About the correlation between the distribution of the azooxantellate scleractinian corals and the abundance of the zooplankton in the surface waters

The correlation between the azooxantellate scleractinian coral distribution and the abundance of the zooplankton in the Atlantic Ocean is discussed. The analysis is based on a dataset of 943 specimens (82 species) sampled at 87 stations that were performed during the scientific cruises of Russian research vessels in the Atlantic. The hypothesis concerning if the coral biodiversity and population density correlate with the zooplankton abundance was tested. The relationships between these parameters are contradictory. High coral biodiversity and population density were registered for the areas of low and average zooplankton abundance in the surface waters.     

Sharks caught in the KwaZulu-Natal bather protection programme,South Africa. 14. The smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus)

The current study provides long-term catch-rate, biological and feeding data for smooth hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna zygaena, caught in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal bather protection programme. In total, 2 512 S. zygaena were caught in net installations between 1978 and 2014, and 72 S. zygaena were caught on drumlines between 2007 and 2014. There was no significant log-linear year trend in the net catch rate over time (slope = 0.0054, t = 1.808, p = 0.07). However, there was a significant temporal increase in mean size of the captured sharks (slope = 0.0012, t = 3.502, p < 0.001). A quasi-Poisson generalised additive mixed model showed that increasing latitude, winter months, colder sea temperatures and the deployment of drumlines all had a significant positive effect on the catch rate of sharks in nets. The size frequency of the catch was unimodal, with significantly more females caught in the nets and more males on the drumlines. The majority (93.1%) of all sharks caught were immature and measured between 80 and 120 cm precaudal length. Teleosts and cephalopods dominated the sharks’ diet in terms of all dietary indices. The prey species consumed indicate that immature S. zygaena are feeding primarily within the pelagic zone of shallow coastal habitats.     

Intercrystalline cation partitioning between minerals of the triplite-zwieselite-magniotriplite and the triphylite-lithiophilite series in granitic pegmatites

Minerals of the triphylite-lithiophilite, Li(Fe, Mn)PO₄, and the triplite-zwieselite-magniotriplite series, (Mn, Fe, Mg)₂PO₄F, occur in the late stage period of pegmatite evolution. Unfortunately, neither are the genetic relationships between these phosphates fully understood nor are thermodynamic data known. Consequently, phosphate associations and assemblages from 8 granitic pegmatites — Clementine II, Rubicon II and III, and Tsaobismund (Namibia); Hagendorf-Süd and Rabenstein (Germany); Valmy (France); Viitaniemi (Finland) — have been tested for compositional zoning and intercrystalline partitioning of main elements by electron microprobe techniques. Although the selected pegmatites display varying degrees of fractionation, and the intergrowth textures indicate different genetic relationships between the phosphates, the plots of mole fractions X _Fe=Fe/(Fe+Mn+Mg+Ca), X _Mn=Mn/(Fe+Mn+Mg+Ca), and X _Mg=Mg/(Fe+Mn+Mg+Ca) can be fitted relatively well with smooth curves in Roozeboom diagrams. Their deviations from symmetrical distribution curves are mainly dependent upon X _Mg or X _Ca, and upon non-ideal solutions. Surprisingly small differences between the partition coefficients were detected for intergrowths of different origin. However, the partitioning of shared components among coexisting phases is clearly dependent upon the conditions of formation. Compositional zoning is observed only when both Fe–Mn phosphates are intergrown mutually or with other Fe–Mn–Mg mineral solid-solutios. Thus, the zoning does not seem to be due to continuous crystallization, but to later diffusion processes. The triplite structure has preference for Mn, Mg, and Ca, while Fe prefers minerals of the triphylite series. A quantification of main element fractionation between minerals of the triphylite and the triplite series is possible in the cases where diffusion can be excluded. For the Fe/(Fe+Mn) ratios of core compositions an equation with a high correlation coefficient (R=0.988) was determined: Fe/(Fe+Mn)_Tr=[Fe/(Fe+Mn)_Li]/{2.737-(1.737)[Fe/(Fe+Mn)_Li]} (Tr=triplite series, Li=triphylite series). Consequently, the Fe/(Fe+Mn) ratio of the triplite series can now also be used in the interpretation of pegmatite evolution, just like that of the triphylite series which has been successfully applied in the past.     

