The effect of impoundments on the structure and function of fish fauna in a highly regulated dry tropics estuary

Ross River flows through the Townsville/Thuringowa urban area in north Queensland, Australia, which has a dry tropical climate characterized by high inter-annual rainfall variation. Unregulated rivers in the Ross catchment basin deliver freshwater flows to their estuaries during both strong and weak wet seasons. The construction of a series of dams and weirs on Ross River means the wet-dry cycle is accentuated, leading to constant marine salinities throughout the estuary becoming the norm, with a lack of freshwater flow for five or more years at a time. The fish fauna of Ross River estuary was sampled in the post wet and dry seasons during an extremely dry climatic period (1994) and extremely wet climatic period (2000) using a small mesh (6 mm) pocket seine net. The fish fauna seemed to reflect seasonal differences. Catches from 1994 (dry period) were comprised entirely of 88 marine and euryhaline species, while the 69 species captured in 2000 (wet period) included 13 freshwater species. However, the freshwater species in the upper estuary were individuals washed over the weir, rather than part of a functional faunal gradient. During 1994 faunal composition was related more to site identity than to the position of the site along an upstream gradient. In contrast, during 2000 there were clear upstream faunal gradients with compositions in upstream sites heavily influenced by freshwater species, and marine and euryhaline species dominating downstream sites. Patterns of species dominance also varied between years. In contrast, trophic composition showed consistent shifts in both years, from high proportions of herbivores, carnivores and benthoplanktivores in May towards high proportions of benthivores in August. Not only do faunal composition, seasonal faunal change and ecological connectivity seem to be impaired, but ecological processes in the estuary that rely on seasonal freshwater flows are likely to be unable to operate normally in most years. The extreme seasonality in Ross River may serve as a model for many of the changes that will be experienced in dry tropics estuaries under global climate change scenarios of more extreme seasonality.     

Water quality assessment and hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater on the aspect of metals in an old town,Foshan, south China

The present study is aimed at assessing the water quality and discussing the hydrochemical characteristics and seasonal variation of shallow groundwater on the aspect of metals in the eastern Chancheng district of Foshan city, south China. Multivariate analytical methods such as principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used in this study. The results show that 45% of groundwater in the east-central of study area is not suitable for drinking purpose due to high concentrations of Fe, Pb and Mn. The mean concentrations of Fe, Hg, Cu, Pb, and Mn in dry season are higher than that in wet season. On the contrary, the mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Zn, Ba, Cr, Mo, Ni and Al in wet season are higher than that in dry season. PCA results show that four PCs are responsible for the 78.6% of the total hydrochemical variables in groundwater. Three groups were generated from HCA method. Group 1 reflects the characteristic of wet season and the low ion exchange capacity; group 2 is mainly influenced by the dry season. Reducing environment and high ion exchange capacity are responsible for group 3. The results are useful in addressing future measures in groundwater resource management for local government.     

Phytoplankton production and seasonal biomass variation of seagrass,Ruppia maritima L., in a tropical Mexican lagoon with an ephemeral inlet

Plankton metabolism andRuppia maritima biomass were measured seasonally during 1982–83 in El Verde Lagoon, a small coastal lagoon with an ephemeral inlet on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Total net aquatic primary production was 521 g C m^?2 y^?1. The water column was slightly heterotrophic, with an annual P/R ratio of 0.89. Our analysis indicates that tropical and subtropical coastal lagoons with restricted or seasonal inlets have generally higher net aquatic primary productivity levels than lagoons with permanently open inlets. We hypothesize that this is due to retention of nutrients and plankton stocks during the dry season. The seasonal pattern of water column metabolism was related to rainfall and riverflow, with higher values generally occurring during the wet season. Net production and respiration were about three times lower during the 1982 dry season as compared to the 1983 dry season which received considerable rains due to abnormal climatic conditions. The biomass ofR. maritima ranged from zero to 620 g dry wt m^?2. Growth occurred only during the dry season and there were two distinct biomass peaks representing two separate crops. The second crop was heavily epiphytized with nitrogen-fixing algae. There was an apparent succession in dominance of water column productivity over the year, withRuppia dominating during the dry season and phytoplankton more important during the wet season.     

