Biosiliceous particle flux in the Southern Ocean

The flux of diatom valves and radiolarian shells obtained during short-term and annual sediment trap experiments at seven localities in the Atlantic sector of the Antarctic Ocean (in the Drake Passage, Bransfield Strait, Powell Basin, NW and SE Weddell Sea and the Polar Front north of Bouvet Island) is summarized and discussed. The deployment of time-series sediment traps provided annual flux records between 1983 and 1990. The biosiliceous particle flux is characterized by significant seasonal and interannual variations. Flux pulses, accounting for 70–95% of the total annual flux, occur during austral summer, with a duration ranging between about 2 and 9 weeks. The annual values of vertical diatom and radiolarian flux range between 0.26 × 10⁹ and more than 26 × 10⁹ valves m⁻² and between 0.21 × 10⁴ and 70 × 10⁴ shells m⁻², respectively. Interannual differences in the particle flux range over a factor of 10. Grazers play an important role in controlling the quantity, timing and pattern of the vertical biosiliceous particle flux.The flux pattern of diatoms and radiolarians is similar at most of the sites investigated and shows a close relationship between the production of siliceous phytoplankton and proto-zooplankton. At some sites, however, the radiolarian flux pattern indicates probably phytoplankton production which is not documented by direct signals in the trap record.During their transfer through the water column to the ocean floor, the composition of the biosiliceous particles is altered mechanically (breakdown by grazing Zooplankton) and by dissolution, which significantly affects especially diatoms and phaeodarians in the upper portion of the water column and at the sediment-water interface.Significant lateral transport of suspended biosiliceous particles was observed in the bottom water layer in regions adjacent to shelf areas (Bransfield Strait), and in the vicinity of topographic elevations (Maud Rise), indicating considerable redistribution of biogenic silica in these regions.     

挟沙能力公式系数的最佳确定

水流挟沙能力反映了运动水体所能挟带泥沙的最大能力,确定水流挟沙力公式对于泥沙数学模型的发展具有重要意义,而关键是其系数的最佳确定。基于最小二乘法原理,对目前广泛应用的水流挟沙力公式中的系数确定提出了一种新的方法——枚举法。枚举法直接应用最小二乘法,有别于常用的先取对数后再进行回归分析的传统方法,通过误差分析和结果比较,表明枚举法确定的系数更合理,也提高了公式的精度,使公式能更客观地反映水流挟带泥沙的实际能力。枚举法简单实用,是目前确定水流挟沙力公式系数的最佳方法。     

MedFlux: Investigations of particle flux in the Twilight Zone

The MedFlux project was devised to determine and model relationships between organic matter and mineral ballasts of sinking particulate matter in the ocean. Specifically we investigated the ballast ratio hypothesis, tested various commonly used sampling and modeling techniques, and developed new technologies that would allow better characterization of particle biogeochemistry. Here we describe the rationale for the project, the biogeochemical provenance of the DYFAMED site, the international support structure, and highlights from the papers published here. Additional MedFlux papers can be accessed at the MedFlux web site (http://msrc.sunysb.edu/MedFlux/).     

低渗油藏采收率确定新方法

通过对油藏相渗曲线的归一化处理,利用达西定律理论,建立采油指数与含水率的关系;再通过油藏确定的单井经济极限采油量和油藏极限生产压差求出极限采油指数,从而得到极限含水率;最后以最终水驱体积波及系数与储层退汞效率计算出采收率。并以低渗透油藏为实例验证了该方法的正确与适用性,说明该方法对油田开发中确定低渗油藏采收率具有科学的指导意义。     

Impacts of the wintertime mesozooplankton community to downward carbon flux in the subarctic and subtropical Pacific Oceans

We compared wintertime depth distributions of the mesozooplankton community and dominant copepods between the subtropical (S1) and subarctic (K2) Pacific Oceans to evaluate the relative importance of actively transported carbon by vertical migrants to sinking particulate organic carbon flux. Primary production was higher and the ratio of sinking particulate organic carbon flux to primary production was lower at S1 compared with those at K2. The mesozooplankton community was lower in abundance and biomass at S1 compared to K2. Copepods were the dominant group among both mesozooplankton abundance and biomass throughout the water column down to 1000 m at both sites. The depth distribution showed that diel vertical migration was obvious for the mesozooplankton abundance and biomass at S1 but was not apparent for the abundance at K2, because the dominant component was diurnally migrating species at S1 and overwintering species residing at mesopelagic depths at K2. The major components of diel migrants were copepods and euphausiids at S1 and only euphausiids at K2. Respiratory flux by the diurnally migrating mesozooplankton was estimated to be 2 mgC m⁻² day⁻¹ at S1 and 7 mgC m⁻² day⁻¹ at K2. The respiratory flux was equivalent to 131% of sedimentary fecal pellet flux at S1 and 136% of that at K2. Because pathways of downward carbon flux are facilitated by the mesozooplankton community, the actively transported carbon (respiration of dissolved inorganic carbon, excretion of dissolved organic carbon and egestion of fecal pellets at depth) might be larger during winter than the flux of sinking fecal pellets.     

