Submerged vegetation of the Rotorua and Waikato lakes

Five plant communities in Lake Rotoiti, North Island, New Zealand (38° 02’ S, 176° 24’ E) are described. In shallow water (0–2 m depth) partly protected from the prevailing westerly winds, some indigenous species form characteristic mounds. From 2 to 6 m depth the exotic macrophyte Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss is the dominant and forms dense beds which appear to have completely replaced any native vegetation. Elodea canadensis Michx., a longer‐established exotic, may form a minor component of this zone, but may become the dominant species in water above and below the Lagarosiphon zone. Lagarosiphon appears to be primarily restricted to silty sand, but on pure silt areas it is replaced by Elodea and/or Nitella hookeri A. Braun. These zonations are probably static rather than successional. On underwater cliff faces and boulder shores a seasonal succession of algae was the major vegetation. Only filamentous cyanophytes grew within 1–2m of geothermal springs in the lake.     

Chemistry of sediments in relation to trophic condition of eight Rotorua Lakes

Abstract

Chemical parameters (pH, Eh, carbon, Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, 0.5M H₂SO₄‐extractable phosphorus, organic phosphorus, and water‐soluble phosphorus) were measured in the surface layers of sediments collected from various depths in Lakes Rotowhero, Okaro, Ngapouri, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Tikitapu, Okataina, and. Rotoma during October 1972. The sediments of the productive geothermal lake, Rotowhero, were markedly different from those of the cold‐water lakes: they had relatively low pH values, high carbon (mean 8.5%) and organic phosphorus (mean 4160 μg.g^?1) concentrations, and very high total phosphorus concentrations (mean 4770 μg.g^?1), probably as a result of enrichment by hot springs.

The mean concentrations in the sediments of the cold‐water lakes were carbon 3.2–7.9%, Kjeldahl nitrogen 3380–8310 μg.g^?1 and phosphorus 690–1780 μg.g^?1. These concentrations are within the ranges for New Zealand terrestrial topsoils, but the lake sediments appear enriched in phosphorus relative to local topsoils. Total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of sediments tended to be highest in the eutrophic lakes (Okaro, Ngapouri) although the deep oligotrophic lakes (Okataina, Rotoma) had relatively high total phosphorus concentrations (means 1400, 1510 μg.g^?1). Overall, the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of the sediments showed little relationship to the trophic state of the lake.

Organic phosphorus concentrations of the surface layers of sediments were similar in all the cold‐water lakes (mean 319 μg.g^?1). The proportion of the total phosphorus apparently ‘fixed’ in mineral material was minimal (0–1%) in sediments from the eutrophic and mesotrophic lakes, but in the oligotrophic lakes was similar to that in New Zealand topsoils (9–14%). Reducing conditions may cause solution of a high proportion of the ‘fixed’ phosphorus in the eutrophic lakes.

The water‐soluble phosphorus concentrations in the sediments of the five shallow cold‐water lakes (Okaro, Ngapouri, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Tikitapu) correlated positively with trophic state and with concentrations of dissolved phosphorus in the lake waters.

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations in the sediments tended to vary with overlying water depth. This should be considered when comparisons are made between lakes.     

Submerged vegetation of Lakes Sumner,Marion, Katrine,Taylor, and Sheppard in Canterbury,New Zealand

The submerged vegetation of Lakes Sumner, Marion, Katrine, Taylor, and Sheppard was surveyed in May 1987. These high‐altitude lakes lie at c. 600 m a.s.l., within the largely unmodified upper Hurunui catchment. Submerged vegetation was diverse and included numerous short shallow‐water species, dense swards of Isoetes alpinus, low covers of taller native vascular plants, and charophyte meadows beyond the depth limit of vascular plants to a maximum of 15 m. A sparse deepwater bryophyte community was observed from 11 to 32 m depth in Lake Sumner. Displacement of native vegetation by dense growths of the adventive oxygen weed Elodea canadensis over mid‐depths of 3–6 m was noted in all lakes, except Lake Marion.     

