Simulation studies of processes associated with stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) in the ionosphere

Results of numerical simulation studies of processes associated with Stimulated Electromagnetic Emission (SEE) produced during ionospheric heating experiments are presented. A one-dimensional magnetized electrostatic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulation model with uniform plasma density is used to investigate electrostatic wave generation in the region where the pump frequency ω₀ approximately equals the upper hybrid frequency ω_uh. In particular, the simulation plasma is driven with a uniform oscillating electric field to represent the long wavelength pump wave and power spectra of the electrostatic waves produced are taken. The pump wave frequency and amplitude are varied to consider the effects on the simulation power spectrum. The upper hybrid frequency in the model is varied through harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency Ω_ce to consider the effects of stepping the pump frequency through cyclotron harmonics. The power spectrum from the simulation plasma is richly structured. The resulting power spectra show sidebands upshifted and downshifted from the pump frequency by multiples of the lower hybrid frequency ω_lh. The structure of the spectrum is highly sensitive to the proximity of the upper hybrid frequency to the cyclotron harmonic frequencies.     

Temporal evolution of a three component system: the island of Lipari (Aeolian Arc,southern Italy)

The volcanic products from Lipari define an evolutionary trend with a high gradient of K-enrichment, similar to the calc-alkaline to potassic volcanism of other islands in the Aeolian arc. Stratigraphic reconstruction of the island based on field and geochronological data indicate that the volcanic activity can be subdivided in two stages. The first stage, from 223 to 42 ka, consists of six eruptive cycles and is characterized by basalts and basalt-andesites showing progressive increase in both SiO₂ and K₂O contents with time. The second stage consists of four cycles erupted since 42 ka and is marked by an apparent rejuvenation of the geochemical system with the appearance of the first rhyolitic products. Fractional crystallization, assimilation and mixing models suggest that the geochemistry of Lipari volcanism evolved with time by a complex interplay between two mantle-derived components, one sub-alkaline and the other alkaline, in addition to crustal melts and/or crustally-derived materials. A petrogenetic model in which fractional crystallization was subordinate to mixing best fits the geochemical data and petrographic observations of macro- and microscopic features. Melts from the crustal and mantle end-members are almost always present in the system but the relative proportions appear to vary with time. The sub-alkaline mantle component (source of Tyrrhenian tholeiites) is an important contributor to the early evolution of the volcanism in Lipari; input from the alkaline mantle component (source of the Roman Comagmatic Province) increases with time, and the crustal component becomes dominant in the later activity. The preferred petrogenetic model for the temporal evolution of the volcanic system in Lipari involves melting initially caused by an increase in the thermal input related to the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea and/or to subduction processes. The quick rise of the isotherms and almost contemporaneous melting of source materials with different compositions favored complex mixing during ascent of the melts.     

不同磁通门经纬仪产出基线值对比分析

选取中国地磁台网中6个地磁台站基线值对比分析.结果表明,两套绝对观测仪器对同一分量所定出的两条基线,在经过墩差和仪器差改正之后,仍不能完全重合,D、H、Z三分量的基线值差值存在明显的起伏变化.初步判断,造成两套仪器基线值差值变化的原因很可能为两仪器所在墩差的变化,也就是说,在同一个观测区的不同点位,地磁场的差值也在不断变化.     

Ekman portion of surface currents,as measured by radar in different areas

Summary Surface currents, as measured by the HF-radar CODAR (COstal raDAR), are investigated with respect to their dependence on wind. Time series of wind are available from single weather stations, while CODAR yields current velocities on a grid with a resolution of some 3 km. As part of various research programs experiments have been carried out by the University of Hamburg (Germany) in different areas. Two of the areas under consideration are located in the Baltic Sea, two in the North Sea, and one covering the northern part of the Dead Sea. Time series of about two weeks with 2-hourly sampling are available for some 50 grid points of each area.Vector-correlation techniques are used to determine the linear relation of surface currents on wind velocity and also windstress. In both cases, significant correlation of about the same order has been found. 35% to 60% of the variance in surface currents may be explained by linear forcing from the vectors of wind velocity or windstress. Current-to-wind ratios range from 0.015 to 0.025, and a veering to the right of currents against wind has been observed. The decomposition of horizontal two-dimensional current fields into empirical orthogonal eigenfunctions (EOF) yields higher amounts of variance in the 1. EOF as may be explained by linear windforcing.Two possible mechanisms for wind-driven currents are discussed, Ekman circulation and Stokes drift. Assuming the vertical eddy viscosity to be independent on wind velocity and water depth, it may be estimated. Values of about 5×10^–4 m²s^–1 are found in the Baltic and 20×10^–4 m²s^–1 in the North Sea, which are in reasonable agreement with those used in numerical models.

