Ammonium and phosphate dynamics in a Virginia salt marsh

Experimental chambers were used in a Virginia salt marsh to partition the tidal flux of dissolved nutrients occurring at the marsh surface and in the water column. On five dates from June to October 1989, six replicate chambers in the short Spartina alterniflora zone were monitored over complete tidal cycles. When reservoir water, used to simulate tidal flooding in the chambers, was initially low in dissolved nutrients, the marsh surface was a source of both ammonium and phosphate to the water column. Calculations of the physical processes of diffusion and advection could not account for total nutrient release from the marsh surface. We hypothesize the primary source of nutrients was organic matter mineralization in surface sediments, which released nutrients into the flooding water column. Assimilation (uptake) of phosphate measured in water-column incubation experiments was nearly equal to phosphate released from the marsh surface. Surface release of ammonium, however, was somewhat greater than water-column uptake. In this salt marsh, benthic production and release of ammonium and phosphate is comparable in magnitude to pelagic consumption, thereby yielding only a small “net” transfer of these nutrients to the estuary.     

Cadmium, copper, and zinc interactions with marine humus as a function of ligand structure

The interactions in seawater of cadmium, copper, and zinc with natural levels of marine humus (fulvic and humic acids) were studied using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Interactions with Cu were also examined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The degree of interaction relates to the structure of the particular fulvic or humic acid tested. Marine fulvic and humic acids with different equivalent weights and varying degrees of aromaticity and heteroatom substitution were tested to assess the relative importance of these fundamental structural features in determining the degree of interaction. An index of heteroatom substitution, derived from proton magnetic resonance spectra of these materials, when combined with equivalent weights correlated with the nature and degree of metal interaction. Both marine fulvic and humic acids appreciably interacted with Zn. In contrast, the extent of interaction of fulvic acids with Cu appears to be related to their structure while humic acids appear to interact with Cu regardless of structure. Cadmium interacts only with mature, highly crosslinked humic acids.     

Geomorphological control of subsurface hydrology in the creekbank zone of tidal marshes

A combination of field and numerical modeling methods was used to assess porewater movement in a narrow (20 m) Spartina marsh which was flooded regularly by tidal waters. Soil composition and soil hydraulic properties did not vary across the marsh or with depth. Hydraulic head was monitored on a transect perpendicular to the creekbank. During exposure of the marsh surface, hydraulic gradients were predominantly horizontal; vertical gradients were small or zero. Subsurface flow was directed from the marsh interior toward the creekbank. Approximately 141 of pore water were discharged laterally to the adjacent tidal creek per meter of creekbank over a complete tidal cycle.A numerical hydrological model was modified to simulate subsurface hydraulics in the creekbank vicinity of regularly flooded tidal marshes. The model was parameterized to represent soil conditions, tidal fluctuations and topography at the field site. Observed changes in hydraulic head over complete tidal cycles were accurately predicted by the model. Model simulations identified the vertical infiltration of creek water into the marsh surface at the onset of tidal flooding as the primary source (66%) for the replacement of water drained at the creekbank. Significant replacement (31%) also occurred as discharge from the interior marsh. Horizontal recharge at the creekbank was minimal (3%).A sensitivity analysis was conducted with the model to assess the relative importance of geomorphological factors and soil properties in controlling pore water export at the creekbank of tidal marsh soils. Each parameter was varied systematically over a realistic range for field conditions. Changes in marsh elevation exerted greater control over creekbank discharge than changes in soil hydraulic properties. More rapid turnover of pore water near creekbanks of higher elevation marshes is hypothesized.     

He I 10830 observations of the 3N/M4.0 flare of 4 September, 1982

Hei 10830 Å spectroheliograms of a major 3N two-ribbon flare occurring in Boulder Region 3885/3886 early on 4 September, 1982 are discussed and compared with H and soft X-ray observations of the event. This flare, observed for more than 60 hr in Hei 10830, was associated with the eruption of a large filament in the active region complex, the formation of coronal holes, a long-duration soft X-ray event, and was the probable source of a earthward coronal mass ejection and the largest geomagnetic storm of this solar cycle. The results of this study suggest the Hei flare is a chromospheric manifestation of the X-ray coronal loop structures associated with flares.Visitor, National Solar Observatory, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

A J2‐plasticity model based on bounding surface concept

This article presents the development of a J₂ small strain plasticity model based on bounding surface concept, along with numerical examples to demonstrate model behaviors and identification of model parameter using laboratory test data. The model is motivated by the need for simulating permanent deformation accumulation of asphalt concrete mixtures, which leads to rutting in flexible pavements under repeated traffic loading. The proposed model accounts for the observation that rutting is mostly caused by shearing and takes advantage of the fact that bounding surface concept allows for the progressive accumulation of plastic deformation under constant amplitude loading condition. Analytical solutions are given for typical laboratory testing conditions. The model can be calibrated using repeated simple shear test data that are typically available for asphalt concrete mixtures. It is shown that the model is easy to use and provides a promising alternative for modeling permanent deformation accumulation in materials subjected to repetitive (cyclic) loading. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Time-series analysis of six whale-fall communities in Monterey Canyon,California, USA

Dead whale carcasses that sink to the deep seafloor introduce a massive pulse of energy capable of hosting dynamic communities of organisms in an otherwise food-limited environment. Through long-term observations of one natural and five implanted whale carcasses in Monterey Canyon, CA, this study suggests that: (1) depth and related physical conditions play a crucial role in species composition; (2) the majority of species in these communities are background deep-sea taxa; and (3) carcass degradation occurs sub-decadally. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with studio quality video cameras were used to survey whales during 0.8 to seven year periods, depending on the carcass. All organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxon. Community differences among whale-falls seemed to be most strongly related to depth and water temperature. The communities changed significantly from initial establishment shortly after a carcass’ arrival at the seafloor through multiple years of steady degradation. The majority of species found at the whale-falls were background taxa commonly seen in Monterey Bay. While populations of species characterized as bone specialists, seep restricted, and of unknown habitat affinities were also observed, sometimes in great abundance, they contributed minimally to overall species richness. All whale carcasses, shallow and deep, exhibited sub-decadal degradation and a time-series of mosaic images at the deepest whale site illustrates the rapidity at which the carcasses degrade.     

High-Latitude Solar Rotation Traced by Magnetic Elements

Sequential observations at Huairou Solar Observation Station, China, and Kitt Peak, U.S.A., show that polar magnetic elements can live from several to more than 58 hours. This enables measurement of the solar rotation rate near the polar region by tracing magnetic element motions. With observations carried out on 8–15 July 1997, we identify and trace more than 1300 elements at north heliographic latitudes between 55°–85° using two methods, and fit the mean sidereal rotation rate as =14.0±0.54–(2.24±1.22)sin²–(1.78±0.79)sin⁴ deg per day.