullius Svalbard, Norwegian authorities cautiously consider the possible international ramifications of their actions. Norway's behavior—not only manifested in policy but also in the exercise of contested legislative and enforcement jurisdiction—is curbed amid international disagreements over Norwegian rights in the area.     

Distribution of phosphine in the offshore area of the Southwest Yellow Sea,East Asia

Phosphine is a natural gaseous compound in the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle. This paper studies the spatial and temporal distributions of matrix-bound phosphine (MBP) and gaseous phosphine in the offshore area of the Southwest Yellow Sea, East Asia. The results show that MBP concentrations in marine surface sediments range from 0.69 ± 0.06 ng/kg (dry) to 179 ± 29 ng/kg (dry). Higher seasonal MBP concentrations in sediments are found in fall than in spring or winter in most sites. High MBP contents are observed in two fish-breeding areas. MBP concentrations decrease with distance to the coast, except in the southeast of the sampling area. MBP levels in marine sediments are found to be higher than those at several other places: freshwater sediments and soil, except eutrophic lakes. Gaseous phosphine contents in fall range from 0.14 ± 0.00 ng/m³ to 9.83 ± 0.97 ng/m³. No correlation is observed between MBP and gaseous phosphine.     

Feasible numerical method for analysis of offshore pipeline in installation

Feasible numerical method for a structural analysis of a pipeline configuration during the installation process is presented. The method considers the whole pipeline, which is partially suspended and partially laid-on a seabed, as a single continuous segment, and is valid for a complete range of laying angles between 0°–90°, i.e., valid for both S-lay and J-lay configurations. The method accounts for a pipeline–seabed interaction and the pipeline is modeled by means of nonlinear large deformation beam theory. The numerical solution is carried out in an incremental-iterative manner by following the actual pipeline installation process, and thus allowing efficient treatment of pipeline-seabed interaction circumventing the further complexities with contact detection. At each increment, the length of the pipeline is increased and new sequential equilibrium configuration is assessed by direct minimization of a total potential energy approximated as a Riemann sum, which yields algebraic system of nonlinear finite difference equations that is further solved by iterations with Newton-Raphson technique. The simplicity, flexibility and robustness of the proposed method allow to enhance the efficiency of engineering calculations and design. Accounting for a bending stiffness in a suspended part allows analyzing variations in laying angle and lay tension independently. The method convergence is validated and compared with Abaqus. The results are in an excellent agreement. Moreover, the comparison with Abaqus shows that for the selected parameters the assumption that the pipeline is inextensible and unshearable is very reasonable. Representative parametric study is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the method. Parametric study considers the effects of laying angle (0°–90°), lay tension, laying water depth (up to 3000 m) and seabed stiffness.     

Tidal observations on the West Coast,South Island,New Zealand

Harmonic tidal constants, calculated from sea surface elevation observations at Jackson Bay on the West Coast of the South Island, are consistent with available semi‐diurnal and diurnal tidal phase distributions. Current observations taken over a 111 day period at mid‐depth in 1505 m of water on the southern flank of the Challenger Plateau and over a 240 day period in 1430 m of water on the South Island western coast continental slope, are subject to tidal analysis. At both sites there is a component of energy flux directed across the isobaths and only at the northern site for the M2 tide is the phase consistent with a dominant progressive barotropic tide. The successive 30 day harmonic constants at the southern continental slope site exhibit a trend in the M2 tidal ellipse speed and ellipticity suggesting the presence of a regular internal tide. Superposition of ‘internal tidal’ and barotropic tidal flows, as prescribed from progressive‐ and standing‐wave elevations, to fit the observations indicates that the ‘internal tide’ is probably associated with the first baroclinic mode. At the current‐meter depths the speeds of the ‘internal tide’ for the M2 tide are about the same as the barotropic speeds, whereas, the S2 ‘internal tide’ speeds are larger than those of the barotropic tide. The consistency of the trend in ellipse parameters lends support to the theoretical progressive trapped barotropic tidal flows being a good approximation to the actual barotropic tide. Some support for the hypothesis that the S2 tide on the West Coast of New Zealand has a substantial standing wave contribution is given by the northern observations, where the ratio of the S2: M2 internal tidal ellipse current amplitudes are substantially larger than the ratio of the elevations, the internal tide being generated by across‐isobath flows.     

Contourites offshore Pantelleria Island (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea): depositional, erosional and biogenic elements

High-resolution seismic reflection profiles and multibeam bathymetry data collected in 2006 and 2008 around Pantelleria Island show the widespread occurrence of contourite drifts and erosional elements ~30?km from the narrowest part (~145?km) of the Sicily Channel, where water masses from the Eastern Mediterranean flow towards the Western Mediterranean. The contourite drifts are rather small (up to 10?km long and 3.3?km wide), at water depths of ~250?C750?m. Most are elongated separated drifts with quite well-developed moats and crests, aligned roughly parallel to the regional bathymetric contours. Erosional elements include abraded surfaces, moats, scours and sub-circular depressions. In addition, a wide sector of the seafloor adjacent to a seamount located SW of Pantelleria Island is characterized by numerous biogenic build-ups colonized by deep-water corals (Madrepora oculata). The spatial distribution of sediment drifts, erosional features and biogenic build-ups suggests an origin from a north-westward-flowing bottom current, in this case the outflow of Levantine Intermediate Water and transitional Eastern Mediterranean Deep Water via the Sicily Channel. These findings for the Pantelleria offshore sector demonstrate that contourite processes are able to concentrate a high variety of closely spaced depositional and erosional features even in small areas (in this case, about 2,000?km²). This Pantelleria focusing can plausibly be related to a particular configuration of the prevailing bottom-current regime in complex interaction with an uneven bathymetry shaped mainly by tectonic and volcanic activity. The distribution of bottom currents seems to be strongly influenced by morphological features ranging from major seabed obstacles, such as the Pantelleria volcanic complex and the so-called southwest seamount, to smaller-scale escarpments and banks. This is consistent with previous findings for Mediterranean and other settings characterized by neotectonics and large topographic features.