Earth Systems: the foundation of Florida’s Ecosystems

(1 poster)

Plant nutrients and major ions in the Little Sea, Studland, Dorset

This short paper records some measurements made on the Little Sea, a shallow, coastal, acidic lake on Studland Heath, Dorset. The lake, formed about 100 years ago by dunes cutting off a sea inlet, has not received any input of agricultural fertilizers or other waste products for at least the last 30 years. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Samples of surface water were taken from the northern and southern ends of the lake at 3-monthly intervals, from July 1995 to April 1996. The first samples in July 1995 were taken during a period of drought; rain, sometimes very heavy, came in late September. With the exception of silicate, potassium and phosphate, there were no large changes in plant nutrient concentrations during the year. The concentration of nitrate-nitrogen was very low (close to the limits of analytical detection), but total phosphorus at ca. 30 mu g per litre was similar to concentrations found in some of the Cumbrian eutrophic lakes. The large number of algal species at low cell/colony concentrations suggested that the lake is mesotrophic. Sodium, chloride and magnesium in the lake water were close to the same proportions as those found in sea water. Dry and wet deposition of sea-salts on the lake surface and its catchment area probably is the major source of sodium, magnesium and chloride ions in the lake, and also accounts for about half of the mean potassium and sulphate concentrations.

Long-term natural acidification of upland sites in Cumbria: Evidence from post-glacial lake sediments

Studies by the Freshwater Biological Association over the last 25 years have supplied data relevant to the levels of acidity in local soils and water before the onset of industrial pollution and current interest in acid rain. This article reviews published analysis from cores of lake sediments, in or near the catchment of the River Duddon. Electron spin resonance spectra of humic acids and iodine values confirm evidence from pollen analysis for a history of progressive acidification of the source material of lake sediments since before 5000 radiocarbon years, in upland catchments of the Lake District. Processes involved included: removal of basic ions from soils by rainfall, the effects of which were intensified by removal by man of deciduous forest; acidification of soils and waters by decomposition products of Calluna and further acidification of waters by Sphagnum species which colonized habitats where drainage became impeded by paludification processes.

Concentrations of major ions in the stream water of the River Duddon, England, 1970-1974 [Dataset]

This dataset provides raw data of chemical analyses made during studies on seasonal variations of some major ions in the stream water of the River Duddon in Cumbria. Measurements of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and chloride ions and pH were taken at 5 stations in the River Duddon between January 1970 and August 1974.

Concentrations of major ions in the stream water of the upper basin of the River Duddon, England, 1972-1974 [Dataset]

This dataset provides raw data of chemical analyses made during studies on seasonal variations of some major ions in the stream water of the upper basin of the River Duddon in Cumbria. Measurements of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and chloride ions and pH were taken at 26 stations in the River Duddon basin between 1972 and 1974.

Major ions in 25 frequently sampled tarns in the English Lake District (1954-56, 1974-1976) [Dataset]

This dataset provides raw data of chemical analyses made during studies on seasonal variations of 25 frequently sampled tarns in Cumbria. Measurements of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, pH, chloride ions, alkalinity, sulphite, strong acids and nitrate were taken between 1954 and 1956 and between 1974-1976.

Concentrations of major ions in 182 tarns in the English Lake District (1953-1978) [Dataset]

This dataset provides raw data of chemical analyses made during studies on seasonal variations of 182 tarns in the English Lake District, Cumbria. Measurements of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, pH, chloride ions, alkalinity, sulphite, strong acids and nitrate were taken between 1953 and 1978.

Down to earth thoughts on conserving aquatic genetic diversity

A discussion is presented on the topic of maintaining genetic diversity in aquatic ecosystems, considering the various threats caused by irreversible damage or loss to the environment. The current situation in aquaculture and future prospects regarding the conservation and protection of endangered species are outlined, describing the case of tilapias in Africa as one particular example of fish conservation.

Some effects of Earth's surface on winter jet stream positions in the Northern Hemisphere and rainfall patterns in northern and central California

EXTRACT (SEE PDF FOR FULL ABSTRACT): This report shows that the mean wintertime polar-front jet stream structure consists of three long waves. Prominent ridges in the jet stream flow occur near the longitudes of India, eastern Pacific/west coast of North America, and eastern Atlantic/British Isles; prominent troughs occur near the longitudes of the Middle East, western Pacific, and western Atlantic/east coast of North America. ... One of the climatological ridges occurs along the west coast of North America ... just off the central Oregon coast. The position of the jet stream at this location appears to be the main reason most Pacific storms pass to the north of California. Sustained rainfall in northern and central California occurs only when the storm track is displaced southward of this climatological position.