Temperature calibration of expendable bathythermographs

A non-destructive temperature calibration system for expendable bathythermographs (XBT) is described. A transfer standard technique has been used to estimate XBT thermistor probe-to-probe temperature variability. One-point calibration results suggest that a standard deviation of 0.025°C is typical at 10°C. Additional calibration data from nine XBT thermistors suggest that probe-to-probe temperature variability is largest at 0°C (ca. 0.03°C) and decreases uniformly to a minimum at 30°C (ca. 0.01°C).     

Semi-empirical equations for the partial molar volumes of some ions in water and in seawater

Partial molar volumes of the major salts of seawater found in diluted seawater and in pure water are experimentally determined at temperatures of 5°C, 15°C and 25°C. The range of salinity investigated, which is not purely oceanographic, is the link between pure water and seawater in the World Ocean.The partial molar volumes were determined by using the procedure of Poisson and Chanu (1976). An empirical relation is given, linking the partial molar volumes of the salts or major ions of seawater in pure water with those measured in seawater, within the salinity range 0–40 g kg⁻¹ and the temperature range 0–25°C.     

Bioavailability and bacterial degradation rates of dissolved organic matter in a temperate coastal area during an annual cycle

The bioavailability and bacterial degradation rates of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were determined over a seasonal cycle in Loch Creran (Scotland) by measuring the decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrogen (DON) and phosphorous (DOP) concentrations during long-term laboratory incubations (150 days) at a constant temperature of 14 °C. The experiments showed that bioavailable DOC (BDOC) accounted for 29 ± 11% of DOC (average ± SD), bioavailable DON (BDON) for 52 ± 11% of DON and bioavailable DOP (BDOP) for 88 ± 8% of DOP. The seasonal variations in DOM concentrations were mainly due to the bioavailable fraction. BDOP was degraded at a rate of 12 ± 4% d^– 1 (average ± SD) while the degradation rates of BDOC and BDON were 7 ± 2% d^– 1 and 9 ± 2% d^– 1 respectively, indicating a preferential mineralization of DOP relative to DON and of DON relative to DOC. Positive correlations between concentration and degradation rate of DOM suggested that the higher the concentration the faster DOM would be degraded. On average, 77 ± 9% of BDOP, 62 ± 14% of BDON and 49 ± 19% of BDOC were mineralized during the residence time of water in Loch Creran, showing that this coastal area exported C-rich DOM to the adjacent Firth of Lorne. Four additional degradation experiments testing the effect of varying temperature on bioavailability and degradation rates of DOM were also conducted throughout the seasonal cycle (summer, autumn, winter and spring). Apart from the standard incubations at 14 °C, additional studies at 8 °C and 18 °C were also conducted. Bioavailability did not change with temperature, but degradation rates were stimulated by increased temperature, with a Q₁₀ of 2.6 ± 1.1 for DOC and 2.5 ± 0.7 for DON (average ± SD).     

A deep sea temperature and pressure sensor for tidal measurement

With ever increasing information being collected by the offshore continental shelf tide gauges, it became inevitable that researches into ocean tides would require instrumentation to collect tidal data in the deep oceans.This paper briefly describes the temperature and pressure sensors developed, and used by the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences (Wormley), in response to this requirement. Also described are the techniques and equipment used to calibrate these sensors.The deep sea tide gauges, each of which include two pressure and one temperature sensor, have now been operationally deployed on four occasions at pressures up to 300 bars (3000 m) providing well over 100 days of tidal data. In an international exercise to evaluate the performance of existing deep sea pressure sensors, results show that the unit described in this paper compares favourably with the other sensors. For example, the amplitude of the semi-diurnal components were within 1% of the average value, determined by all the sensors. The temperature sensor has an operational range within the limits — 1° and + 40°C and exhibiting a stability of the order 8 milli°C/month.     