Composition of macrobenthos from the Central Indian Ocean Basin

The deep sea is well known for its high faunal diversity. But the current interest in its abundant polymetallic nodules, poses a threat to the little known benthic organisms surviving in this unique environment. The present study is the first attempt to document the Indian Ocean abyssal benthic diversity of macroinvertebrates and to investigate its relation to the surface primary production (chl-a), sediment labile organic matter, organic carbon and texture. The present study is based on 87 individuals. Altogether 39 macroinvertebrate genera were obtained from water depths of 4500–5500 m from 23 box cores. Reduction in macrobenthic density was seen towards the southern latitudes. The area was dominated by deposit feeding macrobenthos. Vertically, the fauna was distributed down to 30 cm depth, with the highest faunal density in the top 2–5 cm sediment section. The values for population density were strongly correlated with surface water chl-a and sediment protein, indicating supply of fresh organic matter as a critical factor for maintaining the deep sea benthic diversity and abundance.     

The macroinfaunal community of a tropical estuarine lagoon

The benthic macroinfauna of Lagunal Joyuda, a coastal lagoon in Puerto Rico, was surveyed for two years. Seven hundred fifty core samples yielded 23 macrobenthic taxa. The oligochaeteThalassodrilides gurwitschi comprised 43.4% of the number of individuals collected. Polychaetes comprised 35.4% of the individuals, includingCapitella cf.capitata, Dasybranchus lumbricoides, andSteninonereis martini in approximately equal numbers. The amphipodGrandidierella bonnieroides made up 11.5% of the community. The lagoon yielded fewer species than other tropical estuaries in the Caribbean and Atlantic, but the trophic composition, mostly deposit feeders, was similar. Seasonal patterns in the abundance of individuals were most pronounced in the central basin, with maximum number of organisms during the wet season, and a minimum in the dry season. Responses to rainfall events, however, were variable and probably related to migration patterns in predators. Macrofaunal biomass demonstrated a high degree of annual variation at all sampling stations with a marked increase in 1987. Low macrofaunal biomass, lack of temporal association with physical-chemical conditions, and inverse relationships with predator populations suggest that patterns of macrofaunal abundance in Laguna Joyuda are mediated primarily by biotic mechanisms. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY050 00006     

Detecting Freshwater Inputs via Groundwater Discharge to Marina Lagoon, Mediterranean Coast, Egypt

Much work in recent years has reported on the role of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) on coastal biogeochemistry, but most of those studies have focused on temperate or tropical climates where year-round rainfall recharges surficial aquifers. The aim of this work, however, was to examine SGD behaviors in an arid setting??Marina Lagoon on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. SGD was estimated via radon surveys and time-series measurements in lagoon waters during two campaigns (wet season in March 2009 and dry season in July 2010). Relatively higher values of radon were detected in March (maximum >30?dpm/L) compared to July (up to 16?dpm/L), which would indicate either enhanced input rates, or lower mixing/atmospheric losses during the wet season. Lower salinity waters within Marina Lagoon were characterized by higher radon and higher concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and silica (DISi), characteristic of groundwater inputs. Based on lagoon and groundwater radon measurements and an advection-diffusion model, SGD average rates between 0.83 to 2.4?×?10⁸?L/day were estimated for both surveys. Since no seasonal pattern was detected, we suspect that either (1) SGD is derived from a regional aquifer not influenced by recharge from local rainfall or (2) local water use for irrigation and domestic purposes artificially recharges the surficial aquifer in the dry summer (tourist) months, which compensates for the lack of rainfall occurring at that time.     

