Long term AVHRR observations of surface radiative flux from El Chichón crater lake (1996–2006)

It has been shown that due to the small surface of crater lakes, temperature surveillance is a problem using meteorological satellites. This is particularly true for El Chichón surface lake because it's about one tenth of an AVHRR pixel at nadir. In order to guarantee at least one unmixed pixel in AVHRR data, it is necessary to use only AVHRR data from NOAA satellite passes as close as possible to the nadir for the period 1996–2006, therefore AVHRR data of El Chichón's crater lake were only used it they were cloudless and had scan angles close to nadir. The analysis of the time series data shows that lake surface temperature had annual maximum values (> 35 °C) during 1996 and 1997 then surface temperature decay with a negative exponential trend reaching a steady state of about 30 °C in the last years (2004–2006). A seasonal temperature variation between the dry (December to May) and the wet (June to November) seasons is also observed. Differences between nocturnal and midday temperatures indicate the influence of lake energy emission (including reflectance) at midday under a strong short-wave solar radiation. Water surface radiative flux under these conditions reaches an average of 77.8 W m^− 2 and a maximum of 187.1 W m^− 2. Whereas nocturnal heat output from El Chichón crater lake has an average surface radiative flux of 20.4 W m^− 2 and a maximum of 74.3 W m^− 2.     

Fumarole compositions and mercury emissions from the Tatun Volcanic Field,Taiwan: Results from multi-component gas analyser,portable mercury spectrometer and direct sampling techniques

Gas emissions from Tatun volcanic group, northern Taiwan, were studied for the first time using a multi-component gas analyser system (Multi-GAS) in combination with Giggenbach flask methods at fumaroles and mud pools at Da-you-keng (DYK) and Geng-tze-ping (GZP). CO₂/S molar ratios observed at DYK ranged from 3–17, similar ratios were observed using a Multi-GAS sensor box of 8–16. SO₂ at GZP was low, higher concentrations were observed at DYK where SO₂/H₂S ratios were close to 1 for both methods. A lower CO₂/H₂S ratio was measured via Giggenbach flask sampling (7.2) than was found in the plume using the gas sensor at GZP (9.2). This may reflect rapid oxidation of H₂S as it mixes with background air. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) levels were observed in the fumarole gases using a portable mercury spectrometer. These are the first such measurements of mercury at Tatun. Mean GEM concentrations in the fumarole plumes were ∼ 20 ng m^− 3, with much higher concentrations observed close to the ground (mean [GEM] 130 and 290 ng m^− 3 at DYK and GZP, respectively). The GEM in the fumarole plume was elevated above concentrations in industrial/urban air in northern Taiwan and the increase in GEM observed when the instrument was lowered suggests high levels of mercury are present in the surrounding ground surface. The GEM/CO₂ (10^− 8) and GEM/S (10^− 6) ratios observed in the fumarole gases were comparable to those observed at other low-temperature fumaroles. Combining the Hg/CO₂ ratio with a previous CO₂ flux value for the area, the annual GEM flux from the Tatun field is estimated as 5–50 kg/year.     

Preliminary Study on the Dynamic Variations of the Surface Thermal Flux before and after the M_S5.7 Earthquake of 2005 in Jiujiang City,Jiangxi Province

The temporal and spatial variations of surface latent heat flux （SLHF） and diagnostic air temperature at 2m before and after the Ms5.7 earthquake occurring on November 26, 2005 in the area between Ruichang City and Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province are summarized in this paper. It is found that before the earthquake significant SLHF anomalies and air temperature anomalies occurred in the epicentral area and its vicinity. The air temperature anomalies appeared from the 2nd to the 13th of November, 2005 and were concentrated at the epicentral area and in its southern part. Then two days later, that is, from the 4th to the 15th of November 2005, significant SLHF anomalies occurred in the epicentral area and to its northern area where many lakes are distributed along the active faults. During the anomalous period, the SLHF and air temperature at 2m exceeded the sum of average daily value over 26 years and 1.5 times of its mean square deviation. Both anomalies had maintained for 12 days with a peculiar distribution related to the tectonic active zone. It is considered that both of air temperature anomalies and SLHF anomalies are correlated to the movement of thermal flux from underground prior to earthquake. SLHF anomalies occurred over wide regions covered with abundant water, whereas air temperature anomalies occurred over land.     

Nutrient availability in support of Karenia brevis blooms on the central West Florida Shelf: What keeps Karenia blooming?