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Ekman-Anteil an den durch Radar gemessenen Oberflächenströmungen in verschiedenen Seegebieten

Zusammenfassung Oberflächenströmungen, gemessen mit dem Hochfrequenzradar CODAR (COastal RaDAR), werden hinsichtlich ihrer Windabhängigkeit untersucht. CODAR mißt Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten in einem Gitter mit 3 km Auflösung. Zeitserien des Windes stammen von naheliegenden Wetterstationen. Messungen wurden von der Universität Hamburg im Rahmen von Forschungsprojekten in verschiedenen Meeresgebieten durchgeführt. Zwei dieser Gebiete liegen in der Ostsee, zwei in der Nordsee und eines umfaßt den nördlichen Teil des Toten Meeres. Von allen Gebieten existieren Meßserien an etwa 50 Gitterpunkten mit zweistündiger Abtastung und etwa 2 Wochen Dauer.Zur Bestimmung der linearen Abhängigkeit der Strömung sowohl vom Wind als auch vom Windschub werden Vektorkorrelationen berechnet. In beiden Fällen ergibt sich eine signifikante Korrelation von etwa gleichem Betrag. 35% bis 60% der Varianz der Oberflächenströmungen kann durch linearen Antrieb des Windes oder Windschubes erklärt werden. Der Quotient von Strömungs- zu Windgeschwindigkeit liegt im Bereich 0,015 bis 0,025, und es ist eine Drehung der Strömung nach rechts gegenüber dem Wind zu beobachten. Die Zerlegung des zweidimensionalen Strömungsfeldes in EOFs (empirical orthogonal eigenfunctions) ergibt für die 1. EOF einen höheren Varianzanteil als durch linearen Windantrieb erklärt werden kann.Zwei unterschiedliche Antriebsmechanismen für winderzeugte Strömungen werden diskutiert, Ekman Zirkulation und Stokes Drift. Der vertikale Austauschkoeffizient kann aus Daten bestimmt werden, vorausgesetzt daß er nicht vom Wind und der Wassertiefe abhängt. Werte von etwa 5×10^–4 m²s^–1 werden für die Ostsee und 20×10^–4 m²s^–1 für die Nordsee gefunden. Diese Werte liegen in dem Bereich, der für numerische Modelle benutzt wird.

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Ekman-Part des courants de surface, mesurés par Radar dans différents endroits

Résumé Les courants de surface mesurés par le radar CODAR (COastal raDAR), sont analysés par rapport à leur dépendence vis-à-vis du vent. Les séries temporelles du vent sont disponibles á chaque station météorologique alors que CODAR donne les vitesses des courants sur une grille de 3 km de résolution. Dans le cadre de plusieurs programmes de recherche, des études ont été faites par l'Université de Hamburg (Allemagne) dans différents endroits. Deux des zones considérées sont situées dans la Mer Baltique, deux dans la Mer du Nord et une couvre la partie Nord de la Mer Morte. Des séries temporelles d'environ 2 semaines avec un échantillonnage de 2-heures sont disponibles sur 50 points pour chaque zone.Des techniques de correlation vectorielle sont employées pour déterminer la relation linéaire entre courants de surface et d'une part la vitesse et d'autre part la pousée du vent. Dans les deux cas nous avons trouvé une correlation significative du même ordre. Le modèle linéaire forcé par les vecteurs de vitesse et pousée de vent représente de 35%–60% de la variance des courants de surface. Les rapports courant-vent varient de 0.015–0.025 et la rotation vers la droite des courants par rapport au vent a été observée. La décomposition des champs bi-dimensionnels de courant sur des fonctions propres empiriques orthogonales (EOF) donnent des taux de variance plus importants dans la lère EOF, comme expliqué par le forçage linéaire du vent.Deux mécanismes possibles de courants induits par les vents sont discutés, la circulation d'Ekman et la dérive de Stokes. Supposant une viscosité de tourbillon verticale indépendente de la vitesse du vent et de la profondeur, la viscosité est estimée. Des valeurs d'environ 5×10^–4 m²s^–1 et de 20×10^–4 m²s^–1 sont trouvées respectivement pour la Mer Baltique et la Mer du Nord, ce qui est en accord raisonable avec les valeurs utilisées dans les modèles numériques.

