Molecular evidence for life in the 3.5 billion year old Warrawoona chert

The biological origin of organic matter in the oldest siliceous sediments (cherts) is still debated. To address this issue, the insoluble organic matter (kerogen) was isolated from a chert of the Warrawoona group. The chemical structure of the kerogen was investigated through a combination of analytical techniques including solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance and pyrolysis. Although dominated by aromatic hydrocarbons, the pyrolysate comprises a homologous series of long chain aliphatic hydrocarbons characterized by odd-over-even carbon number predominance. This distribution is only consistent with a biological origin. As kerogen must be contemporaneous of the solidification of the chert, this observation should be regarded as an evidence for the presence of life on Earth, 3.5 By ago.     

An alternative interpretation of the Cayman trough evolution from a reidentification of magnetic anomalies

Magnetic data were collected during the Wilkes (1973) and Seacarib II (1987) cruises to the Cayman trough. A new interpretation of magnetic data is carried out. An isochron pattern is drawn up from our anomaly identifications. An early Eocene age (49 Ma, Ypresian) for Cayman trough opening is proposed instead of the late Oligocene or middle Eocene ages suggested by previous studies. Our plate tectonic reconstruction is simpler and fits the on-land geology (Jamaica and Cuba) and the tectonics. Our reconstruction shows a southward propagation of the spreading centre between magnetic anomalies 8 and 6 (26 and 20 Ma). The trough width increases by 30 km in this period. The southward propagation of the Cayman spreading centre from the Middle Oligocene to the Early Miocene induced the development of the restraining bend of the Swan Islands, the formation of a 1 km high scarp on the eastern trace of the Cayman trough transform fault (Walton fault) and the formation of a pull-apart basin (Hendrix pull-apart). Magnetic anomalies and magnetization maps give information about the deformation and the rocks. The proposed evolutionary model of the Cayman trough from the inception of seafloor spreading to the present configuration is presented in relation to the tectonic escape of the northern boundary of the Caribbean plate from the Maastrichtian to the Present.     

Intrusion and its implication for subsidence: A case from the Baiyun Sag, on the northern margin of the South China Sea

We develop a series of simple numerical models to explain the anomalous subsidence and deposition phenomena on the northern continental margin of the South China Sea, in particular in the Baiyun Sag. The results suggest that a short-period high rate deposition of around 17 Ma is related to a rapid subsidence event, which may be due to episodic emplacement of a dense intrusion. Necking and gravity models indicate that in the basement of the Baiyun Sag, there is a dense zone that is 100–200 kg/m³ more dense than the surrounding country rock. Considering its high magnetic intensity and regional igneous activity, the dense zone is thought to be related to a phase of basalt intrusion that may have taken place around 17 Ma. Thermal and subsidence models indicate that a hot denser intrusion can cause significant subsidence immediately after the intrusion. The subsidence rate then slows down with cooling, thus becoming consistent with the observed subsidence curves at around 17 Ma. The results also indicate that the lithospheric strength under the Baiyun Sag is negligible, and that the high-velocity layer in the lowermost crust may be not an original part of the pre-rift crust. Instead, it is thought to be underplated intrusion emplaced at around 30 Ma when the continental margin broke up.     

Climate variability and trends in downscaled high-resolution simulations and projections over Metropolitan France

In order to fulfill the society demand for climate information at the spatial scale allowing impact studies, long-term high-resolution climate simulations are produced, over an area covering metropolitan France. One of the major goals of this article is to investigate whether such simulations appropriately simulate the spatial and temporal variability of the current climate, using two simulation chains. These start from the global IPSL-CM4 climate model, using two regional models (LMDz and MM5) at moderate resolution (15–20 km), followed with a statistical downscaling method in order to reach a target resolution of 8 km. The statistical downscaling technique includes a non-parametric method that corrects the distribution by using high-resolution analyses over France. First the uncorrected simulations are evaluated against a set of high-resolution analyses, with a focus on temperature and precipitation. Uncorrected downscaled temperatures suffer from a cold bias that is present in the global model as well. Precipitations biases have a season- and model-dependent behavior. Dynamical models overestimate rainfall but with different patterns and amplitude, but both have underestimations in the South-Eastern area (Cevennes mountains) in winter. A variance decomposition shows that uncorrected simulations fairly well capture observed variances from inter-annual to high-frequency intra-seasonal time scales. After correction, distributions match with analyses by construction, but it is shown that spatial coherence, persistence properties of warm, cold and dry episodes also match to a certain extent. Another aim of the article is to describe the changes for future climate obtained using these simulations under Scenario A1B. Results are presented on the changes between current and mid-term future (2021–2050) averages and variability over France. Interestingly, even though the same global climate model is used at the boundaries, regional climate change responses from the two models significantly differ.     

