Sources and preservation of organic matter in Plum Island salt marsh sediments (MA, USA): long-chain n-alkanes and stable carbon isotope compositions

Elemental (TOC, TN, C/N) and stable carbon isotopic (delta(13)C) compositions and n-alkane (nC(16-38)) concentrations were measured for Spartina alterniflora, a C-4 marsh grass, Typha latifolia, a C-3 marsh grass, and three sediment cores collected from middle and upper estuarine sites from the Plum Island salt marshes. Our results indicated that the organic matter preserved in the sediments was highly affected by the marsh plants that dominated the sampling sites. delta(13)C values of organic matter preserved in the upper fresh water site sediment were more negative (-23.0+/-0.3) as affected by the C-3 plants than the values of organic matter preserved in the sediments of middle (-18.9+/-0.8) and mud flat sites (-19.4+/-0.1) as influenced mainly by the C4 marsh plants. The distribution of n-alkanes measured in all sediments showed similar patterns as those determined in the marsh grasses S. alterniflora and T. latifolia, and nC(21) to nC(33) long-chain n-alkanes were the major compounds determined in all sediment samples. The strong odd-to-even carbon numbered n-alkane predominance was found in all three sediments and nC(29) was the most abundant homologue in all samples measured. Both delta(13)C compositions of organic matter and n-alkane distributions in these sediments indicate that the marsh plants could contribute significant amount of organic matter preserved in Plum Island salt marsh sediments. This suggests that salt marshes play an important role in the cycling of nutrients and organic carbon in the estuary and adjacent coastal waters. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

重庆老龙洞二叠系-三叠系界线地层微生物岩研究

The largest mass extinction in the Phanerozoic happened at the end of the Permian. The microbialites formed in the extreme environments after the mass extinction has become a hotspot for geologists and paleontologists throughout the world. The dendroid microbialites that were described for the first time in 1999 from the Permian-Triassic boundary section at Laolongdong, Chongqing, have been studied by many geologists from China and overseas. Two important viewpoints about their origin have been proposed. Some researchers believed that they resemble Quaternary travertine shrubs in form, and may belong to microbialites. Some other researchers proposed that the dendroid structure is composed of clots formed by coccoidal cynaobacteria, and is microbialite. Our detailed survey on the section reveals that: (1) there is an interval of speckled “microbialite” in the section, and it underlies the dendroid “microbialite”, (2) the dendroid “microbialite” does not always have dendroid appearance; they are dendroid only in very local places; they are not dendroid in most places; for this reason, they are not comparable to recent tufa; (3) the volume of the dendroid structure greatly increases toward the top of the dendroid microbialite interval: accounting to 70% of the whole rock in the top part. This distribution pattern implies that the formation of this structure may be related to downward migration of the diagenetic fluid. Examination of thin sections reveals that the dendroid structure or point-like structure in the “microbialite” look as lighter areas in the thin sections and are composed of large blocky clear calcites containing scattered yellow dirty small calcite rhombi and irregular “points” of relict lime mudstone or wackestone or packstone. Their formation is by any one of the following two processes: (1) dissolution → filling of large blocky calcite; (2) dolomitization → dedolomitization → dissolution by meteoric fresh water → filling by large blocky calcites. It has been found that there are at least two sea-level falls during the P-T transition. As the sea level fall, the carbonate deposits came into supratidal environment, and suffered dolomitization caused by evaporative fluid or mixing water of sea water and meteoric water. Since the fluid migrated downward from the top of the deposits and in random pathway, the dolomitization formed dendroid or speckled dolomitic areas. As the deposits came into subaerial environments, the meteoric fresh water migrated along the dendroid or speckled dolomitic area with higher porosity, and dissolution happened, which caused the rock became spongy or alveolate. In later time, after the strata came into phreatic zone, large clear blocky calcites grew in and filled the pores in the spongy areas. The dendroid and speckled structure were formed in this way, rather than composed of clots formed by coccoid cyanobecteria. The microbial fossils in Laolongdong section include two types. The first is the tube-like cyanobecteria in middle Bed 3, which are generally less than 1 mm in length, taper toward one end, and are internally filled by microspars. They are straight or sinuous, with micritic wall 0.005~0.01 mm thick. Since this kind of microbial fossils are abundant in middle Bed 3, this rock belongs to microbialite. The second type occurs in Bed 5 and lower and middle Bed 6. They are irregular globular in shape, generally 0.2 ~ 0.5 mm in size, with several outward progresses, and internally filled by one layer of needle-like calcite cements on the wall and the large blocky calcite in the inner space. According to their shape and preservation way, it is inferred that this kind of fossils were formed from some kind of bacterial colony. The bacterial colony may be cuticle in composition, since it has some hardness as it is indicated by its resistance to deposit loading. These organisms discomposed during diagenetic time, and formed good porosity. In later diagenetic time, these pores were firstly cemented by needle-like calcites and later filled by large blocky calcites. So, the bacterial colony promoted the formation of dendroid and speckled structures. However, they did not always form such structures. On the other hand, even though no bacterial colony or other microbes or any kind of fossils were present, dendroid or speckled structures can form. Bed 4 of Laolongdong section contains abundant gastropods but no microbial fossils, and is not microbialite, even though it is speckled. The top of Bed 6 is dendroid, but contain no microbial fossils, and is not micrbialite.