Synoptic surveys of lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti

Surface and bottom water samples were collected from 39 widely spaced stations in Lake Rotorua in February 1967 and from 12 stations in Lake Rotoiti in March 1967. In Lake Rotorua, data obtained from these samples showed that small horizontal differences existed between the southern and northern parts of the lake probably related to the higher inflow of plant nutrients at the southern end and to the prevailing southerly wind concentrating phytoplankton populations at the northern end. Lake Rotoiti, which differed from Lake Rotorua in being thermally stratified, showed no important horizontal differences, Vigorous mixing in the strata probably being accomplished by deep seiches except in the shallow western basin of the lake, where the inflow from Lake Rotorua occurs. Serial vertical hauls for a zooplankton survey of Lake Rotoiti were taken from three stations in March 1967. The distribution of zooplankton was complex because diurnal vertical migrations of the animals were combined with horizontal movement of the water layers.     

Submerged vegetation complexity modifies benthic infauna communities: the hidden role of the belowground system

Marine plants provide a variety of functions with high economic and ecological values in ecosystems. The above‐ (AG) and below‐ground (BG) systems increase the structural complexity of plants, which also enhance faunal abundance and diversity. The ecological role of the AG compartment in structuring inter‐tidal macrobenthic communities has been widely studied; however, this is not the case for the BG compartment. This study addressed the effects of variation in vegetation complexity (in both AG and BG systems) on associated macrobenthic infauna with respect to abundance, species richness, composition, weight and body type. To achieve this aim, a field experiment using artificial vegetation mimics was carried out using replicated treatments with different AG‐BG complexity ratios. We found a significant increase in the density and the number of taxa of macrobenthic infaunal species in plots with vegetation mimics compared with unvegetated areas, regardless of either AG or BG complexity. This effect was found even when AG parts were not present (i.e. when only BG parts were used). Furthermore, a positive relationship between structural complexity and diversity was recorded. Variation in one or both plant compartments was strongly related to diversity changes in the associated macrobenthic infauna. In conclusion, our experimental set‐up provides the first evidence that the BG compartment is at least as important as the AG compartment in controlling diversity in inter‐tidal vegetated areas because it was able to strongly affect community structure even when the AG system was totally absent.     

Water quality of the Waiohewa Stream,Rotorua

The chemical quality of the Waiohewa stream, Rotorua, was assessed from the results of 2 longitudinal surveys in summer 1978–79. In particular, changes in nitrogen concentration were examined. The quantity of ammonia increased downstream from unmonitored geothermal inputs, but, after dilution and neutralisation by a larger inflow of freshwater, considerable proportions of ammonia were converted to nitrate. In the first survey ammonia concentrations decreased from 4.48 to 2.47 g m^‐3 and nitrate concentrations increased from 0.59 to 1.13 g ^‐3 in a 3‐km stretch of the stream. Mass flow calculations show that nitrification could account for at least 55% of the ammonia decrease, the rest probably being lost through assimilation or denitrification. Laboratory incubation experiments showed that nitrification occurred in the stream bed. The geothermal waters contained low concentrations of boron (1.1–4.0 g m^‐3), filterable mercury (0.1–0.8 mg m^‐3) and arsenic (10–14 mg m^‐3).     

Nitrogen and phosphorus in Rotorua urban streams

Nitrate concentrations in urban streams at Rotorua are much higher than those in nearby rural streams. The loads of nitrogen are consistent with the loads discharged to septic tanks in the stream catchments. Phosphorus concentrations are no higher than in rural streams, and phosphorus loads in the streams are less than 2% of the load on the septic tanks. Nitrate in the streams is slowly decreasing now that the sewerage reticulation system is almost complete.     

A limnological study of four lakes near Rotorua

Four lakes (Okataina, Rotoehu, Ngapouri and Okaro), near Rotorua, New Zealand, were studied in 1960–66 and their physical features noted. The seasonal changes in water temperature and heat budgets throughout the depth of the lakes were followed through several cycles, and differences between lakes correlated with the altitude and size. The status of the lakes ranged from oligotrophic to eutrophic; changes in values for dissolved oxygen, both diurnal and seasonal, are interpreted in terms of their primary production. The partition of some dissolved substances during thermal stratification and immediately after overturn is described and the biological consquences are noted. The hypolimnetic oxygen deficit, however, was found to be correlated with primary production only when a depth factor was incorporated in the expression.

The data were compared with those from lakes in other parts of the world. The value of various published correlations with biological production is discussed; a possible explanation is put forward for the comparatively high heat budget of Lake Okataina.     

