Biostratigraphic Analysis of the Top Layer of Sediment Cores from the Reference and Test Sites of the INDEX Area

Radiolarian fossil study in the sediment cores collected during the pre- and postdisturbance cruises of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Indian Ocean Experiment (INDEX) program of deep sea mining in the Central Indian Ocean Basin suggests a pronounced directional deposition of fossil radiolarians exhumed during the deep sea benthic disturbance experiment. The relative occurrences of the Stylatractus universus species that became extinct ~0.425 million years before present were mostly confined to the older and deeper strata of the sediment of the disturbance tract in the southwestern direction. This pattern is remarkable and suggests that the disturbance plume has been preferentially redeposited in the southwestern direction. This observation is in concurrence with the prevailing southwestern abyssal current during the disturbance experiment in the Central Indian Basin.     

赤道东北太平洋悬浮体物源示踪元素的研究

2005年7月在赤道东北太平洋的3个测站分层采集了悬浮体水样.利用ICP-MS对悬浮体的元素组成进行了测试,从测试的47种元素中筛选出了钡和铝分别作为悬浮体生源组分和陆源组分的示踪元素.悬浮体中钡含量为0.02~0.19μg/dm3,其中生源钡含量为0.01~0.13μg/dm3,铝含量为0.33~18.54μg/dm3.生源钡和铝元素含量及其比值在水体中的分布特征与悬浮体含量的相对应,分为三段.水体透光层生物作用和近底层底质沉积物再悬浮作用是其在水体表层和近底层显著变化的原因.近底雾状层内生源钡和铝元素含量的比值从水体向底质沉积物中降低,至底质沉积物降到最低,显示出底质沉积物再悬浮对悬浮体组分和含量的影响,可以作为近底雾状层颗粒物质运移的示踪指标.     

Biostratigraphic Analysis of the Top Layer of Sediment Cores from the Reference and Test Sites of the INDEX Area

Abstract

Radiolarian fossil study in the sediment cores collected during the pre- and postdisturbance cruises of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Indian Ocean Experiment (INDEX) program of deep sea mining in the Central Indian Ocean Basin suggests a pronounced directional deposition of fossil radiolarians exhumed during the deep sea benthic disturbance experiment. The relative occurrences of the Stylatractus universus species that became extinct ～0.425 million years before present were mostly confined to the older and deeper strata of the sediment of the disturbance tract in the southwestern direction. This pattern is remarkable and suggests that the disturbance plume has been preferentially redeposited in the southwestern direction. This observation is in concurrence with the prevailing southwestern abyssal current during the disturbance experiment in the Central Indian Basin.     

Changes in Geotechnical Properties of Sediments from the Central Indian Basin Induced by Disturbance Experiment

During the Indian Deep-sea Environment Experiment (INDEX) conducted in the Central Indian Basin to simulate nodule mining activity, the sediments were physically disturbed, lifted from the seafloor, and then redeposited to study the effects of sediment redistribution on geological, chemical and biological characteristics of benthic environment. The first monitoring cruise, 44 months after the experiment, was part of long-term observations for restoration of conditions. This study describes the effects of the experiment on geotechnical properties of sediments measured in predisturbance, postdisturbance and monitoring phases. To compare the effects, sediment cores were collected from the same locations during the three phases. Siliceous, fine-grained sediments from the study area showed change in geotechnical properties induced due to the disturbance. Marginal increase in natural water content and significant reduction in undrained shear strength at the 0–5 cm sediment layer of cores from the tow zone during postdisturbance was observed. However, during the monitoring phase, an increase in shear strength and reduction in water content was noticed, which might indicate that the sediments are gradually acquiring predisturbance characteristics. The study also revealed that the meiofaunal density has a positive correlation with the water content, but a negative relationship with the shear strength of these siliceous sediments. Specific gravity of solids and porosity showed marginal change, whereas wet density remained unchanged.     

