Climate, weather, and north polar observations from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Color Imager

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter observes Mars from a nearly circular, polar orbit. From this vantage point, the Mars Color Imager extends the ∼5 Mars years record of Mars Global Surveyor global, visible-wavelength multi-color observations of meteorological events and adds measurements at three additional visible and two ultraviolet wavelengths. Observations of the global distribution of ozone (which anti-correlates with water vapor) and water ice and dust clouds allow tracking of atmospheric circulation. Regional and local observations emphasize smaller scale atmospheric dynamics, especially those related to dust lifting and subsequent motion. Polar observations detail variations related to the polar heat budget, including changes in polar frosts and ices, and storms generated at high thermal contrast boundaries.     

A new particulate Mn-Fe-P-shuttle at the redoxcline of anoxic basins

Pelagic redoxclines of anoxic basins and deeps form the suboxic transition between oxygenated surface and anoxic or even sulfidic bottom waters. Intense element cycling, favoured by elevated microbial activity, causes steep gradients of physico-chemical parameters, nutrients and redox-sensitive trace metals. This study presents a conceptual model for authigenic particle formation at pelagic redoxclines, which is based on the tight coupling of Mn, Fe, and P cycles. Besides the well-known occurrence of Mn-oxides, textural (SEM-EDX) and geochemical (ICP-OES, ICP-MS) analyses of particles from the redoxclines of the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea (Gotland Basin, Landsort Deep) evidence the existence of earlier postulated Fe-oxyhydroxo-phosphates and emphasize mixed phases consisting of Mn-oxides and Fe-oxyhydroxo-phosphates as a new solid species. Most of the analyzed particles are star-shaped, of about 5 μm in size, and occur as single particles or aggregates without any morphological differences between Mn-oxides, Fe-oxyhydroxo-phosphates, and mixed phases. Throughout the redoxcline, these minerals show a general succession with maximum abundance of Mn-oxides above the redoxcline followed by mixed phases and almost pure Fe-phosphates within and below the redoxcline, respectively. Molar Fe/P ratios of single particles argue against the formation of known pure Fe-phosphates like vivianite or strengite at the lower end of the redox transition zone, but are consistent with recent experimental findings for colloidal P-bearing hydrous ferric oxides. Moreover, morphological similarities suggest the formation of irregular Fe-oxyhydroxo coatings due to oxidation of upward diffusing Fe²⁺ by oxygen and stepwise replacement of Mn(IV) by Fe(III) on sinking MnO_x particles followed by immediate adsorption or even co-precipitation of phosphate. Batch-type experiments using biogenic MnO_x particles demonstrate the efficient potential of Fe²⁺ oxidation by sinking MnO_x particles. When entering sulfidic waters MnO_x particles are progressively reduced leading to an increasing relative abundance of Fe- and P-rich particles. In deeper parts of the water column these particles are also reductively dissolved, thereby releasing Fe²⁺ and phosphate to the water column. This Mn-Fe-P-shuttle likely affects phosphate transport throughout the water column and thus impacts primary production at least over longer time scales. Furthermore, the particulate Mn-Fe-P-shuttle must have played an important role for the cycling of P and certain trace metals in ancient ocean basins, e.g., during certain periods of Cretaceous black shale formation and should be considered in future mass balances and modeling approaches dealing with oxic/anoxic interfaces of aquatic ecosystems.     

The lateral and vertical reflectance and petrological variation of a heat-affected bituminous coal seam from southeastern British Columbia, Canada

Thermally altered pods of coal of very high rank have been observed in a high-volatile-bituminous coal seam in the eastern side of Eagle Mountain, Elk Valley Coalfield, British Columbia. Rank changes have been measured over a strike distance of 7.5 m from 1.24% to 7.1% R_{o max}, corresponding to a rank gradient of 0.78% R_om⁻¹.Petrologically, unaltered to extremely altered vitrinite showing nongranular (basic) anisotropy, mosaic-textured liptinite and pyrolytic carbon are the most abundant components. The limited presence of mosaic on vitrinite is an indication that the coal seam may have been weathered prior to being heat-affected.Evidence points to localized temperatures as high as 1,000°C, which could have been caused by a lightning strike. The eastern side of Eagle Mountain has experienced higher temperatures than the western side, and it appears that the heat ‘front’ and zone of alteration have an irregular pattern, pointing to saturation of parts of the coal seam by water.Four types of pyrolytic carbon having distinct morphology, anisotrophy and optical path with increasing temperature were observed. Reflectance of pyrolytic carbon falls within the zone of heat-affected coals, whereas the optical path of heat-affected Seam 15 samples is different from that of fresh coal with increasing rank.Finally, the reflectance of vitrinite in heat-affected coal is higher than the reflectance of vitrinite in carbonaceous shale in the Seam 15 section.     

