Differential rotations in the Oman Ophiolite: paleomagnetic evidence from the southern massifs

New paleomagnetic data from 11 sites in layered gabbros and lava flows from the Oman Ophiolite indicate stable, early remagnetizations and suggest that the southern portion of the ophiolite (the Wadi Tayin, Sumail, Nakhl-Rustaq and Haylayn massifs) is relatively unrotated since detachment near the paleoridge. The gabbros possess a magnetization carried by a combination of primary and secondary magnetites derived from hydrothermal alteration. Evidence from positive tilt tests, constancy of remanence directions in differing magnetic mineralogies and agreement with previous paleomagnetic data, however, suggests that this remagnetization was acquired early – analogous to the remagnetization of the V₂ volcanic series. Thus, the evidence implies that the southern portion of the ophiolite has been primarily translated from the paleoridge since the time of V₂ remagnetization, and 120° of clockwise rotation affecting the northern Oman Ophiolite is internal to the ophiolite, rather than a combination of internal and global rotation as previously hypothesized. Given this evidence, we propose a simplified model of a rapid, active microplate rotation of a portion of the ophiolite resulting from spreading at an EPR-type propagating ridge at a high angle to the previous spreading direction. Paleomagnetic data from this and previous studies can be well explained by a rapidly rotating microplate, similar to the kinematic evolution documented for the Juan Fernandez microplate in the modern setting.     

Petrofabric Investigation of Gabbros from the Oman Ophiolite: Comparison between AMS and Rock Fabric

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility was measured on 42 gabbros sampled across a complete plutonic sequence from the Oman ophiolite. The rock fabrics, investigated in the field and through plagioclase crystallographic fabric measurements, were compared to the magnetic fabrics. This comparative study reveals that from the paleo-Moho to the top of the foliated gabbros level, 73% of the rocks display a good correspondence in orientation, between the magnetic and rock fabric orientation. In these rocks, the AMS is controlled by secondary magnetites located in the fracture network of the olivines, and probably, but to a lesser extent, by secondary magnetites located in the exsolution lamellae of the clinopyroxenes. The high correlation between the AMS ellipsoid orientation and the rock fabric orientation is explained by the fact that the magnetic foliation is essentially constrained by the orientation of the olivine fracture planes, which is in turn constrained by the orientation of the overall magmatic rock fabric. In contrast to the primary mineral phases, the orientation of magnetite crystals in these gabbros is not due to their alignment in a flowing magma, so their preferred orientation, although usually mimicking that of the rock fabric, does have not the same origin. Furthermore, given that the preferred orientation of the anisometric secondary magnetites is much less perfect than the preferred orientation of the plagioclases, no correlation between the shape and magnitude of the AMS and plagioclase fabrics can be established. In the uppermost levels of the sequence there is no correspondence between the magnetic and rock fabric orientation. The magnetism of these rocks is mainly carried by primary magnetite and ilmenite grains. These minerals occur as small and scattered interstitial grains that exhibit neither alignment nor parallelism with the pre-existing rock fabric. Hence, the anisotropy, shape and orientation of the AMS ellipsoid are independent of the rock fabric ellipsoid. Although in the Wadi Al Abyad gabbros, just like in other magnetite bearing rocks (Rochette et al., 1992; Archanjo et al., 1995), the AMS cannot be used to evaluate the shape and strength of the finite strain ellipsoid, it can be reliably used to get the orientation of the rock fabric ellipsoid when the AMS is controlled by secondary magnetites.     

Estimating original thickness and extent of the Semail Ophiolite in the eastern Oman Mountains by paleothermal indicators

