Calculation of the reservoir age from organic and carbonate fractions of sediments in the Gulf of Cariaco (Caribbean Sea)

A set of 24 AMS ¹⁴C measurements were performed on different sediment fractions from short gravity cores taken from the Gulf of Cariaco (northeastern Venezuela) in order to construct a detailed sedimentary archive for recent centuries. A local reservoir effect was expected because of i) strong upwelling from the neighboring Cariaco Trough and anoxia and ii) the specific geomorphological setting related to active faults with seeps and diapirism. Measurements were thus performed on different components: sediment bulk organic fraction (SBOF), pteropods shells (surface water), bivalve shells (bottom), and plant fragments. Based on comparisons of the different results, we discuss different age corrections and calibrations, which lead us to consider a negligible local reservoir correction (ΔR) for the bivalve and pteropod shells, which show no reservoir age for carbonate and an absence of water stratification. However, a local 633 ± 64 yr ΔR appears in the organic fraction of the sediment, and its origin is primary related to the upwelling mechanism.     

Spectral Reflectance Analysis of the Caribbean Sea

Reflectance spectral curves were analysed by a derivative method. Derivative reflectance spectra revealed concealed peaks of both reflectance and absorption curves of Caribbean seawater and elements contained within it. Reflectance curves showed a predominant blue colour (400–500 nm) characteristic of Caribbean oligotrophic waters, conspicuous peaks result from the optical properties of chlorophyll a and seawater. Reflectance curves had a similar spectral response. This paper analyses reflectance spectra of surface seawater at 31 stations in the Caribbean Sea during the summer of 2001.     

Distributions and characteristics of dissolved organic matter in temperate coastal waters (Southern North Sea)

The spatial and temporal distributions of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was studied in the East-Frisian Wadden Sea (Southern North Sea) during several cruises between 2002 and 2005. The spatial distribution of CDOM in the German Bight shows a strong gradient towards the coast. Tidal and seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) identify freshwater discharge via flood-gates at the coastline and pore water efflux from tidal flat sediments as the most important CDOM sources within the backbarrier area of the Island of Spiekeroog. However, the amount and pattern of CDOM and DOC is strongly affected by various parameters, e.g. changes in the amount of terrestrial run-off, precipitation, evaporation, biological activity and photooxidation. A decoupling of CDOM and DOC, especially during periods of pronounced biological activity (algae blooms and microbial activity), is observed in spring and especially in summer. Mixing of the endmembers freshwater, pore water, and open sea water results in the formation of a coastal transition zone. Whilst an almost conservative behaviour during mixing is observed in winter, summer data point towards non-conservative mixing.     

Tephrostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental variation in late Quaternary core sediments of the southwestern Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Sea of Japan)

Abstract   Data on the late Quaternary tephra layers, tephrostratigraphy, geochemistry and environment were determined in two sediment cores from the southwestern part of Ulleung Basin (East Sea/Sea of Japan), representing marine-oxygen isotope stages 1–3. The cores consist mainly of muddy sediments that are partly interbedded with silty sands, lapilli tephra and ash layers. The lapilli tephra layers (Ulleung-Oki tephra, 9.3 ka) originating from Ulleung Island consist mainly of massive-type glass shards, whereas the ash layers (Aira-Tanzawa ash, 22.0–24.7 ka) derived from southern Kyushu Island are mainly composed of typical plane-type and bubble-wall glasses that are higher in SiO₂ and lower in Na₂O + K₂O than the lapilli tephra layers. Except for the tephra layers, fine-grained sediments throughout the core sections are mostly of marine origin based on geochemical data (C/N ratios, hydrogen index, S2 peak) and Tmax. In particular, organic carbon contents increased during Termination I, probably as a result of an influx of the deglacial Tsushima Current through the Korea Strait.     

