Gridded bathymetry from multibeam echosounder EM710 data of the cruise M72/1 (2007)

Bathymetry based on data recorded during M72-1 between 07.02.2007 and 20.02.2007 in the Black Sea. The main focus of the cruise were gas vents and seeps in the north-western Black Sea below 700 m water depth which is the zone of gas hydrate stability. The main target area was the deep Dnepr Canyon west of the Crimea Peninsula where previous investigations had indicated the occurrence of gas seepage.

Hydrogen consumption by gills of Bathymodiolus spp. collected at the Comfortless cove and Lilliput hydrothermal vent fields in May 2006

The discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents in 1977 revolutionized our understanding of the energy sources that fuel primary productivity on Earth. Hydrothermal vent ecosystems are dominated by animals that live in symbiosis with chemosynthetic bacteria. So far, only two energy sources have been shown to power chemosynthetic symbioses: reduced sulphur compounds and methane. Using metagenome sequencing, single-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, shipboard incubations and in situ mass spectrometry, we show here that the symbionts of the hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge use hydrogen to power primary production. In addition, we show that the symbionts of Bathymodiolus mussels from Pacific vents have hupL, the key gene for hydrogen oxidation. Furthermore, the symbionts of other vent animals such as the tubeworm Riftia pachyptila and the shrimp Rimicaris exoculata also have hupL. We propose that the ability to use hydrogen as an energy source is widespread in hydrothermal vent symbioses, particularly at sites where hydrogen is abundant.

Effects of high temperature and CO2 on intracellular DMSP in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa

Significant warming and acidification of the oceans is projected to occur by the end of the century. CO2 vents, areas of upwelling and downwelling, and potential leaks from carbon capture and storage facilities may also cause localised environmental changes, enhancing or depressing the effect of global climate change. Cold-water coral ecosystems are threatened by future changes in carbonate chemistry, yet our knowledge of the response of these corals to high temperature and high CO2 conditions is limited. Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), and its breakdown product dimethylsulphide (DMS), are putative antioxidants that may be accumulated by invertebrates via their food or symbionts, although recent research suggests that some invertebrates may also be able to synthesise DMSP. This study provides the first information on the impact of high temperature (12 °C) and high CO2 (817 ppm) on intracellular DMSP in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa from the Mingulay Reef Complex, Scotland (56°49' N, 07°23' W), where in situ environmental conditions are meditated by tidally induced downwellings. An increase in intracellular DMSP under high CO2 conditions was observed, whilst water column particulate DMS + DMSP was reduced. In both high temperature treatments, intracellular DMSP was similar to the control treatment, whilst dissolved DMSP + DMS was not significantly different between any of the treatments. These results suggest that L. pertusa accumulates DMSP from the surrounding water column; uptake may be up-regulated under high CO2 conditions, but mediated by high temperature. These results provide new insight into the biotic control of deep-sea biogeochemistry and may impact our understanding of the global sulphur cycle, and the survival of cold-water corals under projected global change.

Natural ventilation in underground wine cellars

The main objective of this research is to promote passive thermal design techniques in the construction of wineries. Natural ventilation in underground cellars is analyzed, focusing on the entrance tunnel, the ventilation chimney and the cave. A monitoring system was designed in order to detect changes in the indoor conditions and outdoor air infiltration. Monitoring process was carried out during one year. Results show the influence of outside temperature, ventilation chimney and access tunnel on the conditions inside the underground cellar. During hot periods, natural ventilation has a negligible influence on the indoor ambience, despite the permanently open vents in the door and chimney. The tunnel and ventilation chimney work as a temperature regulator, dampening outside fluctuations. Forced ventilation is necessary when a high air exchange ratio is needed. During cold periods, there is greater instability as a result of increased natural ventilation. The temperature differences along the tunnel are reduced, reflecting a homogenization and mixing of the air. The ventilation flow is sufficient to modify the temperature and relative humidity of the cave. Forced ventilation is not necessary in this period. During the intermediate periods --autumn and spring-- occurs different behaviors based on time of day.

CO2and Rn degassing from the natural analog of Campo de Calatrava(Spain): Implications for monitoring of CO2storage sites