Identifying nutrient sources, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), sufficient to support high biomass blooms of the red tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, has remained problematic. The West Florida Shelf is oligotrophic, yet populations >10⁶ cells L⁻¹ frequently occur and blooms can persist for months. Here we examine the magnitude and variety of sources for N and P that are available to support blooms. Annual average in situ or background concentrations of inorganic N in the region where blooms occur range 0.02–0.2 μM while inorganic P ranges 0.025–0.24 μM. Such concentrations would be sufficient to support the growth of populations up to ∼3×10⁴ cells L⁻¹ with at least a 1 d turnover rate. Organic N concentrations average 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than inorganic N, 8–14 μM while organic P concentrations average 0.2–0.5 μM. Concentrations of organic N are sufficient to support blooms >10⁵ cells L⁻¹ but the extent to which this complex mixture of N species is utilizable is unknown. Other sources of nutrients included in our analysis are aerial deposition, estuarine flux, benthic flux, zooplankton excretion, N₂-fixation, and subsequent release of organic and inorganic N by Trichodesmium spp., and release of N and P from dead and decaying fish killed by the blooms. Inputs based on atmospheric deposition, benthic flux, and N₂-fixation, were minor contributors to the flux required to support growth of populations >2.6×10⁴ cells L⁻¹. N and P from decaying fish could theoretically maintain populations at moderate concentrations but insufficient data on the flux and subsequent mixing rates does not allow us to calculate average values. Zooplankton excretion rates, based on measured zooplankton population estimates and excretion rates could also supply all of the N and P required to support populations of 10⁵ and 10⁶ cells L⁻¹, respectively, but excretion is considered as “regenerated” nutrient input and can only maintain biomass rather than contribute to “new” biomass. The combined estuarine flux from Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Caloosahatchee River can supply a varying, but at times significant level of N and P to meet growth and photosynthesis requirements for populations of approximately 10⁵ cells L⁻¹ or below. Estimates of remineralization of dead fish could supply a significant proportion of bloom maintenance requirements but the rate of supply must still be determined. Overall, a combination of sources is required to maintain populations >10⁶ cells L⁻¹.     

fCO2 variability in the Bay of Biscay during ECO cruises

The Bay of Biscay is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, the most important sink of CO₂, and a subduction zone of mode waters that favours the entry of carbon to the ocean interior. To investigate the seasonal and interannual variability of CO₂ uptake, continuous underway measurements of the partial pressure of CO₂ at sea surface were performed along a commercial route between Vigo (Spain) and St. Nazaire (France). An unattended measuring system of CO₂ fugacity (fCO₂), with meteorological station, and temperature, salinity, oxygen and fluorescence sensors, was installed on board of ships of opportunity (RO-RO L’Audace and RO-RO Surprise).     

Comparison of horizontal and downward particle fluxes across canyons of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean): Meteorological and hydrodynamical forcing

In the framework of the European project Eurostrataform, an array of six near-bottom mooring lines was deployed in the heads of the major submarine canyons incising the continental slope of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean). All moorings were equipped with sediment traps, current meters and turbidity Optical Backscatters Sensors (OBS) situated at few meters above the bottom. Particulate mass fluxes were recorded weekly by the sediment traps between November 2003 and May 2004 and compared with horizontal export fluxes obtained from the turbidity and current meters.     

Seasonal and event-controlled export of organic matter from the shelf towards the Gulf of Lions continental slope

To investigate the role of coastal canyons in the transfer of organic matter from the shelf to the slope and basin, we deployed sediment trap/current meter pairs at the head of five canyons in the Gulf of Lions (GoL) between November 2003 and May 2004. Analysis of organic carbon, biogenic silica, Corg isotopic composition, Corg/total nitrogen, chloropigments, and amino acids clearly shows the seasonal influence and effect of extreme meteorological events on the composition of collected particles. The sampling period was divided into three “scenarios”. The first corresponded to a large easterly storm and flood of the Rhone river during stratified water column conditions; the composition of material collected during this event was influenced by increased transfer of riverine and coastal particulate matter, with a lower Corg content. During the second “fall-winter” scenario, northern and northwestern winds blowing over the shelf caused cooling and homogenization of the shelf water column; particles collected at this time reflected the homogeneous source of particulate matter transported through canyons; particles sitting in the vicinity of canyon heads are most likely swept downslope by the general south-westward circulation. Organic tracers indicate a degraded origin for organic matter transported during this period. A third “spring” scenario corresponded to northern winds alternating with eastward windstorms that triggered and/or enhanced the cascading of dense waters accumulated on the bottom of the shelf due to previous cooling. These conditions occurred in conjunction with increased phytoplankton productivity in shelf surface waters. Organic matter advected mainly by dense shelf water cascading was fresher due to the transport of newly produced particles and a variable terrestrial fraction; this fraction depended on the proportion of resuspended material accumulated during previous high discharge periods that was involved in each transport pulse. The tight link shown between meteorological conditions and organic matter transport is important for continental margin geochemical studies as future changes in climatic conditions may lead to dramatic changes in carbon sequestration capability and in the ecosystems of deep margin environments.     