Estimates of monoterpene and isoprene emissions from the forests in Switzerland

Emission rates of biogenic volatile organic compounds emitted by the forests were estimated for five geographical regions as well as for all Switzerland. Monoterpene and isoprene emissions rates were calculated for each main tree species separately using the relevant parameters such as temperature, light intensity and leaf biomass density. Biogenic emissions from the forests were found to be about 23% of the total annual VOC emissions (anthropogenic and biogenic) in Switzerland. The highest emissions are in July and lowest in January. Calculations showed that the coniferous trees are the main sources of the biogenic emissions. The major contribution comes from the Norway spruce (picea abies) forests due to their abundance and high leaf biomass density. Although broad-leaved forests cover 27% of all the forests in Switzerland, their contribution to the biogenic emissions is only 3%. Monoterpenes are the main species emitted, whereas only 3% is released as isoprene. The highest emission rates of biogenic VOC are estimated to be in the region of the Alps which has the largest forest coverage in Switzerland and the major part of these forests consists of Norway spruce. The total annual biogenic VOC emission rate of 87 ktonnes y^–1 coming from the forests is significantly higher than those from other studies where calculations were carried out by classifying the forests as deciduous and coniferous. The difference is attributed to the high leaf biomass densities of Norway spruce and fir (abies alba) trees which have a strong effect on the results when speciation of trees is taken into account. Besides the annual rate, emission rates were calculated for a specific period during July 4–6, 1991 when a photochemical smog episode was investigated in the Swiss field experiment POLLUMET. Emission rates estimated for that period agree well with those calculated for July using the average temperatures over the last 10 years.     

Measurements of Powder Snow Avalanches- Laboratory -

Laboratory simulation of powder snow avalanches serves for the validation of numerical models and as a tool in its own right for consulting and research purposes. Two-phase gravity currents are simulated in water with quartz powder or glass spheres as the particle phase. Particle-phase velocity profiles and particle-phase volume fraction profiles are measured with an ultrasonic device. The experimental setup and the current state of the measurement technique are described and preliminary results are presented.     

Johillerit,Na(Mg,Zn)3 Cu(AsO4)3, ein neues Mineral aus Tsumeb,Namibia

Zusammenfassung Die chemische Analyse des neuen Minerals Johillerit mit der Elektronenmikrosonde ergab: Na₂O 5,4, MgO 18,3, ZnO 5,4, CuO 15,8 und As₂O₅ 55,8, Summe 100.7%. Aus diesem Ergebnis wurde die idealisierte Formel Na(Mg, Zn)₃ Cu(AsO₄)₃ abgeleitet. Johillerit ist monoklin mit der RaumgruppeC2/c. Die Gitterkonstanten sind:a=11,870 (3),b=12,755 (3),c=6,770 (2) , =113,42 (2)°,Z=4. Die stärksten Linien des Pulverdiagramms sind: 4,06 (5) (22 ), 3,50 (4) (310), 3,25 (8) (11 ), 2,75 (10) (330, 240), 2,64 (5) (311, 13 , 40 ), 1,952 (4) (13 , 35 ), 1,682 (4) (20 , 460), 1,660 (5) (40 , 71 , 550, 64 ), 1,522 (4) (442, 153, 13 ). Es bestehen enge strukturelle Beziehungen zwischen Johillerit und O'Danielit, Na(Zn, Mg)₃H₂(AsO₄)₃, sowie einigen synthetischen. Verbindungen.Johillerit ist violett durchscheinend. Die Spaltbarkeit nach {010} ist ausgezeichnet und nach {100} und {001} gut.H (Mohs)3.D=4,15 undD _X =4,21 g·cm^–3. Das Mineral ist optisch zweiachsig positiv, 2V80 (5)°. Die Werte der Lichtbrechung sindn =1,715 (4),n =1,743 (4) undn =1,783 (4). Die Auslöschung istn b und auf (010)n c16°. Johillerit ist stark pleochroitisch mit den AchsenfarbenX=violett-rot,Y = blauviolett undZ = grünblau. Das neue Mineral kommt in radialstrahligen Massen gemeinsam mit kupferhaltigem Adamin und Konichalcit in zersetzem Kupfererz von Tsumeb, Namibia, vor. Die Benennung erfolgte nach Prof. Dr.J.-E. Hiller (1911–1972).

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Johillerite, Na(Mg, Zn) ₃ Cu(AsO ₄ ) ₃ , a new mineral from Tsumeb, Namibia

Summary Electron microprobe analysis of the new mineral johillerite gave Na₂O 5.4, MgO 18.3, ZnO 5.4, CuO 15.8, and As₂O₅ 55.8, total 100.7%. From this result, the ideal formula is given as Na(Mg, Zn)₃ Cu(AsO₄)₃. Johillerite crystallizes monoclinic,C2/c. The unit cell dimensions are:a=11.870(3),b=12.755 (3),c=6.770 (2) , =113.42 (2)°,Z=4. The strongest lines on the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are: 4,06 (5) (22 ), 3,50 (4) (310), 3,25 (8) (11 ), 2,75 (10) (330, 240), 2,64 (5) (311, 13 , 40 ), 1,952 (4) (13 , 35 ), 1,682 (4) (20 , 460), 1,660 (5) (40 , 71 , 550, 64 ), 1,522 (4) (442, 153, 13 ). There is a close relationship between johillerite, o'danielite, Na(Zn, Mg)₃H₂(AsO₄)₃, and some synthetic compounds. Johillerite is violet in colour, transparent. Cleavage is {010} perfect, {100} and {001} good.H (Mohs)3.D=4.15 andD _X =4.21 g·cm^–3. The mineral is optically biaxial positive, 2V80 (5)°. The refractive indices are:n =1.715 (4),n =1.743 (4),n =1.783 (4). The extinction isn b and on (010)n c16°. Strongly pleochroic with axial coloursX=violet-red,Y=bluish violet andZ=greenish blue. The new mineral was found in radiated masses together with cuprian adamite and conichalcite in an oxidized copper ore from Tsumeb, Namibia. It is named in honour of Prof. Dr.J.-E. Hiller (1911–1972).