     

Post-eruptive volcanic dome evolution as revealed by deformation and microgravity observations at Usu volcano (Hokkaido, Japan)

Usu volcano (Hokkaido, Japan) is a dacitic volcano, known for its high production rate of lava domes and crypto-domes. It is thus a good target to study processes of volcanic dome evolution (upheaval and/or relaxation). We carried out repeated GPS and microgravity surveys on the three most recent domes of Mt. Usu (1910: Meiji Shinzan; 1943–1945: Showa-Shinzan and 1977–1982: Usu-Shinzan). The repeat period was 1 to 2 months and extended from October 1996 to June 1997. We also compare new data with results from former studies. More than 20 years after the start of Usu-Shinzan dome growth, there is still subsidence at a maximum rate of about 7 to 8 cm/year. The reasons for this subsidence are discussed. Repeated gravity surveys revealed an increase of gravity on the domes (about 60±10 microgal/year for Usu-Shinzan, about 15 microgal at Showa-Shinzan and 10 to 20 microgal for Meiji-shinzan); this gravity increase exceeds that expected due to subsidence. We discuss and interpret the excess gravity change in terms of a density increase in the edifice, caused by a combination of processes (contraction of the edifice, water level change, devesiculisation, cooling and magma intrusion). Quantification of these processes at Usu volcano may help to understand the processes of evolution at domes on other volcanoes such as Merapi (Indonesia), Unzen (Japan) or Montserrat (West Indies).     

应力波作用下节理面前后电磁辐射强度的变化

从压电体中的压电本构方程出发,得到了含石英等压电介质岩体在应力波作用下产生的电场值的关系表达式．电磁辐射强度随电阻率增大而增大,随传播距离发生衰减．对于电阻率较大导电性能较差的岩石来说,压电电荷的贡献是足够引起重视的．利用所得到的表达式对实际地震电磁信号幅值进行了估算,所得结果与实测结果吻合．依据所得到的电场值的表达式及应力波在节理面处的透射解,获得了垂直入射应力波作用下产生的电磁波在线性变形节理面前后的强度关系．研究了节理参数、岩体电性参数以及入射波频率对节理面前后电磁辐射强度的影响．结果表明,电磁辐射的强度随节理初始刚度增大而增大;对于节理面两侧岩体性质不同的情形,从理论上讲,电磁辐射强度随单个参数的变化是明确的,但在多种参数的综合影响下,电磁辐射强度变化情况相对比较复杂．本文的理论计算结果与其它众多学者得出的实验结果一致．      

崇明异常电磁扰动与台湾7.5 级强震

2002 年3 月31 日14 时52 分在台湾以东海中发生7.5 级强地震, 地震发生前后上海市地震局崇明地震台电磁波仪器记录到了一系列强烈电磁辐射异常信息, 其中震前最早的信息出现在24 天前, 最迟的信息出现在震前5 小时且幅度最大。主震发生前电磁辐射异常信号的振荡幅度随着主震临近而增大, 主震发生后又降了下来。余震期间的电磁辐射异常信息也十分丰富。文中探讨了这些电磁辐射异常信号与强震之间的关系, 结合多种震例的记录认为这类震前电磁辐射异常信号可作为临震前的一种信息。为认识和丰富震前电磁辐射前兆异常的现象与研究增加了新的内容。     

Specific features of resonance structures in spectra of ULF electromagnetic noise at high latitudes (Barentsburg observatory)

Results of studying resonance spectral structures (RSSs) of the noise background in the frequency range 0.1–5 Hz at Barentsburg high-latitude observatory (Spitsbergen) are presented. It has been indicated that the diurnal variations in the observation probability and the long-term variations in the RSS observation cannot be explained by variations in the illumination of the ionosphere by the Sun. Based on an analysis of the magnetic measurements, the conclusion is drawn that a decrease in the RSS registration probability in daytime hours and in winter months are related to an increase in the variability of ionospheric parameters. It has been indicated that the RSS source is located in the region above an observation point, and the horizontal scale of this source is 100–200 km, which agrees with the concepts of the role of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator in the formation of RSS.     

