Biogeochemical controls on authigenic carbonate formation at the Chapopote “asphalt volcano”, Bay of Campeche

The Campeche Knolls in the Bay of Campeche, southern Gulf of Mexico, were investigated through detailed seafloor mapping, ROV surveys, and sediment and pore water sampling. The knolls are elongated, submarine hills created by salt tectonics with a positive relief of up to 800 m above the surrounding seafloor. Several of the knolls are associated with sea-surface oil slicks identified from satellite data, indicating the presence of hydrocarbon seeps on the seafloor. One of the knolls, named “Chapopote”, was studied in detail during two international research expeditions (SO174/2 and M67/2) and is characterized by extensive hydrocarbon seepage including large asphalt flows, oil and gas seeps, and seafloor gas hydrate deposits. Chemosymbiotic biological communities and authigenic carbonate deposits are associated with the seeps and are the result of both biogeochemical turnover and the interaction between downward-diffusing seawater and hydrocarbon-rich pore fluids at shallow sediment depth. Authigenic carbonates are characterized by aragonite, exhibit a porous texture, and are cemented by a matrix of microsparitic to sparitic aragonite. Macropores of the carbonates were completely filled with liquid oil. Carbonate microfabrics include peloidal or clotted fabrics that may indicate the existence of microenvironments resulting from microbial metabolism. Banded/botryoidal aragonite cements line the intra- and bioclasts and incompletely fill the pore spaces. The stable carbon isotopic composition of authigenic aragonite varies between − 28.6‰ and − 17.9‰ (PDB), identifying oil oxidation as the primary source of carbon to the DIC pool, while lipid biomarker data demonstrate the concurrent existence of microbial communities responsible for anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). These observations indicate the presence of additional, AOM-independent reactions responsible for carbon sequestration at hydrocarbon seeps and demonstrate the complexity of biogeochemical processes at seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico basin. Oxygen isotope data of authigenic aragonite vary from + 2.5‰ to + 3.8‰ (PDB), indicating carbonate precipitation in slight disequilibrium with the surrounding pore fluids.     

Westerlund 1: bound or unbound?

The Galactic open cluster Westerlund 1 (Wd 1) represents the ideal local template for extragalactic young massive star clusters, because it is currently the only nearby young cluster with a mass of ～10⁵?M_⊙. Its proximity makes spatially resolved studies of its stellar population feasible, and additionally permits direct comparison of its properties with measurements of velocity dispersion and dynamical mass for spatially unresolved extragalactic clusters. Recently, we published the dynamical mass estimate based on spectra of four red supergiants. We have now identified six additional stars which allow a determination of radial velocity from the wavelength covered in our VLT/ISAAC near-infrared spectra (CO bandhead region near 2.29 μm), significantly improving statistics. Using a combination of stepping and scanning the slit across the cluster center, we covered an area which included the following suitable spectral types: four red supergiants, five yellow hypergiants, and one B-type emission-line star. Our measured velocity dispersion is 9.2 km?s^?1. Together with the cluster size of 0.86 pc, derived from archival near-infrared SOFI-NTT images, this yields a dynamical mass of 1.5×10⁵ M_⊙. Comparing this to the mass derived via photometry, there is no indication that the cluster is currently undergoing dissolution.     

A matter of tolerance: Distribution potential of scyphozoan polyps in a changing environment

Jellyfish blooms are unpredictable, unsustainable events, frequently affecting aquatic ecosystems severely. Of particular interest are the consequences of environmental change for jellyfish populations, especially in semi‐enclosed habitats. Regional and seasonal changes in water chemistry and physics may control the distribution of sessile polyps in the Baltic Sea, hence potentially driving the population dynamics of the two abundant medusa species Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria). In laboratory experiments, settlement, growth, survival and physiological condition of A. aurita polyps were investigated at different levels of water temperature, pH and salinity. Survival and physiological condition of C. capillata polyps were examined after exposure to low salinity levels. Increased settlement of A. aurita planula larvae was observed on substrate plates at low temperature (4°C), low pH (7.4) and low salinity (7.5 psu), whereas early polyp growth was constrained by salinity ≤10 psu. Aurelia aurita polyps were in good physiological condition over the whole temperature range, while exposure to pH <6.5 led to stepwise tissue degradation. Salinity reduction to ≤5 and ≤8 psu caused irreversible degeneration of A. aurita and C. capillata polyps, respectively. Observed physiological limits suggest distribution of polyp populations of A. aurita in central and of C. capillata in western parts of the Baltic Sea, while future climate changes may particularly restrict occurrence of the less tolerant C. capillata.     

