Supporting, Regulating, and Provisioning Hydrological Services

The natural regulation of the water cycle by tropical montane forests is an important ecosystem service. Within this chapter we focus on water balance and regulation of the water cycle. Differences of rainfall-runoff generation across scales change from a near-surface event water driven system in pristine rainforest-covered micro-catchments to a more groundwater pre-event water dominated one on the mesoscale. The highly dynamic discharges are often correlated with total suspended sediment loads. However, we also observed total suspended sediment peaks at times of low flow, indicating a decoupling of erosion and stream transport and a triggering of landslides not directly related to hydrological processes. We also summarize likely future trends of water-related ecosystem services and expect an increase in human use and benefits of fresh water use whereas changes in water regulation and water purification services remain unchanged on a high level.

Falkland Island English

This chapter examines some of the grammatical variability and non-standardness found in the English of the Falkland Islands. The Falklands are an archipelago of over 700 islands located in the western South Atlantic Ocean, 480km off the east coast of Argentina. Although the population is small – around 3000 - the islands cover an area of over 12000km2 – slightly larger than Jamaica and half the size of Wales, making them, after Greenland, the most sparsely populated political entity in the world. In political terms, the Falklands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. In contrast to the rural isolated image that the Falklands perhaps conjure up, the community is, in demographic terms, an urban and diverse one. Over 85% of the population living in the capital Stanley. The 2006 census (Government of the Falkland Islands 2007: 6) shows that 55% of the population were not born on the Islands, with the largest migrant groups coming from the UK, St Helena (another British Overseas Territory, located in the eastern South Atlantic), Chile and Australia. It also highlighted the fact that people born in 62 different countries were resident on the islands at the time (Pascoe and Pepper 2008: 38). By way of a comparison, only Monaco and Andorra, in Europe, have a higher proportion of their populations made up of migrants. In addition to the local Falkland population, there is a large military presence on the islands at the Royal Airforce Base at Mount Pleasant, 50km south-west of Stanley. The Head of State is the monarch of the UK, who is represented on the islands by a governor. The democratically elected 11-member Legislative Assembly is responsible for day-to-day government of the islands. The Falklands are perhaps most famous because of their 74 day occupation by Argentina in 1982. It is not appropriate here to go into detail about the dispute between the UK and Argentina about the sovereignty of the Islands. What is undisputed is that there has been a continuous Anglophone speech community on the islands since the early 1830s, making it one of the most recently developed ‘Inner Circle’ (Kachru 1985) Englishes in the world. This chapter examines the grammatical characteristics of Falkland Island English, drawn from a transcribed corpus of over 500,000 words of informal conversational speech, collected by Andrea Sudbury both in Stanley and in ‘Camp’ (the local name for the rest of the islands) (see Sudbury 2000, 2001 for more details about the methods used in the survey).

Nutrient additions affecting matter turnover in forest and pasture ecosystems

Nutrient inputs into ecosystems of the tropical mountain rainforest region are projected to further increase in the next decades. To investigate whether important ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and matter turnover in native forests and pasture ecosystems show different patterns of response, two nutrient addition experiments have been established: NUMEX in the forest and FERPAST at the pasture. Both ecosystems already responded 1.5 years after the start of nutrient application (N, P, NP, Ca). Interestingly, most nutrients remained in the respective systems. While the pasture grass was co-limited by N and P, most tree species responded to P addition. Soil microbial biomass in the forest litter layer increased after NP fertilization pointing to nutrient co-limitation. In pasture soils, microorganisms were neither limited by N nor P. The results support the hypothesis that multiple and temporally variable nutrient limitations can coexist in tropical ecosystems.

Current Regulating and Supporting Services: Nutrient Cycles

The study forest regulates nutrient cycles as a supporting ecosystem service mainly via retention in the biosphere and the soil organic layer. How tight the nutrient cycles are depends on environmental conditions. In this chapter, we focus on the roles of (1) deposition from the atmosphere, (2) soil moisture regime, and (3) conversion to pasture in the nutrient cycle. Between 1998 and 2010, there were a seasonal deposition of salpetric acid, an episodic deposition of Ca and Mg from Sahara dusts, and a continuous increase in reactive N inputs related to Amazonian forest fires, the El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle, and the economic development, respectively. Simultaneously, soils became increasingly drier enhancing nutrient release by mineralization. An increasing number of rain storms could considerably increase the export of N and base metals (K, Ca, Mg) via fast surface-near lateral transport in soil. Land-use change from forest to pasture introduces alkaline ashes and grass-derived organic matter. The resulting increases in soil pH and nutrient and substrate supply increase nutrient cycling rates because of enhanced microbial activity.