Increased Particle Fluxes at the INDEX Site Attributable to Simulated Benthic Disturbance

Particle fluxes were measured 7 m above the sea bottom during the predisturbance, disturbance, and postdisturbance periods by using time series sediment traps attached to seven deep-sea moorings deployed in the INDEX experiment site in the Central Indian Basin. The predisturbance particle fluxes varied between 22.3 to 55.1 mg m -2 day -1 . Increased and variable particle fluxes were recorded by the sediment traps during the disturbance period. The increase observed was 0.5 to 4 times more than the background predisturbance fluxes. The increases in particle fluxes (~4 times) recorded by the sediment trap located in the southwestern direction (DMS-1) were the greatest, which could be the result of preferential movement of resuspended particles generated during the deep-sea benthic disturbance along the general current direction prevailing in this area during the experimental period. Also, the traps located closer to the disturbance area recorded greater fluxes than did the traps far away, across the Deep Sea Sediment Resuspension System path. This variability in recorded particle fluxes by the traps around the disturbance area clearly indicates that physical characteristics such as grain size and density of the resuspended particles produced during the disturbance had an important effect on particle movement. The postdisturbance measurements during ~5 days showed a reduction in particle fluxes of ~50%, indicating rapid particle settlement.     

Heterotrophic bacteria community and pollution indicators of mussel--farm impact in the Gulf of Gaeta (Tyrrhenian Sea).

Field studies were carried out to determine and compare the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a mussel farm on the water quality and sediment in a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). A total of five environmental and five microbial parameters were examined from March, 1997 to February, 1998 on a monthly basis at three stations: the first was located under the mussel farm, the second located at about 40 m away from the mussel farm, while the third designed as a control was at about 1-km. No clear changes in the physical characteristics of the water masses were observed, comparing the three sampling sites and the water column generally showed homogeneous conditions (in terms of temperature and salinity). Changes in density of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococci in the water column are apparently independent from changes in environmental parameters. At all stations a constant significant correlation between temperature and presumptive Vibrio parahaemolyticus was reported suggesting that this abiotic factor exerted a major control on this bacterial group and its distribution in the water column is not related to the biodeposition of the mussel farm. The major impact identified was on the sediment where variations in bacterial abundance was observed. In the Mussel station sediment enrichment of organic compounds, and the consequent modification of the characteristics of the benthic environment, determined an increase in aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, and particularly of vibrios density (on average about 60%), suggesting that these bacteria are good indicators of organic enrichment.     

Response of Meiofauna to Immediate Benthic Disturbance in the Central Indian Ocean Basin

Abstract

Twenty-four stations (12 each, during pre- and postdisturbance studies) 5300 to 5330 m deep between 10°01' and 10°03'S latitude and between 75°59' and 76°02'E longitude were sampled to study the effect of benthic disturbance on the distribution of meiofauna in the Central Indian Ocean. Bottom-sampling was conducted with a box corer. Total meiofauna density ranged from 35 to 45 organisms per 10 cm² of bottom area during the predisturbance period and 21 to 32 organisms per 10 cm² during the postdisturbance period in the test and reference sites. Differences between pre- and postdisturbance study results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Nematoda was the most abundant meta-zoan group, on an average representing >55% of the meiofaunal population. The abundance of nematodes and harpacticoid copepods as well as total meiofauna showed marked decreases during postdisturbance sampling. Vertical distribution of meiofauna in the sediment cores revealed that 75% to 90% of the metazoan population was confined to the top 2-cm layer of the sediment. Recolonization experiments suggest that harpacticoid copepods may take more time for recolonization than the nematodes and are more sensitive to the physical disturbance. These findings suggest that nematodes and harpacticoid copepods can be used as indicator organisms in recolonization experiments.     

Sediment organic matter composition and dynamics in San Francisco Bay, California, USA: Seasonal variation and interactions between water column chlorophyll and the benthos

Sediment and water column data from four sites in North, Central and South San Francisco Bays were collected monthly from November 1999 through November 2001 to investigate the seasonal variation of benthic organic matter and chlorophyll in channel sediments, the composition and quality of sediment organic matter (SOM), and the relationship between seasonal patterns in benthic organic matter and patterns in water column chlorophyll. Water column chlorophyll peaked in the spring of 2000 and 2001, characteristic of other studies of San Francisco Bay phytoplankton dynamics, however an unusual chlorophyll peak occurred in fall 2000. Cross-correlation analysis revealed that water column chlorophyll at these four channel sites lead sediment parameters by an average of 2 to 3 months. Sediment organic matter levels in the San Francisco Bay channel showed seasonal cycles that followed patterns of water column production: peaks in water column chlorophyll were followed by later peaks in sediment chlorophyll and organic matter. Cyclical, seasonal variations also occurred in sediment organic matter parameters with sediment total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) being highest in spring and lowest in winter, and sediment amino acids being highest in spring and summer and lowest in winter. Sediment chlorophyll, total organic carbon, and nitrogen were generally positively correlated with each other. Sediment organic matter levels were lowest in North Bay, intermediate in Central Bay, and highest in South Bay. C:N ratio and the ratio of enzyme hydrolyzable amino acids to TOC (EHAA:TOC) data suggest that SOM quality is more labile in Central and northern South Bay, and more refractory in North Bay and southern South Bay.     