关中盆地东部浅层地下水水化学与CFC年龄研究

Hydrochemistry, isotope and CFCs were used to determine groundwater transport in the eastern part of the Guanzhong Basin. In this paper, we systematically collected water samples and measured major ions, 2H-18O and CFCs in surface water and shallow groundwater. Groundwater in this region can be divided into three categories based on total dissolved solids (TDS): fresh water with TDS < 1g/L, brackish water with TDS between 1～3g/L, and saline water with TDS > 3g/L. Saline water is mainly located in the north of the Wei River, and saline groundwater is not in the south. Tributaries in the south of the Wei River and underlain groundwater had similar 2H-18O values, indicating a close hydraulic connection between them. Tributaries in the north of the Wei River characterized certain extent of evaporation, and 2H-18O values deviated to a differing extent between surface water and groundwater, indicating that surface water in the north bank of the Wei River has little hydraulic connection with underlain groundwater. The CFCs age of groundwater from the piedmont recharge area was young, and became older toward the Wei River valley. Vertically, the CFCs age of groundwater increased with well depth. The shallow groundwater is mainly composed of young water with ages < 60 years and old water with ages > 60 years. Young water is in a larger proportion. The NO3-N concentration positively correlates with the CFC-12 concentration in the groundwater, which indicates that young water is subjected to be contaminated. Keyword: Guanzhong Basin , shallow groundwater, isotope, CFC

塔里木盆地奥陶系不整合面岩溶作用特征与油气储层研究

Based on the principle and methods of carbonate sedimentology and reservoir geology, and guided by the theories of carbonate reservoir geology, the palaeokarst of Ordovician carbonate rocks in Tarim Basin has been comprehensively studied with multiple methods from different branches of geology. It is indicated that the features and distribution of palaeokarstification have developed in Ordovician carbonates. The controlling of karstification to Ordovician carbonate reservoirs has been discussed. Regional distribution of carbonate reservoirs controlled by karstification has been predicted within this basin. The main consents and conclusions of the this dissertation is as follows: Nine key indicators to the recognition of palaeokarst are proposed in terms of careful observation upon the well cores, lithological and geochemical analyses, and drilling and logging responses to the karst caves and fractures. The time and environment of cave filling are documented from careful research of lithofacies, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the physical and chemical fillings within karst caves. The caves in Ordovician carbonates were filled in Early Carboniferous in Lunnan area. The muddy filling in upper caves was deposited under subaerial fresh-water setting, while the muddy filling in lower caves was formed in the mixed water body of fresh-water and dominated sea water. Although most chemical fillings are suggested being precipated in the burial diagenetic environment after karstification but mineralogic and geochemical characteristics of some chemical fillings indicates they formed in meteoric environment during the karstification. It is obvious that the palaeokarst has been zoned in vertical profile. It can be divided into four units from top to bottom: surface karst, vadose karst, phreatic and tranquil flow zones. Between two types of limestone karst and dolostone karst are firstly differentiated in Tarim Basin, based on the comparison of features of each karst zone in limestone and dolostone regions. In Tabei area, the lowest depth of karstification is approximately 300 m below the Upper Ordovician unconformity interface, while the bottom depth of karstification in Tazhong area ranges commonly from 300 to 400 m, in rare cases may be up to 750 m below the upper Ordovician unconformity interface. In Lunnan and Tazhong areas, the palaeokarst morphology and the surface hydrosystem are firstly reconstructed based on the top of carboniferous "Shuangfeng limestone bed (Double-Peaks limestone)" as basal. According to the palaeomorphologic feature, karst topography can be divided into three units: karst upland, karst slope, and karst valley. Vadose zone was well developed in karst upland, and it can be found in a quite depth. Both vadose and phreatic zones were well developed in karst slope and upstream valley. In downstream valley, the karstification is not strong, the vadose and phreatic zones are thin in thickness. In Tazhong and Yingmaili areas, karstification is also developed in relict carbonate palaeo-hills which existed as isolated blocks admits clastic strata.