The solubility of calcite in seawater at atmospheric pressure and 35%permil; salinity

The apparent (stoichiometric) solubility product of calcite in artificial seawater of salinity 35‰ was measured by a saturometer technique. The value of the apparent solubility product was found to be (4·59 ± 0·05) × 10⁻⁷ moles/(kilogram of seawater)² at 25°C with a temperature coefficient of −0·0108 × 10⁻⁷/°C between 2 and 25°C. These values are significantly smaller than those found by MacIntyre (1965) and other workers. The effect of these results on the saturation of the oceans with respect to calcite is examined.     

Doubling the production and precision of the MBTH spectrophotometric assay for dissolved carbohydrates in seawater

Extensive use of the three step 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride (MBTH) method for determining concentrations of both free and combined dissolved carbohydrate occurring in diverse marine environments has shown its suitability for studies of carbohydrate dynamics. Modification of the analytical sequence to extend over 2 working days to eliminate a confusing and error producing overlap of analytical operations allows a single analyst to determine 15 instead of 8 samples in the same 2-day period. This modification also permits an increase in the number of blank plus replicate determinations from 5 to 7 per sample so that a total of 105 reaction tubes can be assayed every 2 days compared to 40–50 for the original procedure. For a series of 7 Narragansett Bay samples, the standard deviation of the method serendipitously decreased by 50% (from ±5.3 to ±2.7 μg C l⁻¹) when the original procedure was compared with the modified procedure. Postponing the final analytical step for a day when the analyses can be completed with an autoprocessor will free the analyst for the processing of more samples, causing an additional doubling in productivity.     

The toxicity of effluents from a TiO2 plant to the harpacticoid copepod nitocra spinipes Boeck

The harpacticoid copepod, Nitocra spinipes Boeck, was used as an experimental animal in a series of tests where the toxicity of different fractions (solid and soluble) of TiO₂ industrial waste water was investigated. The tests were performed in brackish water (7). Water temperature was used as a variable in the fractionation of the waste water. Temperature was found to influence the acute toxicity of the waste water. LC₅₀ values for N. spinipes were 0·087 (± 4°C), 0·105 (+ 7°C)) and 0·12% (+ 21°C) of undiluted waste water. At room temperature the animal's fecundity was affected at two intervals, one in dilutions between 0·0003% and 0·001% and the other between 0·03% and 0·3%. An acute toxicity test with the dried solid metal fraction resuspended into clean brackish water had an acute LC₅₀ value of 7·6% of undiluted waste water. The results show that different fractions of the waste water have different harmful biological effects under different temperature conditions.     

Low-temperature incubation of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) eggs from the southeast Bering Sea shelf and Shelikof Strait, Gulf of Alaska

To determine the effect of low water temperature on development, walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) eggs from the Bering Sea were reared at −0.6°C, 0.4°C, 2.0°C, and 3.8°C. One group of eggs was reared at 3.9°C under a diel light cycle (14 h light, 10 h dark) to observe the effect of light on development and hatching. Development was normal for all temperatures except −0.6°C; abnormal development of the tail and lack of development of eyes occurred in some embryos. Time to 50% hatch was 820, 620, and 424 h at 0.4°C, 2.0°C, and 3.8°C. Eggs incubated in diel light at 3.9°C developed at the same rate as eggs incubated in constant dark at 3.8°C, but required an additional 72 h to reach 50% hatch. A piece-wise regression model was generated to predict egg age for incubation temperatures of −0.6°C to 3.8°C. For temperatures recorded in the southeastern Bering Sea 1995–1998, the model predicted incubation periods for walleye pollock eggs that varied by 13 days between the warmest and coldest years.Walleye pollock eggs from Shelikof Strait, Alaska, were incubated at 0.2°C, 1.8°C, and 2.8°C. Development was normal for all temperatures. A piece-wise regression model (as above) was generated for incubation temperatures 0.2–2.8°C. When the regression models were compared, Bering Sea eggs (1.4–1.7 mm in diameter), required more time for development prior to hatch than Shelikof Strait eggs (1.2–1.3 mm in diameter) at 1.8°C and 2.8°C. However, for temperatures 0.2–2.0°C, Bering Sea walleye pollock began hatching earlier and at a developmentally younger age than Shelikof Strait walleye pollock.     