A Parameterization of Dry Thermals and Shallow Cumuli for Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction

For numerical weather prediction models and models resolving deep convection, shallow convective ascents are subgrid processes that are not parameterized by classical local turbulent schemes. The mass flux formulation of convective mixing is now largely accepted as an efficient approach for parameterizing the contribution of larger plumes in convective dry and cloudy boundary layers. We propose a new formulation of the EDMF scheme (for Eddy Diffusivity\Mass Flux) based on a single updraft that improves the representation of dry thermals and shallow convective clouds and conserves a correct representation of stratocumulus in mesoscale models. The definition of entrainment and detrainment in the dry part of the updraft is original, and is specified as proportional to the ratio of buoyancy to vertical velocity. In the cloudy part of the updraft, the classical buoyancy sorting approach is chosen. The main closure of the scheme is based on the mass flux near the surface, which is proportional to the sub-cloud layer convective velocity scale w _*. The link with the prognostic grid-scale cloud content and cloud cover and the projection on the non- conservative variables is processed by the cloud scheme. The validation of this new formulation using large-eddy simulations focused on showing the robustness of the scheme to represent three different boundary layer regimes. For dry convective cases, this parameterization enables a correct representation of the countergradient zone where the mass flux part represents the top entrainment (IHOP case). It can also handle the diurnal cycle of boundary-layer cumulus clouds (EUROCS\ARM) and conserve a realistic evolution of stratocumulus (EUROCS\FIRE).     

Lateritic concentrations of manganese oxyhydroxides and oxides

Latentes result from the weathering of a variety of rocks under humid tropical conditions. When developed at the expenses of Mn²⁺-bearing parent rocks, laterite consists of a thick mantle made up of manganese oxides and hydroxides. Two main examples are described from tropical Africa. The first example displays a lateritic profile on metamorphic rock; the second example deals with lateritic profiles developed on a Precambrian sedimentary rock. From the base to the top of the studied profiles, different Mn hydroxide and oxide sequences have differentiated. Their composition depends on (i) the constitutive parent minerals with vary ing weathering rates, (ii) the intensity of weathering which progresses towards the profile top permitting pseudomorphic replacement of Mn⁴⁺ oxides for early formed Mn³⁺ hydroxides. Most of the manganese ore result from a relative accumulation. However, Mn can also be mobilized in different places of weathering profiles leading to accumulations in other places, mainly at the base of weathering profiles. That absolute accumulation can occur in non-Mn-bearing weathering horizons (kaolinitic horizons) to form Mn nodules in which kaolinite is dissolved. This process provides Al which combines to Mn³⁺ forming Al-Mn hydroxides (lithiophorite).From these petrographical observations, stability field diagrams are proposed to explain the general evolution of Mn components under chemical lateritic conditions. These diagrams illustrate interactions between ions and manganese species.