An alternative approach to determine a vessel's center of gravity: the center of buoyancy method

The location of a ship's vertical center of gravity (KG) is an important measurement needed to estimate the initial stability of a vessel. Traditionally, this measurement is obtained by determining the metacentric height (GM) using results from the inclining experiment. Such an approach is valid only for hull forms that are inclined to a small angle such that the metacenter remains stationary. This paper documents an alternative method for finding KG, called the center of buoyancy (CoB) method, which is based on the location of the centroid of the displaced volume. While the center of buoyancy method is valid for all ships, it is especially suited for vessels of unusual form. For such vessels, the location of the metacenter may change significantly at small angles of inclination, thereby making the conventional inclining reduction inaccurate. This paper addresses the need for the center of buoyancy method and details the steps required for its application.     

Ammonium and phosphorus flux through the microplankton community in Agulhas Bank waters

The size-related activities of important heterotrophs and autotrophs were compared at the surface and at the subsurface chlorophyll maximum (Chl_max) in Agulhas Bank waters. The netplankton fraction was dominated by Nitzschia spp. and ciliates, small (diameter c. 3μm) microflagellates being the most abundant nanoplankton group. Uptake ratios of ammonium to phosphate for the total microplankton community were different at the two depths. With reference to the Redfield ratio, it appears that at least 48 per cent of the nitrogen ration at the Chl_max was regenerated even though nitrate was in ample supply. These assimilation ratios also suggest a very large contribution from recycled nitrogen other than ammonium in surface waters. It is unlikely that phosphorus would ever become limiting, except perhaps at the primary production maximum. Microplankton uptake and regeneration of both ammonium and phosphorus were approximately in balance, indicating that variations in assimilation ratios were the result of heterotrophic excretory activity. The size-fractionation studies show that picoplankton were on average the single most important size class in nutrient assimilation. The netplankton size class was, in terms of regeneration, often the most active in the microplankton community especially within the Chl_max. Heterotrophic microflagellates and picoplankton supplied the bulk of ammonium and phosphorus at the surface. The importance of a particular size class to either ammonium or phosphorus uptake/excretion was quantified as a relative assimilation/regeneration index. These calculations demonstrate size-related differences in the relative importance of the microplanktonic groups to the immobilization and recycling of different nutrients.     

The small volume particle microsampler (SVPM): a new approach to particle size distribution and composition

The characterization of trophically and geochemically important suspended particulate matter (SPM) has traditionally relied on bottle sampling and subsequent analysis with Coulter Multisizers and other instruments, which are not sufficient in preserving the in situ size, shape and composition of aggregated particles. The small volume particle microsampler (SVPM) is a sampling device that captures individual particles on filters with minimal disturbance for microscope image analysis of size distribution and composition. Sand grains, microalga (Dunaliella tertiolecta) and laboratory cultivated flocs were used to test the SVPM's ability to determine particle size. For statistical analysis of the SVPM's capabilities, sand grain and algal size distribution, calculated as equivalent spherical diameter (ESD), were compared to Multisizer data while video images provided a comparison for the flocs. Non-aggregated sand particles sampled by the SVPM showed a size distribution that was similar to that of the Multisizer. Aggregated D. tertiolecta flocs were broken up by the Multisizer, and SVPM data indicated a significantly greater mean ESD. The SVPM showed significantly smaller mean ESDs than the video images because of the higher resolution of the sampler for small particles. In terms of particle concentration, the microsampler measured values similar to those of the Multisizer and video camera. The most important feature of the SVPM is its ability to capture aggregates for the analysis of composition, by histological stains or other means. The SVPM is an alternative method of sampling that is more effective in preserving aggregates for laboratory analyses and is less complicated and expensive than in situ optical sampling techniques, especially in documenting the lower end of the particle size spectrum.     

