Nutrient budgets for European seas: a measure of the effectiveness of nutrient reduction policies

Socio-economic development in Europe has exerted increasing pressure on the marine environment. Eutrophication, caused by nutrient enrichment, is evident in regions of all European seas. Its severity varies but has, in places, adversely impacted socio-economic activities. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of recently adopted policies to reduce anthropogenic nutrient inputs to European seas. Nitrogen and phosphorus budgets were constructed for three different periods (prior to severe eutrophication, during severe eutrophication and contemporary) to capture changes in the relative importance of different nutrient sources in four European seas suffering from eutrophication (Baltic Proper, coastal North Sea, Northern Adriatic and North-Western Black Sea Shelf). Policy success is evident for point sources, notably for P in the Baltic and North Seas, but reduction of diffuse sources has been more problematic.     

Laboratory measurements of super-resolving Toraldo pupils for radio astronomical applications

The concept of super-resolution refers to various methods for improving the angular resolution of an optical imaging system beyond the classical diffraction limit. Although several techniques to narrow the central lobe of the illumination Point Spread Function have been developed in optical microscopy, most of these methods cannot be implemented on astronomical telescopes. A possible exception is represented by the variable transmittance filters, also known as “Toraldo Pupils” (TPs) since they were introduced for the first time by G. Toraldo di Francia in 1952 (Toraldo di Francia, Il Nuovo Cimento (Suppl.) 9, 426, 1952). In the microwave range, the first successful laboratory test of TPs was performed in 2003 (Mugnai et al. Phys. Lett. A 311, 77–81, 2003). These first results suggested that TPs could represent a viable approach to achieve super-resolution in Radio Astronomy. We have therefore started a project devoted to a more exhaustive analysis of TPs, in order to assess their potential usefulness to achieve super-resolution on a radio telescope, as well as to determine their drawbacks. In the present work we report on the results of extensive microwave measurements, using TPs with different geometrical shapes, which confirm the correctness of the first experiments in 2003. We have also extended the original investigation to carry out full-wave electromagnetic numerical simulations and also to perform planar scanning of the near-field and transform the results into the far-field.     

Typhoon-induced strong surface flows in the Taiwan strait and pacific

Surface Velocity Program drifters drogued at 15 m depth were deployed in the Taiwan Strait (TS) and Luzon Strait in 2005 and 2006. Several drifters in the TS and the Pacific were fortuitously overrun by the typhoon Hai-Tang (July 2005) and Shan-Shan (September 2006), respectively. The drifter and QuikSCAT wind data clearly demonstrate that the surface current over the TS and the Pacific can change dramatically for a period of about two days due to the strong winds of a typhoon during its passage. Our results show that the area of storm-affected surface currents is considerably smaller for a weaker typhoon (category 2 Shan-Shan), about 300∼400 km in radius, than for a stronger typhoon (category 5 Hai-Tang), about 800 km in radius. The maximum observed current speed in the TS was 1.7 ms⁻¹ (or 2.2 ms⁻¹ in net speed change) under the influence of Hai-Tang, and 2 ms⁻¹ in the Pacific under the influence of Shan-Shan. Drifter observations revealed the unusual phenomenon of flow reversal in the surface layer of TS and the Kuroshio induced by the typhoon passage. The effect of a typhoon on surface flows is amplified by the long, narrow geometry of the TS. Surface currents generated by wind forcing along the passage of a traveling typhoon can be explained by the Ekman drift.     