瞬变电磁探测系统(CASTEM)试验对比——安徽颖上大王庄铁矿

为推进国产电磁勘探设备的高端化进程,自主研发了CASTEM瞬变电磁系统.在前期系统开发、测试及集成基础上,开展野外试验研究,以检验CASTEM系统的稳定性及探测能力.选择已取得显著勘探成果的安徽颖上县大王庄铁矿进行试验,试验内容包括大功率发射机性能、接收系统噪声性能、实测响应曲线和反演效果,并与国际高端瞬变电磁仪在上述几方面进行了对比.试验结果表明CASTEM系统的各项指标性能稳定、可靠,已达到国际先进水平;探测成果与高端瞬变电磁仪器探测成果以及钻孔资料相吻合,表明CASTEM系统可以用于深部勘探.     

Simultaneous observations of the natural electromagnetic emission in the ELF-VLF range at Kamchatka and in Yakutia during the solar eclipse of August 1, 2008

The effect of the solar eclipse that occurred on August 1, 2008, on the level of the natural electro-magnetic emission signals in the ELF-VLF range, simultaneously observed at Kamchatka and in Yakutsk, and the variations in the amplitude and phase of signals from the VLF radiostations, registered in Yakutsk, has been considered. The VLF radiostations in Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, and Khabarovsk successively emitted signals at frequencies of 11 905, 12 649, and 14 880 Hz. Based on the observations of the signals from these radiostations, it has been established that the signal amplitudes and phases increased by 3–5% and 30°–45° when the signals crossed the lunar shadow region. The synchronous registration of the ELF-VLF noise emission indicated that a bay-like increase and the following decrease in the emission to the background level was observed at both receiving points during the eclipse from ∼1000 to 1130 UT. This effect was registered at frequencies of 0.6–5.6 kHz in Yakutsk and at lower (30–200 Hz) and higher (2.5–11 kHz) frequencies at Kamchatka. In this case the noise emission intensity maximum was observed when the lunar shadow maximally approached the registration point. At higher frequencies, the emission maximum was observed simultaneously at both points (at 1100 UT) but with a delay relative to the maximum at lower frequencies. The possible causes of the appearance of the solar eclipse effects in the natural ELF-VLF emission are considered.     

A spatter-forming, large-scale paroxysm at Stromboli Volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy): insight into magma evolution and eruption dynamics

This study focuses on a pyroclastic sequence related to a large-scale paroxysm that occurred during the seventeenth century ad and which can be considered one of the most powerful and hazardous explosive events at the volcano in the past few centuries. Paroxysms are energetic, short-lived explosions which sporadically interrupt normal Strombolian activity at Stromboli and commonly erupt a deep-derived, volatile-rich crystal-poor high-potassium basalt (“low porphyricity” (LP)), together with a shallow, degassed crystal-rich high-potassium to shoshonitic basalt (“high porphyricity” (HP)), which feed normal activity at the volcano. The studied deposit, crops out along the flanks of Sciara del Fuoco and, from base to top, consists of: (1) a layer of HP and LP ash and lapilli; (2) an unwelded layer of coarse HP lapilli and flattened dark scoriae; (3) weakly welded spatter made up of dense HP pyroclasts at the base, overlain by strongly vesicular LP clasts. The textural and chemical zoning of minerals and the glass chemistry of the LP products record repeated mafic recharge events, mixing with an old mushy body and episodes of rapid crystallization due to sudden degassing. Collapse of a foam layer originated by deep degassing probably triggered this large-scale, spatter-forming paroxysm. Decompression induced rapid degassing and vesiculation of the deep volatile-rich magma. The rapid ascent of the foamy magma blob pushed the shallow HP magma out and finally produced a fire fountain that emplaced the LP portion of the spatter.     