Malvinas a 30 años del conflicto : Un análisis sobre las propuestas de enseñanza en formato digital

Este artículo trata de definir los límites y posibilidades de los nuevos textos digitales en la enseñanza de la historia, especialmente de algunas propuestas didácticas producidas por el gobierno nacional, cuyo contenido versa sobre la guerra de Malvinas. ¿Cuáles son los nuevos significados que este tipo de textos digitales aportan a la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Guerra de las Malvinas? ¿Qué discursos y narrativas sobre Malvinas se presentan explícitos e implícitos en estos textos digitales? ¿Hay algún cambio entre estas narraciones que emergen en el 30 aniversario de la guerra en comparación con las narrativas anteriores? Son algunas de las preguntas que tratamos de resolver, a pesar de que los textos en formato digital para la enseñanza de la historia, parecen ser muy caóticos y poseen otro régimen de producción, lectura y propiedad, diferente al de los materiales curriculares impresos. Como primera aproximación al análisis podemos observar como las políticas educativas nacionales actuales en Argentina refuerzan el discurso de los derechos y la soberanía sobre las islas, introduciendo además, elementos nuevos que buscan un acercamiento emocional a la causa y desdibujan en parte, la enseñanza de la complejidad de Malvinas

Malvinas a 30 años del conflicto : Un análisis sobre las propuestas de enseñanza en formato digital

Este artículo trata de definir los límites y posibilidades de los nuevos textos digitales en la enseñanza de la historia, especialmente de algunas propuestas didácticas producidas por el gobierno nacional, cuyo contenido versa sobre la guerra de Malvinas. ¿Cuáles son los nuevos significados que este tipo de textos digitales aportan a la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Guerra de las Malvinas? ¿Qué discursos y narrativas sobre Malvinas se presentan explícitos e implícitos en estos textos digitales? ¿Hay algún cambio entre estas narraciones que emergen en el 30 aniversario de la guerra en comparación con las narrativas anteriores? Son algunas de las preguntas que tratamos de resolver, a pesar de que los textos en formato digital para la enseñanza de la historia, parecen ser muy caóticos y poseen otro régimen de producción, lectura y propiedad, diferente al de los materiales curriculares impresos. Como primera aproximación al análisis podemos observar como las políticas educativas nacionales actuales en Argentina refuerzan el discurso de los derechos y la soberanía sobre las islas, introduciendo además, elementos nuevos que buscan un acercamiento emocional a la causa y desdibujan en parte, la enseñanza de la complejidad de Malvinas

Malvinas a 30 años del conflicto : Un análisis sobre las propuestas de enseñanza en formato digital

Este artículo trata de definir los límites y posibilidades de los nuevos textos digitales en la enseñanza de la historia, especialmente de algunas propuestas didácticas producidas por el gobierno nacional, cuyo contenido versa sobre la guerra de Malvinas. ¿Cuáles son los nuevos significados que este tipo de textos digitales aportan a la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Guerra de las Malvinas? ¿Qué discursos y narrativas sobre Malvinas se presentan explícitos e implícitos en estos textos digitales? ¿Hay algún cambio entre estas narraciones que emergen en el 30 aniversario de la guerra en comparación con las narrativas anteriores? Son algunas de las preguntas que tratamos de resolver, a pesar de que los textos en formato digital para la enseñanza de la historia, parecen ser muy caóticos y poseen otro régimen de producción, lectura y propiedad, diferente al de los materiales curriculares impresos. Como primera aproximación al análisis podemos observar como las políticas educativas nacionales actuales en Argentina refuerzan el discurso de los derechos y la soberanía sobre las islas, introduciendo además, elementos nuevos que buscan un acercamiento emocional a la causa y desdibujan en parte, la enseñanza de la complejidad de Malvinas

Malvinas a 30 años del conflicto : Un análisis sobre las propuestas de enseñanza en formato digital