Increased Particle Fluxes at the INDEX Site Attributable to Simulated Benthic Disturbance

Abstract

Particle fluxes were measured 7 m above the sea bottom during the predisturbance, disturbance, and postdisturbance periods by using time series sediment traps attached to seven deep-sea moorings deployed in the INDEX experiment site in the Central Indian Basin. The predisturbance particle fluxes varied between 22.3 to 55.1 mg m^?2 day^?1. Increased and variable particle fluxes were recorded by the sediment traps during the disturbance period. The increase observed was 0.5 to 4 times more than the background predisturbance fluxes. The increases in particle fluxes (～4 times) recorded by the sediment trap located in the southwestern direction (DMS-1) were the greatest, which could be the result of preferential movement of resuspended particles generated during the deep-sea benthic disturbance along the general current direction prevailing in this area during the experimental period. Also, the traps located closer to the disturbance area recorded greater fluxes than did the traps far away, across the Deep Sea Sediment Resuspension System path. This variability in recorded particle fluxes by the traps around the disturbance area clearly indicates that physical characteristics such as grain size and density of the resuspended particles produced during the disturbance had an important effect on particle movement. The postdisturbance measurements during ～5 days showed a reduction in particle fluxes of ～50%, indicating rapid particle settlement.     

Enhancement of the benthic communities around an isolated island in the Antarctic Ocean

Insular marine biotas are often richer in faunal diversity than those from the open sea in the same geographical region. The existence of particular island effects were tested under polar conditions by comparing infaunal benthic assemblages on Peter I Island with those of similar latitudes in the open ocean at the Bellingshausen Sea and also from the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sampling was carried out aboard the R/V Hespérides during the expedition named BENTART-2003 from 24 January to 3 March 2003. Benthic samples were collected at 18 stations ranging from 90 to 2 044 m depth, using an USNEL-type box corer (BC) dredge. Representatives of 32 higher taxa of invertebrates were found. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed various patterns in the data. First, significant differences in polychaete abundance were detected between the stations located in the open sea and the remaining sites (island plus mainland sites). Bivalve abundances were also distinct between island and mainland sampling sites. Sediment columns taken from the island seafloor exhibited the highest rate of bioturbation by the infauna. These findings confirm the model that islands develop distinct assemblages characterized by the enhancement of the benthic communities even in cold waters. Several abiotic factors were measured simultaneously at the seafloor and along the water column to investigate faunal distribution patterns. Significant correlations were found between the benthic assemblages and a combination of two environmental variables: "island effect" (measured as a categorical variable) and the redox state of sediments. Richer and more complex benthic assemblages were found in Peter I Island’s sea bottom, whereas the more depauperate bottoms remained in the open sea.     

An overview of SAX99: acoustic measurements

A high-frequency acoustic experiment was performed at a site 2 km from shore on the Florida Panhandle near Fort Walton Beach in water of 18-19 m depth. The goal of the experiment was, for high-frequency acoustic fields (mostly In the 10-300-kHz range), to quantify backscattering from the seafloor sediment, penetration into the sediment, and propagation within the sediment. In addition, spheres and other objects were used to gather data on acoustic detection of buried objects. The high-frequency acoustic interaction with the medium sand sediment was investigated at grazing angles both above and below the critical angle of about 30°. Detailed characterizations of the upper seafloor physical properties were made to aid in quantifying the acoustic interaction with the seafloor. Biological processes within the seabed and the water column were also investigated with the goal of understanding their impact on acoustic properties. This paper summarizes the topics that motivated the experiment, outlines the scope of the measurements done, and presents preliminary acoustics results     

Planktonic foraminiferal flux to the deep ocean: Sediment trap results from the tropical Atlantic and the central Pacific

The flux of planktonic foraminifera between 100 μm and 1 mm to the seafloor has been estimated for the central Pacific (abyssal plain east of Hawaii) and the tropical Atlantic (Demerara Abyssal Plain) based on sediment trap samples collected from various water depths. The faunas in each region are quite similar, with 4 to 5 species generally accounting for 70–80% of the total assemblage.