Changes in benthos following the clean-up of a severely metalpolluted cove in the Hudson River estuary: Environmental restoration or ecological disturbance?

We studied changes in macrobenthic communities following the environmental clean-up of metal-polluted (cadmium, nickel, and cobalt) sediments in Foundry Cove, a small inlet within the Hudson River estuary of New York. We used a BACI-style experiment to test the hypotheses that high levels of cadmium in sediments change macrobenthic assemblages relative to unpolluted areas, and removal of metals (especially cadmium) by dredging will restore the benthos, such that benthic fauna in Foundry Cove are not different from unpolluted areas. In 1984, prior to the restoration work, there were no significant differneces between macrobenthic assemblages in polluted and unpolluted locations, indicating that cadmium had little effect on community structure. The lack of an observed toxicity effect may have been caused by the compensatory evolution of resistance to cadmium in dominant organisms. Six years after the restoration work and despite a substantial reduction in metal pollution, there were lower abundances of oligochaetes, nematodes, and chironomids and a higher abundance of polychaetes at Foundry Cove relative to reference locations. Correlative analyses identified greater sediment compaction caused by dredging at Foundry, Cove as a possible cause of faunal differences. The results demonstrate that it is difficult to accurately predict, the effects of anthropogenic disturbances and restorations in complex natural systems and that unforeseen side effects are inevitable. Documenting these unpredicted effects and experimentally understanding their causes in past restorations will greatly improve the success and cost-effectiveness of future projects of a similar type.     

Assessing the seasonal influence of sewage and agricultural nutrient inputs in a subtropical river estuary

A combination of physical and chemical measurements and biological indicators identified nutrient impacts throughout an Australian subtropical river estuary. This was a balance of sewage inputs in the lower river and agricultural inputs in the mid-upper river, the combined influence being greater in the wet season due to greater agricultural surface runoff. Field sampling in the region was conducted at 6 sites within the river, over 5 surveys to encapsulate both wet and dry seasonal effects. Parameters assessed were tissue nitrogen (N) contents and σ¹⁵N signatures of mangroves and macroalgae, phytoplankton nutrient addition bioassays, and standard physical and chemical variables. Strong spatial (within river) and temporal (seasonal) variability was observed in all parameters. Poorest water quality was detected in the middle (agricultural) region of the river in the wet season attributable to large diffuse inputs in this region. Water quality towards the river mouth remained constant irrespective of season due to strong oceanic flushing. Mangrove and macroalgal tissue σ¹⁵N and %N proved a successful combination for discerning sewage and agricultural inputs. Elevated σ¹⁵N and %N represented sewage inputs, whereas low σ¹⁵N and elevated %N was indicative of agricultural inputs. Phytoplankton bioassays found the system to be primarily responsive to nutrient additions in the warmer wet season, with negligible responses observed in the cooler dry season. These results indicate that the Tweed River is sensitive to the different anthropogenic activities in its catchment and that each activity has a unique influence on receiving water quality.     

Heavy metal trends in the Calabar River, Nigeria

. Heavy metal concentrations in sediments of the Calabar River: Pb (0.6–30 ppm); Ni (1.2–22.5 ppm); Cr (0.6–3.3 ppm); Cu (0.3–48 ppm); Zn (0.8–27 ppm); Fe (0.2–2,880 ppm) and V (0 ppm) are generally below levels that are known to be harmful to aquatic biota. Metal levels displayed marked seasonal, spatial and tidal variations, which are attributed to both anthropogenic influences and natural processes in the environment. Iron and Cr increased during the dry season (January), while Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni had their peak values in the wet season (September). High values of metals during the wet season indicate inputs through human activities mediated by rainfall. Relatively higher concentrations of metals are obtained during high tide compared to low tide regime. This is attributed to redox processes in the sediment and subsequent displacement of sediment pore water rich in metals by seawater intrusion during high tide. Higher values of Fe observed in the dry compared to the wet season may be attributed to oxidation and precipitation of soluble forms brought into the river during the wet season.     