The Oman Mountains preserve Permo-Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Arabian passive margin that were overridden during Late Cretaceous time by deep-water sediments of the Hawasina units and by the Semail Ophiolite, a portion of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust and upper mantle. Passive margin sequences are exposed in the Jabal Akhdar Culmination (JAC) and in the Jabal Salakh Range at the Oman Mountains thrust front. Samples of these sequences were investigated by X-ray diffraction of the clay size fraction to evaluate the thermal evolution of the subophiolite rocks and estimate the thickness and extent of the obducted ophiolites.The sedimentary succession from the northern flank of the JAC shows a clay mineral assemblage characterized by long-range ordered mixed layer I-S with an illite content between 85% and 92% and the occurrence of pyrophyllite and/or paragonite, suggesting maximum paleotemperatures between 150° and 200 °C in deep diagenetic conditions. On the southern flank of the JAC, temperature dependent clay minerals indicate maximum paleotemperatures, ranging between 120° and 150 °C, indicating a reduced ophiolite thickness towards the south. Ooid strain analyses of the subophiolite rocks from the northern flank of JAC show a component of flattening and stretching in the z-x plane as a result of plastic deformation and pressure solution. On the southern flank, such ductile deformation is absent, suggesting a brittle rheology for the subophiolite carbonates and a reduced overburden. 1D thermal modeling reveals that the sub-ophiolite units of the JAC were overthrust by 4.5 km-thick Semail Ophiolite and Hawasina units during the Coniacian, and exhumed since the Campanian. The subophiolite rocks of the Jabal Salakh Range were buried under 1.35 km of synobduction clastics and overthrust by 2 km-thick Hawasina units, suggesting a decrease of the thickness of allochthonous units from NE to SW, consistent with strain analysis and their direction of emplacement.     

The Haymiliyah Sulphide Ores (Haylayn Massif,Oman Ophiolite): In-situ Segregation of PGE-poor Magmatic Sulphides in a Fossil Oceanic Magma Chamber

The Semail ophiolite in Oman is one of the few ophiolitic complexes that may display locally magmatic sulphide ores in layer 3 of the crustal section. The ores found in the wadi Haymiliyah plutonic sequence, are composed of low Ni-pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and pentlandite. They are located at the bottom of a thick two-pyroxene and noritic gabbro unit, the Main Laminated Noritic Gabbro Unit (MLNGU) that crystallized from evolved tholeiites according to a calc-alkaline liquid line of descent. The MLNGU rests on coarse-grained layered gabbros of the Main Layered Gabbro Unit (MLGU) crystallized from more primitive MORB-like magmas. A detailed mineralogical study coupled with analyses of S, Se, chalcophile transition metals (Cu, Ni, Platinum-group elements, PGE) and Au allows two stages to be distinguished in the precipitation of the sulphides. Sulphide modal abundances start to increase at the top of the MLGU (up to 4%) where orthopyroxene becomes a major phase. Sulphides in the MLGU are only intercumulus and Cu-rich, indicating a S-undersaturated regime. The fine-grained two-pyroxene gabbros at the bottom of the MLNGU contain up to 16% sulphides (monoclinic pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite). However, their precious metal contents are very low and far from economic grade ( PGE+ Au <15 ppb except one concentration at 230 ppb in the richest layer). Sulphide droplets in cumulus silicates indicate that sulphides precipitated in the fine-grained gabbros from a S-saturated magma. Sulphide liquid immiscibility was likely triggered by a set of unusual circumstances, such as a progressive S enrichment in high f_O2 environments resulting from the closure of the Haymiliyah magma subchamber, the lack of a strong Fe-enrichment trend, and possibly a sudden temperature drop. The abundance of disseminated ores suggests that gravity segregation was inefficient; sulphide droplets probably nucleated at the crystallization front of the silicates. This hypothesis (of in-situ crystallization of sulphides) would also account for the very low precious metal contents. All the S present in the magma chamber was mobilized into the ores since the underlying MLNGU and isotropic gabbros are almost devoid of sulphides.     

The relationship among environmental variables,jellyfish and non‐gelatinous zooplankton: A case study in the north of the Gulf of Oman