Observations of temperatures in some Rotorua district lakes

A preliminary study has been made of temperatures in some of the lakes of the Rotorua district, in the North Island of New Zealand. Seasonal and diurnal variations are discussed. Two main thermal structure types are present. One, in which stratification is irregular or absent, is present in lakes that are relatively shallow and large in area, and the other, in which there is thermal Stratification from early summer to early winter, is present in lakes that are comparatively deep and large in area or else of medium depth and size.     

An examination of the trout population of five lakes near Rotorua,New Zealand

Five lakes, varying from 10 to 100 hectares in area and each containing an existing population of Salmo gairdneri, were gill‐netted and stocked with tagged fish each year from 1960 to 1965 to determine the effect of regular stocking on the size and numbers of fish present. There was little natural spawning of trout in most of the lakes. Growth in length and weight of tagged fish was computed and an annual estimate of population calculated from the netting returns. Appendices give details of the statistical analyses of the data.

Fish production has been correlated with the trophic status of the lakes as indicated by their temperature and oxygen content. There was no clear relationship between lake size and trout production but trout production decreased as the environment became more eutrophic. Results also showed a close inverse relationship between numbers supported and average weight achieved by the trout. It is concluded that the angling potential of local lakes can be maintained despite the eutrophication resulting from intensive agricultural development of the catchments. These lakes will produce large‐sized fish if the trout population is kept relatively small.

Loss in weight in brown and rainbow trout as a result of spawning activities in local lakes and streams was found to be similar. Both male and female fish lost between 22 and 40 percent of their weight over a spawning period. This probably accounted for the observed low‐condition factor among older fish in the lake populations.     

南极洲的冰下湖泊

在南极洲冰层之下发现了湖泊,其面积为2000和1600km^2,深度900m。这些位于4000m厚冰层之下的湖泊,是由美国哥伦比亚大学制图时测到的。在被列入南极洲这个地区冰下湖泊卡片的145个湖泊中,标记为东经90°和苏维埃的2个新湖泊,但与规模庞大的邻湖——面积达14000km^2的东方湖是不能比拟的。     

Recent occurrence of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in Waikato lakes of New Zealand

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a toxin‐producing species of cyanobacteria that in autumn 2003 was recorded for the first time in three shallow (max. depth ≤5 m) Waikato lakes and a hydro‐electric dam on the Waikato River, New Zealand. It formed water blooms at densities >100 000 cells/ml in Lakes Waahi and Whangape. Net rates of population growth >0.2 day_–1 were recorded for C. raciborskii in Lakes Ngaroto, Waahi, and Karapiro, based on comparisons of low numbers (detection of <10 cells/ml) from initial samples and its presence at bloom densities (>15 000 cells/ml) in the subsequent sample “x"‐"y” days later. C. raciborskii may be well adapted to rapid proliferation in the Waikato lakes, which are eutrophic to hypertrophic, with high light attenuation, and where nitrogen (N) fixation may provide it with a competitive advantage over non‐nitrogen fixing algae under N‐limited conditions.     

Transverse mixing and surface heat exchange in the Waikato River: A comparison of two models

Abstract

Two mathematical models of different complexity were used to study transverse dispersion and surface heat transfer in the lower Waikato River. A simple analytical streamtube model (HPLUME) gave adequate temperature predictions in a reach where the channel was fairly regular but performed poorly where there were extensive shallows. In the latter reach, a two‐dimensional numerical model (SYSTEM21) gave good temperature and flow predictions once properly calibrated. Model calibration proved to be difficult in the Waikato River because the natural river temperature varied significantly along the channel. A search method was developed to estimate both the transverse dispersion and surface heat exchange coefficients from measured plume temperature profiles based on the observation that transverse variations in natural temperature were small. This method was used to calibrate SYSTEM21 in two separate reaches. Coefficient estimates were sensitive to measurement errors and slight departures in homogeneity of natural temperature and it would be desirable to corroborate the estimates of E_z using dye tests. In the upper reach, the average transverse dispersion coefficient was E_z/hu? = 1 which is high but within the range of published values. A sharp bend and buoyant spreading contributed to the high E_z value. E_z increased with river flow because both h and u? increase with flow. In the lower reach, E_z/hu? = 0.1 which is lower than expected but islands may have affected the model calibration. The surface heat exchange coefficient averaged K = 84–167 W m^?2 s^?1 °C^?1 which falls within the range of published values. No significant relationship could be found between surface heat exchange coefficient and meteorological variables.     