Planform dynamics of braided streams

The high dynamism and complexity of braided networks poses a series of open questions, significant for river restoration and management. The present work is aimed at the characterization of the morphology of braided streams, in order to assess whether the system reaches a steady state under constant flow conditions and, in that case, to determine how it can be described and on which parameters it depends. A series of 14 experimental runs were performed in a laboratory physical model with uniform sand, varying the discharge and the longitudinal slope. Planimetric and altimetric configurations were monitored in order to assess the occurrence of a steady state. A set of parameters was considered, such as the braid‐plain width and the number and typology of branches and nodes. Results point out that a relationship exists between braiding morphology and two dimensionless parameters, related to total water discharge and stream power. We found that network complexity increases at higher values of water discharge and a larger portion of branches exhibits morphological activity. Results are then compared to the outputs of a simple one‐dimensional model, that allows to easily predict the average network complexity, once the bed topography is known. Model computations permit also the investigation of the effect of water discharge variations and to compare different width definitions. The at‐a‐station variability of planimetric parameters shows a peculiar behaviour, both regarding number of branches and wetted width. In particular, the analysis of the relationship between width and discharge highlighted relevant differences in comparison to single thread channel. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental constraints on the crystallization of natrocarbonatitic lava flows

Natrocarbonatitic magmas are characterized by their extremely low viscosities and fast elemental diffusion, and as a consequence of this, their chemistry and crystallinity can change significantly during residence in shallow reservoirs or even due to cooling during lava flow emplacement. Here, we present the results of a series of crystallization experiments conducted at 1-atm confining pressure and in a temperature range between 630°C and 300°C. The experiments were set up to characterize the chemistry and growth processes of the phenocryst phases present in natrocarbonatites. The results are applicable to (1) processes occurring during residence in shallow magma reservoirs and/or (2) during lava flow emplacement. We show that during crystallization of natrocarbonatites at atmospheric pressure, gregoryite is the first mineral to crystallize at 630°C, followed by nyerereite at 595°C. Crystal size distributions of the gregoryites show that the crystals grow rapidly by textural coarsening (i.e., Ostwald ripening). As the crystallization is a continuous process at this pressure, the composition of the residual melt changes in response to the crystallization. However, the experiments also show that individual crystals completely reequilibrate with the changes in melt composition in as little time as <11 min. We therefore conclude that crystallization and diffusion are extremely fast processes in the natrocarbonatitic system and that the measured chemical variations in phenocrysts from Oldoinyo Lengai can be explained by different cooling histories. Finally, we model the rheological control on the emplacement of highly crystallized natrocarbonatitic lavas at Oldoinyo Lengai.     

Estimation of the dispersion coefficient in rivers with riparian vegetation

The study of the transport processes in the riparian environment is currently a subject of great interest. In this context, the evaluation of longitudinal dispersion is a fundamental issue. Although it plays an important role in the transport of chemicals, nutrients, and wood debris, few works have studied the effects of riparian vegetation on the dispersion coefficient in transversally non-uniform streams. Here, a quasi two-dimensional model is proposed to evaluate the transverse profile of the depth-averaged velocity in the presence of any vegetation distribution along the riparian transect. Once velocity profile is obtained, the dispersion coefficient is evaluated and the remarkable role of vegetation is shown. Both the velocity profile and the dispersion coefficient have been validated using our new experimental results and literature data. The work highlights the importance of taking into account the presence of vegetation along river banks. The estimation of the longitudinal dispersion in vegetated rivers can be affected by as much as 70–100% compared to the case without vegetation.     

Anatomy of the Holocene succession of the southern Venice lagoon revealed by very high-resolution seismic data

The southern portion of the Venice lagoon contains a relatively thick (up to 20 m) Holocene sedimentary body that represents a detailed record of the formation and evolution of the lagoon. New very high-resolution (VHR) seismic profiles provided a detailed investigation on depositional geometries, internal bounding surfaces and stratal relationships. These informations, combined with core analysis, allowed the identification of large- to medium-scale sedimentary structures (e.g. dunes, point bars), the corresponding sedimentary environment, and of retrogradational and progradational trends. In addition, the availability of dense seismic network produced a 3D reconstruction of the southern lagoon and the recognition of the along-strike and dip variability of the stratal architecture.     