Processes underlying the temporal and spatial variations observed in the distribution of jellyfish and non‐gelatinous zooplankton in the Gulf of Oman are not well understood. This information gap is clearly a major issue in controlling the harmful blooms of jellyfish and non‐gelatinous zooplankton. Samples of jellyfish and non‐gelatinous zooplankton were collected from six stations in Chabahar Bay and three stations in Pozm Bay within four seasons. At each station, environmental variables were also recorded from bottom and surface water. A total of 83 individuals of medusae representing four species of Scyphozoa (i.e., Cyanea nozakii, Chrysaora sp., Pelagia noctiluca, Catostylus tagi) and species of Hydrozoa (i.e., Diphyes sp., Rhacostoma sp., Aequorea spp.) were observed in the study area. A total of 70,727.25 individuals/m^?3 of non‐gelatinous zooplankton dominated by copepods and cladocerans were collected in nine stations within the four seasons. The results of a RELATE analysis yielded no significant association between species composition for jellyfish and non‐gelatinous zooplankton. Among environmental variables, water transparency, nitrite concentration, water depth and temperature were better associated with the total variation in jellyfish species composition than with that of non‐gelatinous zooplankton. Dissolved oxygen, pH, and phosphate concentration were significant environmental variables associated with the variation in the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of non‐gelatinous zooplankton assemblages. Although some jellyfish species (i.e., Rhacostoma sp., Pelagia noctiluca, Catostylus tagi) occur independently of non‐gelatinous zooplankton assemblages, other jellyfish (i.e., Chrysaora sp., Aequorea spp., Cyanea nozakii, Diphyes sp.) are strongly correlated with non‐gelatinous zooplankton assemblages.     

Abrupt axial variations along the slow to ultra-slow spreading centers of the northern North Fiji Basin (SW Pacific): Evidence for short wave heterogeneities in a back-arc mantle

This study presents results of surveys conducted along the slow to ultra-slow spreading axis of the Northern North Fiji Basin (NNFB), including the Hazel Holmes, Tripartite and South Pandora Ridges, and the newly discovered Futuna and North Cikobia spreading centers. Spreading segments along these axes display highly contrasted axial morphologies, ranging from a rift valley to a prominent axial high. In some places, abrupt inversions of topography are observed between neighboring segments. Detailed analyses of bathymetry and backscatter maps reveal that axial highs are spotted with numerous coalescent volcanoes forming features ranging from irregular terrains to well-organized ridges. The volcanic edifices are distributed over a wide neovolcanic zone, which corresponds to the axial relief, suggesting on important contribution of volcanism to the relief construction. Comparisons between various ridge-shaped segments reveal that axial volcano-tectonic patterns are directly related to the local magma production and delivery, in a context of tectonic extension related to plate divergence, and suggest that coalescent volcanoes are fed from multiples short-lived and unconnected magma lenses. In the competition between horizontal and vertical accretion of oceanic crust, the spreading centers of the NNFB represent a special case where lava production is locally high enough and spreading rate is low enough to allow prominent axial highs to develop. The along axis morphologic variability is related to intermittent volcanic activity that may result from rapid temporal and spatial variations in the distribution of upper mantle convection cells below accretion centers, superimposed on the regional thermal anomaly located under the whole basin.     

The high temperature reaction zone of the Oman ophiolite: new field data,microthermometry of fluid inclusions,PIXE analyses and oxygen isotopic ratios

Marine Geophysical Research - The present study is focused on the so-called High Temprature Reaction Zone of the Oman ophiolite, a thin zone located between the roots of the sheeted dyke complex...     

Circulation and dispersion in a cancellate coast: The rivers,bays and estuaries of central Maine

The glacially carved central coast of Maine is incised by river systems with interconnecting channels, offshore-trending submarine ridges, and narrow passages between nearshore islands and headlands. The tidal range exceeds 3 m, leading to complex and vigorous circulation patterns with strong flows in narrow channels, near river mouths, and between islands. The spongiform coastal morphology allows enhanced exchange between offshore waters, estuaries and internecine bays, resulting in rapid dispersal of nutrients, larvae and contaminants throughout the region. A fine-grid numerical circulation model has been used to examine the influences of the tides, river flows and winds on the dispersion of lobster larvae and pollutants in the nearshore and riverine environment. This paper describes the model application, presents a few salient features of the circulation patterns, and examines some implications for the coastal environment. For example, under realistic tides and variable southwest summer winds, about 80% of neutral near-surface particles introduced near the offshore islands (a proxy for stage IV lobster larvae from offshore sources) remain within a few km of the islands over a two-week period. On the other hand, a persistent, periodic sea breeze can remove more than two-thirds of the particles from the domain over the same period. Tidal mixing disperses pollutants entering the upper Kennebec River to the offshore and through internecine passages in about one week.     