At both study sites, the total foraminiferal flux and the carbonate flux tend to decrease with depth. In addition, the flux of individual species of planktonic foraminifera varies significantly with depth, with the number of small, solution-susceptible species decreasing with increasing water depth. These results suggest that there is significant dissolution of small (< 150 μm) foraminifera as they settle through the water column. Material collected from the sediment-water interface directly below the Pacific sediment trap array contains no planktonic foraminifera, suggesting that the residence time of an individual on the seafloor before it dissolves, is extremely short.     

Assessment of Impact on Seafloor Features in INDEX Area

Observations on seafloor features from subbottom profiling and seabed photography data show that the undisturbed and natural conditions before the benthic disturbance undergo a substantial change after operation of the disturber. The effects can be seen in the form of deep trenches and grooves, formed by the action of the sleds and the pumping of the sediment along its path, as well as sediment piles on either side of the track. Biological traces such as fecal coils, casts, tubes, burrows, and trails get obliterated in the areas of disturbance and resedimentation. The smooth, uniform nature of the seafloor observed in predisturbance phase shows microtopographic changes in and around the disturbed area as a result of sediment excavation and resettlement. Vertical mixing as well as lateral transport of sediment alter the geological, biological, physical, and chemical conditions on the seafloor, which need to be monitored over time to assess the process and the time taken for restoration of environmental conditions.     

First record of massive blooming of benthic diatoms and their association with megabenthic filter feeders on the shallow seafloor of an Antarctic Fjord: Does glacier melting fuel the bloom?

We report a conspicuous benthic diatom bloom on an Antarctic fjord shallow seafloor, which has not been reported elsewhere in Antarctica. A thick and massive growth of benthic diatoms was covering or being entangled with a variety of common benthic megafauna such as stalked ascidians, sponges, tubedwelling polychaetes, gastropods, bryozoans, and others. This finding is an outcome of recent investigations on benthic communities in Marian Cove, King George Island, where glacier retreat has been proceeding quickly for the past several decades. Dominance of benthic diatoms during the austral summer has been frequently reported in shallow Antarctic nearshore waters, which in turn indicates their potential as a primary food item for secondary producers living in this harsh environment. However, previous blooming records of the benthic diatoms were primarily based on data from water column samples. We are the first to report observational evidence of shallow seafloor substrates, including the massive blooming of benthic diatoms and their associations with common benthic megafauna in an Antarctic fjord.     

Selection of Test and Reference Areas for the Indian Deepsea Environment Experiment (INDEX)

The Indian Deepsea Environment Experiment (INDEX) was conducted in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, to assess the effects of a simulated disturbance on the marine ecosystem and to collect data to predict the effects of large-scale mining. To select the Test and Reference areas for benthic disturbance, detailed studies were carried out for a better understanding of the topgraphic undulations and nodule distribution in five preselected areas of 10 ×10 nautical miles each. Flat topography was one of the important considerations for selection of the areas, because this would allow further dispersion of sediment plume and offer easier maneuverability of the benthic disturber. Relatively low nodule abundances were also preferred, to prevent clogging of the suction device used for resuspension of sediment. On the basis of morphological analysis and nodule distribution, two areas, T1 and A1, were selected as the best suited pair for the disturbance and monitoring experiment.     

Current-influenced depositional provinces, continental margin off Cape Hatteras, identified by petrologic method

Analyses of DSRV “Alvin” core samples on the Cape Hatteras margin indicate major textural and compositional changes at depths of about 1000 and well below 2500 m. The distribution patterns of petrologic parameters correlate well with water mass flow and suspended-sediment plumes measured on this margin by other workers. Our study also shows: (a) vigorous erosion and sediment transport at depths of less than 400 m resulting from the NE-trending Gulf Stream flow; (b) deposition, largely planktonic-rich sediment released from the Gulf Stream, on the upper- to mid-slope, to depths of about 800–1200 m; (c) winnowing, resuspension and deposition induced by periodically intensified slope currents on the mid-slope to uppermost rise, between about 1000 and 2500 m; and (d) prevailing deposition on the upper rise proper (below 2500 m), from transport by the SW-trending Western Boundary Undercurrent. Sediments moved by bottom currents have altered the composition and distribution patterns of material transported downslope by offshelf spillover; this mixing of gravity-emplaced and bottom-current-transported sediment obscures depositional boundaries. Moreover, reworking of the seafloor by benthic organisms alters physical properties and changes erodability of surficial sediments by bottom currents. Measurement of current flow above the seafloor and direct observation of the bottom are insufficient to delineate surficial sediment boundaries. Detailed petrologic analyses are needed to recognize the long-term signature of processes and define depositional provinces.     

