Hydrogen peroxide dimers and the production of O2 in icy satellite surfaces

Oxygen is seen in the reflectance spectra of the icy surfaces of Ganymede and Europa via absorption bands at 627 and 573 nm. Here we show that the trapped O₂ associated with these spectral features can be produced via radiation-induced decomposition of hydrogen peroxide dimers contained in hydrogen peroxide inclusions in these icy satellite surfaces.     

Investigation of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data of the possible impact structure at Serra da Cangalha,Brazil

Abstract— The Serra da Cangalha crater structure in northeast Brazil, ?13 km in diameter, has long been widely considered to be a confirmed impact structure, based on reports of shatter cone findings. Only very limited field work has been carried out at this crater structure. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data sets for the region around this crater structure are compared here with regard to their suitability to determine first‐order structural detail of impact crater structures. The SRTM data provide very detailed information regarding drainage patterns and topography. A pronounced central ring of up to 300 m elevation above the surrounding area, two comparatively subdued intermediate rings of 6 and 10.5 km diameter, respectively, and the broad, complex crater rim of up to >100 m elevation can be distinguished in the Serra da Cangalha data. The maximum cratering‐related regional deformation (radial and concentric features) seems to be limited to a radial distance of 16–18 km from the center of the structure. A first comparison of macrostructural information from several impact structures with that from Serra da Cangalha does not yield firm trends, but the database is still very small at this stage. The varied nature of the target geology strongly influences the development of structural features in any impact event.     

Flood and coastal erosion risk management policy evolution in Northern Ireland: “Incremental or leapfrogging?”

Climate change poses a significant challenge for the future of Northern Ireland’s coast due to impacts that include, inter alia, mean sea level rise of between 13 cm and 74 cm by 2050. Whilst flooding is regarded as a major hazard in the United Kingdom (UK), to date Northern Ireland’s experiences of coastal flooding have been infrequent and less severe compared to those in England and Wales. Similarly, coastal erosion has historically been, and remains, only a minor concern in Northern Ireland. Partly as a result of this, Government administrative arrangements for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) in Northern Ireland operate in the absence of any statutory provision for coastal erosion, as well as without formal or strategic shoreline management planning and any integrated flood and coastal erosion risk management policy. This paper provides a commentary on Northern Ireland’s approach to FCERM, comparing this with its UK counterparts, highlighting both congruence and divergence in policy evolution and development. It is noted that the recent EU Floods Directive has been a significant catalyst and that the current institutional landscape for FCERM is in flux.     

Characterization of dissolved organic matter fluorescence in the South Atlantic Bight with use of PARAFAC model: Relationships between fluorescence and its components,absorption coefficients and organic carbon concentrations

In this study, the CDOM absorption coefficient at 350 nm [a_CDOM(350)] and CDOM excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence were used to estimate annual fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the Cape Fear River to Long Bay in the South Atlantic Bight. Water samples were collected during a 3.5 year period, from October 2001 through March 2005, in the vicinity of the Cape Fear River (CFR) outlet and adjacent Onslow Bay (OB). Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of CDOM EEM spectra identified six components: three terrestrial humic-like, one marine humic-like and two protein-like. Empirical relationships were derived from the PARAFAC model between DOC concentration and a_CDOM(350), total fluorescence intensity and the intensities of respective EEM components. DOC concentration and CDOM optical parameters were very well correlated and R² values ranged from 0.77 to 0.90. Regression analyses revealed that the non-absorbing DOC fraction, in DOC concentration estimated from CDOM optical parameters, varied with the qualitative composition of the CDOM. DOC concentration and intensity of the humic-like CDOM components characterized by excitation maxima at longer wavelengths have significantly higher estimated non-absorbing DOC compared to the analogous relationships between DOC and intensity of the humic-like CDOM components characterized by excitation maxima at shorter wavelengths. The relationships between DOC concentration and intensity of one of the protein-like components resulted in significantly reduced non-absorbing DOC fraction in DOC concentration estimation. Results of regression analyses between fluorescence intensities of specific EEM components and CDOM-specific absorption coefficients suggest that the relative proportion of humic-like CDOM components (characterized by excitation maximum at longer wavelengths) and the main protein-like component have the most impact on the values of a?_CDOM(350). Based on the relationships between a_CDOM(350), Cape Fear River flow, and DOC concentrations, DOC fluxes were estimated for 2002, 2003 and 2004. DOC fluxes varied from 1.5 to 6.2 × 10¹⁰ g C yr^? 1, depending on river flow.     

Sacred cows in coastal management: the need for a 'cheap and transitory' model

The participative, 'bottom-up' approaches of contemporary European ICZM (integrated coastal zone management) are ineffectual and unsustainable. The approach lacks the authority and resources to deliver ICZM and should be abandoned. A new model of ICZM in a predominantly sectoral administrative framework is presented. It requires that capacity be built in existing statutory authorities and in-house ICZM groups be established. Time-limited participatory projects would be used to gain information on conflicts and issues that transcend existing sectoral boundaries, but this information would be passed to the established statutory authorities for action. A sound statutory and legislative basis is the essential prerequisite for effective coastal management – not voluntary partnerships.     

WOODY VEGETATION AND DEBRIS FOR IN-CHANNEL SEDIMENT CONTROL

lINTRODUCTlONChanne1erosionandsedimentationareoftenproblemsinagriculturalwatersheds.Forexample,annualsuspendedsedimentyieldfrom8mixedcoverwatershedswithloessialsoilsinnorthwesternMississippi,U.S.A.ranginginsizetYom2lto622km2wasbetween7O4and1673tonnes(Shieldsetal.l995).ControlofchannelbankerosionintheU.S.hastraditionaIlybeenaddressedwithstructurescostingontheorderof$l5Om-1ofbankline.BecauseoftheecologicaIvalueandoftenlowercost(relativetononlivingstructure)ofvegetativetreatments,weargue…     

Preliminary diagnoses of three new amphipod species from wellington harbour (note)

Preliminary diagnoses are given of Urothoe wellingtonensis n.sp. (Family Haustoriidae), Paraphoxus spinibasus n.sp., and P. chelatus n.sp. (Family Phoxocephalidae).