Observations of natural fluorescence with an underwater radiometer

Measurements of subsurface irradiance spectra in the ocean consistently indicate intensities of long-wavelength visible light (589 nm) greater than could be derived from the penetration of sunlight. This can be attributed to natural fluorescence and/or to spectral crosstalk due to light leakage through the blocking filters of each discrete detector. A comparison of observed profiles with modelled contributions from these two possible sources indicates that both factors are contributing. At 671 and 694 nm wavelength, the excess signal appears to be predominantly fluorescence while that at 589 nm is mostly crosstalk. Both effects appear to be important at 625 nm although the amount of excess light is small compared to the other wavelengths.The above observations and interpretations are consistent with the optical design of the instrument used and the shape of natural irradiance spectra. Fluorescence efficiencies derived from the irradiance measurements correlate well with measuredin situ fluorescence.     

An experimental study of elastohydrodynamics of towed flexible cylinders aided by video image processing

Experimental studies of the elastohydrodynamics of towed flexible cylinders aided by video image processing are reported. A scale model of a prototype hydrophone array has been designed, fabricated, and tested in a speed range of 1.0 to 4.5 m/sec. The experiments were conducted in a 67-m long towing tank. The instrumented flexible member, 12.7 mm in diameter and 13.55 m long, was fixed at the one end and free at the other and was slightly lighter than neutrally bouyant. Three tail drogue configurations were employed. An integral part of the physical model tests was the development and utilization of a microcomputer based video image processing system for model configuration reconstitution. Instability characteristics, tail acceleration spectral densities, lift force due to curvature, and drag coefficients are quantified and discussed.     

Feeding Habits of Ocinebrina edwardsi (Mollusca: Prosobranchia) a Common Mussel Drill of the Italian Coasts

Abstract. The shell-boring gastropod Ocinebrina edwardsi (PAYR.) lives associated with Mytilus galloprovincialis LMK on which it preys. Predation is preferentially directed towards small (< 15 mm long) mussels. The predation rate (number of mussels eaten per gastropod per day) for medium sized mussels (16–25 mm long) during a year ranges from 0.03 to 0.11. The predation rate is directly influenced by the sea-water temperature. Predation follows a seasonal cycle reaching a maximum in July and a minimum in January. O. edwardsi drills selectively the median anterior region of the mussel valve, close to the dorsal edge.