Geochemistry of minerals in CRP sediment cores from the Ross Sea, Antarctica

Sixty-four volcanic chists, sandstones and tephras between 5.95 and 618.19 meters below sea floor (mbsf) in the Cape Roberts Project cores 2 and 2A cores (CRP-2/2A) were examined for Cenozoic and Mesozoic volcanic components, using optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Minerals and glass shards in a selection of samples were analysed by electron microprobe fined with an EDAX detector. Laser-Ablation ICP-Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine rare earth elements and 14 additional trace elements in glass shards, pyroxenes and feldspars in order to pin-point the onset of McMurdo Volcanic Group (MVG) activity in the stratigraphic column. Pumices in tephra layers of peralkaline phonolite composition in Unit 7.2 -between 108 and 114 mbsf - were also analysed for trace elements by ICP-MS. This tephra unit is not reworked and its isotopic age (21.44 ± 0.05 Ma) is the age of deposition. The height of the eruptive column responsible for the deposition of the tephra was probably less than 8 km; the source was local, probably within 30 km from the drill site. Phonolite of unit 7.2 of CRP-2/2A has no direct petrogenetic relation with the peralkaline trachyte in the tephra-enriched layer of CRP-1 at 116.55 mbsf. Volcanic clasts and sand grains (glass shards, aegirine-augite, anorthoclase) related to Cenozoic activity of MVG were observed only starting from Unit 9.8, where they are dated at 24.22 ± 0.06 Ma at c. 280 mbsf. In this unit the lowest- occurring basaltic glass shard is found at 297.54 mbsf. Sampled McMurdo volcanics are generally vesicular and vary in composition from alkali basalt to trachyte and peralkaline phonolite. By contrast, below 320 mbsf, aphyric or slightly-porphyritic volcanic clasts become more abundant but they are all non-vesiculated, pigeconite and ilmenite-bearing basalts and dolerite of tholeiitic affinity. These rocks are considered to be related to lava flows and associated intrusions of Jurassic age (Kirkpatrick basalts and Ferrar dolerite). As in CRP-1, McMurdo volcanics appear to derive from a variety of lithologics. Besides glaciers, a dominant role of wind transportation from exposed volcanic rocks may be inferred from the contemporary occurrence of glass shards of different compositions at depths above 297.54 mbsf. These data confirm that the onset of magmatic activity in southern Victoria Land is considerably delayed (by about 24 Ma) with respect to northern Victoria Land.

Composition and fluxes of sinking particulate material and bottom sediments in the northeast Black Sea in 1998-1999

For the first time deep-sea mooring stations with sediment traps were deployed in the northeast Black Sea. One sediment trap for long-term studies was located at Station 1 (44°15'N, 37°43'E, deployment depth 1800 m, depth 1900 m). The trap collected sinking sedimentary material from January to May 1998. Material collectors were changed every 15 days. Other stations with sediment traps for short-term studies (September-October 1999) were located on the shelf: Station 2 (44°16'N, 38°37'E, deployment depth 45 m, depth 50 m) and on the bottom of the canyon: Station 3 (44°16'N, 38°22'E, deployment depth 1145 m, depth 1150 m), Station 4 (44°11'N, 38°21'E, deployment depths 200, 1550, 1650 m, depth 1670 m). Collected material indicates that vertical particle fluxes are controlled by seasonal changes of in situ production and by dynamics of terrigenous matter input. Higher vertical particle flux of carbonate and biogenic silica was in spring due to bloom of plankton organisms. Maximum of coccolith bloom is in April-May. Bloom of diatoms begins in March. In winter and autumn lithogenic material dominates in total flux. Its amount strongly depends on storms and river run-off. Suspended particle material differs from surface shelf sediments by finer particles (mainly clay fraction) and high content of clay minerals and biogenic silica. This material may form lateral fluxes with higher concentration of particles transported along the bottom of deep-sea canyons from the shelf to the deep basin within the nepheloid layer. In winter such transportation of sedimentary material is more intensive due to active vertical circulation of water masses.

Manganese contents and accumulation rates in reduced bottom sediments of the Sea of Okhotsk

Manganese contents in reduced sediments and accumulation rates were investigated. Their values in sediments of most of cores are background (0.03-0.07 %).Anomalous concentrations (up to 2.5 %) and accumulation rates (up to 60 mg/cm**2/ka) occur near the known region of hydrothermal barite mineralization in the Derugin Basin. High accumulation rates of Mn (>10 mg/cm**2/ka) also occur in Holocene sediments to south-east from the Derugin Basin. It can be assumed that high Mn contents and accumulation rates occur there due to transportation of Mn-rich water from the Derugin Basin in the near-bottom layer under the lower border of the Sea of Okhotsk Intermediate Water. Intensive Mn accumulation is also typical for the South Okhotsk Basin near the Bussol Strait. Mn accumulation rates of glacial sediments of the second oxygen isotope stage are less significant, which is presumed to be caused by paleoceanological reasons.

Framework for risk assessment for maritime transportation systems

Maritime accidents involving ships carrying passengers may pose a high risk with respect to human casualties. For effective risk mitigation, an insight into the process of risk escalation is needed. This requires a proactive approach when it comes to risk modelling for maritime transportation systems. Most of the existing models are based on historical data on maritime accidents, and thus they can be considered reactive instead of proactive. This paper introduces a systematic, transferable and proactive framework estimating the risk for maritime transportation systems, meeting the requirements stemming from the adopted formal definition of risk. The framework focuses on ship-ship collisions in the open sea, with a RoRo/Passenger ship (RoPax) being considered as the struck ship. First, it covers an identification of the events that follow a collision between two ships in the open sea, and, second, it evaluates the probabilities of these events, concluding by determining the severity of a collision. The risk framework is developed with the use of Bayesian Belief Networks and utilizes a set of analytical methods for the estimation of the risk model parameters. The model can be run with the use of GeNIe software package. Finally, a case study is presented, in which the risk framework developed here is applied to a maritime transportation system operating in the Gulf of Finland (GoF). The results obtained are compared to the historical data and available models, in which a RoPax was involved in a collision, and good agreement with the available records is found.