Assessment of Impact on Seafloor Features in INDEX Area

Abstract

Observations on seafloor features from subbottom profiling and seabed photography data show that the undisturbed and natural conditions before the benthic disturbance undergo a substantial change after operation of the disturber. The effects can be seen in the form of deep trenches and grooves, formed by the action of the sleds and the pumping of the sediment along its path, as well as sediment piles on either side of the track. Biological traces such as fecal coils, casts, tubes, burrows, and trails get obliterated in the areas of disturbance and resedimentation. The smooth, uniform nature of the seafloor observed in pre-disturbance phase shows microtopographic changes in and around the disturbed area as a result of sediment excavation and resettlement. Vertical mixing as well as lateral transport of sediment alter the geological, biological, physical, and chemical conditions on the seafloor, which need to be monitored over time to assess the process and the time taken for restoration of environmental conditions.     

象山港大黄鱼Pseudosciaena crocea网箱养殖区沉积物-水界面营养盐通量研究

2013年5月、8月和11月调查了象山港大黄鱼网箱养殖区及附近沉积物中总有机氮(TON)、总有机碳(TOC)和总磷(TP)含量,并采用实验室模拟法研究了底泥耗氧率(SOCs)和沉积物-水界面营养盐(NH⁺₄、NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄)通量。结果表明:养殖区(YZ)沉积物中的TON和TP含量显著高于距离养殖区50 m(F1)和100 m(F2)的区域(P<0.05)。底泥释放NH⁺₄到上覆水中,但是从上覆水中吸收NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄。沉积物-水界面营养盐通量表现出明显的季节性变化,在8月,NH⁺₄及PO^3-₄的释放量达到最大值。上覆水中NH⁺₄、NO^-₂+NO^-₃和PO^3-₄的质量浓度随着沉积物-水界面营养盐通量的变化而变化。研究表明,象山港大黄鱼养殖活动对养殖区底泥造成了一定污染,且通过影响沉积物-水界面营养盐通量影响上覆水中营养盐分布,最终给整个养殖系统造成生态负担。     

Microbial Biomass and Organic Nutrients in the Deep-Sea Sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin

In order to assess the impact of deep-sea mining on the in situ benthic life, we measured the microbial standing stock and concentration of organic nutrients in the deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin in the Indian pioneer area. Sediments were collected using box core and grab samples during September 1996. The total bacterial numbers ranged from 10 10 -10 11 cells per g -1 dry weight sediment. There was a marginal decrease in the number of bacteria from surface to 30 cm depth, though the subsurface section registered a higher number than did the surface. The highest numbers were encountered at depths of 4-8 cm. The retrievable number of bacteria were two orders less in comparison with the direct total counts of bacteria. An almost homogeneous distribution of bacteria, total organic carbon, living biomass, and lipids throughout the depth of cores indicates active microbial and benthic processes in the deep sea sediments. On the other hand, a uniform distribution of total counts of bacteria, carbohydrates, and total organic carbon in all the cores indicates their stable nature and suggests that they can serve as useful parameters for long-term monitoring of the area after the benthic disturbance. Further studies on temporal variability in this region would not only verify the observed norms of distribution of these variables but would also help to understand restabilization processes after the simulated benthic disturbance.     

苏北近岸海域表层沉积物粒度及其对环境动力的响应

对2007年9—11月在南黄海辐射沙脊区和江苏北部潮滩采集的表层底质样品进行粒度分析,获得了平均粒径、分选系数、偏态、峰态等粒度参数,并对其进行了聚类分析。结果表明,9 m以浅和20 m以深的样品可归为两种类型的沉积物,而水深9～20 m之间的沉积物两种类型都有,多样性较大。由Gao-Collins粒径趋势分析模型获得的沉积物净输运趋势显示,除外毛竹砂处沉积物有向外海输运的趋势之外,其他外围的断面均显示泥砂向辐射沙洲中心输运,这与历史资料中记录的结果相一致,表明粒径趋势分析适用于大型辐射沙洲海域。根据Stern-berg图分析,粒度参数的空间分布是由差异性输运造成,沉积物从射阳河口岸外向大丰潮间带上部输运的过程中,众数粒径几乎全部以悬移质的形式输运,而小庙洪向东灶潮滩上部输运的众数粒径以悬移方式输运的概率只有60%,从而使射阳河口岸外与大丰潮间带上部的沉积物粒度参数相同,而小庙洪与东灶潮间带上部的沉积物粒度参数有显著差异。