Este artículo trata de definir los límites y posibilidades de los nuevos textos digitales en la enseñanza de la historia, especialmente de algunas propuestas didácticas producidas por el gobierno nacional, cuyo contenido versa sobre la guerra de Malvinas. ¿Cuáles son los nuevos significados que este tipo de textos digitales aportan a la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Guerra de las Malvinas? ¿Qué discursos y narrativas sobre Malvinas se presentan explícitos e implícitos en estos textos digitales? ¿Hay algún cambio entre estas narraciones que emergen en el 30 aniversario de la guerra en comparación con las narrativas anteriores? Son algunas de las preguntas que tratamos de resolver, a pesar de que los textos en formato digital para la enseñanza de la historia, parecen ser muy caóticos y poseen otro régimen de producción, lectura y propiedad, diferente al de los materiales curriculares impresos. Como primera aproximación al análisis podemos observar como las políticas educativas nacionales actuales en Argentina refuerzan el discurso de los derechos y la soberanía sobre las islas, introduciendo además, elementos nuevos que buscan un acercamiento emocional a la causa y desdibujan en parte, la enseñanza de la complejidad de Malvinas

Stable isotopes and ages from sediment core FR01/97-12, Tasman Sea

Deep-sea sediment core FR1/97 GC-12 is located 990 mbsl in the northern Tasman Sea, southwest Pacific, where Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) presently impinges the continental slope of the southern Great Barrier Reef. Analysis of carbon (d13C) and oxygen (d18O) isotope ratios on a suite of planktonic and benthic foraminifera reveals rapid changes in surface and intermediate water circulation over the last 30 kyr. During the Last Glacial Maximum, there was a large d13C offset (1.1 per mil) between the surface-dwelling planktonic foraminifera and benthic species living within the AAIW. In contrast, during the last deglaciation (Termination 1), the d13C(planktonic-benthic) offset reduced to 0.4 per mil prior to an intermediate offset (0.7 per mil) during the Holocene. We suggest that variations in the dominance and direction of AAIW circulation in the Tasman Sea, and increased oceanic ventilation, can account for the rapid change in the water column d13C(planktonic-benthic) offset during the glacial-interglacial transition. Our results support the hypothesis that intermediate water plays an important role in propagating climatic changes from the polar regions to the tropics. In this case, climatic variations in the Southern Hemisphere may have led to the rapid ventilation of deep water and AAIW during Termination 1, which contributed to the postglacial rise in atmospheric CO2.

Planktonic and benthic foraminiferal abundances in ODP Holes 133-819A and 133-821A

To reveal changes in the oceanic environment on the continental slope adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, east of Cairns (NE Australia), planktonic and benthic foraminiferal abundances were counted and planktonic percentages (P/B ratios) were determined in sediments from two sites. Counts of planktonic and benthic specimens per gram of sediment over the last glacial/interglacial cycle at the shallowest Site 821, located in a water depth of 212 m just below the core of Subtropical Lower Water, show high abundances in the last glacial compared with the Holocene interglacial. We interpret the apparent increase in abundances during the last glacial as mainly a consequence of fluctuations in the intensity of flow of Subtropical Lower Water along the outer shelf edge and upper slope. During the lowstand in sea level, the increased flow winnowed the sediments, concentrating the foraminiferal skeletons. The P/B ratios are low throughout, with the highest values occurring during the Holocene interglacial and glacial stage 2. This suggests that some upwelling might have occurred during glacial stage 2. The relatively deeper water Site 819 is located in 565.2 m of water in a zone of mixing between Subtropical Lower Water and Antarctic Intermediate Water. The studied record at this site represents middle to upper Quaternary sediments, but it was interrupted by a hiatus just above stage 15 (Alexander et al., this volume); stages 7 through 13 are missing. Below the hiatus (isotopic stages 15 through 21), the foraminiferal abundances are low, while above the hiatus, the highest abundances occur in isotopic stage 6. In addition, a major change in the P/B ratio occurs across the unconformity. Below the hiatus, the ratios are low and resemble the values of the top of Site 821; but above it, ratios rapidly fluctuate, with a tendency for high values during glacial periods. We interpret the changes across the hiatus as having been caused by a shift in the position of the mixing zone between subsurface Subtropical Lower Water and Antarctic Intermediate Water. The mixing zone of these watermasses was farther down the slope in isotopic stages 15 through 21. This is indicated by the low P/B ratios, similar to the values found in the top of Site 821, which presently is bathed in subtropical waters. Above the hiatus, the influence of Antarctic Intermediate Water increased, as inferred from the high P/B ratios.