Macrozooplankton and micronekton of the lower San Francisco estuary: Seasonal, interannual, and regional variation in relation to environmental conditions

Macrozooplankton and micronekton are intermediaries linking lower trophic levels (e.g., phytoplankton and mesozooplankton) to higher ones (e.g., fishes and birds). These organisms have not been extensively studied in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), California. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and abundance of macrozooplankton and micronekton in the SFE and to describe how these vary seasonally, interannually, and regionally in relation to environmental variables. Water column macrozooplankton and micronekton were sampled monthly from September 1997 to December 2000 at 6 stations spanning North, Central, and South Bays using a Methot Trawl. The macrozo oplankton and micronekton in the lower SFE were dominated by 4 fishes and 7 invertebrates that comprised 98% of the total catch. Correspondence analyses revealed 4 groups of species that exhibited similar patterns of distribution and abundance. The assemblages changed between the wet and dry seasons and with distance from the coastal ocean. Based on abundance patterns, the dominant taxa in the lower SFE can be classified as: organisms spawned from common members of neritic assemblages that use mostly North Bay and that are abundant during the dry season (Clupea pallasi, Spirinchus thaleichthys, Porichthys notates); estuarine-dependent organisms with broad distributions in the estuary year-round (Crangon franciscorum, Crangon nigricauda, Engraulis mordax); resident species remaining within the estuary but occurring mostly in South Bay during the wet season (Palaemon macrodactlyus, Synidotea laticauda, Neomysis kadiakensis); and gelatinous species (Pleurobrachia bachei, Polyorchis spp.) occuring in all three bays with a single peak in abundance in December and January in North and South Bays. The variation in distribution, abundance, and composition of macrozooplankton and micronekton was related to life history strategies, distance from the coastal ocean, and season.     

Seasonal and spatial variations of water quality,substrate and aquatic macrophytes based on side scan sonar,in an eastern Mediterranean lagoon (Kaiafas,Ionian Sea)

Temporal and spatial variations of environmental and water quality parameters and their relations with macrobenthic flora were investigated in an eastern Mediterranean lagoon. Kaiafas is a mesohaline lagoon, which is influenced by point and diffused sources from the adjacent agricultural land and the nearby city. Water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, microbial load and primary production, on a seasonal and spatial scale, while heavy metal concentrations were measured into two different sediment cores. An overall analysis of seasonal dynamics of water parameters and Chl-a based on trophic index TSI pointed out the lagoon as eutrophic. According to water quality parameters the lagoon was separated into two parts. The southern sector of the lagoon which was more affected by human activities showed higher nutrients, Chl-a, heavy metals and total Coliforms concentrations. Sediment texture and distribution of macrophytes were detected through the acoustic side scan sonar method, which proved to be a promising tool for defining and monitoring vegetation coverage of shallow lagoons. A number of distinct echo types and three different sediment types were revealed on the basis of the backscatter level and the variability of low and high backscatter areas. Furthermore, the extension and the coverage of Potamogeton pectinatus and Chara hispida f. corfuensis were successively depicted by combining the data of SSS and ground truthing samples. Meadows of P. pectinatus were established to the lagoon limits where high turbidity and silty substrate occurred, while C. hispida f. corfuensis was limited in deep and high transparent waters with sandy substrate.     

乌鲁木齐河源1号冰川雪-冰界面含氮离子迁移研究

冰川积累区雪-冰界面附近的化学物质迁移对冰芯记录的形成具有重要意义,为讨论主要含氮离子在这一界面的迁移,本研究基于2004年11月至2006年3月在天山乌鲁木齐河源1号冰川连续采集的64组雪冰样品分析了NO3与NH4+的变化情况.结果表明,雪层底部干季(11月至翌年3月)含氮离子浓度的平均值高于湿季(4-10月)的,而...     

