Impacts of temperature anomalies on mortality of benthic organisms in the Adriatic Sea

Recurrent climate‐induced mass mortality episodes have been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea over the past 15 years, affecting rocky benthic communities. In this study, we provide for the first time a report on the annual mortality events of benthic sessile invertebrates occurring in the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea. Over the course of 14 consecutive years, we studied the sea temperature gradient to a depth of 40 m and found an abnormal summer warming trend and an increased frequency of above‐average temperatures. Mortality events were recorded in the summers of 10 observed years, in particular in 2009, when the highest mortality rates were recorded. Late in summer 2009, extensive mass mortality of sessile invertebrates was observed in the entire Eastern Adriatic Sea. We performed an analysis of selected target benthic species associated with mass mortality events with inter‐regional differences in hydrological and temperature conditions. We were able to characterize the mortality event by studying five areas covering the northern, central and southern regions of the Eastern Adriatic Sea. The degree of impact on each study area was quantified at 28 sites by estimating the proportion of affected target species. According to the obtained data, the northern sites (Cres area) were the least affected, whereas sites in the Central and Southern Adriatic [Tela??ica and Lastovo Nature Parks, Mljet National Park (NP)] displayed the highest impact. In summer 2009, sea surface temperatures reached values of 28 °C in the Cres area and 30 °C in Mljet NP. These thermal conditions were concomitant with moderate to severe mass mortalities of benthic populations. Mass mortality events reached depths of 45 m in most parts of the affected areas. Amongst studied species, the scleractinian coral and gorgonian populations suffered the most extensive damage during the mass mortality events.     

The influence of the Alps on the change of vorticity over the Gulf of Genoa

Summary A simple equation showing the influence of orography on the local change of vorticity is obtained on the basis of the complete vorticity equation. The real velocity is divided into two components: one produced by ascending over the mountain and the other independent of the orography. The component of the velocity induced by the obstacle is given by a model. This idea is applied to the south-western air-stream ascending over the Alps and positive local change of vorticity is obtaied over the Gulf of Genoa. In that way the decrease of pressure and the generation of cyclonic circulation in the Gulf of Genoa, which begins before the cold air comes over Mediterranean, can be explained.     

Genetic model of uranium mineralization in the Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Stara Planina eastern Serbia

One deposit and four occurrences of uranium minerals in the Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Stara Planina in eastern Serbia were ascertained using data from years of multidisciplinary geological research. The minerals are the fissure-filling type, and were assigned to the exogenic mineralization group, being mostly epigene in nature. Relevant geological information was used to derive a genetic model of uranium mineralization in the Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Stara Planina. The model explains the formation of Permo-Triassic rocks and three stages of the complex process of U mineralization. The genetic model treats: (1) the primary sources of the uranium; (2) the mobility of uranium; and (3) accessory metals from the parent rocks to their deposition in host rocks and the postmineral change in ore bodies. A geochemical barrier zone was identified in the sedimentary rocks that contained uranium mineral ore. This geochemical barrier area included crescent-shaped, flat-lens, or vein-like ore bodies. The U-containing mineral described is comparable with those from the relatively common fissure-filling uranium minerals found around the world.