Long-term variability of downward particle flux in the deep northeast Atlantic: Causes and trends

At 3000 m depth the downward flux of particulate matter shows substantial seasonal and interannual variation. Complete annual records for eight of the past 14 years have been examined in the light of mixing depths derived from the OCCAM general circulation model and euphotic zone chlorophyll concentration and productivity, which were derived from the SeaWiFS satellite colour sensor. The annual flux was particularly high in 2001 due to a late summer deposition exceeding previous records several fold and this year was also characterised by very early shoaling of the mixing depth in spring and a very high surface spring chlorophyll concentration. Other years that were somewhat unusual in having either high or low flux at depth were not in general associated with unusual patterns of mixing or productivity. The percentage of the annual organic carbon primary production which reaches 3000 m varies from 0.6 to 1.2% except in 2001 when it reached 3.4%. A mechanistic relationship between upper-ocean processes and deep-ocean particle flux remains elusive and various explanations are suggested for this which need now to be addressed. In the spring, the timing of first shoaling of mixing, enhancement of productivity and increased particle flux at depth have all advanced during the 14 years of study by about 2 days per year, suggesting a similar trend as has been observed for surface phytoplankton, mesozooplankton, fish and seabirds probably caused by wide-scale environmental changes.     

赤道印度洋中部沉降颗粒物的季节变化特征及调控机制研究

基于2020年1—12月在赤道印度洋中部海域获取的沉积物捕获器时间序列样品,分析了沉降颗粒物与颗粒有机碳（particulate organic carbon, POC）通量的季节变化特征,并结合卫星遥感、数值模式及再分析数据探究上层物理过程对生物泵输出通量的调控作用。结果表明,2020年赤道印度洋中部海域的沉降颗粒物总通量与颗粒有机碳通量的变化范围分别为4.57~35.75 mg/(m2·d)\[(18.94±10.18) mg/(m2·d)\]和0.27~2.97 mg/(m2·d)\[(1.09±0.66) mg/(m2·d)\],两者均呈现显著的季节变化特征。总体上,1—3月、6月和9—11月呈现出3个显著的高通量事件。通过分析发现混合层深度变化与营养盐跃层波动的耦合作用可能是调控中深层通量变化的主要原因。与此同时,西南季风流（Southwest Monsoon Current, SMC）与赤道Wyrtki急流生消也可能通过改变温跃层或营养盐跃层深度对沉降颗粒物通量强度和季节变化起调控作用。     

Using stable isotope analysis to determine the effects of ocean acidification and warming on trophic interactions in a maerl bed community

Ocean acidification and warming are likely to affect the structure and functioning of marine benthic communities. This study experimentally examined the effects of ocean acidification and warming on trophic interactions within a maerl bed community by using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. Two three-month experiments were conducted in winter and summer seasons with four different combinations of pCO₂ (ambient and elevated pCO₂) and temperature (ambient and +3°C). Experimental assemblages were created in tanks held in the laboratory and were composed of calcareous (Lithothamnion corallioides) and fleshy algae (Rhodymenia ardissonei, Solieria chordalis, and Ulva sp.), gastropods (Gibbula magus and Jujubinus exasperatus), and sea urchins (Psammechinus miliaris). Our results showed higher seaweed availability for grazers in summer than winter. Therefore, grazers were able to adapt their diet seasonally. Increased pCO₂ and temperature did not modify the trophic structure in winter, while shifts in the contribution of seaweed were found in summer. Combined acidification and warming increased the contribution of biofilm in gastropods diet in summer conditions. Psammechinus miliaris mostly consumed L. corallioides under ambient conditions, while the alga S. chordalis became the dominant food source under high pCO₂ in summer. Predicted changes in pCO₂ and temperature had complex effects on assemblage trophic structure. Direct effects of acidification and warming on seaweed metabolism may modify their abundance and biomass, affecting their availability for grazers. Climate change may also modify seaweeds' nutritive value and their palatability for grazers. The grazers we investigated were able to change their diet in response to changes in algal assemblages, an advantage given that warming and acidification alter the composition of algal communities.     