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and hydrologic mixing in a subtropical riverine estuary,southwest Florida,USA

Physical and chemical parameters were measured in a subtropical estuary with a blind river source in southwest Florida, United States, to assess seasonal discharge of overland flow and groundwater in hydrologic mixing. Water temperature, pH, salinity, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), δ¹⁸O, and δ¹³C_DIC varied significantly due to seasonal rainfall and climate. Axial distribution of the physical and chemical parameters constrained by tidal conditions during sampling showed that river water at low tide was a mixture of freshwater from overland flow and saline ground-water in the wet season and mostly saline groundwater in the dry season. Relationships between salinity and temperature, δ¹⁸O, and DIC for both the dry and wet seasons showed that DIC was most sensitive to seawater mixing in the estuary as DIC changed in concentration between values measured in river water at the tidal front to the most seaward station. A salinity-δ¹³C_DIC model was able to describe seawater mixing in the estuary for the wet season but not for the dry season because river water salinity was higher than that of seawater and the salinity gradient between seawater and river water was small. A DIC-δ¹³C_DIC mixing model was able to describe mixing of carbon from sheet flow and river water at low tide, and river water and seawater at high tide for both wet and dry seasons. The DIC-δ¹³C_DIC model was able to predict the seawater end member DIC for the wet season. The model was not able to predict the seawater end member DIC for the dry season data due to secondary physical and biogeochemical processes that altered estuarine DIC prior to mixing with seawater. The results of this study suggest that DIC and δ¹³C_DIC can provide additional insights into mixing of river water and seawater in estuaries during periods where small salinity gradients between river water and seawater and higher river water salinities preclude the use of salinity-carbon models.     

The effect of dried and cracked sediment on the availability of phosphorus in a coastal lagoon

Caimanero Lagoon (Sinaloa, México) is subjected to alternate periods of low water and flooding. In the first case, more than 70% of the lagoon is dry, cracked and colonized by halophytes to a variable proportion. During the dry season, mineralization of organic matter and reavailability of phosphorus takes place to a great extent. So far, the effect of dried and cracked sediment on the reincorporation of phosphorus to the coastal lagoon ecosystem has not been evaluated. This work is the result of experiments which emulate natural conditions present during the dry season and the beginning of the flood season under the influence of tidal flux. The availability of phosphorus (orthophosphates and soluble phosphates) was significantly increased in the dry and cracked material; this phosphorus is derived from the mineralization of organic matter present in the sediment. The amount of soluble organic matter also increased during the dry season. The sedimentary drying and cracking process contributes significantly to estuarine productivity.     

A model for temporal changes in the faunal composition of shell gravels during a transgression on the continental shelf around the British Isles

The faunal composition of many of the cool-temperate Holocene biogenic carbonates on the continental shelf around the British Isles reflects the composition of the living fauna of the source area, although the relative proportions of particular faunal components may differ. Radiocarbon dating confirms the presence of material of various ages. Older debris is frequently discoloured and heavily bored. More recent components are unstained and contain fewer borings. Faunas can be grouped into Hard Substrate and Soft Substrate Associations.

A model is proposed for the sedimentological and faunal development of a tidal current-dominated, temperate continental shelf for several stages from low to high sea level for a shelf with (a) abundant sand supply and (b) sparse sand supply. In (a) at the start of transgression the available siliciclastic sand is initially formed into hummocky cross-stratified sands. As sea level rises, tidal currents develop and a suite of bedforms is formed. As sea level continues to rise these migrate shorewards. Sand banks and sand waves have a low faunal density and diversity. Following cessation of sand supply the sediments gradually coarsen with the accumulation of bioclastic debris. In (b), hard substrate faunas dominate throughout. As sea level rises, sand patches with a diverse fauna develop on the outer shelf. Following cessation of the sand supply the sediments become coarser.

Faunal diversity is likely to be greatest on continental shelves with minimal clastic sediment supply. Faunal assemblages from abundant sand shelves can be distinguished by the presence of a much higher proportion of infaunal species.     

