Paramater regimes for studying isolated eddies

Abstract

The parameter ranges relevant to propagating oceanic eddies are explored with a view to simplifying the equation sets previously used to simulate such eddies. The reduced gravity shallow-water model is used as a starting point. We consider eddies whose width is of the same order as, or somewhat larger than, the Rossby deformation radius. Two model equations emerge from these scalings, both permitting modon solutions and easy numerical integration. Both, too, give fair simulations of the shallow-water model, but disagree in details.

Using another approach, an ad hoc vortex model is used to predict the path of an eddy. This also gives a fair but not perfect simulation of the one-layer results. It appears that the only ideal way to reproduce primitive equation results accurately is to use the primitive equations themselves.     

Nonlinearities and Linearities in Internal Gravity Waves of the Atmosphere and Oceans

The spectrum of internal gravity waves in the atmosphere and oceans is sufficiently intense that nonlinear interactions must occur, if these waves are analyzed in Eulerian coordinates as is usually done. As it happens, however, if these waves are analyzed in Lagrangian coordinates the most important nonlinearity can be entirely avoided: it is an Eulerian mathematical construct only, not a physical process. The mathematical basis for this assertion is developed here, and some of its consequences are discussed. Among the latter is a questioning of the validity of standard Eulerian eikonal methods of calculating ray paths and related functions in a multiwave environment, discussed in an appendix.     

Geochemical environment of Cenomanian - Turonian black shale deposition at Wunstorf (northern Germany)

Major- and minor- element determinations were carried out on a high-resolution sample set obtained from a sediment drill core at Wunstorf (N. Germany). This study interval includes the black shale-bearing Hesseltal Formation associated with the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2), also referred to as Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE). Seven black shale packages, each containing several black shale layers, were defined by elevated TOC values, with black shale packages 1-4 deposited during OAE 2. Packages 5-7 extend above the level of the positive carbon-isotope excursion defining OAE 2, indicating that conditions favouring organic carbon burial must have prevailed longer in the Wunstorf Basin than elsewhere. Geochemical analyses revealed no significant differences between black shale packages deposited during and after OAE 2. Enrichment patterns of sulphur, iron and redox-sensitive and sulphide-forming trace metals point to suboxic to anoxic conditions existing at the sediment-water interface during black shale deposition, whereas sulphidic conditions prevailed deeper in the sediment. Variations in element/Al ratios follow cyclic patterns which are interpreted to represent climatically-induced changes in sediment supply. Reduced vertical mixing led to water-column stratification and caused black shale deposition.     

全球碳循环研究中的δ13C方法及其进展

随着分析技术的进步,δ13C观测在全球碳循环研究中越来越受到重视。在讨论关于碳循环中δ13C的Suess效应、分布特征和同位素分馏等基本概念的基础上,结合现有的观测事实,介绍应用δ13C辨别碳的源汇问题的方法,通过比较不同KeelingPlot方法分析该方法在研究大气CO2背景特征中的意义。着重讨论δ13C在研究大气C...     

Biostratigraphy of the Garau Formation (Berriasian?–lower Cenomanian) in central part of Lurestan zone,northwest of Zagros,Iran

Deposition of organic rich black shales and dark gray argillaceous limestones in the Berriasian–Turonian interval has been documented in many parts of the world. Northwest of Zagros, Iran (Lurestan zone), thin bedded black shales and marls, dark gray argillaceous limestones and fissile limestone layers, having bitumen, of the Garau Formation are deposited. For biostratigraphic studies two stratigraphic sections including one surface section (Kuzaran) and one subsurface section (Naft well) were selected, respectively. In this study, 61 foraminiferal species belonging to 17 genera have been identified, and 12 biozones were recognized. Based on fossils distribution and biozones identification, the age of the Garau Formation is Berriasian?–early Cenomanian. In addition, the micropalaeontological study demonstrated a variety of widespread morphological changes in planktonic foraminifera assemblages (e.g., the elongation of the final chambers, appearance of twin chambers in the last whorl). These changes coincide with deposition of argillaceous limestones and marls rich in organic matter, indicating oceanic anoxic events. On this basis, three oceanic anoxic events such as OAE1a, OAE1b and OAE1d were recognized in Naft well section and two (OAE1b and OAE1d) in Kuzaran section.     

Spatial variability of watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway during the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian–Toarcian)

In order to constrain spatial variability in watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway prior to, during and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, carbon (δ¹³C_bel, δ¹³C_carb) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O_bel, δ¹⁸O_carb) isotope records were obtained from three sections in the Grands Causses Basin (southern France). These data were then compared with similar records along a north–south transect across the European Epicontinental Seaway. As the conclusions reached here strongly depend on the reliability of belemnite calcites as archives of palaeoceanographic changes, an attempt was made to improve the understanding of isotope signals recorded in belemnite calcite. Intra‐rostral carbon and oxygen‐isotope data from six belemnite specimens belonging to the genus Passaloteuthis were collected. Intra‐rostral carbon‐isotopes are influenced by vital effects, whereas oxygen‐isotopes reflect relative changes in temperature and salinity. Palaeotemperatures calculated from δ¹⁸O_bel‐isotope records from the Grands Causses Basin confirm relatively low temperatures throughout the Late Pliensbachian. Similar cool water conditions have previously been shown in Germany, England, Spain and Portugal. A temperature increase of up to 6 °C is observed across the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary. A pronounced negative shift of at least ?3‰ (Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite) is recorded in bulk carbonate carbon during the lower Harpoceras serpentinum zone, typical of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. Before and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a good correlation between δ¹³C_carb and δ¹³C_bel exists, indicating well‐ventilated bottom‐waters and normal marine conditions. Instead, data for the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event indicate the development of a strong north–south gradient in salinity stratification and surface‐water productivity for the Western Tethyan realm. This study thus lends further support to a pronounced regional overprint on carbon and oxygen‐isotope records in epicontinental seaways.     