Clergy, crusified within the body of Christ - a challenge to pastoral care

M.A. Thesis / University of Pretoria / Department of Practical Theology / Advised by Prof M Masango

Potential impacts of leakage from deep CO2 geosequestration on overlying freshwater aquifers.

Carbon Capture and Storage may use deep saline aquifers for CO(2) sequestration, but small CO(2) leakage could pose a risk to overlying fresh groundwater. We performed laboratory incubations of CO(2) infiltration under oxidizing conditions for >300 days on samples from four freshwater aquifers to 1) understand how CO(2) leakage affects freshwater quality; 2) develop selection criteria for deep sequestration sites based on inorganic metal contamination caused by CO(2) leaks to shallow aquifers; and 3) identify geochemical signatures for early detection criteria. After exposure to CO(2), water pH declines of 1-2 units were apparent in all aquifer samples. CO(2) caused concentrations of the alkali and alkaline earths and manganese, cobalt, nickel, and iron to increase by more than 2 orders of magnitude. Potentially dangerous uranium and barium increased throughout the entire experiment in some samples. Solid-phase metal mobility, carbonate buffering capacity, and redox state in the shallow overlying aquifers influence the impact of CO(2) leakage and should be considered when selecting deep geosequestration sites. Manganese, iron, calcium, and pH could be used as geochemical markers of a CO(2) leak, as their concentrations increase within 2 weeks of exposure to CO(2).

Intraspecific variation in a predator affects community structure and cascading trophic interactions.

Intraspecific phenotypic variation in ecologically important traits is widespread and important for evolutionary processes, but its effects on community and ecosystem processes are poorly understood. We use life history differences among populations of alewives, Alosa pseudoharengus, to test the effects of intraspecific phenotypic variation in a predator on pelagic zooplankton community structure and the strength of cascading trophic interactions. We focus on the effects of differences in (1) the duration of residence in fresh water (either seasonal or year-round) and (2) differences in foraging morphology, both of which may strongly influence interactions between alewives and their prey. We measured zooplankton community structure, algal biomass, and spring total phosphorus in lakes that contained landlocked, anadromous, or no alewives. Both the duration of residence and the intraspecific variation in foraging morphology strongly influenced zooplankton community structure. Lakes with landlocked alewives had small-bodied zooplankton year-round, and lakes with no alewives had large-bodied zooplankton year-round. In contrast, zooplankton communities in lakes with anadromous alewives cycled between large-bodied zooplankton in the winter and spring and small-bodied zooplankton in the summer. In summer, differences in feeding morphology of alewives caused zooplankton biomass to be lower and body size to be smaller in lakes with anadromous alewives than in lakes with landlocked alewives. Furthermore, intraspecific variation altered the strength of the trophic cascade caused by alewives. Our results demonstrate that intraspecific phenotypic variation of predators can regulate community structure and ecosystem processes by modifying the form and strength of complex trophic interactions.

Radium and barium removal through blending hydraulic fracturing fluids with acid mine drainage.