Natural analogs offer a valuable opportunity to investigate the long-term impacts associated with thepotential leakage in geological storage of CO2.Degassing of CO2and radon isotopes (222Rn?220Rn) from soil, gas vents and thermal water dischargeswas investigated in the natural analog of Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field (CCVF; Central Spain) todetermine the CO2?Rn relationships and to assess the role of CO2as carrier gas for radon. Furthermore,radon measurements to discriminate between shallow and deep gas sources were evaluated under theperspective of their applicability in monitoring programs of carbon storage projects.CO2flux as high as 5000 g m?2d?1and222Rn activities up to 430 kBq m?3were measured;220Rn activi-ties were one order of magnitude lower than those of222Rn. The222Rn/220Rn ratios were used to constrainthe source of the Campo de Calatrava soil gases since a positive correlation between radon isotopic ratiosand CO2fluxes was observed. Thus, in agreement with previous studies, our results indicate a deepmantle-related origin of CO2for both free and soil gases, suggesting that carbon dioxide is an efficientcarrier for Rn. Furthermore, it was ascertained that the increase of222Rn in the soil gases was likely pro-duced by two main processes: (i) direct transport by a carrier gas, i.e., CO2and (ii) generation at shallowlevel due to the presence of relatively high concentrations of dissolved U and Ra in the thermal aquiferof Campo de Calatrava.The diffuse CO2soil flux and radon isotopic surveys carried out in the Campo de Calatrava VolcanicFields can also be applicable to geochemical monitoring programs in CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)areas as these parameters are useful to: (i) constrain CO2leakages once detected and (ii) monitor both theevolution of the leakages and the effectiveness of subsequent remediation activities. These measurementscan also conveniently be used to detect diffuse leakages.

Polymetallic ferromanganese deposits research on the Atlantic Spanish continental margin

Seamounts, submarine banks, volcanoes and undercurrent channels are prominent geomorphic features that have become an important target for minerals research and exploration with the goal of future exploitation. Polymetallic ferromanganese deposits are common types of mineralization on these settings. Co-rich ferromanganese crusts are important as potential resources of Mn and Co, but also Ti, Ni, Tl, REEs, PGEs, and other metals. Many seamounts and channels along the Atlantic Spanish continental margin are known to hold mineral deposits but are poorly studied. This work presents and briefly describes the most recent activities of the Spanish Geological Survey (IGME) on exploration and investigation of ferromanganese deposits along the Atlantic Spanish continental margin. Different submarine areas from the northwestern margin of the Iberian Peninsula to the west off Canary Islands have been surveyed by geophysical, sampling and underwater observations from 89 to 4000 m water depth. The mineral deposits cover a large diversity of submarine geological and geomorphical features: mud volcanoes and diapirs related to hydrocarbon seeps, seamounts associated with hot spot volcanism, hydrothermal vents in active magmatic volcanoes, structural basement highs and banks or contourite channels. Considering the collected dataset, we present the preliminary results of the study of these mineral deposits, including ferromanganese nodules and crusts and phosphate pavements and nodules, which can be considered as potential sources of raw materials.

La influencia en el aislamiento acústicoa ruido aéreo de los aireadores en las ventanas compactas