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Modeling forced pool–riffle hydraulics in a boulder-bed stream, southern California

The mechanisms which control the formation and maintenance of pool–riffles are fundamental aspects of channel form and process. Most of the previous investigations on pool–riffle sequences have focused on alluvial rivers, and relatively few exist on the maintenance of these bedforms in boulder-bed channels. Here, we use a high-resolution two-dimensional flow model to investigate the interactions among large roughness elements, channel hydraulics, and the maintenance of a forced pool–riffle sequence in a boulder-bed stream. Model output indicates that at low discharge, a peak zone of shear stress and velocity occurs over the riffle. At or near bankfull discharge, the peak in velocity and shear stress is found at the pool head because of strong flow convergence created by large roughness elements. The strength of flow convergence is enhanced during model simulations of bankfull flow, resulting in a narrow, high velocity core that is translated through the pool head and pool center. The jet is strengthened by a backwater effect upstream of the constriction and the development of an eddy zone on the lee side of the boulder. The extent of flow convergence and divergence is quantified by identifying the effective width, defined here as the width which conveys 90% of the highest modeled velocities. At low flow, the ratio of effective width between the pool and riffle is roughly 1:1, indicating little flow convergence or divergence. At bankfull discharge, the ratio of effective width is approximately 1:3 between the pool and downstream riffle, illustrating the strong flow convergence at the pool head. The effective width tends to equalize again with a ratio of 1:1 between the pool and riffle during a modeled discharge of a five-year flood, as the large roughness elements above the pool become drowned out. Results suggest that forced pool–riffle sequences in boulder-bed streams are maintained by flows at or near bankfull discharge because of stage-dependent variability in depth-averaged velocity and tractive force.     

Use of LIF for Real-Time In-Situ Mixed NAPL Source Zone Detection

The site characterization and analysis cone penetrometer system (SCAPS), equipped with realtime fluorophore detection capabilities, was used to delineate subsurface contaminant releases in an area where plating shop waste was temporarily stored. Records indicated that various nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) were released at the site. The investigators advanced the SCAPS laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) sensor to depths beneath the water table of the principal water-bearing zone. The water table was located approximately 6 feet (1.8 m) below ground surface (bgs) across the site. Fluorescence, attributed to fuel compounds commingled with chlorinated solvents, was observed at depths ranging from 4.0 to 11.5 feet (1.2 to 3.5 m) bgs. Fluorescence, attributed to naturally occurring organic materials (by process of elimination and spectral characteristics) commingled with chlorinated solvent constituents, was observed at depths ranging from approximately 13 to 40 feet (4.0 to 12.2 m) bgs. Fluorescence responses from compounds confirmed to be commingled with chlorinated solvents indicates that the SCAPS fluorophore detection system is capable of indirectly delineating vadose zone and subaqueous chlorinated solvents and other dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) at contaminant release sites. This confirmation effort represents the first documented account of the successful application of LIF to identify a mixed DNAPL/LNAPL source zone.     

Rhyolitic ignimbrites in the region of Afyon (Central Anatolia)

Occurrence and field relations of an extensive ignimbrite sheet near Afyon in Central Anatolia are described. These rhyolitic ignimbrites are part of the important Neogene volcanic activity in Turkey and belong to the alignment of volcanic complexes along the inner border of the Taurian ranges. In close stratigraphical connection and in the same tectonic position as the rhyolites there occurs an assemblage of high-potassic, intermediate to basic volcanic rocks (alkali trachytes, mela-trachytes, latites and leucite-bearing rocks). Petrological and magmatological considerations led to the conclusion that the rhyolites and the potassic series, in spite of the close geological connection, are not related by processes of magmatic differentiation. Arguments in favour of an anatectic origin of the rhyolitic melt are presented. The occurrence of garnet and allanite as accessory minerals and as inclusions in the salic minerals of the ignimbrite are interpreted as relictic witnesses of a sialic parent rock. However, the trace elements, especially high Rb connected with low Sr, Ba and Zr and K/Rb ratios below 100 give a pattern generally explained by strong fractionation processes.