Holocene corals from the South China Sea

The South China Sea (SCS) is well connected with the western Pacific and influenced by the East Asian monsoon. We have examined temporal variations in radiocarbon marine reservoir ages (R) and regional marine reservoir corrections (DeltaR) of the SCS during the Holocene using paired measurements of AMS 14C and TIMS 230Th on 20 pristine corals. The results show large fluctuations in both R and DeltaR values over the past 7500 years (yrs) with two distinct plateaus during 7.5-5.6 and 3.5-2.5 thousand calendar years before present (cal ka BP). The respective weighted mean DeltaR values of these plateaus are 151 ± 85 and 89 ± 59 yrs, which are significantly higher than its modern value of -23 ± 52 yrs. This suggests that using a constant modern DeltaR value to calibrate 14C dates of the SCS marine samples will introduce additional errors to the calibrated ages. Our results provide the first database for the Holocene R and DeltaR values of the SCS for improved radiocarbon calibration of marine samples. We interpret the two DeltaR plateaus as being related to two intervals with weakened El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and intensified East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). This is because the 14C content of the SCS surface water is controlled by both the 14C concentration of the Pacific North Equatorial Current (NEC) which is in turn influenced by ENSO-induced upwelling along the Pacific equator and vertical upwelling within the SCS as a result of moisture transportation to midlatitude region to supply the EASM rainfall.

Economic impacts of the Kra Canal : an application of the automatic calculation of sea distances by a GIS

A plan to construct a canal through the Kra Isthmus in Southern Thailand has been proposed many times since the 17th century. The proposed canal would become an alternative route to the over-crowded Straits of Malacca. In this paper, we attempt to utilize a Geographical Information System (GIS) to calculate the realistic distances between ports that would be affected by the Kra Canal and to estimate the economic impact of the canal using a simulation model based on spatial economics. We find that China, India, Japan, and Europe gain the most from the construction of the canal, besides Thailand. On the other hand, the routes through the Straits of Malacca are largely beneficial to Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, besides Singapore. Thus, it is beneficial for all ASEAN member countries that the Kra Canal and the Straits of Malacca coexist and complement one another.

Red Sea Region, North Africa, ca. 1730 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de l'Egypte, de la Nubie, de l'Abyssinie &c., par Guillaume de l'Isle, de l'Academie Royal a Paris. It was published by Chez Henri de Leth, a l'enseigne du Pecheur ca. 1730. Scale [ca. 1:9,250,000]. Covers the Red Sea region, North Africa including portions of the Middle East and Europe. Map in French.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Africa Sinusoidal projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, major roads, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, East, 1680-1689 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Orientalior districtus Maris Mediterranei = T' Ooster gedeelte van de Middelandse Zee. It was published by Fred. de Wit, between 1680 and 1689. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in Latin and Dutch.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, West, 1680-1689 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Occidentalior Tractus Maris Mediterranei = Wester gedeelte van de Middelandse Zee. It was published by Fred. de Wit, between 1680 and 1689. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Scale [ca. 1:4,500,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea and coasts of Europe and North Africa. Map in Latin and Dutch. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, West, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Accuratissima occidentalioris districtus maris Mediterranei tabula, authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the western Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, East, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Accuratissima orientalioris districtus maris Mediterranei tabula, authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the eastern Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, 1690-1699 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the untitled historic paper map: [Mediterranean sea], authore Iusto Danckerts. It was published by Iusto Danckerts, between 1690 and 1699. Scale [ca. 1:5,300,000]. Covers the Mediterranean Sea region. Map in Latin. Source map issued on two sheets, now pasted together. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial features, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Mediterranean Sea Region, 1700-1710 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte nouvelle de la mer Mediterranée : divisée en mer de Levant et de Ponant, subdivisés en leurs principales parties ou mers : avec les observations des Mrs. de l'Académie, dressée par ... Sanson. It was published by chez Pierre Mortier, between 1700 and 1710. Scale [ca. 1:4,375,000]. Covers the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea regions. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, roads, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Relief shown pictorially.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, 1709 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de la mer Mediterranée : presentée à Monseigneur le Bailli de Noailles, Lieutenant General des Galeres de France, par Nicolas Therin et H. Michelot, pilotes entretenus sur les Galeres du Roy. It was published by Chez Pierre Mortier, ca. 1709. Scale [ca. 1:3,600,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in French. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, territorial boundaries, shoreline features, and more. Includes index.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.

Coasts, Mediterranean Sea Region, 1763 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: Carte de la mer Méditerranée : appuyée sur les observations astronomiques, combinées avec les itinéraires anciens et modernes, par M. Bonne, Mtre. de Mathemat., Membre de la Société litéraire militaire, Ingénieur-Géographe. It was published by Chez Lattré in 1763. Scale [ca. 1:6,000,000]. Covers Mediterranean Sea region, part of the Black Sea, and coasts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Map in French.The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the World Miller Cylindrical projected coordinate system. All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, index maps, legends, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as drainage, cities and other human settlements, shoreline features, and more.This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of originators, ground condition dates, scales, and map purposes.