Characterisation and preliminary quantification of the methane reservoir in a coastal sedimentary source: San Simón Bay,Ría de Vigo,NW Spain

Ría de Vigo is a river valley flooded by the sea, with a bay (San Simón Bay) at its innermost part. The accumulation of Holocene sediment in San Simón Bay has been studied by the integration of 1) large scale high resolution seismic data, and 2) detailed geochemical analysis of a gravity core. In San Simón Bay the majority of the seismic records are obscured by acoustic turbidity which represents gassy sediments, but on records from Rande Strait it is possible to distinguish two Quaternary seismic sequences; an Upper Pleistocene sequence (SQ1) and a Holocene sequence (SQ2). Only SQ2 is recognized in San Simón Bay where it is comprised of two seismic units; the upper unit represents the HST sediment, i.e. the period of highest sea level. A gravity core taken within the gassy zone at 10 m water depth provided 3.55 m of fine-grained sediments (muds) from the youngest seismic unit (4 m thick). Geochemical analysis show high values (4 to 10%) of TOC. Sediment and porewater analyses indicate a distinct sulphate–methane transition zone (SMTZ) between 60 and 80 cm where sulphate is depleted (to <1.7 mM) and methane increases (to >0.4 mM). The top of the acoustic turbidity (the gas front) at 80 cm corresponds to the lower limit of the SMTZ. The methane cannot have been derived from the underlying metamorphic and granitic rocks, but was probably derived by microbial degradation of the organic matter in the Holocene sediments. We estimate that the sediments of the Bay contain approximately 1.8 × 10⁶ m³ of organic carbon and 275 ton of methane.     

Sedimentology and depositional architecture of tidal compound dunes on a carbonate ramp: The lower Miocene deposits of the central Apennine (Latium,Italy)

The sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the central Apennine lower Miocene carbonate deposits (Guadagnolo Formation) are the goal of this paper. The Guadagnolo carbonate ramp deposits consist of a thick succession of three main lithofacies: marls, marly limestones and cross-bedded limestones. The lateral and vertical facies distribution, as well as the biota assemblages, suggests a deposition of these sediments along the middle-outer ramp sector of the Latium-Abruzzi carbonate platform. All the data suggest sedimentation under the influence of tidal currents that were responsible of bedforms generation as simple and compound dunes. These bodies are developed on metric and decametric scale, and are stacked one to other to form complex sedimentary bodies extending both in strike and dip section for several tens to hundred meters. The dune system developed in a semiclosed basin (the Paleoadriatic sea), open in the southern and closed in the northern sector respectively. Within this basin a probably amphidromic system developed. The flow sediment transport was dominantly westward, and was conditioned by the ramp paleotopography. From a sequence stratigraphic point of view several high and low rank depositional sequences that were differentiated basing on their relative physical scale (thickness of each unit) and on the lateral extension of the unconformities and the correlative conformities bounding them were recognized. The hierarchy of recognized sequence-stratigraphic units include, from the smallest to the largest: simple depositional sequences, low-rank composite depositional sequences and high-rank composite depositional sequences. In the Guadagnolo succession four high-rank composite depositional sequences having a duration variable from 0.9 to 1.6 Ma, and named Guadagnolo 1, 2, 3, and 4, were recognized. These high-rank composite sequences are internally constituted by a stacking of simple and low-rank composite depositional sequences, having a duration ranging from 40 ka to 200 ka. All these units constitute part of a higher-rank composite sequence developing between 21 and 14.80 Ma that we name “The Guadagnolo Depositional Sequence”. The wedge-shaped geometry, the thickness variation and the stacking pattern of the Guadagnolo succession are the response to eustasy and tectonic subsidence. The glacial eustasy mostly controlled the formation of the high-frequency depositional sequences, tectonic subsidence, related to the roll-back of the hinge west-directed subduction in turn connected to the advancement of the Apennine thrust modulated the accommodation space.     

Reservoir characterization of a CO2 storage aquifer: The Upper Triassic Stuttgart Formation in the Northeast German Basin

