Holocene millennial to centennial carbonate cyclicity recorded in slope sediments of the Great Bahama Bank and its climatic implications

A 38 m long sediment core (MD992201) retrieved from a water depth of 290 m from the leeward margin of the Great Bahama Bank (GBB; 25°53·49′N, 79°16·34′W) has been investigated for changes in aragonite content. The core covers the Mid to Late Holocene (the past 7230 yr). Sediment lightness (L*-values) was used as a proxy for aragonite content, based on a high linear correlation (R = 0·93) between the X-ray diffraction derived aragonite content and L*-values. The resulting time resolution of the L*-values derived aragonite content ranges from 1 yr at the base of the core to 4 yr at the top. Detailed time series analysis using Monte Carlo Singular Spectrum Analysis and spectral analysis (Lomb–Scargle Fourier transform) identifies the presence of seven signals with varying amplitudes and wavelengths that could be traced throughout the past 5500 yr. During the first ∼1600 yr of sedimentation the aragonite record is dominated by the initial flooding of the flat-topped GBB. Superimposed on a multimillennial signal, related to Holocene sea-level changes, a millennial-scale fluctuation and five quasi-periodic oscillations were detected (∼1·3–2 kyr, ∼500–600 yr, ∼380 yr, ∼260 yr, ∼200 yr and ∼100 yr period). Comparisons with other proxies (e.g. tree ring-Δ¹⁴C, ¹⁰Be and δ¹⁸O in ice cores) provides information on the origin and dynamics of the individual signals. The analysis shows that the ∼200 yr and ∼100 yr signals can be attributed to solar forcing. The ∼260 yr, ∼380 yr and the ∼500–600 yr quasi-periodic signals are found to be of climatic origin, whereas the millennial scale fluctuations remain enigmatic, although solar forcing mechanisms seem likely. The data show that variability of solar output as well as past oceanographic and atmospheric changes have modulated the Mid to Late Holocene climate, which in turn controlled sediment input variations found in the Holocene wedge leeward of the GBB. Although these periplatform sediments have a rather uniform appearance, they still contain a large variety of subtle sedimentary variations.     

'On the rocks': New Zealand's coastal bach landscape and the case of Rangitoto Island

Abstract:  A distinctive feature of many of New Zealand's coastal landscapes has been the rudimentarily constructed holiday home known as a 'bach'. In recent years, however, rapidly escalating beachfront property prices, and the associated development of elite residential landscapes, have threatened the status of the bach. This commentary examines the diminishing number of 'classic' kiwi baches, and specifically considers the case of Rangitoto, a volcanic island close to central Auckland. Here, the location of baches on publicly owned land has been controversial and the small number that remains symbolize curiosities from another time and place.     

Late Holocene eruptive activity at Nevado Cayambe Volcano, Ecuador

 Four Late Holocene pyroclastic units composed of block and ash flows, surges, ashfalls of silicic andesite and dacite composition, and associated lahar deposits represent the recent products emitted by domes on the upper part of Nevado Cayambe, a large ice-capped volcano 60 km northeast of Quito. These units are correlated stratigraphically with fallout deposits (ash and lapilli) exposed in a peat bog. Based on ¹⁴C dating of the peat and charcoal, the following ages were obtained: ∼910 years BP for the oldest unit, 680–650 years BP for the second, and 400–360 years BP for the two youngest units. Moreover, the detailed tephrochronology observed in the peat bog and in other sections implies at least 21 volcanic events during the last 4000 years, comprising three principal eruptive phases of activity that are ∼300, 800, and 900 years in duration and separated by repose intervals of 600–1000 years. The last phase, to which the four pyroclastic units belong, has probably not ended, as suggested by an eruption in 1785–1786. Thus, Cayambe, previously thought to have been dormant for a long time, should be considered active and potentially dangerous to the nearby population of the Interandean Valley. Received: 5 July 1997 / Accepted: 21 October 1997     

Potential radionuclide transport pathways from seafloor dumpsites: Kamchatka region of the North Pacific Ocean

Encapsulated nuclear waste materials, dumped by Russia, are present at two deepwater seafloor locations in the offshore north-west Pacific Ocean, south-east of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This paper assesses potential pathways by which these wastes might, if released from their containers, disperse away from the dumpsites and through the surrounding ocean. A review of large-scale ocean circulation theory and of field and model results suggests that mean abyssal currents are north-eastward to eastward from the dumpsite locations and would advect leaking materials toward the north-eastern Pacific. Results of advective and diffusive horizontal plume transport models are consistent with this sense of flow. Trajectory speeds are, however, subject to considerable uncertainty. Our results suggest that as little as 5 years or as long as 100 years might be required for material to be transported from the dump sites to the north-east Pacific. Dilution by 4 or 5 orders of magnitude is predicted during this transit. Vertical mixing or upwelling are necessary in order to transport contaminants upward from north-east Pacific abyssal waters to the near-surface layers before they can potentially impact productive coastal regions, such as those off Alaska. Information concerning such upwelling mechanisms is inadequate for estimation of rates or to identify geographical areas that might be at risk.     

Central Arctic Ocean response to Pleistocene Earth-orbital variations

Three central Arctic Ocean sediment cores were sampled for percentage carbonate, number of foraminifera, and texture. These three parameters were used in spectral analyses to test the idea that the ice-covered Arctic Ocean may respond to orbital forcing in a different manner than has been indicated for lower latitude ice-free oceans. The record for two of the cores represents approximately 1 my, and the record for the third, approximately 400,000 yr. The 100,000-yr frequency is well represented in all of the cores. A 40,000-yr frequency may be present, as well. An unexpected 70,000-yr frequency occurs in most of the spectra and may reflect nonlinear sedimentation rates or the combined effect of obliquity and eccentricity. The strong 100,000-yr signal confirms that, in spite of ice feedback, the Arctic Ocean has responded to orbital forcing in much the same manner as have ice-free oceans.     

Characterization of kerogens and study of their evolution by infrared spectroscopy: carbonyl and carboxyl groups

Measurements of the absorption coefficient of the band around 1710cm^?1, combined with adequate chemical treatments, allow an evaluation of the importance of carbonyl, carboxylic acid and ester groups in various series of kerogens. The concentration of carbonyl and acid groups, the concentration of oxygenated functions other than carbonyl or carboxyl, and the total oxygen content are higher in shallow kerogens originating from higher plants than in those containing an important algal contribution; however the concentration of ester groups varies in the opposite direction.The carboxylic acid groups are the most sensitive to catagenetic evolution or pyrolysis. The carbonyl groups are removed progressively as evolution proceeds but a fraction of them is retained up to advanced degrees of evolution.Study of the band at 1630cm^?1 has shown that, besides the bending vibration of molecular water, there is some contribution of bridged quinones and unsaturated hydrocarbons. However at least 50% of the absorption coefficient is due to polyaromatic structures. This band is generally much more intense for kerogens originating from higher plants.