Calculating surface water PCO2 from foraminiferal organic δC

The δ¹³C of organic matter bound within the crystal lattice of foraminiferal calcite tests may provide a potential tracer of the isotopic composition of the surface water primary photosynthate. Using δ¹³C of the organic matter extracted from the crystal lattice and the calcite test, it is theoretically possible to estimate the paleo-surface water pCO₂. We have tailored this technique initially for the subpolar planktonic foraminifera species Globigerina bulloides. Initial surface water pCO₂ estimates from deep-sea core BOFS 5K (50°41.3′N, 21°51.9′W, water depth 3547 m) indicate that the northeast Atlantic Ocean may have been a greater sink for CO₂ during the last glacial than during the Holocene. Greatly reduced benthic foraminifera abundances, especially phytodetritus feeders, in BOFS 5K during the last glacial indicates low surface productivity. This rules out a productivity-driven CO₂ sink. The enhanced glacial CO₂ sink must, therefore, have results from a southwards shift of the centre of deep water formation.     

Calcium-isotope fractionation in selected modern and ancient marine carbonates

The calcium-isotope composition (δ^44/42Ca) was analyzed in modern, Cretaceous and Carboniferous marine skeletal carbonates as well as in bioclasts, non-skeletal components, and diagenetic cements of Cretaceous and Carboniferous limestones. In order to gain insight in Ca²⁺_aq-CaCO₃-isotope fractionation mechanisms in marine carbonates, splits of samples were analyzed for Sr, Mg, Fe, and Mn concentrations and for their oxygen and carbon isotopic composition. Biological carbonates generally have lower δ^44/42Ca values than inorganic marine cements, and there appears to be no fractionation between seawater and marine inorganic calcite. A kinetic isotope effect related to precipitation rate is considered to control the overall discrimination against ⁴⁴Ca in biological carbonates when compared to inorganic precipitates. This is supported by a well-defined correlation of the δ^44/42Ca values with Sr concentrations in Cretaceous limestones that contain biological carbonates at various stages of marine diagenetic alteration. No significant temperature dependence of Ca-isotope fractionation was found in shells of Cretaceous rudist bivalves that have recorded large seasonal temperature variations as derived from δ¹⁸O values and Mg concentrations. The reconstruction of secular variations in the δ^44/42Ca value of seawater from well preserved skeletal calcite is compromised by a broad range of variation found in both modern and Cretaceous biological carbonates, independent of chemical composition or mineralogy. Despite these variations that may be due to still unidentified biological fractionation mechanisms, the δ^44/42Ca values of Cretaceous skeletal calcite suggest that the δ^44/42Ca value of Cretaceous seawater was 0.3-0.4‰ lower than that of the modern ocean.     

A 180 ka record of environmental change at Erdut (Croatia): a new chronology for the loess–palaeosol sequence and its implications for environmental interpretation

While there are numerous thick loess–palaeosol sequences preserved across the Carpathian Basin, well dated sites that provide terrestrial palaeoenvironmental records extending beyond last glacial–interglacial cycle are scarce. Robust chronologies are essential for correlations of loess with other long-term Quaternary records and to further understanding of the palaeoenvironment and climate of this important region beyond the last 125 ka. Here a new geochronology based on 13 post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence ages focused on the lower part of the loess–palaeosol sequence at Erdut is presented. The results show that the lower part of the Erdut profile spans the penultimate glacial cycle (MIS 7 to MIS 5). The considerable sediments overlaying the investigated part of the profile suggest that this section spans two glacial cycles, rather than the previously suggested one. The most likely source of the discrepancy is the use of uncorrected infrared stimulated luminescence signal, which can cause age underestimation if not accounted for. This study demonstrates the need to revisit sites such as Erdut, re-date them using updated measurement protocols, and update existing palaeoenvironmental interpretations.     

Composition of Li-F granite melt and its evolution during the formation of the ore-bearing Orlovka massif in Eastern Transbaikalia

By the example of the Orlovka massif of Li-F granites in Eastern Transbaikalia, the major- and trace-element (Li, Be, B, Ta, Nb, W, REE, Y, Zr, and Hf) compositions of the parental melt and the character of its variations during the formation of the differentiated rock series were quantitatively estimated for the first time on the basis of electron and ion microprobe analysis and Raman spectroscopy of rehomogenized glasses of melt inclusions in quartz. It was shown that the composition of the Orlovka melt corresponded to a strongly evolved alumina-saturated granitoid magma (A/CNK = 1.12–1.55) rich in normative albite, poor in normative quartz, and similar to ongonite melts. This magma was strongly enriched in water (up to 9.9 ± 1.1 wt %) and fluorine (up to 2.8 wt %). Most importantly, this massif provided the first evidence for high B₂O₃ contents in melts (up to 2.09 wt %). The highest contents of trace elements were observed in the melt from pegmatoid bodies in the amazonite granites of the border zone: up to 5077 ppm Li, 6397 ppm Rb, 313 ppm Cs, 62 ppm Ta, 116 ppm Nb, and 62 ppm W. Compared with the daughter rock, the Orlovka melt was depleted at all stages of formation in SiO₂ (by up to 6 wt %), Na₂O (by up to 2.5 wt %), and, to a smaller extent, in Ti, Fe, Mg, Sr, and Ba, but was enriched in Mn, Rb, F, B, and H₂O.     