Factors affecting seasonality of lithogenic and biogenic particle flux in a large estuarine ecosystem

Seasonal patterns of vertical flux over two years (2001–2003) at two stations in the Bras d'Or Lakes, a large estuary in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, were determined using aluminum and organic carbon in settled particles collected in moored traps to calculate lithogenic (terrigenous) and marine biogenic fractions. On an annual basis, lithogenic material comprised 53% and 81% of dry weight and 48% and 66% of organic carbon in settled particles at the deep- (128 m) and shallow-water (41 m) locations, respectively. Peaks in runoff, inferred from rain and snowfall precipitation, ice cover and possible horizontal transport of resuspended sediment coincided with maximum sedimentation rates of lithogenic material during unstratified periods between October and March. Biological factors correlated with phytoplankton and ice algal primary production and seasonal changes in zooplankton grazing inferred from phaeopigments controlled biogenic particle fluxes under stratified conditions between June and September and during winter. Year-to-year variations in deposition of lithogenic and marine biogenic material depended on seasonal differences in stratification, precipitation, freeze/melt conditions and the extent of ice cover.     

Diel variations of marine snow concentration in surface waters and implications for particle flux in the sea

Successive measurements of the size distribution and abundance of marine snow in the upper 100 m of the Santa Barbara Channel, California, with an in situ still camera system following 11 tagged water masses revealed a consistent pattern of nighttime decreases in the abundance of large particles. A net nocturnal reduction in particulate flux from the upper 100 m as calculated from camera profiles occurred in 75% of the day–night comparisons, and nighttime aggregate carbon losses resulted in a 38% average reduction in camera-derived aggregate flux. Intensive investigation of three stations for 24–48 h each indicated that nighttime decreases in aggregate concentrations and derived aggregate flux could be registered throughout the observed water column. Nocturnal decreases in marine snow concentration are unlikely to result from diel variations in the production of marine snow either as feeding webs of zooplankton or through variations in aggregation rates of smaller particles. Moreover, measured diel variations in the intensity of surface mixing and convective overturn during one of the 24 h deployments were not intense enough to produce aggregate fragmentation and reduced aggregate flux. Nighttime increases in large crustacean zooplankton (i.e., euphausiids and the large copepod Calanus pacificus) could explain some or all of the reduction in aggregate abundance at most stations. Fragmentation and consumption of marine snow by migrating macrozooplankton could produce our observed synchronous diel cycles in marine snow concentration. This is the first empirical evidence of a diel pattern in the concentration and calculated particulate flux of large sinking particles in near-surface waters. The data presented here are consistent with the only other existing diel study, which also reported decreases in marine snow abundance at night at 270 m depths in the oceanic north Atlantic. Diel variations in the sizes and concentrations of marine snow may impact water column processes dependent upon particle availability and size, such as grazing and remineralization, and may generate a diel cycle of food availability to the benthos.     

Unravelling the complex structure of a benthic community: A multiscale-multianalytical approach to an estuarine sandflat

We evaluated scale-dependent patterns of distribution of sandflat macroinfauna of a coastal lagoon, using different analytical approaches. The sampled area was divided into three sectors (outer, inner-north, inner-south) containing small promontories. At each side of the promontories we defined stations in a line transect across the sandflat. Thus, we evaluated sediment characteristics and macroinfaunal responses to sectors, orientations and intertidal levels; animal–sediment relationships were also studied. At a large scale, there was a clear pattern of sediment composition and macroinfaunal abundance. While the outer sector had medium to coarse sands, reflecting the high hydrodynamic conditions existing near the lagoon entrance, the inner sectors showed sandy and muddy sediments. Most species were in low abundances at the outer sector. At small scale, macroinfaunal abundance and species richness decreased sharply towards the upper sandflat level. Also at small scale, sediment composition limited the maximal densities reached by all species, with exception of the deposit-feeding polychaetes. Thus, the macroinfaunal community at muddy sediments was dominated by burrowing deposit-feeders, while all species peaked in sandy sediments. Our results suggest that physical factors shaping macroinfaunal communities operate at different scales and are better detected using several analytical approaches. Large scale patterns, associated with along-shore variations in disturbance by currents, were detected as changes in the mean abundance of macroinfauna. Small scale patterns, related to sediment characteristics, were observed as changes in maximal densities of macroinfauna. Small scale patterns, associated with the level of inundation of the sandflats, were detected through changes in the abundance and presence of macroinfauna. The evaluation of the role of the physical conditions on communities must involve the use of several sampling and analytical approaches.     