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Zusammenfassung Latente entstehen durch Verwitterung verschiedener Gesteine in tropisch-feuchten Klimaten. Bildet sich Laterit aus Mn²⁺-führenden Ausgangsgestein, so besteht er aus einer dicken Schicht von Mangan-Oxiden und -Hydroxiden. Hier sollen zwei Beispiele aus tropischen Regionen Afrikas beschrieben werden:Das erste Beispiel ist ein Lateritprofil, daß das Hangende von Metamorphiten bildet; das zweite Laterite, die sich auf einem präkambrischen Sedimentgestein entwickelt haben. Von der Basis bis zu dem Top der jeweiligen Profile haben sich unterschiedliche Mangan-Hydroxid und -Oxid-Sequenzen herausgebildet. Die Zusammensetzung hängt ab von:(i) Den wesentlichen Ausgangsmineralien unter wechselnden Verwitterungspenoden und (ii) der Verwitterungsintensität, die zum Top des Profils zunimmt und damit die pseudomorphe Substitution von Mn³⁺-Hydroxiden zu Mn⁴⁺-Oxiden ermöglicht. Der Hauptanteil der Manganlagerstätte resultiert aus einer relativen Anreicherung. Allerdings kann Mn auch in verschiedenen Teilen des Verwitterungsprofiles mobilisiert werden, was zu einer Anreicherung in anderen Bereichen führt und zwar hauptsächlich an der Basis eines Profiles. Diese absolute Anreicherung kann in Mangan-freien Verwitterungshorizonten (Kaolinithorizonte) zur Bildung von Mangankonkretionen führen, in denen Kaolinit gelöst wird. Bei diesem Vorgang wird Al frei, das sich mit Mn³⁺ verbindet, um Al-Mn-Hydroxide (Lithiophorite) zu bilden.Mit Hilfe dieser petrographischen Beobachtungen werden Stabilitäts-Diagramme erstellt, die die allgemeine Entwicklung der Mn-Komponenten unter lateritischen Bedingungen zu erklären versuchen. Diese Diagramme erleutern die zwischen Ionen und Mangan stattfindenen Reaktionen.

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Résumé Les latérites résultent de l'altération chimique de roches de types variés, sous conditions tropicales humides. Les latérites se développent sur roches-mères à minéraux manganésifères à Mn²⁺ sous forme de cuirasses épaisses constituées d'oxydes et d'hydroxydes de manganèse. Deux exemples d'Afrique tropicale sont étudiés. Le premier exemple montre un profil d'altération latéritique développé sur roche métamorphique; le deuxième exemple traite de profils latéritiques développés sur une roche sédimentaire précambrienne. De la base vers le sommet des profils étudiés, se différencient des séquences d'oxydes et hydroxydes de manganèse. Elles sont fonction (1) des minéraux primaires dont les vitesses d'altération varient d'une phase à une autre, (2) de l'intensité de l'altération qui est d'autant plus forte que l'on monte dans le profil et qui permet le remplacement pseudomorphique d'hydroxydes à Mn³⁺ formés précocement par des oxydes à Mn⁴⁺. La plupart des gisements de manganèse résultent d'une accumulation relative; cependant, Mn peut être mobile à différents niveaux dans les profils d'altération et s'accumuler de manière absolue à d'autres, et en particulier à la base des profils. Cette accumulation absolue peut se produire dans des horizons non manganésifères (horizons kaolinitiques) et former des nodules de manganèse dans lesquels la kaolinite est dissoute libérant de l'aluminium qui se combine avec Mn³⁺ pour former un hydroxyde alumineux et manganésifère: la lithiophorite.A partir de ces observations pétrographiques, et après les avoir comparées avec celles d'autres gisements africains et brésiliens, des diagrammes de champs de stabilité sont proposés pour expliquer l'évolution générale des phases manganésifères sous conditions d'altération latéritique. Ces diagrammes illustrent les interactions entre ions en solution et minéraux manganésifères.

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Clashing interpretations of REDD+ “results” in the Amazon Fund

Results-based funding (RBF) is a governance concept that is rapidly becoming the mainstream paradigm for international collaborations in the environmental sector. While portrayed as a compromise solution between market-based mechanisms and unconditional donations, the implementation of RBF is revealing new conflicts and contradictions of its own. This paper explores the application of RBF for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) by describing the discursive conflicts between recipient (i.e., Brazil) and donor (i.e., Norway and Germany) countries of the Amazon Fund about what constitutes “results” or “performance.” Although all parties agree that the financial transfers to RBF should be based on past emission reductions in relation to a historical baseline, they hold clashing interpretations about temporal (i.e., past or future) and epistemological (i.e., how to measure) aspects of the results these payments are intended for. Firstly, while Brazil emphasizes that it deserves a reward of USD 21 billion for results achieved between 2006 and 2016, donor countries have indicated an interest in paying only for most recent results as a way to incentivize further reductions. Secondly, while all parties believe that Amazon Fund should support policies to reduce deforestation, donor countries have revealed concerns that the performance of the Amazon Fund projects in generating further reductions has not been measured in a rigorous manner. This suggests that donor countries may consider making changes to current RBF mechanisms or getting involved in new forms of finance.     