Fishes in Mangrove Prop-root Habitats of Northeastern Florida Bay: Distinct Assemblages across an Estuarine Gradient

Seasonal changes in freshwater inflow and other environmental conditions may induce changes in density and species composition of mangrove fishes along estuarine gradients. Fishes within mangrove habitats in a subtropical estuary were sampled monthly from May 1989 to May 1990, using block nets with rotenone and visual censuses. At 18 stations, temperature ranged from 22 to 34°C, depth from 10 to 104cm and underwater visibility from 1 to 13m. Salinity ranged from 0 to 60 upstream, and 35 to 54 mid- and downstream. A total of 573191 individuals (76 species) was observed or collected, with an average density of 6·5 fish m⁻². Engraulidae, Atherinidae, Poeciliidae and Cyprinodontidae numerically dominated the assemblage. Distinct assemblages occurred up-, mid- and downstream and maintained coherent groups in these gradient positions over the seasons. Residents totalled 94·5% of the individuals, estuarine transients comprised 5·1% and occasional marine visitors were less than 0·4%. Densities of resident fishes peaked in winter as temperatures and water levels fell, uncorrelated with changes in salinity. These observations suggest that mangrove habitats may sustain diverse and abundant fish communities dominated by euryhaline residents. Although estuarine transients were consistently rare in upstream sub-basins, downstream were found numerous sub-adults of species occurring as adults on nearby reefs (Lutjanidae, Haemulidae). Thus, reef-associated estuarine transients may be abundant in mangrove habitats having near-marine salinities. Contrary to expectations, mangrove habitats in northeastern Florida bay did not function as a nursery as defined under the nursery-ground paradigm: young-of-the-year juveniles of estuarine transient species did not seek low salinity sub-basins. However, northeastern Florida Bay may not be representative of most mangrove estuaries as the area: (1) is without lunar tides and related circulation; (2) has low and variable amounts of submersed vegetation; and (3) experiences severe hypersaline conditions.     

Influence of water temperature and oxygenation on the aerobic metabolic scope of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Environmental influences (temperature and oxygenation) on cod metabolism and their impact on the ecology of this species were investigated. Limiting oxygen concentration curves (O₂ level ranging between 15 and 100% air saturation) were established at 2, 5 and 10°C. The standard metabolic rate (SMR), the maximum metabolic rate and the metabolic scope were then modelled as functions of temperature and/or oxygen saturation. The mean SMR at 2, 5 and 10°C were 19.8±4.9, 30.8±6.1 and 54.3±4.1 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively. Between 2 and 5°C, the active metabolic rate of cod almost doubled from 65 to 120 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, to reach 177 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹ at 10°C. In terms of metabolic scope (MS), the temperature rise from 2 to 5°C resulted in a two-fold increase from 45 to 89 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, with MS reaching 123 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹ at 10°C. Our proposed model describing the impact of temperature and oxygen level provides new insight into the energetic interactions which govern the relationship between Atlantic cod and its environment. We re-examined published experimental and field studies from the angle of the regulation of metabolic power. We suggest that, when faced with heterogeneous or unstable hydrological conditions, cod tend to behaviourally maximise their metabolic scope. Through this adaptive response, fish reduce energy budgeting conflicts and presumably increase the probability of routinely operating away from lethal boundaries.     

Effect of low salinity on the survival of recently hatched veliger of Nassarius reticulatus (L.) in estuarine habitats: A case study of Ria de Aveiro

The effect of low salinity on the survival of recently hatched veliger of the gastropod Nassarius reticulatus (L.) was studied under laboratory conditions at 17 °C ± 1 °C. Significant mortality occurred for salinities ≤ 17 psu and the LS₅₀ (salinity that causes 50% mortality) varied from 14.5 psu to 17.2 psu for exposures between 1 h and 48 h, respectively. The results were included in a mathematical model in order to estimate the mortality of N. reticulatus veliger in Ria de Aveiro under different salinity scenarios determined by numerical simulation. The model predicts a massive mortality of veliger immediately after their eclosion (1 h) in Ria de Aveiro during spring tide when the river input reaches its expected maximum — a situation that has been observed occasionally and may overlap a massive eclosion of veliger in the water. Except in this extreme situation, the mortality in Ria de Aveiro is generally restricted to the upstream limits of the channels. The results indicate that N. reticulatus recruitment in estuaries may strongly depend on the prevailing salinity regime.     