Distribution of Cs and Pu in the surface waters of the East Sea (Sea of Japan)

Surface and subsurface water samples for ¹³⁷Cs and ^239,240Pu analysis were collected in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) during August 1993. The ¹³⁷Cs levels of the surface waters are quite homogeneous in the East Sea (average = 3.1±0.2 mBq kg⁻¹). The ^239,240Pu levels vary from 6 to 10 μBq kg⁻¹ in the surface. ^239,240Pu to ¹³⁷Cs ratios in the surface water are within 0.002 to 0.003. The East Sea may be regarded as a part of the North Pacific Ocean in terms of ¹³⁷Cs dispersal in the surface, where the ¹³⁷Cs contents of the surface seawater seem to be controlled primarily by the atmospheric input. However, since our sampling was made just two months prior to the widely publicized Russian dumping incident on the 17th October 1993, our measurements may provide background data to assess the immediate impact of the Russian dumping on the levels of ¹³⁷Cs and ^239,240Pu in the East Sea.     

Multi-stage volcanism in the Ulleung Back-arc Basin, East Sea (Sea of Japan)

Abstract Multichannel seismic reflection profiling in the Ulleung back-arc Basin reveals that the acoustic basement largely comprises volcanic materials. The volcanics are interlayered with sediment sequences, forming an anomalously thick layer. The volcanic activities resulted in a zonation of the acoustic basement, trending northeast-southwest. In the southeastern part, the acoustic basement is deep and obscure, whereas in the northwestern part it is shallow and forms mounds and seamounts. The volcanic activities were probably initiated in the Early Miocene ( ca 20Ma). The volcanism was time-transgressive northward, associated with the possible southward drift of the Japanese islands.     

Optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in surface and pore waters adjacent to an oil well in a southern California salt marsh

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) optical properties were measured in surface and pore waters as a function of depth and distance from an oil well in a southern California salt marsh. Higher fluorescence and absorbances in pore vs. surface waters suggest soil pore water is a reservoir of CDOM in the marsh. Protein-like fluorophores in pore waters at distinct depths corresponded to variations in sulfate depletion and Fe(II) concentrations from anaerobic microbial activity. These variations were supported by fluorescence indexes and are consistent with differences in optical molecular weight and aromaticity indicators. Fluorescence indices were consistent with autochthonous material of aquatic origin in surface waters, with more terrestrial, humified allochthonous material in deeper pore waters. CDOM optical properties were consistent with significantly enhanced microbial activity in regions closest to the oil well, along with a three-dimensional excitation/emission matrix fluorescence spectrum peak attributable to oil, suggesting anaerobic microbial degradation of oil.     

Micropaleontological and seismic observations for early developmental stage of the southwestern Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea)

Abstract   The Ulleung Basin is located in the southwestern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea) and contains thick Neogene sediment. Detailed examination of the stratigraphic distribution of dinoflagellates was carried out on samples from the onshore Pohang Basin (E well) and two wells (Gorae I and Dolgorae VII) in the southwestern Ulleung Basin, to investigate the early evolution of the basin. The results show that thick syn-rift sediments mainly consist of terrestrial deposits and are widespread over the basin. This supports an extensional tectonic origin for the basin. The initiation of the deposits dates back to 17–16.4 Ma. Furthermore, well-preserved Eocene to Oligocene dinoflagellate taxa found in Miocene deposits of wells implies that the age of initial rifting might be Oligocene or earlier. Our results provide constraints for understanding the opening process of the East Sea.     

Geochemical characterization of the organic matter, pore water constituents and shallow methane gas in the eastern part of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea)

Abstract Geochemical analyses of sediments, pore water and headspace gas of the piston cores taken from the eastern part of Ulleung Basin of the East Sea (Japan Sea) were carried out to assess the origin of the sedimentary organic matter and interstitial fluid. Several tephra layers within the core are identified as the Ulleung‐Oki (10.1 ka), the Aira‐Tanzawa (23 ka) and the Ulleung‐Yamato (30.9 ka) tephras. With the exception of these volcanic layers, the cores consist predominantly of muddy sediments that contain >0.5% total organic carbon. Atomic C/N ratios and δ¹³C_org values suggest that the organic matter originated from marine algae rather than from land vascular plants, whereas Rock‐Eval pyrolysis suggests that the organic matter is thermally immature and comes from a land vascular plant (Type III). These conflicting results seem to be caused by the heavy oxidization of the marine organic matter. Sulphate concentration profiles of pore waters show strongly linear depletion (r² > 0.97) with sediment depth. The estimated sulphate–methane interface (SMI) depth using the sulphate concentration gradient was nearly 3.5 m below seafloor (mbsf) in the southern part of the study area, and deeper than 6 mbsf in the northern part of the area. The difference in SMI depths is likely associated with the amount of the methane flux. The methane concentration below the SMI in the two southern cores increases rapidly, implying the occurrence of methanogenesis and anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO). In contrast, the two northern cores have a low methane concentration below the SMI. values measured from all cores were in the range of −83.5 to −69.5‰, which suggests that the methane derives from a methanogenic microbe. values become decreased toward SMI, but increased below SMI; therefore, has eventually the minimum value near the SMI. The values are also decreased when the methane concentration is increased. These phenomena support the typical occurrence of AMO in the study area.     