Groundwater connections under a barrier beach: A case study in the Venice Lagoon

The flow of groundwater beneath barrier islands has been cited as a possible pathway for salt water and chemical exchange between a protected embayment and the open sea. Evidence is presented that identifies an exchange of groundwater through a highly permeable paleoinlet along the barrier beach of Cavallino, which separates the northern Venice Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. We utilized both point measurements of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and a geophysical investigation of the subsurface resistivity to analyze the movement of saline groundwater. Discharge of groundwater and associated nutrients, was higher at the site of a former inlet than at a similar site along the barrier and modulated by the difference in tidal water level between the lagoon and Adriatic Sea. If the measured conditions are typical, storm surge barriers could potentially result in a saline groundwater flow of up to 1.5×10⁶ m³ d⁻¹ into the lagoon.     

Sediment Yield During Late Glacial and Holocene periods in the Lac Chambon Watershed,Massif Central,France

A sediment budget for the Late Glacial and Holocene periods was calculated for the Lac Chambon watershed which is located in a formerly glaciated temperate crystalline mountain area. It appears that over 15 500 years: (1) 69 per cent of eroded particles have been displaced by gravity processes and then stored within the watershed, compared to 31 per cent that have been displaced by running water and evacuated outward; (2) the mean mechanical erosion due to gravity processes on the slopes amounted to 16·1 ±6 m and only developed on a quarter of the watershed surface, whereas the mean mechanical erosion due to running water amounted 1·24 ± 0·37 m and involved the whole watershed surface. The mean sediment yields due to gravity processes on slopes were 2300 ± 1360, 1770 ± 960 and 380 ± 100 m³ km⁻³ a⁻¹, respectively, for basalts, and basic and acidic trachyandesites. Values of sediment yield due to running water were 49±15, 120±36 and 79±24 m³ km⁻² a⁻¹, respectively, during the Bôlling–Allerôd, the Younger Dryas and the Pre-Boreal–Boreal periods. They were 56±17 and 166±50 m³ km⁻² a⁻¹ during the Sub-Atlantic period before and after 1360 a BP , respectively. These values reflect variations in the natural environment and the impact of human-induced deforestation. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palaeohydrological characteristics and palaeogeographic reconstructions of incised-valley-fill systems: Insights from the Namurian successions of the United Kingdom and Ireland

Namurian (Carboniferous) eustatic fluctuations drove the incision and backfill of shelf-crossing valley systems located in humid subequatorial regions, which are now preserved in successions of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The infills of these valleys archive the record of palaeoriver systems whose environmental, hydrological and palaeogeographic characteristics remain unclear. A synthesis of sedimentological data from fluvial strata of 18 Namurian incised-valley fills in the United Kingdom and Ireland is undertaken to elucidate the nature of their formative river systems and to refine regional palaeogeographic reconstructions. Quantitative analyses are performed of facies proportions, of geometries of incised-valley fills and related architectural elements, and of the thickness of dune-scale sets of cross-strata. Reconstruction of the size of the drainage areas that fed these valleys is attempted based on two integrative approaches: flow-depth estimations from dune-scale cross-set thickness statistics and scaling relationships of incised-valley fill dimensions derived from late-Quaternary examples. The facies organization of these incised-valley fills suggests that their formative palaeorivers were perennial and experienced generally low discharge variability, consistent with their climatic context; however, observations of characteristically low variability in cross-set thickness might reflect rapid flood recession, perhaps in relation to sub-catchments experiencing seasonal rainfall. Variations in facies characteristics, including inferences of flow regime and cross-set thickness distributions, might reflect the control of catchment size on river hydrology, importance of which is considered in light of data from modern rivers. Palaeohydrological reconstructions indicate that depth estimations from cross-set thickness contrast with observations of barform and channel-fill thickness, and projected thalweg depths exceed the depth of some valley fills. Limitations in data and interpretations and high bedform preservation are recognized as possible causes. With consideration of uncertainties in the inference of catchment size, the palaeogeography of the valley systems has been tentatively reconstructed by integrating existing provenance and sedimentological data. The approaches illustrated in this work can be replicated to the study of palaeohydrological characteristics and palaeogeographic reconstructions of incised-valley fills globally and through geological time.