Biogenic signature and ultra microfossils in ferromanganese nodules of the Central Indian Ocean Basin

Theories related to the precipitation mechanism of the metallic elements in marine manganese nodules have remained controversial between two schools of thoughts (1) chemical oxidation (abiotic origin) and (2) deposition of the metals through microbial enzymatic processes (biogenic origin). One of the most important evidence in support of the biogenic origin is the occurrence of fossilized microbes. However, well-documented literature in this regard is either lacking or very scanty in case of Indian Ocean nodules. Using high resolution FEG-SEM we have recorded various biogenic signatures and ultra microfossils in the ferromanganese nodule samples from Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) that are presented in this paper. The microfossils are mostly protozoans belonging to varieties of bacteria, diatoms and foraminifera. Some of the features recorded in this study have perhaps never been reported before from any manganese nodules. The chemical compositions of these ultra microfossils indicate a high-level of manganese precipitation in and around them in comparison to the distant surrounding areas. While clumpy microbes are enriched with nickel, the rod shaped bacteria are rich in copper. Up to 4.70 wt.% nickel and 5.31 wt.% Cu have been recorded in the fossilized microbe bodies. The high abundance of biogenic features as well as microfossils in the ferromanganese nodules and their chemical compositions support arguments in favor of a dominant role of the microorganisms in the construction of the nodules of the CIOB.     

The tethyan oceanic gates : A tectonic approach to major sedimentary changes within Tethys

Abstract

— Accepting that the opening or closure of seaways has consequences on the oceanic circulation which in turn influences sedimentation, major changes in Tethyan geometry are checked against major changes in sedimentation. Time relationships can be demonstrated between the two group of phenomena and causal links are discussed. As the causes for major sedimentary changes are numerous and their respective roles controversial, it is speculated if the observed change in geometry could have had a positive effect on the associated change in sediments.

Ever since the birth of the Mesozoic Tethys which formed from the break-up of Pangea till its death through multiple collisions, this ocean played a major role in the world ocean circulation, being the sub-equatorial seaway which permitted a circumterrestrial circulation at low latitudes. Five successive steps, separated by four major changes, are recognized : i) during the Trias and the Jurassic, the young Tethys was a triangular cul-de-sac expanding westward through distensive tectonics and subsidence, and influenced along its southern margin by a westward current and associated upwelling; radiolarites take a growing part in its sedimentation; ii) during the Tithonian, radiolarites were abruptly replaced by pelagic limestones (Majolica) in many places and the corresponding CCD drop is tentatively correlated with the full opening of the Tethyan seaway which reached the Pacific Ocean through the Caribbean and with the corresponding reorganization of currents; iii) during the Early Cretaceous, Apulia began its collision with the precursor elements of the European margin, thus hindering deep water exchange; this pre collision favoured the mid Cretaceous anoxia with affected sedimentation in numerous basins; iv) during the Late Cretaceous, repeated distension and subsidence (since the Aptian) between Apulia and Africa gave a growing importance to the south Apulian seaway; this new opportunity of water exchange favoured the end of anoxia and the deposition of new pelagic limestones (scaglia); as a matter of fact, the location of the Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene phosphorites testify to a well-established westward current along this south-Apulian seaway; v) the late Eocene to Oligocene general collision was responsable for the death of this current and the corresponding breakdown of the Tethyan seaway into independent groups of basins.     

Steady-state frictional geostrophic circulation in a one-layer ocean model with thermodynamics

The governing equations are developed for a steady-state frictional geostrophic inhomogeneous 1.5-layer ocean model, with horizontal velocity field that is linearly sheared in the vertical coordinate. We show that in the adiabatic, thermally non-diffusive limit there are an infinite number of solutions for the temperature and depth fields of the subtropical gyre even with the constraint of identical mass within each temperature range. In the non-adiabatic case, a unique subtropical gyre solution exists that can exhibit a temperature front, containing an unbounded meridional gradient, in the northwest corner of the solution domain. The role of mixing of enthalpy in the western boundary layer (WBL) region was investigated by comparing the two extreme cases of no mixing and complete mixing of enthalpy in this region. Also investigated was the dependence of the meridional heat transport on the air–sea heat exchange coefficient, κ. The temperature field was found to be strongly influenced by mixing. However, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the heat transport is similar in the model with and without mixing. The heat transport attains a single local maximum at κ=κ_c, that lies within values that are oceanographically relevant.