Nutrient dynamics and seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages in a Southern European Estuary: Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

The spatial and temporal dynamics of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved phosphate, dissolved silica and chlorophyll a were measured seasonally at eight stations in the Ria de Aveiro. Between December 2000 and September 2001, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages, inferred after the spatial and seasonal variation of silica and of chlorophyll a concentrations, showed that diatoms (μmol Si L⁻¹) dominated from late autumn until early spring, while chlorophytes (μg Chl a L⁻¹) bloomed during late spring and summer. The Si:N:P ratios and Si concentrations indicated no seasonal depletion in dissolved silica, as in other temperate systems, possibly because of abnormal precipitation and flood events prolonging the supply of dissolved Si to the system. The Si:N:P ratios suggested P limitation at the system level. Despite the relative proportions of available nutrients, the mean phosphorus concentration (5.3 μmol L⁻¹) was above the reported half-saturation constants for P uptake by phytoplankton. Thus, in Ria de Aveiro, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton assemblages may also be dependent on the grazing capacity of the pelagic community through top-down regulation.     

Launching and joining of a product carrier of 30,500 DWT built in two sections

This paper describes the process of launching and joining of two sections of a product carrier of 30,500 DWT built at Dianca shipyard at Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. The specifications and characteristics of this ship are in line with the market requirements. This paper deals with the problems encountered during the decision of dividing the ship in two halves, use of syncrolift for launching and subsequent joining of two halves in the dry dock.     

An Annotated Check-List of Planktonic Diatoms from the Gulf of Naples

Abstract. New data on the planktonic diatoms from the Gulf of Naples are presented together with those from the literature. Information is given on abundances, seasonal cycles and distributions of 183 taxa, including species, varieties and forms.     

Hydrothermal Metalliferous Sediments and Waters Off the Lesser Antilles

Considerable metal enrichments have been found in hydrothermal fluids and metalliferous sediments off the central Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc. The elements variably enriched in the fluids as a result of the hydrothermal activity are Fe, Mn, As, Si, B, Li and in the sediments, Fe, P, Mo, As, Sb, Hg, Cu and Pb. Variations in the concentrations of these elements in both fluids and sediments along the arc result from a number of factors, the most important of which is the stage that each island's volcano has reached in its eruptive cycle. Although hydrothermal mineralization on the sea floor off the islands is only low grade, phase separation in the hydrothermal fluids at depth could be leading to higher grade stockwork mineralization below the vent fields or the discharge of metal rich brines on the lower flanks of the volcanic islands.     

A hypothesis for the formation of a mud bank in the Gulf of Papua

The riverine mud that escapes retention in the estuaries and enters the Gulf of Papua appears to be transported southeastward, across depth contours, by the prevailing currents in a series of wind-driven events. The mud deposits to the southeast of the rivers, at the mid-shelf region within a depth range of 40–60 m. Mud transported farther eastward is carried down the continental rise. Coarser riverine sediment (silt and sand) is deposited closer inshore. On the outer shelf (depth >60 m) relict carbonate debris dominates. The area of mud has maximum rates of pelagic and benthic productivity in the gulf.     

Heat flow and mass wasting in the Wilmington Canyon Region: U.S. Continental Margin

The average corrected heat flow in the Wilmington Canyon region, an area of inferred slope instability, is 35 ± 10 mW/m². This average heat flow is marginally consistent with the 46 ± 9 mW/m² measured at other North Atlantic sites over 160 m.y. old. High topographic relief causes most of the variability in surface heat flow and may lower the mean surface heat flow. There is no significant difference between the average corrected heat flow of 35 ± 10 mW/m² in sediment slide areas and the average corrected heat flow of 34 ± 10 mW/m² in undisturbed sediments.     

Measurement of alkaline and earthy ions in fish otolith and sea water using a high performance ion chromatography

Fish growth and the relation between growth and environmental conditions offer a good opportunity for measuring alkaline and earthy ions in fish otoliths.The analytical method must involve high sensitivity when attempting to discriminate between fish growth and environmental conditions.The aim of this paper is to propose a chromatographic method, with low detection limits, as a new approach in determining some important micronutrients present in sea water and fish otoliths.The work samples are: coastal, off-shore and sediment waters and fish otoliths (Engraulis encrasicholus, Mullus barbatus, Umbrina cirrhosa, Sciaena umbra, Pagellus erythrinus) in the Adriatic Sea and the Canal of Sicily.The analytical method includes an IONPAC CS12A chromatographic column and a 18 mM methanesulfonic acid eluent.The detection limit readings obtained with this method, for one E. encrasicholus fish otolith, weighing 2.6 mg are equal or inferior to 0.1 μg/L for lithium (Li), 59 μg/L for sodium (Na), 46 μg/L for ammonium (NH₄), 23 μg/L for potassium (K), 13 μg/L for magnesium (Mg), 88 μg/L for manganese (Mn), 2.567 μg/L for calcium (Ca) and 13 μg/L for strontium (Sr).The HPIC method minimizes overlaps such as Na on Li, and NH₄ in seawater and Ca on Mg and Sr in fish otolith. These elements are an essential constituent present in otoliths when describing the relation between growth and environmental conditions.Good separation among analytes is achieved within 16 min.