Ketzin, in the Northeast German Basin (NEGB), is the site for pilot injection of CO₂ (CO₂SINK project) into a saline aquifer (the Upper Triassic Stuttgart Formation) situated at a depth of about 630–700 m. This paper reports the baseline characterization of the reservoir formation based on new core material and well-logs obtained from one injection well and two observations wells, drilled at a distance from 50 m to 100 m from each other. The reservoir is lithologically heterogeneous and made up by fluvial sandstones and siltstones interbedded with mudstones showing remarkable differences in porosity. The thickest sandstone units are associated with channel sandstone, whose thickness varies over short lateral distances. In-depth petrographic, mineralogical, mineral-chemical, and whole-rock geochemical analysis were performed focusing on the sandstone intervals, which display the best reservoir properties for CO₂ injection. The dominantly fine-grained and well to moderately-well sorted, immature sandstones classify as feldspathic litharenites and lithic arkoses. Quartz (22–43 wt.%), plagioclase (19–32 wt.%), and K-feldspar (5–13 wt.%) predominate mineralogically. Muscovite plus illite and mixed-layer minerals are omnipresent (4–13 wt.%). Quartz, feldspar, as well as meta-sedimentary and volcanic rock fragments comprise the most abundant detrital components, which often are rimmed by thin, early diagenetic coatings of ferric oxides, and locally of clay minerals. Feldspar grains may be unaltered and optically clear, partially to completely dissolved, partially altered to sheet silicates (mainly illite), or albitized. Analcime and anhydrite constitute the most widespread, often spatially associated pore-filling cement minerals. Authigenic dolomite, barite, and coelestine is minor. The percentage of cements ranges in total from about 5 vol.% to 32 vol.%. Except of samples intensely cemented by anhydrite and analcime, total porosities of the sandstones range from 13% to 26%. The fraction of intergranular porosity varies between 12% and 21%. About 1–5% porosity has been generated by dissolution of detrital plagioclase, K-feldspar, and volcanic rock fragments. The comparatively large modal abundance of feldspars, micas, chlorite, clay minerals, Fe–Ti-oxides, and analcime account for the richness in Ti, Al, Fe, Mg, Na, and K, and the paucity in Si, of the Stuttgart sandstones relative to mature sandstones. Altogether, these sandstones are comparatively rich in minerals that may potentially react with the injected CO₂.     

The Influence of Winds and Tides in the Formation of Circulation Layers in a Bay, a Case Study: Concepción Bay, Chile

Horizontal water velocities were measured using three current meters moored at the levels of 5, 18, and 30 m depth in the oriental side of Concepción Bay (36°40′S; 73°02′W), an almost rectangular, shallow bay off central Chile, connected with the open sea through two mouths.The large momentum transfer from the wind to the water causes variations of the internal volume of the bay generating circulation layers having almost anti-parallel directions. Northerly winds carry superficial water into the bay, causing a compensating flow leaving the bay near its bottom. Winds from the SW, on the other hand, cause an outgoing circulation layer in the surface and a circulation layer entering into the bay near the bottom. During wind calm periods, longer than 12 h, the two layers disappear, leaving a current system comprising only one circulation layer. The response time necessary for the generation or dissipation of these layers, which fluctuates between 1 and 7 h, depends on the initial conditions of the bay and on the intensity, direction and persistence of the wind.     

Nanoscale pore structure and fractal characteristics of a marine-continental transitional shale: A case study from the lower Permian Shanxi Shale in the southeastern Ordos Basin,China

Shale samples collected from seven wells in the southeastern Ordos Basin were tested to investigate quantitatively the pore structure and fractal characteristics of the Lower Permian Shanxi Shale, which was deposited in a marine-continental transitional (hereinafter referred to as the transitional) environment. Low-pressure nitrogen adsorption data show that the Shanxi Shale exhibits considerably much lower surface area (SA) and pore volume (PV) in the range of 0.6–1.3 m²/g and 0.25–0.9 ml/100 g, respectively. Type III kerogen abundant in the transitional Shanxi Shale were observed to be poorly developed in the organic pores in spite of being highly mature, which resulted in a small contribution of organic matter (OM) to the SA and PV. Instead, I/S (illite-smectite mixed clay) together with illite jointly contributed mostly to the SA and PV as a result of the large amount of inter-layer pores associated with them, which were evident in broad-ion-beam (BIB) imaging and statistical analysis. Additionally, the Shanxi Shale has fractal geometries of both pore surface and pore structure, with the pore surface fractal dimension (D1) ranging from 2.16 to 2.42 and the pore structure fractal dimension (D2) ranging from 2.49 to 2.68, respectively. The D1 values denote a pore surface irregularity increase with an increase in I/S and illite content attributed to their more irregular pore surface compared with other mineralogical compositions and OM. The fractal dimension D2 characterizing the pore structure complexity is closely related to the pore arrangement and connectivity, and I/S and illite decrease the D2 when their contents increase due to the incremental ordering degree and connectivity of I/S- or illite-hosted pores. Meanwhile, other shale constituents (including kaolinite, chlorite, and OM) that possess few pores can significantly increase the pore structure complexity by way of pore-blocking.     