The vulnerability of beach tourism to climate change—an index approach

The attractiveness of a region for touristic activities depends strongly on the local weather and climate. This paper analyses the vulnerability of the beach tourism sector towards climate change by means of an index approach on a country level. A vulnerability framework for the tourism sector is developed and on its basis, indicators are defined for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. A transparent index approach, including a robustness analysis with multiple transformation methods and weighting sets, yields an assessment of the overall relative vulnerability of the beach tourism sector in 51 countries. Aggregate results on an annual level are presented as a starting point for a more detailed comparison of countries based on the individual indicators. The important limitations regarding the availability of accurate indicators as well as the concept of vulnerability itself are discussed. Despite these limitations, the present study contributes to integrating the numerous direct as well as indirect effects climate change may have on beach tourism.     

Extraction of highly polar organophosphorus pesticides from water

Some of the pesticides listed in the European 76/464/EC Directive and in the Directive 2000/60/EC are very polar and require special analytical methodology with respect to their extraction from water. The extraction of the organophosphorus pesticides methamidophos, omethoate, oxydemeton‐methyl, mevinphos and trichlorfon with lg P_OW below 1 was investigated using 21 different solid‐phase materials. Each material was tested on spiked natural water at 4 different pH values, adjusted prior to extraction. The following range of materials were tested: octadecyl silica, polymers, modified silica, ion exchange and carbon. Extraction of the above compounds from water is possible. A relationship between the octanol‐water partition coefficient and recovery rates was obtained not only for octadecyl solid phases but also for some polymeric materials. General conclusions about the use of solid‐phase materials and specific conclusions about the extraction of particular compounds were made. An optimized extraction procedure was deduced and confirmed.     

Physico-chemical and biological sediment properties determining erosion resistance of contaminated riverine sediments – Temporal and vertical pattern at the Lauffen reservoir/River Neckar, Germany

In order to contribute to a reliable, easy-to-handle and economically viable erosion risk assessment of contaminated riverine sites, the present study aims to implement master-variables best characterising the sediment stability. Thus, a wide range of sediment properties was related to the critical shear stress for mass erosion, determined in the SETEG (Stroemungskanal zur Ermittlung der tiefenabhaengigen Erosionsstabilitaet von Gewaessersedimenten) pressurised channel, with special emphasis on vertical and temporal gradients in the Lauffen reservoir on the River Neckar. Over the course of 1 year, positive impacts of some macrofauna species and benthic diatoms on the sediment stability were detected for the sediment surface (0.5 cm). However, a high seasonal variability of biological parameters caused varying relations with erosion resistance in the upper sediment layers as shown for the colloidal carbohydrates. Considering only deeper sediment layers (5–35 cm), a more general pattern could be revealed with correlations between the critical shear stress and single sediment properties such as depth, grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), cation exchange coefficient (CEC), carbohydrates and proteins. Firstly, the influence of physico-chemical and biological properties on erosion resistance became evident, even over depths at 0–35 cm. Secondly, inter-particle forces are most important for erosion resistance. These are enhanced in fine-grained sediment layers, offering high binding capacities but also strengthened by polymeric substances permeating the void space and coating particles. These covariance patterns of sedimentological and biological parameters are addressed by multivariate statistical tests (principal component analysis), resulting in a higher magnitude of the correlation coefficient between critical shear stress and the master-variables in main component II (polymeric substances, grain size, TOC, CEC; R=0.77) compared to single correlations.     