En la actualidad, el crecimiento de la población urbana, el incremento de la demanda energética junto al desarrollo tecnológico impulsado en los últimos veinte años han originado un estudio y replanteamiento de los sistemas constructivos empleados. Como consecuencia se han establecido nuevos marcos normativos, marcando nuevos objetivos de confort y de demanda energética. En España, el Código Técnico de la Edificación (aprobado en el Real Decreto 314/2006 de 17 de Marzo) es el marco normativo que establece las exigencias que se deben cumplir al proyectar construir, usar, mantener y conservar los edificios, incluidas sus instalaciones, con el fin de asegurar la calidad, seguridad y salud del usuario, respetando en todo momento su entorno. Para asegurar el cumplimiento de las exigencias del Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE), se han elaborado diferentes Documentos Básicos (DB). Entre ellos están los documentos básicos DB HR-Protección frente al ruido y el DB HS-Salubridad. En el DB HS 3 Calidad del aire interior, se establecen las condiciones que deben de adoptarse para que los recintos de los edificios se puedan ventilar adecuadamente, eliminando los contaminantes que se produzcan de forma habitual durante un uso normal de los edificios, de forma que se aporte un caudal suficiente de aire exterior y se garantice la extracción y expulsión del aire viciado por los contaminantes. En el apartado 3.1, Condiciones generales de los sistemas de ventilación, se indica que las viviendas deben disponer de un sistema general de ventilación donde el aire debe circular desde los locales secos a los húmedos. Para ello los comedores, los dormitorios y las salas de estar deben de disponer de aberturas de admisión, pudiéndose resolver esta cuestión técnica con diversas soluciones. El DB HR Protección frente al ruido del CTE, establece unos valores del aislamiento acústico a ruido aéreo, entre un recinto protegido y el exterior, en función del uso del edificio y del nivel sonoro continuo equivalente día, Ld de la zona donde se ubique el edificio. El hacer compatibles el cumplimiento de las exigencias de los dos Documentos Básicos anteriormente citados, origina algunas dificultades en los proyectos de edificación actuales. Los proyectistas tienen que recurrir en la mayoría de los casos a nuevos sistemas constructivos o duplicaciones de soluciones existentes, evitando la manipulación de los elementos de regulación de entrada de aire en las viviendas. El objetivo fundamental de la Tesis presentada es el estudio de los efectos que producen la colocación de sistemas de aireación permanente en el aislamiento acústico a ruido aéreo de las ventanas compactas. Se comprueba la influencia de cada uno de los componentes de la ventana compacta: perfiles, unidades de vidrio, sistema de apertura, cajón de persiana, persiana, aireadores, etc. en el aislamiento a ruido aéreo del sistema completo. Los ensayos acústicos se han realizado mediante dos métodos: conforme a la norma UNE-EN ISO 10140-2:2011 Medición en laboratorio del aislamiento acústico al ruido aéreo de los elementos de construcción y mediante intensimetría acústica acorde a la norma UNE-EN ISO 15186-1:2004 Medición del aislamiento acústico en los edificios y de los elementos de construcción utilizando intensidad sonora. Los resultados obtenidos podrán ser de gran utilidad para todos los profesionales que intervienen en el proceso edificatorio: arquitectos, ingenieros, instaladores, promotores, fabricantes de productos, etc., tanto en la obra nueva como en la rehabilitación. En un futuro, podrían incorporarse a los Catálogos y Documentos de Aplicación del CTE, así como a los nuevos programas informáticos de diseño y aislamiento acústico. Con el conocimiento adquirido y su aplicación, se contribuirá a la mejora de la calidad de una edificación más sostenible y eficiente. Se incrementará la productividad y la competitividad de los fabricantes de materiales y sistemas constructivos, aumentando el grado de satisfacción del usuario final con el consiguiente aumento de la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos. También se ampliará el conocimiento técnico de este tipo de sistemas y la compatibilidad entre las distintas exigencias marcadas por la normativa. ABSTRACT At present, the urban population growth, the increase of energy demand and the technological development in the last twenty years have led to a rethinking of the used building systems. As a result, new regulatory frameworks have been established, setting new goals of comfort and energy demand. In Spain, the Building Code, Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE) (RD 314/2006 of March 17th) is the regulatory framework that establishes the requirements to be met by projecting, building, using, maintaining and preserving buildings, including its facilities in order to ensure the quality, safety and health of the user, always respecting the environment. To ensure compliance with the requirements of the CTE, different technical requirements Documentos básicos (DB) have been developed. Among them, are the DB-HR-Protection against noise and DB-HS-Health. In the DB-HS- part3, Indoor Air Quality, are set the conditions needed to be taken into consideration so that the building enclosures can be adequately ventilated, eliminating pollutants that occur regularly during normal use of the buildings, so that a sufficient airflow of outdoor is supplied and a removal and extraction of stale air pollutants is guaranteed. In section 3.1, General Terms of ventilation systems, is indicated that dwellings must have a general ventilation system where air can circulate from dry to wet enclosures. For this, dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms should have air intake, being able to resolve this technical issue with various solutions. The DB-HR Protection against noise, provides sound insulation values of airborne sound transmission between a protected room and the outside, depending on the use of the building and the equivalent continuous sound level day, Ld, in the area where the building is located. Satisfying the requirements of the two requirements mentioned above causes some difficulties in current building project. Designers have to rely in most cases, to new construction elements or duplicate existing solutions, avoiding the manipulation of the air intakes elements. The main objective of this Thesis is the study of the effects of permanent intakes systems in the acoustic insulation against airborne noise transmission in compact windows. The influence of each of the components of the compact window is determined: frames, glass units, opening systems, shutter box, trickle vents, etc. in the airborne sound insulation of the entire system. The acoustic survey were performed using two methods: UNE-EN ISO 10140-2: 2011 Laboratory measurements of sound insulation of building elements and UNE-EN ISO 15186-1:2004 Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements using sound intensity. The obtained results may be useful for all professionals involved in the building process: architects, engineers, installers, developers, manufacturers, etc. in the new construction developments and in rehabilitation. In the future, it could be added to building catalogues and applications of the Spanish Building Code, as well as to the new design and sound insulation software. With the acquired knowledge and its application, there will be a contribution to improve the quality of a more sustainable and efficient construction. Productivity and competitiveness of manufacturers of building materials and components will improve, increasing the degree of satisfaction of the final user with a consequent increase in the quality of life of citizens. Technical knowledge of such systems and compatibility between the various requirements set by the legislation will also expand.

Cloning of thermostable DNA polymerases from hyperthermophilic marine Archaea with emphasis on Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 and mutations affecting 3'-5' exonuclease activity.

Five extremely thermophilic Archaea from hydrothermal vents were isolated, and their DNA polymerases were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Protein splicing elements (inteins) are present in many archaeal DNA polymerases, but only the DNA polymerase from strain GB-C contained an intein. Of the five cloned DNA polymerases, the Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase was chosen for biochemical characterization. Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase exhibited temperature-sensitive strand displacement activity and apparent Km values for DNA and dNTP similar to those of Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase. Six substitutions in the 3'-5' exonuclease motif I were constructed in an attempt to reduce the 3'-5' exonuclease activity of Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase. Five mutants resulted in no detectable 3'-5' exonuclease activity, while one mutant (Glul43Asp) had <1% of wild-type activity.