Formation mechanism of volcanic reservoirs within a volcanostratigraphic framework: The case of the Wangfu fault depression in the Songliao Basin,China

We discuss the reservoir formation mechanisms in volcanic gas reservoirs within a volcanostratigraphic framework, with a focus on the Huoshiling Formation of the Wangfu fault depression in the Songliao Basin, China. The volcanic sequences are divided, from large to small, into the volcanic cycle (VC), cooling unit set (CUS) and cooling unit (CU). The CU is the basic volcanogenic stratigraphic unit and the CUS is a superposition of cooling units which may be recognized on seismic profiles.The Huoshiling Formation consists of two volcanic cycles and one volcanic-sedimentary cycle. The formation mechanisms of volcanic reservoirs include three processes based on the strata's evolution. First, CUs formed and primary pore spaces developed near cooling surfaces. Second, CUSs and VCs formed and parasyngenetic and secondary pore spaces developed around the crater or caldera, especially near the weathering surface. Lastly, numerous dissolved pores and structural fractures formed during burial and concentrated near the fault belt. CUs, volcanic edifices and structural systems controlled the formation of volcanic reservoirs. The overlapping crater-proximal crater region and the faulted area were centres of reservoir formation. In the Huoshiling Formation, CUS 6-CUS 8 and CUS 13 are the major horizons where volcanic reservoirs developed, forming dissolution reservoirs and structurally fractured reservoirs for natural gas accumulation.     

The past, present and future of the East/Japan sea in change: a simple moving-boundary box model approach

The East/Japan Sea is a mid-latitude marginal sea that has undergone dramatic changes during the last 50–60 years. One of the most prominent characteristics of these changes is a rapid decrease in the amount of dissolved oxygen in deep waters. As a consequence of these changes, some investigators have even argued that the East/Japan Sea might become an anoxic sea in the next 200 years. While the causes of these changes are still under investigation, it has been shown that they are mainly due to modifications in the mode of the deep water ventilation system in the East/Japan Sea: a slowdown and complete cessation of bottom water formation accompanied by an enhancement of upper water formation instead. A simple moving-boundary box model (MBBM) was developed in order to analyze and quantify the processes involved in such changes over the last 50–60 years. Using a MBBM, we estimated the levels of several conservative chemical tracers (CFCs, Tritium, SF₆, ¹³⁷Cs) and bioactive tracers (oxygen and phosphate) in the deep water masses of the East/Japan Sea, comparing these with the historical data available, and making predictions for the near future. The model predicts that the East/Japan Sea should remain well-oxygenated, despite recent rapid oxygen decreases in its deep waters, accompanied by such structural changes as a shrinking of its oxygen-depleted deeper waters and an expansion of its oxygen-rich upper waters over the next few decades.     

The human dimensions of marine mammal management in a time of rapid change: comparing policies in Canada,Finland and the United States

Arctic coastal populations share a close relationship with their environment consisting of linkages among communities, landscapes and seascapes, and the social institutions developed to sustain the system. This cultural–biogeophysical dynamic is termed throughout the section as a social–ecological system (SES). Marine mammals constitute a large portion of the subsistence diet for these communities, and as such represent key ecological services provided by the system. At the same time, marine mammals have gained iconic status as symbols for climate change in the North. A tension results between the demands of balancing on one hand good policy optics consistent with national and international norms and, on the other hand, flexible and adaptive institutions able to take on the task of managing resources in a dynamic, changing North. This tension and associated policy solutions such as co-management are explored in a series of papers focusing on marine mammal management dilemmas and policy practices around the circumpolar North. This introduction communicates the problem context and describes the five papers making up this special section. A guiding premise to this work is that new international pressures to implement moratoria on marine mammal hunting in the North ignore critical human dimensions of marine mammal management. Such policy proposals are unlikely to succeed in areas that require collaboration across scales. Simultaneously, new local-scale participation in multi-level management regimes holds promise for creating more resilient marine mammal SESs.     