Evaluation of the N2 flux approach for measuring sediment denitrification

Direct gas chromatographic measurement of denitrification rates via N₂ fluxes from aquatic sediments can avoid some of the artifacts and complexities associated with indirect approaches and tracer techniques. However, measurement protocols have typically been determined based upon initial results or previous studies. We present a process-level study and simulation model for evaluating and optimizing N₂ gas flux approaches in closed chamber incubations. Experimental manipulations and simulations of both artificial and natural sediments were used to conduct sensitivity analyses of key design parameters in N₂ flux measurements. Experimental results indicated that depletion of labile organic matter during the long incubations required by common protocols (for diffusive off-gassing of porewater N₂) may result in underestimates of denitrification rates in some systems. Simulations showed that the required incubation time was primarily a function of sediment thickness. The best approach found to minimize incubation time and reduce errors was to select the minimum sediment thickness necessary to include the entire depth distribution of nitrification–denitrification for a particular sediment system. Attempts to increase measurement sensitivity and shorten incubation times by reducing the headspace thickness to 1–2 cm generally cause denitrification to be underestimated by 3–13% for gas headspaces, and up to 80% for water headspaces. However, errors were negligible with gas and water headspace thicknesses of 10 cm and 15 cm, respectively. Anaerobic cores to control for non-denitrification N₂ fluxes shortened incubation time, but introduced artifacts in sediments with extensive macrofaunal irrigation.     

Sampling the vertical particle flux in the upper water column using a large diameter free-drifting NetTrap adapted to an Indented Rotating Sphere sediment trap

Further development of the large, surface-tethered sediment trap (NetTrap) employed as part of the MedFlux program is described whereby the large collection capacity of the NetTrap is combined with an Indented Rotating Sphere/Sample Carousel (IRSC) sediment trap (IRSC–NT). This trap is capable of collecting particle flux either in a time series or settling velocity mode; settling velocity mode allows the collection of particles that fall within discrete settling velocity intervals. During short field deployments in the Mediterranean Sea the IRSC–NT configured in the settling velocity mode successfully collected unpoisoned samples for chemical and microbiological experiments. In addition to the development of the IRSC–NT, particle-settling behavior above and below the swimmer-excluding IRS valve was tested during on-deck experiments using a specially constructed water-tight trap. Chemical analyses of settling materials (published elsewhere) suggested that separation of particles by settling velocity was achieved. However, due to the motion of the ship, it was not possible to directly measure particle-settling velocities within the trap. Particle release from the IRS did not bias the apparent settling velocity spectrum. Rotation of the IRS did not engender turbulence at the surface of the sphere or within the skewed funnel below. Tests of different ball designs over the course of the MedFlux program showed that a “ridge and saddle” pattern was optimal for efficiently transferring particles under the IRS seal while still reducing swimmer entrance to the collection funnel. The large size of the IRSC–NT did not prevent it from drifting effectively with the current. Several modifications of the present design are proposed that should improve the accuracy of the settling velocity measurements.     

U–salinity relationships in the Mediterranean: Implications for Th:U particle flux studies

Knowledge of the ²³⁸U concentration in seawater is important for ²³⁴Th:²³⁸U disequilibrium studies of particle fluxes. However, these concentration data are normally obtained through a standard relationship between ²³⁸U and salinity, which has been determined for the open ocean. This study examines ²³⁸U data from both the open Mediterranean and the coastal Thermaikos Gulf, Greece, and compares it to the open ocean. No deviation from the open ocean ²³⁸U–salinity relationship was found for the Thermaikos Gulf, but some enhancement was noted close to Thessaloniki in the vicinity of a phosphate fertiliser plant. The open Mediterranean data showed a small enhancement relative to the open ocean. Although an analytical bias could not be ruled out, a review of ²³⁸U and salinity data in the literature shows that the standard relationship may not be as robust as is often assumed and the 1% uncertainty typically used is not justified at the present time. Nevertheless, salinity-based derivations continue to be the most appropriate means of determining ²³⁸U concentrations for routine applications. We propose a new relationship that accounts for the uncertainties observed, i.e. ²³⁸U (dpm l^− 1) = (0.0713 ± 0.0012) × salinity.     

Start with what the people know: a community based approach to integrated coastal zone management

While there has been increasing recognition of the role that coastal zone management has to play in dealing with coastal issues and problems, much of the debate has centred on national, pan-national or global perspectives. This paper highlights the need to work at the local scale, presenting problems of coastal zone management in the Bantry Bay area, southwest Ireland. The first part of the paper describes the attributes of the bay, providing a geographical context for the present case study. Following on from this, the various activities operating in the bay are examined, and resultant problems highlighted. The opinions of the local community are then considered based on the results of a survey carried out among the coastal stakeholders. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate a need and then examine the possibilities for a community based approach to integrated coastal zone management. The philosophy behind this approach is encapsulated in the statement: ‘Start with what the people know.’