Wastewaters generated during hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus Shale typically contain high concentrations of salts, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), and metals, such as barium, that pose environmental and public health risks upon inadequate treatment and disposal. In addition, fresh water scarcity in dry regions or during periods of drought could limit shale gas development. This paper explores the possibility of using alternative water sources and their impact on NORM levels through blending acid mine drainage (AMD) effluent with recycled hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids (HFFFs). We conducted a series of laboratory experiments in which the chemistry and NORM of different mix proportions of AMD and HFFF were examined after reacting for 48 h. The experimental data combined with geochemical modeling and X-ray diffraction analysis suggest that several ions, including sulfate, iron, barium, strontium, and a large portion of radium (60-100%), precipitated into newly formed solids composed mainly of Sr barite within the first ∼ 10 h of mixing. The results imply that blending AMD and HFFF could be an effective management practice for both remediation of the high NORM in the Marcellus HFFF wastewater and beneficial utilization of AMD that is currently contaminating waterways in northeastern U.S.A.

The North Atlantic subpolar gyre regulates the spawning distribution of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)

The spawning stock of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), an economically important pelagic gadoid in the North Atlantic Ocean, increased threefold after 1995. The reproductive success of the stock is largely determined during the very early stages of life, but little is known about the spawning dynamics of this species. Here we show that the spawning distribution of blue whiting is variable, regulated by the hydrography west of the British Isles. When the North Atlantic subpolar gyre is strong and spreads its cold, fresh water masses east over Rockall Plateau, the spawning is constrained along the European continental slope and in a southerly position near Porcupine Bank. When the gyre is weak and conditions are relatively saline and warm, the spawning distribution moves northwards along the slope and especially westwards covering Rockall Plateau. The apparent link between the spawning distribution and the subpolar gyre is the first step towards understanding the reproduction variability, which currently is the main challenge for appropriate management of the blue whiting stock.

Fitness reduction and potential extinction of wild populations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, as a result of interactions with escaped farm salmon.

The high level of escapes from Atlantic salmon farms, up to two million fishes per year in the North Atlantic, has raised concern about the potential impact on wild populations. We report on a twogeneration experiment examining the estimated lifetime successes, relative to wild natives, of farm, F1 and F2 hybrids and BC1 backcrosses to wild and farm salmon. Offspring of farm and hybrids (i.e. all F1 , F2 and BC1 groups) showed reduced survival compared with wild salmon but grew faster as juveniles and displaced wild parr, which as a group were significantly smaller. Where suitable habitat for these emigrant parr is absent, this competition would result in reduced wild smolt production. In the experimental conditions, where emigrants survived downstream, the relative estimated lifetime success ranged from 2% (farm) to 89% (BC1 wild) of that of wild salmon, indicating additive genetic variation for survival . Wild salmon primarily returned to fresh water after one sea winter (1SW) but farm and hybrids produced proportionately more 2SW salmon. However, lower overall survival means that this would result in reduced recruitment despite increased 2SW fecundity. We thus demonstrate that interaction of farm with wild salmon results in lowered fitness, with repeated escapes causing cumulative fitness depression and potentially an extinction vortex in vulnerable populations.

Deep sampling and testing in soft stratified clay

A 37-m thick layer of stratified clay encountered during a site investigation at Swann's Bridge, near the sea-coast at Limavady, Northern Ireland, is one of the deepest and thickest layers of this type of material recorded in Ireland. A study of the relevant literature and stratigraphic evidence obtained from the site investigation showed that despite being close to the current shoreline, the clay was deposited in a fresh-water glacial lake formed approximately 13 000 BP. The 37-m layer of clay can be divided into two separate zones. The lower zone was deposited as a series of laminated layers of sand, silt, and clay, whereas the upper zone was deposited as a largely homogeneous mixture. A comprehensive series of tests was carried out on carefully selected samples from the full thickness of the deposit. The results obtained from these tests were complex and confusing, particularly the results of tests done on samples from the lower zone. The results of one-dimensional compression tests, unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests, and consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests showed that despite careful sampling, all of the specimens from the lower zone exhibited behaviour similar to that of reconstituted clays. It was immediately clear that the results needed explanation. This paper studies possible causes of the results from tests carried out on the lower Limavady clay. It suggests a possible mechanism based on anisotropic elasticity, yielding, and destructuring that provides an understanding of the observed behaviour.Key words: clay, laminations, disturbance, yielding, destructuring, reconstituted.