The unintended consequences of formal fisheries policies: Social disparities and resource overuse in a major fishing community in the Gulf of California, Mexico

This study investigates the local social and fisheries impact of formal fisheries policies in Bahía de Kino, one of the most important fishing villages in terms of extraction of benthic resources in the Northern Gulf of California, Mexico. The paper focuses on cross-scale institutional interactions, describing how existing formal policies are functioning on the ground, how these policies interact with local arrangements, and how this interaction may affect the incentives of different actors towards sustainable fisheries. Besides providing lessons on how the performance of a local fishery could be improved, this paper addresses the question of whether the formal institutional structure of Mexican fishing regulations is effective in promoting responsible behavior by small-scale fishery stakeholders. It is argued that the design of the most widely used management tool to regulate access to marine resources throughout Mexico -the permit (licensing) system- provides the wrong incentives for sustainable-use. Granting secure rights to resources to those actively involved in the fishery is a necessary step for promoting sustainable fishing practices.     

Possible effects of climate change on estuarine nutrient fluxes: a case study in the highly nutrified Schelde estuary (Belgium, The Netherlands)

Global change models predict effects of climate change on hydrological regimes at the continental scale in Europe. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the possible effect of changing external forcing conditions on the functioning of estuarine ecosystems. In densely populated areas, anthropogenic nutrient enrichment and consequent alteration of nutrient biogeochemical cycles have already had a big impact on these ecosystems. The average yearly discharge of the upper Schelde estuary increased nearly threefold over the period 1996–2000, from 28 m³ s⁻¹ in 1996 to 73 m³ s⁻¹ in 2000. The continuously rising discharge conditions over the five-year period were used as a reference situation for possible future effects of climate on ecological functioning through increase of discharge. At high discharges, nutrient (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, dissolved silica and PO₄³⁻) concentrations in the tidal fresh- and brackish water showed a decrease of up to 50% while total discharged nutrient loadings increased up to 100%. Opposite effects of increasing discharge on NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻ and dissolved silica concentrations in summer and winter, resulted in the flattening out of seasonal cycles for these nutrients. Under high discharge conditions, silica uptake by diatom communities was lowered. Dissolved silica loadings to the coastal area increased concurrently with total silica loadings upstream. Salt intrusion to the marine parts of the estuary decreased. This resulted in a downstream shift of the salinity gradient, with lower salinity observed near the mouth. As a result, TDIN, NO₃⁻ and dissolved silica concentrations doubled at the mouth of the estuary.     

亚热带珊瑚礁海域枯水季pCO2的分布特征及CO2汇源转换机制-以深圳杨梅坑海域为例

由于存在极高的初级生产和高效的碳代谢速率, 珊瑚礁海域二氧化碳(CO₂)的汇/源属性仍存有争议。为明晰中国典型珊瑚礁海域CO₂的汇源属性及驱动因素, 作者基于2022年11月(秋季)和2023年2月(冬季)在深圳杨梅坑海域的调查结果并结合室内培养实验所获得的数据, 探究了枯水季节典型亚热带珊瑚礁海水二氧化碳分压(pCO₂)的分布特征及主要控制机制。结果表明, 调查期间pCO₂的变化较大, 其范围为233.3~465.3 μatm。秋季表现为大气CO₂的汇, CO₂吸收通量为1.66±0.41 mmol C/(m²/d);冬季表现为大气CO₂的弱源, 其释放通量为0.36±0.17 mmol C/(m²/d)。调查期间(枯水季)杨梅坑海域受淡水输入的影响较小, 季节性温度影响下的生物过程是驱动pCO₂变化的关键因素, 其贡献pCO₂总变化量的73.6%(表层)和66.5%(底层)。其中, 浮游植物光合作用的季节差异是导致海水CO₂汇源转变的主要成因, 而微生物呼吸作用的影响甚微。相比较, 物理过程(CO₂海-气交换、温度和盐度变化)对pCO₂的影响相对较小, 其作用结果远低于生物过程。此外, 珊瑚的代谢活动对杨梅坑局部海域pCO₂分布产生一定影响, 造成礁区pCO₂值高于非礁区。因此, 海气CO₂通量估算中不能忽视局部海域珊瑚代谢作用的影响。