Towards continuous long-term measurements of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in turbid coastal waters

The dynamics of sediment transport in the East Frisian Wadden Sea are important for the coastal zone and for ecosystem functioning. The tidal inlets between the East Frisian islands connect the back-barrier intertidal flats to the North Sea. Here, concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water column are highly variable, depending on weather conditions and tides. In order to estimate the nature and quantity of sediment transport, in situ measurements were carried out at a Time Series Station in the tidal inlet between the islands of Spiekeroog and Langeoog. This study shows the suitability of multispectral transmissometry (MST) for obtaining long-term SPM measurements with high resolution. The comparability of this technique to the standard filter method and the laser diffraction method [laser in situ scattering and transmissometry (LISST)] is demonstrated. In addition, the Junge coefficients derived from both MST and LISST measurements are compared. A time series of SPM data covering nearly 4 months is presented. As a major result, the data reveal that a single storm surge can have less impact on SPM dynamics than longer-lasting gales. This high-resolution long-term data set is very valuable for modelling suspended matter flux. It also provides background information for studying the influence of SPM dynamics on coastal sediments.     

Opening geometry of the Kurile Basin (Okhotsk Sea) as inferred from structural data

Abstract   The Kurile Basin in the Okhotsk Sea, northwestern Pacific, is a back-arc basin located behind the Kurile Island Arc. It is underlain by oceanic crust and its origin has been attributed to back-arc spreading. Two models for the opening of the Kurile Basin exist, for which the spreading axis is oriented northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast, respectively. New data are presented here on the morphostructure of the slope of the northern Kurile Basin and of the central Kurile Basin which support a strike of the spreading axis in the latter direction. Bathymetric as well as single-channel and multichannel seismic reflection data demonstrate the existence of dominant northwest-striking normal faults on the northern slope of the Kurile Basin. In the central Kurile Basin a basement rise striking north-northwest–south-southeast (here named the Sakura Rise) was mapped. The rise morphology has the distinct imprint of a rift structure with symmetrical volcanic edifices on the rise axis and faulted blocks that tilt in opposite directions on the flanks. These data suggest that the Kurile Basin opened in a northeast–southwest direction. In the generally accepted plate tectonic reconstructions, northwest–southeast spreading associated with dextral strike–slip along the north–south-striking shear zone of Sakhalin and Hokkaido islands has been assumed. In the present model, spreading in the Kurile Basin was presumably connected with dextral displacement along a northeast-striking shear zone on the southern segment of the Okhotsk Sea.     

Levels and patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls in surface sediments from the western Baltic Sea (Arkona Basin) and the Oder River estuarine system

Surface sediment samples were collected from the western Baltic Sea (Arkona Basin) and the Oder River estuarine system in May and August 1995 and analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls. Contents of PCDF (sum) and PCDD (sum) varied from 2.5 to 820.0 pg g⁻¹ dw and from 12.7 to 2991.0 pg g⁻¹ dw, respectively. PCB contents (sum of 23 congeners) ranged between < 130.0 and 16267.0 pg g⁻¹ dw. Only slight variations in PCDF/D and PCB contents on dry weight basis were found between the Oder River estuarine system and the open Baltic Sea. TOC-normalization of the data showed an approximately homogen PCDF/D distribution in the study area. The distribution pattern for PCDF/D and PCB may be attributed to high sediment dynamics combined with transport processes from the temporary sedimentation basin (Oderhaff) to the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea.     