Boundary layer aspects and elevated heat source effects of the Alps

Summary High pressure influence in the whole inner-ALPEX area on April 22, 1982 gave an opportunity for the ALPEX scientific task no. 6: To study the effects of differential radiative heating introduced by the alpine mountain range due to elevation, topographic features and albedo. Electra flight E-422 with its four-fold north-south, south-north flight tracks was especially devoted to study the diurnal variations of the atmospheric boundary layer and the airflow on both sides of the Alps along the Gotthard cross-section under strong inversion conditions. Using the flight technique of vertical zigzagging, a total of 24 vertical soundings have been completed along four traverses.Synoptic rawinsonde and surface data, digital satellite data and microbarograph data are used to examine the thermodynamical aspects of the diurnal development of the alpine heat low. The fine structure of the boundary layer is documented by cross-sectional analysis of the potential temperature, mixing ratio and the three wind components from the 1 Hz aircraft data along the traverses. In addition, 15 aircraft soundings have been selected to evaluate the vertical distribution of the turbulent variances and fluxes on both sides of the Alps. The differences of the structure and temporal evolution of the alpine boundary layer on the north and south side of the Alps, as well as the differences between the alpine boundary layer and the boundary layer over homogeneous terrain are significant and need further discussion.

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Aspekte der Grenzschicht und Effekte der erhöhten Wärmequelle der Alpen

Zusammenfassung Hochdruckeinfluß im gesamten inneren ALPEX-Gebiet am 22. April 1982 ermöglichte die ALPEX-Aufgabe Nr. 6: die Effekte unterschiedlicher Strahlungserwärmung, welche je nach Höhenlage, topographischen Gegebenheiten und Albedo der alpinen Gebirgskette verursacht werden, zu untersuchen. Der Electra-Flug E-422 mit seinen vierfachen Nord-Süd, Süd-Nord-Flugrouten beschäftigte sich besonders mit der Untersuchung der täglichen Veränderung der atmosphärischen Grenzschicht und der Luftströmung an beiden Seiten der Alpen entlang des Querschnittes beim Gotthard bei ausgeprägten Inversionen. Unter Verwendung der Flugtechnik des vertikalen Zickzacks wurden insgesamt 24 Vertikalsondierungen entlang von vier Schnittlinien durchgeführt.Synoptische Radiosonden- und Bodendaten sowie digitale Satelliten- und Mikrobarographendaten werden zur Untersuchung der thermodynamischen Aspekte der täglichen Entwicklung des alpinen Hitzetiefs verwendet. Die Feinstruktur der Grenzschicht wird durch Querschnittanalysen der potentiellen. Temperatur, des Mischungsverhältnisses und der drei Windkomponenten aus den vom Flugzeug entlang der Schnittlinien gewonnenen 1 Hz Daten dokumentiert. Darüber hinaus wurden 15 Flugzeugsondierungen ausgewählt, um die vertikale Verteilung der turbulenten Varianzen und Flüsse an beiden Seiten der Alpen zu beurteilen. Sowohl die Unterschiede in der Struktur und der zeitlichen Entwicklung der alpinen Grenzschicht an der nördlichen und der südlichen Seite der Alpen als auch die Unterschiede zwischen der alpinen Grenzschicht und der Grenzschicht über homogenem Gelände sind signifikant und erfordern eine weitere Diskussion.

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With 8 Figures     

The electric field gradient at the position of copper in Cu2O and electronic charge density analysis by means of K-factors

The multipole moments of the charge density in Cu₂O are related to the electric field gradient (EFG) at the Cu position through crystallographic K-factors. The experimental EFG imposes certain restrictions on models for the charge distribution, which are discussed in detail. Nominal charges of +1 for Cu and ?2 for O on the basis of the ideal ionic model can be excluded. The sign of the field gradient is predicted to be negative.     

The location of Fe3+ ions in forsterite (Mg2SiO4)

The electron spin resonance spectrum of Fe³⁺ in a single crystal of forsterite was studied. Two distinct patterns of about equal intensities were observed which are due to Fe³⁺ at two distinct positions with 4a (M1)and4c (M2or Si) symmetry of Pbnm. The assignment of the 4c pattern to Fe³⁺ ions at the Si position cannot be excluded by symmetry but it is unlikely. The Hamiltonian parameters A and E/D are consistent with the conclusion that Fe³⁺ in this crystal is disordered over two distinct octahedral positions.