Survival of juvenile European eels (Anguilla anguilla) transferred among salinities, and developmental shifts in their salinity preference

After their oceanic migration, juvenile European eels Anguilla anguilla enter estuaries as glass eels, develop into pigmented elvers and migrate into fresh water. Fisheries often transfer such eels abruptly between salinities, principally glass eels and elvers from estuarine to fresh water. It is usually assumed that survival rates are high, but this required systematic investigation. Survival was found to be 100% over 21 days of glass eels and semipigmented elvers transferred abruptly from estuary conditions into fresh water, 50% sea water and full sea water. Fully pigmented elvers, however, showed significantly reduced survival when transferred into sea water. Salinity preference experiments with juvenile eels have historically been inconclusive. Here, in a choice chamber design, a clear developmental shift in salinity preference was found, with glass eels preferring 100% sea water, semipigmented elvers showing no clear preference and fully pigmented elvers preferring fresh water. We conclude that eel fisheries enhancement by abrupt transfer of juveniles among salinities is largely vindicated. In addition, developmental shifts in salinity preference have been clarified and this aids in the interpretation of eel migration patterns.

The importance of reproductive strategies in population genetic approaches to conservation: an example from the marine angiosperm genus Zostera

Knowledge of the levels of genetic diversity maintained in natural populations can play a central role in conservation programmes, particularly in threatened habitats or species. Fluctuations in population size can lead to loss of variation and, consequently, increase the risk of extinction. We have examined whether such a genetic bottleneck has occurred in populations of two species in the seagrass genus Zostera, which are believed to have been affected by an outbreak of wasting disease at the start of the last century. A test for heterozygote excess at five nuclear microsatellite loci did not suggest the occurrence of a genetic bottleneck, but analysis of seven chloroplast microsatellite loci and sequence data from two regions did suggest a bottleneck in the chloroplast genome. Extremely low levels of between-population diversity suggest that all subpopulations can be treated as a single management unit for each species. Comparable levels of nuclear genetic diversity were found in the three populations of the primarily sexual Zostera marina var. angustifolia studied but a wider range of within-population diversity was found in Zostera noltii, which displays both. sexual and vegetative reproductive strategies. This may be due to an increase in sexual recruitment due to localised fresh water inflow into the study site near to the most diverse population. Such populations should be prioritised as source material for any replanting or remediation due to natural or anthropogenic loss of Zostera beds in the area.

Delineation of a quick clay zone at Smørgrav, Norway, with electromagnetic methods under geotechnical constraints

In many coastal areas of North America and Scandinavia, post-glacial clay sediments have emerged above sea level due to iso-static uplift. These clays are often destabilised by fresh water leaching and transformed to so-called quick clays as at the investigated area at Smørgrav, Norway. Slight mechanical disturbances of these materials may trigger landslides. Since the leaching increases the electrical resistivity of quick clay as compared to normal marine clay, the application of electromagnetic (EM) methods is of particular interest in the study of quick clay structures.

For the first time, single and joint inversions of direct-current resistivity (DCR), radiomagnetotelluric (RMT) and controlled-source audiomagnetotelluric (CSAMT) data were applied to delineate a zone of quick clay. The resulting 2-D models of electrical resistivity correlate excellently with previously published data from a ground conductivity metre and resistivity logs from two resistivity cone penetration tests (RCPT) into marine clay and quick clay. The RCPT log into the central part of the quick clay identifies the electrical resistivity of the quick clay structure to lie between 10 and 80 O m. In combination with the 2-D inversion models, it becomes possible to delineate the vertical and horizontal extent of the quick clay zone. As compared to the inversions of single data sets, the joint inversion model exhibits sharper resistivity contrasts and its resistivity values are more characteristic of the expected geology. In our preferred joint inversion model, there is a clear demarcation between dry soil, marine clay, quick clay and bedrock, which consists of alum shale and limestone.