Aerosols in the Arctic

In this monograph on the basis of materials obtained by the author and his colleagues in Arctic expeditions of 1991-2005 and of published data results of studies effect of aerosols on environmental conditions and marine sedimentation in the Arctic are summarizes. Processes of aeolian transport and transformation of sedimentary material from sources to places of its accumulation in bottom sediments are described. Results of this study can be used to assess current state of ecosystem of Arctic seas and as a background for evaluation of possible human impact on nature during exploration of mineral resources of the Arctic shelf. For oceanographers, geochemists, geoecologists.

Sedimentology on two core from the Bransfield Strait area

The raw material for these investigations are samples from marine (sub)surface sediments around the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. They had been sampled in the years 1981 to 1986 during several expeditions of the research vessels Meteor, Polarstern and Walther Herwig. 83 box core, gravity core and dredge samples from the area of the Bransfield Strait, the Powell Basin and the northern Weddell Sea have been examined for their grain-size distribution, their mineralogical and petrographical composition. Silt prevails and its clay proportions exceed 25% wt. in water depths greater than 2000 m. The granulometrical results reveal some typical sedimentation processes within the area of investigation. While turbiditic processes together with sediment input from melting icebergs control the sedimentation in the Weddell Sea, the South Orkney Island Plateau and the Powell Basin, the fine grained material from Bransfield Strait mainly relies on marine currents in the shelf area. In addition, the direct sediment input of coarse shelf sediments from the Bransfield Strait into the Powell Basin through submarine canyons could be proven. Variations in the grain-size composition with sediment depth are smalI. The mineral composition of the clay and fine silt fractions is quite uniform in all samples. There are (in decreasing order): illite, montmorillonite, chlorite, smectite, mixed-Iayers, as well as detrital quartz and feldspars. A petrographically based sediment stratigraphy can be established in using the considerable changes in the chlorite- and Ca-plagioclase portions in samples from Core 224. For this sedimentation area a mean sedimentation rate of 7 cm/1000 a is assumed. Remarkable changes in the portions of amorphous silica components - diatom skeletons and volcanic glass shards - appear all over the area of investigation. They contribute between 4-83 % to the clay and fine silt fraction. Several provinces according to the heavy mineral assemblages in the fine sand fraction can be distinguished: (i) a province remarkably influenced by minerals of volcanic origin south and north of the South Shetland Islands; (ii) a small strip with sediment dominated by plutonic material along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and (iii) a sediment controlled by metamorphic minerals and rock fragments in the area of the Weddell Sea and Elephant Island. While taking the whole grain-size spectrum into account a more comprehensive interpretation can be given: the accessoric but distinct appearance of tourmaline, rutile and zircon in the heavy mineral assembly along the northwestern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is in agreement with the occurrence of acid volcanic rock pieces in the coarse fraction of the ice load detritus in this region. In the vicinity of the South Shetland Islands chlorite appears in remarkable portions in the clay fraction in combination with leucoxene, sphene and olivine, and pumice as well as pyroclastic rocks in the medium and coarse grain fractions, respectively. Amphiboles and amphibole-schists are dominant on the South Orkney Island Plateau. In the sediments of the northwestern Weddell Sea the heavy mineral phases of red spinel, garnet, kyanite and sillimanite in connection with medium to highgrade metamorphic rocks especially granulitic gneisses, are more abundant. A good conformity between the ice rafted rock sampIes and the rocks in the island outcrops could be proven, especially in the vicinity of offshore islands nearby. On the continent enrichments of rock societies and groups appear in spacious outlines: acid effusive rocks in the west of the ice divide on the Antarctic Peninsula, clastic sedimentites at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and granoblastic gneisses in central and eastern Antarctica. Coarse grain detritus with more than 1 cm of diameter must have been rafted by icebergs. These rock fragments are classified as rock types, groups and societies. The spacial distribution of their statistically determined weight relations evidently shows the paths of the iceberg drift and in nexus with already known iceberg routes also point to the possible areas of provenance, provided that the density of sample locations and the number of rock pieces are sufficient.