The influence of bedrock orientation on the landscape evolution,surface morphology and denudation (10Be) at the Niesen,Switzerland

Landscape evolution and surface morphology in mountainous settings are a function of the relative importance between sediment transport processes acting on hillslopes and in channels, modulated by climate variables. The Niesen nappe in the Swiss Penninic Prealps presents a unique setting in which opposite facing flanks host basins underlain by identical lithologies, but contrasting litho‐tectonic architectures where lithologies either dip parallel to the topographic slope or in the opposite direction (i.e. dip slope and non‐dip slope). The north‐western facing Diemtigen flank represents such a dip slope situation and is characterized by a gentle topography, low hillslope gradients, poorly dissected channels, and it hosts large landslides. In contrast, the south‐eastern facing Frutigen side can be described as non‐dip slope flank with deeply incised bedrock channels, high mean hillslope gradients and high relief topography. Results from morphometric analysis reveal that noticeable differences in morphometric parameters can be related to the contrasts in the relative importance of the internal hillslope‐channel system between both valley flanks. While the contrasting dip‐orientations of the underlying flysch bedrock has promoted hillslope and channelized processes to contrasting extents and particularly the occurrence of large landslides on the dip slope flank, the flank averaged beryllium‐10 (¹⁰Be)‐derived denudation rates are very similar and range between 0.20 and 0.26 mm yr^?1. In addition, our denudation rates offer no direct relationship to basin's slope, area, steepness or concavity index, but reveal a positive correlation to mean basin elevation that we interpret as having been controlled by climatically driven factors such as frost‐induced processes and orographic precipitation. Our findings illustrate that while the landscape properties in this part of the northern Alpine border can mainly be related to the tectonic architecture of the underlying bedrock, the denudation rates have a strong orographic control through elevation dependent mean annual temperature and precipitation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spatial-temporal characterization of the San Andreas Fault by fault-zone trapped waves at seismic experiment site,Parkfield, California

In this article, we review our previous research for spatial and temporal characterizations of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) at Parkfield, using the fault-zone trapped wave (FZTW) since the middle 1980s. Parkfield, California has been taken as a scientific seismic experimental site in the USA since the 1970s, and the SAF is the target fault to investigate earthquake physics and forecasting. More than ten types of field experiments (including seismic, geophysical, geochemical, geodetic and so on) have been carried out at this experimental site since then. In the fall of 2003, a pair of scientific wells were drilled at the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) site; the main-hole (MH) passed a ～200-m-wide low-velocity zone (LVZ) with highly fractured rocks of the SAF at a depth of ～3.2 km below the wellhead on the ground level (Hickman et al., 2005; Zoback, 2007; Lockner et al., 2011). Borehole seismographs were installed in the SAFOD MH in 2004, which were located within the LVZ of the fault at ～3-km depth to probe the internal structure and physical properties of the SAF. On September 282004, a M6 earthquake occurred ～15 km southeast of the town of Parkfield. The data recorded in the field experiments before and after the 2004 M6 earthquake provided a unique opportunity to monitor the co-mainshock damage and post-seismic heal of the SAF associated with this strong earthquake. This retrospective review of the results from a sequence of our previous experiments at the Parkfield SAF, California, will be valuable for other researchers who are carrying out seismic experiments at the active faults to develop the community seismic wave velocity models, the fault models and the earthquake forecasting models in global seismogenic regions.     

Oxidation and emission of methane in a monomictic lake (Rotsee, Switzerland)

The build-up of methane in the hypolimnion of the eutrophic Lake Rotsee (Lucerne, Switzerland) was monitored over a full year. Sources and sinks of methane in the water column were characterized by measuring concentrations and carbon isotopic composition. In fall, high methane concentrations (up to 1 mM) were measured in the anoxic water layer. In the oxic layer, methane concentrations were much lower and the isotopic composition shifted towards heavy carbon isotopes. Methane oxidation rates peaked at the interface between oxic and anoxic water layers at around 8–10 m depth. The electron balance between the oxidants oxygen, sulphate, and nitrate, and the reductants methane, sulphide and ammonium, matched very well in the chemocline during the stratified season. The profile of carbon isotopic composition of methane showed strong indications for methane oxidation at the chemocline (including the oxycline). Aerobic methane oxidizing bacteria were detected at the interface using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Sequencing the responsible organisms from DGGE bands revealed that aerobic methanotrophs type I closely related to Methylomonas were present. Sulphate consumption occurred at the sediment surface and, only towards the end of the stagnation period, matched with a zone of methane consumption. In any case, the flux of sulphate below the chemocline was not sufficient to oxidize all the methane and other oxidants like nitrate, iron or manganese are necessary for the observed methane oxidation. Although most of the methane was oxidized either aerobically or anaerobically, Lake Rotsee was still a source of methane to the atmosphere with emission rates between 0.2 mg CH₄ m^?2 day^?1 in February and 7 mg CH₄ m^?2 day^?1 in November.     