Magma evolution beneath Bequia,Lesser Antilles,deduced from petrology of lavas and plutonic xenoliths

Extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks represent different parts of a magmatic system and ultimately provide complementary information about the processes operating beneath volcanoes. To shed light on such processes, we have examined and quantified the textures and mineral compositions of plutonic and cumulate xenoliths and lavas from Bequia, Lesser Antilles arc. Both suites contain assemblages of iddingsitized olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene and spinel with rare orthopyroxene and ilmenite. Mineral zoning is widespread, but more protracted in lavas than xenoliths. Plagioclase cores and olivine have high anorthite (An?≤?98) and low forsterite (Fo?≤?84) compositions respectively, implying crystallisation from a hydrous mafic melt that was already fractionated. Xenolith textures range from adcumulate to orthocumulate with variable mineral crystallisation sequences. Textural criteria are used to organize the xenoliths into six groups. Amphibole, notably absent from lavas, is a common feature of xenoliths, together with minor biotite and apatite. Bulk compositions of xenoliths deviate from the liquid line of descent of lavas supporting a cumulate origin with varying degrees of reactive infiltration by evolved hydrous melts, preserved as melt inclusions in xenolith crystals. Volatile saturation pressures in melt inclusions indicate cumulate crystallization over a 162–571 MPa pressure range under conditions of high dissolved water contents (up to 7.8 wt% H₂O), consistent with a variety of other thermobarometric estimates. Phase assemblages of xenoliths are consistent with published experimental data on volatile-saturated low-magnesium and high-alumina basalts and basaltic andesite from the Lesser Antilles at pressures of 200–1000 MPa, temperatures of 950–1050 °C and dissolved H₂O contents of 4–7 wt%. Once extracted from mid-crustal mushes, residual melts ascend to higher levels and undergo H₂O-saturated crystallization in shallow, pre-eruptive reservoirs to form phenocrysts and glomerocrysts. The absence of amphibole from lavas reflects instability at low pressures, whereas its abundance in xenoliths testifies to its importance in mid-crustal differentiation processes. A complex, vertically extensive (6 to at least 21 km depth) magmatic system is inferred beneath Bequia. Xenoliths represent fragments of the mush incorporated into ascending magmas. The widespread occurrence of evolved melts in the mush, but the absence of erupted evolved magmas, in contrast to islands in the northern Lesser Antilles, may reflect the relative immaturity of the Bequia magmatic system.     

Upwelling in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea: Atmospheric forcing and local versus non-local response

The spin up and relaxation of an autumn upwelling event on the Beaufort slope is investigated using a combination of oceanic and atmospheric data and numerical models. The event occurred in November 2002 and was driven by an Aleutian low storm. The wind field was strongly influenced by the pack-ice distribution, resulting in enhanced winds over the open water of the Chukchi Sea. Flow distortion due to the Brooks mountain range was also evident. Mooring observations east of Barrow Canyon show that the Beaufort shelfbreak jet reversed to the west under strong easterly winds, followed by upwelling of Atlantic Water onto the shelf. After the winds subsided a deep eastward jet of Atlantic Water developed, centered at 250 m depth. An idealized numerical model reproduces these results and suggests that the oceanic response to the local winds is modulated by a propagating signal from the western edge of the storm. The disparity in wave speeds between the sea surface height signal—traveling at the fast barotropic shelf wave speed—versus the interior density signal—traveling at the slow baroclinic wave speed—leads to the deep eastward jet. The broad-scale response to the storm over the Chukchi Sea is investigated using a regional numerical model. The strong gradient in windspeed at the ice edge results in convergence of the offshore Ekman transport, leading to the establishment of an anti-cyclonic gyre in the northern Chukchi Sea. Accordingly, the Chukchi shelfbreak jet accelerates to the east into the wind during the storm, and no upwelling occurs west of Barrow Canyon. Hence the storm response is fundamentally different on the Beaufort slope (upwelling) versus the Chukchi slope (no upwelling). The regional numerical model results are supported by additional mooring data in the Chukchi Sea.     

AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT ON SOUTH-CENTRAL PACIFIC ISLANDS *

A pilot study of spatial patterns of agricultural drought hazard in the south-central Pacific is presented. The durations of crop stress periods are estimated using a water balance approach. A rainfall approach is used to identify dry periods corresponding to different durations. Strong correlation between the results of the two methods indicates that monthly rainfall data are sufficient for estimating the patterns of agricultural drought hazard in the region. The simpler rainfall method is particularly useful for high islands where data required for the water balance approach are not sufficient to characterize the complex climatic patterns. Drought hazard is greatest in the eastern and southwestern parts of the study area. Great spatial variation in drought hazard is observed in a small area on the high islands of Western Samoa, where the range of values found within a few tens of kilometers is about the same as the range found across thousands of kilometers for low islands.