Mercury speciation and distribution in Aha Reservoir which was contaminated by coal mining activities in Guiyang, Guizhou, China

Two sampling campaigns were carried out in March and August 2005 representing dry and wet seasons, respectively, to investigate the distribution patterns of Hg species in the water column and sediment profiles at two sampling stations in Aha Reservoir located in Guiyang, Southwestern China. Aha Reservoir has been contaminated by Hg due to small scale coal mining activities. Mercury concentrations in both water and sediment were elevated. A clearly seasonal variation of dissolved Hg (DHg), particulate Hg (PHg) and total Hg (THg) concentrations in the water column was observed. The concentrations of these Hg species in the wet season were significantly higher than in the dry season. Runoff input and diffusion of Hg from sediments could be the reasons for elevated concentrations of these Hg species in the wet season. The contaminated sediment is acting as a secondary contamination source for both inorganic Hg (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) to the overlying water. The cycling of Mn in the sediment governs the diffusion process of IHg to the water column. In the dry season (winter and spring), Mn occurs as MnO₂ because the uppermost part of sediment is in an oxic condition and Hg ions are absorbed by MnO₂. In the wet season (summer and fall), the uppermost part of the sediment profile is in a reduced condition because of stratification of the water column and MnO₂ is reduced to Mn²⁺, which results in transformation of Hg²⁺ into porewater as Mn²⁺ became soluble. This causes a higher diffusive flux of IHg from sediment to overlying water in the wet season. Both sampling stations showed a consistent trend that THg concentrations decreased in the uppermost part of sediment cores. This demonstrated that the measures taken to reduce ADM contamination to Aha Reservoir also reduced Hg input to the reservoir. Methyl Hg diffusive fluxes from sediment to overlying water were higher in the wet season than the dry season demonstrating that high temperatures favor Hg methylation processes in sediment.     

珠江流域降水干湿时空特征及气候因子影响研究

利用模糊C-均值聚类算法、皮尔逊相关和滑动相关分析等方法,对珠江流域做了气候一致性分析,在此基础上,研究了珠江流域不同分区年降水和干湿季降水变化的时空特征,分析了区域干湿变化与厄尔尼诺-南方涛动(ENSO)、北大西洋涛动(NAO)、印度洋偶极子(IOD)和太平洋10年涛动(PDO)等主要气候因子的遥相关关系,探讨了珠江流域干湿变化的气候成因。在此基础上,进一步研究上述气候指标对不同时间尺度干湿变化影响的平稳性与差异性。除此之外,还研究了气候指标的冷暖期对基于6个月SPI值的珠江流域干湿状态的影响。研究表明:(1)IOD、NAO和ENSO分别是导致珠江流域年降水、湿季降水和干季降水发生变化的主要影响因素,且对当年及下一年降水的影响是相反的。(2)珠江流域不同时间尺度的降水与对其有显著影响的气候指标(年降水与IOD,湿季降水与NAO,干季降水与ENSO),两者之间不同时期的滑动相关往往具有较强的相关性和前后相关一致性。(3)各气候指标对珠江流域不同时间尺度降水的影响在空间分布上不太均匀。(4)不同位相下气候指标对珠江流域干湿状态的影响存在较大差异。总体而言,当处于各气候指标暖期时珠江流域出现湿润期的概率较冷期时更大且在空间分布上更均匀。     

Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes for the characteristics of groundwater recharge: a case study from the Chih-Pen Creek basin,Taiwan