Distribution,characteristics and potential impacts of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay,Canada

The characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were studied in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait in the Canadian Arctic. Hudson Bay receives a disproportionately large influx of river runoff. With high dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations in Arctic rivers the influence of CDOM on coastal and ocean systems can be significant, yet the distribution, characteristics and potential consequences of CDOM in these waters remain unknown. We collected 470 discrete water samples in offshore, coastal, estuarine and river waters in the region during September and October 2005. Mixing of CDOM appeared conservative with salinity, although regional differences exist due to variable DOM composition in the rivers discharging to the Bay and the presence of sea-ice melt, which has low CDOM concentrations and low salinity. There were higher concentrations of CDOM in Hudson Bay, especially in coastal waters with salinities <28$<28$, due to river runoff. Using CDOM composition of water masses as a tracer for the freshwater components revealed that river runoff is largely constrained to nearshore waters in Hudson Bay, while sea-ice melt is distributed more evenly in the Bay. Strong inshore–offshore gradients in the bio-optical properties of the surface waters in the Hudson Bay cause large variation in penetration of ultraviolet radiation and the photic depth within the bay, potentially controlling the vertical distribution of biomass and occurrence of deep chlorophyll maxima which are prevalent only in the more transparent offshore waters of the bay. The CDOM distribution and associated photoprocesses may influence the thermodynamics and stratification of the coastal waters, through trapping of radiant heating within the top few meters of the water column. Photoproduction of biologically labile substrates from CDOM could potentially stimulate the growth of biomass in Hudson Bay coastal waters. Further studies are needed to investigate the importance of terrestrial DOM in the Hudson Bay region, and the impact of hydroelectric development and climate change on these processes.     

Annual and spatial variations of chemical and physical properties in the Ross Sea surface waters (Antarctica)

Temperature, salinity, meltwater percentage, water column stability, dissolved oxygen and nutrients were measured in seawater samples collected at three fixed depths (0, 20, 100 m) in 104 stations located in three different areas of the Ross Sea (Antarctica), during four Italian Antarctic surveys carried out between 1998 and 2006. Nutrient data were used to quantify the nutrient removal, which appears particularly high in 2006, especially in polynya area. The N:P and Si:N disappearance ratios were studied to estimate the dominant phytoplanktonic community. No significant differences in the nutrient drawdown ratio were observed, in fact the N:P ratio was always below the Redfield standard ratio.     

Influence of the Danube River inputs on C and N stable isotope ratios of the Romanian coastal waters and sediment (Black Sea)

The main aim of this study was to estimate the influence of the seasonal variations of the Danube River particulate organic matter (POM) inputs on the Black Sea surface seawater POM and upper layer of sediments along the Romanian coast. Ratios of carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and nitrogen ((15)N/(14)N) stable isotopes allowed differentiating river and marine organic matter sources. Danube River POM presented significantly lower average values of delta(13)C (-27.52+/-0.88 per thousand) and delta(15)N (4.88+/-1.45 per thousand) than seawater POM (delta(13)C=-24.70+/-2.37 per thousand and delta(15)N=6.75+/-1.96 per thousand), whereas surface sediment presented average values similar to seawater POM (delta(13)C=-24.02+/-2.39 per thousand and delta(15)N=7.29+/-2.16 per thousand). Stable isotope values showed that the Danube River influence on marine ecosystems decreased from the North to the South of the Romanian coast. Strong seasonal variations of C and N isotopic signatures were observed in all compartments studied with generally higher values in spring when the river was flooding.     

Monitoring toxic microalgae Ostreopsis (dinoflagellate) species in coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea using molecular PCR-based assay combined with light microscopy

A molecular PCR-based assay was developed and applied to macrophyte and seawater samples containing mixed microphytobenthic and phytoplanktonic assemblages, respectively, in order to detect toxic Ostreopsis species in Mediterranean Sea. The specificity and sensitivity of the molecular PCR assay were assessed with both plasmidic and genomic DNA of the target genus or species using taxon-specific primers in the presence of background macrophyte DNA. The PCR molecular technique allowed rapid detection of the Ostreopsis cells, even at abundances undetectable within the resolution limit of the microscopy technique. Species-specific identification of Ostreopsis was determined only by PCR-based assay, due to the inherent difficulty of morphological identification in field samples. In the monitoring of the toxic Ostreopsis blooms PCR-based methods proved to be effective tools complementary to microscopy for rapid and specific detection of Ostreopsis and other toxic dinoflagellates in marine coastal environments.     