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Coastal Lagoon Bacterioplankton and Picophytoplankton: Fixation and Storage Effects

The effect of different fixation and storage protocols on the flow cytometric (FCM) simultaneous analysis of bacterioplankton and phytoplankton in coastal seawater samples (Mediterranean coastal lagoons) was investigated. FCM measurements (cell number, fluorescence and scatter characteristics) were obtained through DAPI staining. Three fixatives [glutaraldehyde (GA), formaldehyde (FA) and paraformaldehyde (PFA)] and two storage (3 months duration) methods (5 °C and −196 °C) were tested. Two dominant populations were detected in studied samples: bacteria and eukaryotic picophytoplankton. Adding fixatives (2% final concentration) appears necessary to obtain FCM exhaustive counts of all the bacteria and phytoplanktonic cells. This was related to the permeation effect of fixatives which allowed a better DAPI staining of the cells. Maximum fluorescence, i.e. optimal staining of the cells was obtained with FA or PFA, and significant lower fluorescences with GA. Fixed samples stored at 5 °C induced rapid cell loss. Only storage in liquid nitrogen of samples fixed with FA or PFA, allows mid-term (≥4 months) preservation of bacteria or picophytoplankton cell numbers, and limited evolution of DAPI-induced fluorescence and scatter characteristics.     

High concentrations of exopolymeric substances in Arctic winter sea ice: implications for the polar ocean carbon cycle and cryoprotection of diatoms

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms play important roles in various aquatic, porous, and extreme environments. Only recently has their occurrence in sea ice been considered. We used macroscopic and microscopic approaches to study the content and possible ecological role of EPS in wintertime fast ice near Barrow, Alaska (71°20′ N, 156°40′ W). Using Alcian blue staining of melted ice samples, we observed high concentrations of EPS in all samples examined, ranging from 0.79 to 7.71 mg xanthan gum equivalents (XGEQV) l⁻¹. Areal conversions to carbon equivalents yielded 1.5−1.9 g C m⁻² ice in March and 3.3−4.0 g C m⁻² in May (when the ice was thicker). Although EPS did not correlate with macronutrient or pigment data, the latter analyses indicated ongoing or recent biological activity in the ice within temperature horizons of −11°C to −9°C and warmer. EPS correlated positively with bacterial abundance (although no functional relationship could be deduced) and with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Ratios of EPS/DOC decreased at colder temperatures within the core, arguing against physical conversion of DOC to EPS during freezing. When sea-ice segments were maintained at representative winter temperatures (−5°C,−15°C and −25°C) for 3−14 months, the total EPS content increased significantly at rates of 5−47 μg XGEQV l⁻¹ d⁻¹, similar to published rates of EPS production by diatoms. Microscopic images of ice-core sections at these very cold temperatures, using a recently developed non-invasive method, revealed diatoms sequestered in spacious brine pockets, intact autofluorescent chloroplasts in 47% of the (pennate) diatoms observed, and indications of mucus in diatom-containing pores. The high concentrations of EPS detected in these winter ice cores represent a previously unrecognized form of organic matter that may contribute significantly to polar ocean carbon cycles, not only within the ice but after springtime release into the water column. The EPS present in very high concentrations in the brine of these microhabitats appear to play important buffering and cryoprotectant roles for microorganisms, especially diatoms, against harsh winter conditions of high salinity and potential ice-crystal damage.     

