Seismic velocities at elevated pressures of igneous rocks at DSDP Holes 60-454 and 60-458

The Deep Sea Drilling Project, in addition to providing valuable information on the history and processes of development of the ocean, has significantly contributed to our knowledge of the chemical and physical nature of the upper oceanic crust. Among the important physical properties of the crust are its seismic velocity and structure, the interpretation of which requires laboratory studies of seismic velocities in oceanic rocks.

(Table 2) Temporal changes in phenological observations between 1978 and 2007, northern Sweden

A 30-year series (1978-2007) of photographic records were analysed to determine changes in lake ice cover, local (low elevation) and montane (high elevation) snow cover and phenological stages of mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) at the Abisko Scientific Research Station, Sweden. In most cases, the photographic-derived data showed no significant difference in phenophase score from manually observed field records from the same period, demonstrating the accuracy and potential of using weekly repeat photography as a quicker, cheaper and more adaptable tool to remotely study phenology in both biological and physical systems. Overall, increases in ambient temperatures coupled with decreases in winter ice and snow cover, and earlier occurrence of birch foliage, signal a reduction in the length of winter, a shift towards earlier springs and an increase in the length of available growing season in the Swedish sub-arctic.

Lithology, age determination and pollen records of five profiles for nothern Bavaria, Germany

Palynological investigations in northeastern Bavaria (Bavarian Vogtland, Fichtelgebirge, Steinwald) reveal the Late Glacial and Postglacial history of the regional vegetation. Radiocarbon data in comparison with those from the neighbouring regions (Rhön, Oberpfälzer Wald, Bavarian Forests) show a time lag in the development of the arboreal vegetation due to migration processes. The Fichtelgebirge is the southernmost part ofnortheastern Bavaria where the early Alleröd period (pollen zone IIa) is characterised by a dominance of birch forests. Hazel reached maximal values around 8000 BP in the area from the Fichtelgebirge to the Bavarian Forests, e.g. about 600 years earlier than in the more northern Rhön mountains. For spruce there is a considerable time lag between the Bavarian Forests and the Fichtelgebirge. Spruce spreading started in the Fichtelgebirge during the older part of the Atlantic period (pollen zone VI). At the same time, spruce already was the dominant tree in the Bavarian Forests. During the younger part of the Atlantic period (pollen zone VII) spruce and mixed oak forest tree species frequently occurred in the Fichtelgebirge. At the end of pollen zone VI, spruce came to dominance. At the same time, the immigration of beech started. During the Subboreal period (pollen zone VIII), spruce remained being a dominant member in the forests and at the end of pollen zone VIII, fir began to spread rapidly. During the first part of the Subatlantic period (pollen zone IX) spruce, beech, fir and pine formed the mountainous forests in the Fichtelgebirge. In the area of the Bavarian Vogtland, however, fir was a dominant forest tree during pollen zone IX, while spruce and beech played a less important role. During the 12th century, human colonisation started in the area of the Fichtelgebirge. This is 400 years later as in the area of the Rhön mountains. Indicators for earlier forest clearances are rare or absent.