海底沉放结构物的位移监测

船坞内制作的大型结构物浮运沉放到海底的支撑基础上之后,受其自重及基础强度等因素的影响,在其初期会有一个明显沉降过程;为研究其沉降规律性,须对其进行监测.由于结构物在海水面以下,其底部位置靠测量设置的塔目标位置反求.通过对某电厂取水工程的海底取水头监测,介绍了监测方法及其沉降数据规律.     

Interrelation between the vegetation index and the climatic parameters and structural characteristics of vegetation cover

The interrelations between the normalized difference vegetation index and the total incoming radiation; total evaporation; mean surface-air temperature over the vegetation period; and the structural characteristics of vegetation cover, such as its overground phytomass and overground net primary production, are analyzed on the basis of experimental and satellite data. The analysis was made with the use of the data obtained for plain regions of European Russia and western Siberia. It is shown that, for these regions, the latitudinal distributions of the values of the vegetation index and the structural vegetation-cover characteristics under consideration do not coincide. The relationships between the structural characteristics of vegetation cover (phytomass, production) and the vegetation index have the form of functions with saturation. The relationships between the vegetation index and the climatic parameters under consideration have a bell-shaped form. The analysis has shown that the normalized difference vegetation index is not an indicator for the values of the overground net primary production of vegetation cover and its overground phytomass within the areas under consideration.     

Downstream migration of Geotria australis juveniles in the lower Waikato River (note)

Juvenile migrants of Geotria australis were caught from July to early August 1986 in plankton nets set in the lower Waikato River. Migration occurred only at night and mainly mid‐river at the surface. The mean lengths and weights (± 95%c.i.) were 107.75 ± 3.98 mm and 0.94 ± 0.08 g respectively.     

Circulation in the Bras d'Or Lakes

The Bras d'Or Lakes are a system of interconnecting basins open through two narrow channels to the Sydney Bight at the mouth of the Gulf of St Lawrence. Hydrographic surveys between 1972 and 1974 showed that surface waters can warm by more than 10 °C from May to July and that horizontal salinity differences of up to 10 psu can exist between Sydney Bight (30 psu) and the innermost regions of the Lakes. Using the data from May and June 1974 to derive horizontal and vertical exchanges, a simple budget model has been set up consisting of two or three layers in each of nine separate regions. The model has a bottom inflow from Sydney Bight, deep inflow through the narrow channels to other basins and a surface outflow. The exchanges agree reasonably well with estimates derived from available current meter data. The model's predicted temperatures and salinities for July 1974 had rms errors of about 1·5 °C and 0·82 psu, respectively. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in four of the more isolated basins are similar to those calculated from the model, giving support to the derived circulation.     

南四湖区泥沙淤积分析

根据南四湖区各主要入湖河流径流泥沙资料,分析了河流泥沙要素变化规律以及入湖泥沙淤积情况,对掌握和了解流域水土流失状况,进行流域治理,加强生态环境建设具有一定的指导意义。     

Chlorophyll production,in response to nutrient additions,by the algae in Lake Rotorua water

Batch cultures of water and algae from Lake Rotorua were subjected to nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace element additions, singly and in combination, at monthly intervals between June 1975 and May 1976. The algal responses to the additions were assayed after 5 d incubation, by extracting the chlorophyll from the algae and estimating the concentration by fluorescence. The chlorophyll production consistently responded positively to the addition of nitrogen, while responses to the addition of phosphorus and trace elements were minor by comparison. Although the chlorophyll responses to nitrogen may not have been paralleled by actual growth, the consistent pattern of behaviour by algae in the batch cultures was interpreted as evidence of persistent shortage of nitrogen in the Lake Rotorua environment.     

Submerged terraces in the Laccadive Islands,India

The Laccadive atolls have recently been surveyed in detail (1:5,000 and 1:10,000). These surveys indicated the occurrence of a number of terraces on the seaward reefs of these islands at 7–12, 15, 21–36 (prominent) and 43–47 m depths. The first break in the profile of the seaward reefs occurs at depths of 3–5 m and on the windward side this extends down to about 12 m, the break at this shallow depth represents a wave-cut platform. The deeper terraces (>12 m) appear to have been formed during periods of lowered sea level. The most prominent terrace at 21–36 m is correlable with similar terraces recorded on other atolls. The terraces at Bangaram Island are covered by sediment while those at Kadmat do not have any sediment. In some of the atolls, surfaces at depths comparable to the seaward terraces are found in the lagoons also indicating extensive effects of lowered sea levels.