Oxygen and lead isotope characteristics of granitic rocks from the Nansha block (South China Sea): Implications for their petrogenesis and tectonic affinity

The pre‐Cenozoic history of the South China Sea (SCS) region is the object of continued debate. To trace the evolution of the SCS, a better understanding of the petrogenesis and tectonic affiliation of the granitic rocks that comprise the microblocks within the region is necessary. In this study, we analyzed the whole‐rock oxygen and lead isotope ratios of granitic samples dredged from two locations in the Nansha microblock, one of the microblocks in the SCS. Oxygen isotope data combined with previously published Sr isotope data show that group I rocks (δ¹⁸O = 6.00–7.20‰; average = 6.64‰) originated from a mantle source contaminated by material and/or fluid input from a Mesozoic subduction zone in the southeastern side of the microblock. Group II rocks (δ¹⁸O = 6.86‰–9.13‰; average = 7.75‰) also came from the same source, but they were additionally affected by crustal contamination. The Nansha microblock has high radiogenic lead ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 18.602–18.756, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 15.660–15.713, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i = 38.693–38.893), which indicate that the Nansha microblock is tectonically affiliated with the Nanling–Hainan or South China block. This notion is consistent with the results of a previous Nd isotope study. As a whole, results of our study suggest that some of the other microblocks dispersed in the SCS are also possible fragments of South China block, and thus further studies are needed to better constrain the pre‐Cenozoic evolutionary history of the SCS region.     

南海南部海域中中新世(T3界面)构造变革界面地震反射特征及构造含义

南海南部海域油气资源丰富,由于盆地沉积厚度大、沉积相横向变化快和构造演化复杂等原因,致使该海域新生代地层的划分方案差异大,地层时代的认识也存在较大分歧,这极大地制约了对盆地油气资源评价的正确认识.本文在总结国内外不同分层方案基础上,通过收集国外在南海南部深水区两口关键钻井的资料,开展曾母和北康两盆地重处理二维地震剖面的构造-地层解译,以及联井剖面的井震对比,重新识别和标定新生代重要构造变革面的地震反射特征.根据海域钻井、地层岩性、沉积环境、构造应力体系和古生物资料的综合对比研究,结合婆罗洲陆地测年结果和区域构造事件,重新厘定中中新世T₃构造变革面的发育时代,年龄为15～17 Ma,分析了该界面的构造含义,认为其是南海海底扩张停止的一个构造响应界面,在南海南部海域对应南沙运动,在北婆罗洲地区表现为沙巴造山运动.     

基于连通性指数(IC)的近30年鄱阳湖流域水系结构与水文连通演变评估

由于气候变化和人类活动等多重影响,流域河湖水系格局与连通程度发生了显著变化,进而引发洪涝灾害等一系列水资源问题。本文以鄱阳湖流域为研究区,基于Google Earth Engine(GEE)提取1989—2020年5期水系数据,采用图论方法构建水系评价体系,定量分析该地区近30年来水系格局和结构连通性的时空演变特征,并结合该时期地形、土地利用和归一化植被指数(NDVI)等数据,利用连通性指数(index of connectivity,IC)评估功能连通性的动态变化,进而探讨水文连通与径流量和输沙量的联系。结果表明,近30年来鄱阳湖流域水系结构趋于复杂化,主要体现在流域北部。除干流外,其他等级河流的数量和长度均有所增加,其中Ⅲ级河流最为明显。河网密度、水面率、河网复杂度和发育系数均呈增加趋势,2000年后的变化率约为2000年前的两倍。水系连通环度、节点连接率和水系连通度总体增加,结构连通性呈好转趋势且变化幅度较小。功能连通分析表明,近30年来大部分流域IC减少,流域下游靠近主河道的平坦地区IC较高,上游远离河道的植被密集区域IC较低。此外,IC与年径流量和输沙量表现为显著的正相关性(...