A comparison of sample handling and analytical methods for determination of acid volatile sulfides in sediment

Proper sample storage and analytical techniques are required when analyzing anoxic sediment for acid volatile sulfide (AVS), because a change in redox state may alter sediment parameters. The goal of this study was to determine the optimum sample handling, storage, and analytical techniques to adopt when determining AVS concentrations in sediment. To determine the correct handling and storage protocols for use with anoxic sediment, samples of three different AVS levels were manipulated under a combination of the following handling and storage plans: handled on benchtop or under nitrogen atmosphere; preserved with zinc acetate (ZnAc) or not preserved, and stored at 4 °C or frozen (< − 20 °C). The data indicate that sulfide levels are best maintained when samples are handled under a nitrogen atmosphere, stored at 4 °C or frozen, and analyzed within 2 weeks of collection. To determine the best analytical procedure for the determination of AVS in sediment, the following methods were compared: colorimetric, gravimetric, ion-selective electrode, and photoionization detection. The colorimetric method was preferred.     

Impact of environmental factors on in situ determination of iron in seawater by flow injection analysis

A sensitive method for iron determination in seawater has been adapted on a submersible chemical analyser for in situ measurements. The technique is based on flow injection analysis (FIA) coupled with spectrophotometric detection. When direct injection of seawater was used, the detection limit was 1.6 nM, and the precision 7%, for a triplicate injection of a 4 nM standard. At low iron concentrations, on line preconcentration using a column filled with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) resin was used. The detection limit was 0.15 nM (time of preconcentration = 240 s), and the precision 6%, for a triplicate determination of a 1 nM standard, allowing the determination of Fe in most of the oceanic regimes, except the most depleted surface waters. The effect of temperature, pressure, salinity, copper, manganese, and iron speciation on the response of the analyser was investigated. The slope of the calibration curves followed a linear relation as a function of pressure (C_p = 2.8 × 10^{− 5}P + 3.4 × 10^{− 2} s nmol^{− 1}, R² = 0.997, for Θ = 13 °C) and an exponential relation as a function of temperature (C_Θ = 0.009e^0.103Θ, R² = 0.832, for P = 3 bar). No statistical difference at 95% confidence level was observed for samples of different salinities (S = 0, 20, 35). Only very high concentration of copper (1000 × [Fe]) produced a detectable interference. The chemical analyser was deployed in the coastal environment of the Bay of Brest to investigate the effect of iron speciation on the response of the analyser. Direct injection was used and seawater samples were acidified on line for 80 s. Dissolved iron (DFe, filtered seawater (0.4 μm), acidified and stored at pH 1.8) corresponded to 29 ± 4% of Fe_a (unfiltered seawater, acidified in line at pH 1.8 for 80 s). Most of Fe_a (71 ± 4%) was probably a fraction of total dissolvable iron (TDFe, unfiltered seawater, acidified and stored at pH 1.8).     

Distribution coefficient of Mg ions between calcite and solution at 10–50°C

The distribution coefficient (λ_Mg) of Mg²⁺ ions between calcite and solution was found to be 0.012 ± 0.001 (10°C), 0.014 ± 0.001 (15°C), 0.019 ± 0.001 (25°C), 0.024 ± 0.001 (30°C), 0.027 ± 0.001 (35°C) and 0.040 + 0.003 (50°C). This indicates a remarkable dependence on temperature. The effect of the Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ molar ratio in a parent solution on λ_Mg for calcite is small, where the molar ratio lies in the range 0.04-2. However, the λ_Mg value for aragonite tends to decrease with increasing Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio in the parent solution. The largest Mg content of calcite in the Ca(HCO₃)₂-Mg²⁺ → calcite system is around 2 mol% in the temperature range 10–50°C. Neither homogeneous nor heterogeneous distribution laws hold for aragonite precipitation, and the temperature effect on the coprecipitation of Mg²⁺ ions with aragonite is very small.     

A note on the Japan Sea Proper Water

The water under the main thermocline in the Japan Sea is a single water mass referred to as the Japan Sea Proper Water. It can be defined as having temperature below 2.0°C, salinity above 34.00%, and dissolved oxygen below 7.0 ml 1⁻¹. In the north most of the water above the potential temperature 0.1°C depth (about 800–1000 m) is a mode water, with σ_θ of 27.32 to 27.34 kg m⁻³. North of 40°N it has high oxygen (more than 6.00 ml 1⁻¹) with a distinct discontinuity (oxygen-cline) at the bottom of the mode water. The most probable region for the formation of the water is the area north of 41°N between 132° and 134°E. The deeper water probably is formed in the norther area of 43°N, and directly fills the main part of the Japan Basin north of 41°N and east of 134°E.     