Determination of directions of horizontal principal stress and identification of active faults in Kachchh (India) by electromagnetic radiation (EMR)

The Kachchh basin in the western India is known for its recent high seismicity. This study presents an application of the geogenic Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) technique for deciphering the directions of principal horizontal stress in the eastern Kachchh. The principal direction of horizontal stress obtained from EMR differs from those obtained from earthquake focal plane solutions. The major horizontal principal stress based on the EMR study shows an azimuth of N60°E ± 10°. The principal directions of EMR emissions are parallel to the acute bisector of conjugate microcracks. The azimuthal distribution of EMR signal and dimension of microcracks suggest that the EM emissions are transversely polarized.The study also deals with the first application of electromagnetic radiation emissions to identify active fracture planes in sandstones that could become potential active faults later, which might be seismogenic or nonseimogenic. This study is based on linear profiling at six different places across two major faults, the Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF) and the South Wagad Fault (SWF) in the eastern Kachchh. Anomalously, high EMR emissions are observed in the eastern part of the KMF, indicating active surface deformation.     

Evolution of fumarolic gases — boundary conditions set by measured parameters: case study at Vulcano,Italy

Physical, chemical and isotopic parameters were measured in fumaroles at the Vulcano crater and in drowned fumaroles near the beach. The data were used to define boundary conditions for possible conceptual models of the system.Crater fumaroles: time variations of CO₂ and SO₂ concentrations indicate mixing of saline gas-rich water with local fresh water. Cl/Br ratios of 300– 400 favour sea-water as a major source for Cl, Brand part of the water in the fumaroles. Cl concentrations and D values revealed, independently, amixing of 0.75 sea-water with 0.25 local freshwaterin furmarole F-5 during September 1982.Patterns of parameter correlation and mass balances reveal that CO₂, S, NH₃ and B originate from sources other than sea water. The CO₂ value of ¹³C = – 2%_o favours, at least partial, origin from decomposition of sedimentary rocks rather than mantle-derived material. Radiogenic⁴He(1.3 × lO^–3 ccSTP/g water) and radiogenic⁴⁰Ar(10.6 × 10^–4 ccSTP/g water) are observed, (⁴He/⁴⁰Ar)_radiogenic = 1.2, well in the range of values observed in geothermal systems.Drowned fumaroles: strongly bubbling gas at a pond and at the beachappears to have the same origin and initial compositionas the crater fumaroles (2 km away). The fumarolic gas is modified by depletion of the reactive gases, caused by dissolution in shallow-water. Atmospheric Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe are addeden route, some radiogenic He and Ar are maintained. The Vulcano system seems to be strongly influenced by the contribution of sea-water and decomposition of sedimentary rocks. Evidence of magmatic contributions is mainly derived from heat.     

Determination of dispersive phase velocities by complex seismic trace analysis of surface waves (CASW)

A method for deriving experimental dispersion curves of surface waves from active source recordings is presented. The method is based on the complex seismic trace analysis of surface waves (CASW) and is applicable when only two receivers are available.     

Temporal changes in Sphingomonas and Mycobacterium populations in mangrove sediments contaminated with different concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

The change in community diversity and structure of the indigenous, dominant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacterial genera, Sphingomonas and Mycobacterium, due to contamination in the environment is not very well known. A combination of PCR-DGGE with specific primers and a cultivation-dependent microbiological method was used to detect different populations of Sphingomonas and Mycobacterium in mangrove sediments. The structure of the entire bacterial community (including Sphingomonas) did not show a shift due to environmental contamination, whereas the diversity of Mycobacterium populations in mangrove sediments with higher PAH contamination increased from exposure between Day 0 and Day 30. The isolated Mycobacterium strains migrated to the same position as the major bands of the bacterial communities in Mycobacterium-specific DGGE. A dioxygenase gene system, nidA, which is commonly found in PAH-degrading Mycobacterium strains, was also detected in the more highly contaminated sediment slurries. The present study revealed that Mycobacterium species were the dominant PAH-degraders and played an important role in degrading PAHs in contaminated mangrove sediments.