The Comparison of δ<Superscript>13</Superscript>C Values of a Deposit- and a Suspension-Feeder Bio-Indicates Benthic vs. Pelagic Couplings and Trophic Status in Contrasted Coastal Ecosystems

δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of two generalists primary consumers, a strict deposit-feeder polychaete (Arenicola marina), and a strict suspension-feeder bivalve (Crassostrea gigas), were investigated to typify the trophic functioning of two contrasted marine coastal ecosystems (eutrophic and mesotrophic, east and west Cotentin peninsula, respectively, English Channel, Normandy, France). On average, δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of lugworms mirrored those of sediment organic matter (SOM), whereas δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of oysters mirrored those of suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM). δ¹³C values of the two species displayed significant differences on the west coast (mesotrophic) contrary to the east coast (eutrophic; significant interactions). δ¹⁵N values differed only between sites and not between species. Diet of A. marina relied exclusively on microphytobenthos (MPB) and detritus of macroalgae (ULV) on the mesotrophic coast, whereas diet of C. gigas relied mainly on SPOM. Conversely, on the eutrophic ecosystem (the east coast), both species displayed the same diet, which was a mixture of pelagic sources (SPOM), benthic sources (MPB and ULV) and to a lesser extent riverine particulate organic matter (rPOM). These results were explained by the intensity of benthic vs. pelagic couplings (i.e. benthic-pelagic and pelagic-benthic) which differed in the two ecosystems. Low trophic coupling occurred on the mesotrophic (west) coast, whereas benthic-pelagic (SOM resuspension) and pelagic-benthic (settling of SPOM such as phytoplankton blooms) couplings were typified on the eutrophic (east) coast. This higher particulate organic matter (POM) pelagic-benthic coupling on the east coast was probably enhanced by nutrient enrichment caused by eutrophication. Comparison of δ¹³C ratios of both the strict deposit-feeder (e.g. A. marina) and the strict suspension-feeder (e.g. C. gigas) was then proposed as a bio-indicator of the trophic status and of POM benthic vs. pelagic couplings of soft-bottom coastal ecosystems.     

A standard format for storage and exchange of natural and explosive-source seismic data: The ROSE format

The ROSE experiment (Ewing and Meyer, 1982) involved the participation of much of the U.S. marine seismic community. Prior to that experiment, wide consultation was made and much effort was expended in the intercomparison of instruments and in the establishment of a uniform, yet flexible, data exchange format. Results of the instrument intercomparison were reported earlier in this journal (Sutton et al., 1981) and the data exchange format is described in detail here. The participating institutions have provided their data to a central exchange facility at the University of Hawaii where the data are catalogued and distributed. We hope that the use of this format for the exchange of data from other experiments will reduce the time we spend on work of a housekeeping nature, time which is irretrievably lost to the pursuit of our scientific goals.     

Modelling carbon cycling through phytoplankton and microbes in the Scotia—Weddell Sea area during sea ice retreat

An ecological model to calculate phytoplankton development and microbial loop dynamics in the marginal ice zone of the antarctic ecosystem has been established on the basis of physical and biological (phyto- and bacterioplankton biomass and activity and counting of two classes of heterotrophic nanoplankton) measurements carried out in the marginal ice zone of the Scotia-Weddell Sea sector of the Southern Ocean during sea ice retreat 1988 (EPOS 1 and 2 expeditions). Application of this model at latitudes where sea ice retreat occurs and in adjacent open sea and permanently ice-covered areas demonstrated that the marginal ice zone is a region of enhanced primary and bacterioplankton production. Combining the results of the phyto- and bacterioplankton models allowed the quantitative estimate of the carbon fluxes through the lower level of the planktonic food web of the Weddell Sea marginal ice zone during the sea ice retreat period. The resulting carbon budget revealed the quantitative importance of microbial and micrograzing processes in the pathways of net primary production, 71% of this latter being assimilated in the microbial food web. However, total net microbial food web secondary production contributed 28% of‘marginal ice zone produced’ food resources available to krill and other Zooplankton.