Assessing the seasonal variation of groundwater recharge is important for effective management of groundwater resources. Stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen were used to estimate the sources of groundwater and seasonal contributions of precipitation to groundwater recharge in Chih-Pen Creek basin of eastern Taiwan. Based on the isotopes of precipitation (n = 177), two different local meteoric water regression lines (LMWL) can be obtained for the different seasons: δD = 8.06¹⁸O + 10.08 for wet season precipitation (May through October) and δD = 8.65δ¹⁸O + 17.09 for dry season precipitation (November through April). The slope and intercept of regression line for wet season precipitation are virtually identical to the global meteoric water line (GMWL) of Craig (1961). In contrast to during dry season precipitation due to evaporation effect the intercept of 17.09 is much higher than of the GMWL of 10. The results show the stable isotopes compositions of precipitation decrease with increasing rainfall amount and air temperature, due to the amount effect of precipitation is pronounced. The amount effect is clearly but do not show the temperature effect from January to December 2007. Using a mass-balance equation, a comparison of deuterium excess or d values of precipitation and groundwater indicates the groundwater consist of 76% wet season precipitation and 24% dry season precipitation, representing a distinct seasonal variation of groundwater recharge in study area. About 79% of the groundwater is recharged from the river water of the mountain watershed and 21% is from the rain that falls on the basin.     

溶洞穴滴水元素季节变化及其气候指示意义研究—以贵州省麻黄洞为例

为揭示岩溶洞穴滴水元素季节变化特征及其对外界气候环境变化的响应关系,对贵州绥阳双河洞系支洞麻黄洞内3处滴水的Mg、Ca、Sr元素进行了为期13个月的监测。结果显示:(1)3个滴水点M1、M2和M3的水化学类型主要为HCO3·Ca型,岩溶水对于方解石与白云石等矿物的溶解处于饱和状态;(2)上覆土壤和岩层厚度逐渐增加,导致水-土-岩作用时间也随之增加;(3)Ca^2+、Mg^2+、Sr^2+浓度变化总体上呈逐级递增的特点,各离子浓度在高温多雨季节波动幅度大,低温少雨季节变化平稳;(4)Mg/Ca、Sr/Ca均表现出雨季低、旱季高的特征,反映该地区外界干湿条件的变化;(5)由模型模拟显示,3个滴水点皆以PCP/ICD作用为主,M1对降雨响应不敏感,M2滴率与离子浓度呈雨季高、旱季低的变化规律,M3位于洞穴最深、顶板最厚处,滴率与离子浓度无显著季节变化特征。结合各滴水点洞穴环境变化规律,推断M2更能准确响应外界气候环境变化。     

Jurassic ammonite faunas from Nepal and their bearing on the palaeobiogeography of the Himalayan belt

From the Upper Bathonian up to the Tithonian–Berriasian, six main faunas and twelve basic faunal assemblages within them are distinguished in Nepal. The successive faunas show (1) low taxonomic diversity and (2) the dominance of a small number of genera and the subordinate place of the associated taxa.The assemblages include: (1) strictly Tethyan (e.g., Mediterranean or European Tethyan) species and/or genera, very few in number and occurring as isolated individuals or discontinuous faunal horizons; (2) Indo-Malagasian components, some scattered, others with a wide occurrence in the SW Pacific, some as far as Antarctica and/or Patagonia; (3) indigenous genera endemic for the Himalayas and the SW Pacific region. Faunas of the same age for the Sula Islands, Papua-New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and South America are also considered.In spite of common components, the Himalayan faunas contrast with the relatively higher diversity of the Indo-Malagasian faunas. Low diversity and dominance of indigenous genera mean that the faunas extending from the Himalayas to Antarctica and Patagonia represent an actual biogeographical unit, the Indo Pacific (faunas and) Realm.Indo Pacific and Tethyan faunas show a less marked contrast than the Tethyan and Boreal. Transitional or mixed faunas of subaustral type developed in the Indo-Malagasian and Andean regions. This is explained by the absence of a geographical trap comparable to the land-locked palaeogeography of the Arctic Basin. The palaeogeography of the Arctic amplified the role of the other environmental factors. Among these the high latitude seasonal effects are likely to have resulted in environmental instability, controlling trophic resources and therefore the structure of the ecosystems, for instance low diversity and high density of the high latitude ammonite faunas.