An investigation on internal solitary waves in a two-layer fluid: Propagation and reflection from steep slopes

Experimental investigations on internal solitary wave (ISW) propagation and their reflection from a smooth uniform slope were conducted in a two-layered fluid system with a free surface. A 12-meter-long wave flume was in use which incorporated with: (1) a movable vertical gate for generating ISW; (2) six ultrasonic probes for measuring the fluctuation of an ISW; and (3) a steep uniform slope (from one of θ=30°, 50°, 60°, 90°, 120° and 130°) much greater than those ever published in the literature. This paper presents the wave profile properties of the ISW recorded in the flume and their nonlinear features in comparison with the existing Korteweg de Vries (KdV) and modified Korteweg-de Vries (MKdV) theories. Experimental results show that the KdV theory is suitable for most small-amplituded ISWs and MKdV theory is appropriate for the reflected ISWs from various uniform slopes. In addition, both the amplitude-based reflection coefficient and reflected energy approach a constant value asymptotically when plotted against the slope and the characteristic length ratio, respectively. The reflected wave amplitudes calculated from experimental data agree well with those reported elsewhere. The optimum reflection coefficient is found within the limit of 0.85 for wave amplitude, among the test runs from steep normal slope of 30° to inverse angle of 130°, and around 0.75 for the reflected wave energy, produced by an ISW on a vertical wall.     

Determination of Henry's law constants for hexachlorocyclohexanes in distilled water and artificial seawater as a function of temperature

Henry's law constants were determined for α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) as a function of temperature (0.5–45°C) in artificial seawater (SW; 30‰) and distilled water (DW) using the gas stripping method. Water samples (1–5 ml) were withdrawn from the stripping vessel during the stripping process (30–360 h), solvent extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography—electron-capture detection. The effect of bubbling depth was checked to ensure that bubbles leaving the system were at equilibrium with HCHs in the aqueous phase. Henry's law constants determined at 35 and 45°C in SW were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) than in DW for both α- and γ-HCH, but not at lower temperatures. The slopes (m) and intercepts (b) of log H vs. 1 / T plots were: α-HCH (DW, 0.5–45°C); m = −2810 ± 110, B = 9.31 ± 0.38; α-HCH (SW, 0.5–23°C); M = −2969 ± 218, B = 9.88 ± 0.76; γ-HCH (DW, 0.5–45°C); M = −2382 ± 160, B = 7.54 ± 0.54; γ-HCH (SW, 0.5–23°C); M = −2703 ± 276, B = 8.68 ± 0.96. Henry's law constants determined in this study compared well with those calculated from reported vapor pressure and solubility data.     

Lagrangian validation of numerical drifter trajectories using drifting buoys: Application to the Agulhas system

The skill of numerical Lagrangian drifter trajectories in three numerical models is assessed by comparing these numerically obtained paths to the trajectories of drifting buoys in the real ocean. The skill assessment is performed using the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistical test. To demonstrate the assessment procedure, it is applied to three different models of the Agulhas region. The test can either be performed using crossing positions of one-dimensional sections in order to test model performance in specific locations, or using the total two-dimensional data set of trajectories. The test yields four quantities: a binary decision of model skill, a confidence level which can be used as a measure of goodness-of-fit of the model, a test statistic which can be used to determine the sensitivity of the confidence level, and cumulative distribution functions that aid in the qualitative analysis. The ordering of models by their confidence levels is the same as the ordering based on the qualitative analysis, which suggests that the method is suited for model validation. Only one of the three models, a 1/10° two-way nested regional ocean model, might have skill in the Agulhas region. The other two models, a 1/2° global model and a 1/8° assimilative model, might have skill only on some sections in the region.