A comparative overview of weathering intensity and HCO3 flux in the world's major rivers with emphasis on the Changjiang,Huanghe, Zhujiang (Pearl) and Mississippi Rivers

In this paper, general relationships of riverine bicarbonate concentrations and fluxes as a function of drainage basin mineral content and runoff are examined using a database of the 25 largest rivers in the world. Specific HCO₃⁻ flux normalized to unit basin area, which peaks in the mid latitudes, was found to be strongly correlated with the carbonate mineral content of river basins, while river HCO₃⁻ concentration was related to the balance of precipitation and evaporation. Within this global context, the weathering patterns of CO₂ in a few large rivers (Changjiang, Huanghe, Pearl, and Mississippi rivers) were examined in further detail. The Zhujiang (Pearl River), especially its largest branch (Xijiang), was characterized by the highest specific weathering rate among all the world's large rivers due to an exceptionally high carbonate mineral content (over 80%) in its drainage basin and its warm and wet environment. It has a moderate level of HCO₃⁻ concentration, however, due to dilution by relatively high precipitation in the watershed. In stark contrast, the Huanghe (Yellow River) has one of the lowest specific weathering rates because of low carbonate mineral content and a dry climate. However, it has a high HCO₃⁻ concentration due largely to the concentrating effects of high evaporative water loss, as a result of arid weather and the agricultural use of water through irrigation systems, as well as carbonate-containing surficial deposits (i.e., loess). The strong correlation between specific HCO₃⁻ fluxes and discharge in all four rivers with different discharge seasonality suggests that higher precipitation in drainage basins promotes higher weathering rates.     

宁夏春季降水及其典型年份水汽通量特征分析

选用1961—2006年宁夏19个主要站降水量分析宁夏春季降水的气候特征,得出其存在16 a左右的长周期和8 a左右的短周期,但年际、年代际变化特征不明显。宁夏春季降水量与春季首场透雨出现日期存在显著的负相关关系,春季如果出现首场透雨,其降水量对整个春季降水量贡献很大。研究春季降水典型旱涝年850—700 hPa水汽通量场的分布,发现影响宁夏春季降水的水汽有两支,一支是来自于孟加拉湾洋面上向东北方向输送的水汽,一支是从里海沿我国新疆地区向东输送的水汽,典型涝年这两支水汽带汇合区域明显向北抬,且汇合区域大,中心值大;典型旱年这两支水汽带汇合区偏西、偏小,中心值也较平均年减小。典型旱涝年水汽通量在u方向差别不大,但在v方向上呈反位向分布,典型涝年宁夏为正距平控制,典型旱年为负距平控制。     

塔克拉玛干沙漠近地层湍流热通量计算方法比较研究

利用2007年8月3日至10月31日在塔克拉玛干沙漠大气环境观测试验站取得的大气边界层观测资料,比较了涡动相关法、波文比法和空气动力学法计算得到的湍流热通量,分析了塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地能量平衡各分量的日变化特征。结果表明：波文比法、空气动力学和涡动相关法计算得到的塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地湍流热通量日变化特征是一致的,整个观测期间,空气动力学方法和波文比法计算得出的湍流通量大于涡动相关法。它们的顺序分别为,波文比法计算得出的湍流热通量最大,空气动力学方法次之,涡动相关法最小;塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地能量平衡各分量基本上以12:00时为中心,呈对称分布。净辐射、土壤热通量、感热通量具有非常明显的日变化特征。净辐射日最高值324 W·m-2出现在当地时间11:30,最小值-85 W·m-2出现在当地时间18:30;土壤热通量在12:00左右达到日最高值143 W·m-2,而20:00时出现最小值-69 W·m-2;感热通量在13:30时左右达到最高值178 W·m-2,19:00时左右出现最小值-7 W·m-2;相对于上述3个能量平衡分量,潜热通量的日变化特征不太明显。每日12:30左右出现潜热通量的最大值43 W·m-2,06:00时出现日最低值－1 W·m-2。