Dissolved Si isotope composition measured in water samples during METEOR cruises M77/3 and M77/4

Silicon isotopes are a powerful tool to investigate the cycling of dissolved silicon (Si). In this study the distribution of the Si isotope composition of dissolved silicic acid (d30Si(OH)4) was analyzed in the water column of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) where one of the globally largest Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs) is located. Samples were collected at 7 stations along two meridional transects from the equator to 14°S at 85°50'W and 82°00'W off the Ecuadorian and Peruvian coast. Surface waters show a large range in isotope compositions d30Si(OH)4 (+2.2 per mil to +4.4 per mil) with the highest values found at the southernmost station at 14°S. This station also revealed the most depleted silicic acid concentrations (0.2 µmol/kg), which is a function of the high degree of Si utilization by diatoms and admixture with waters from highly productive areas. Samples within the upper water column and the OMZ at oxygen concentrations below 10 µmol/kg are characterized by a large range in d30Si(OH)4, which mainly reflects advection and mixing of different water masses, even though the highly dynamic hydrographic system of the upwelling area off Peru does not allow the identification of clear Si isotope signals for distinct water masses. Therefore we cannot rule out that also dissolution processes have an influence on the d30Si(OH)4 signature in the subsurface water column. Deep water masses (>2000 m) in the study area show a mean d30Si(OH)4 of +1.2±0.2 per mil, which is in agreement with previous studies from the eastern and central Pacific. Comparison of the new deep water data of this study and previously published data from the central Pacific and Southern Ocean reveal substantially higher d30Si(OH)4 values than deep water signatures from the North Pacific. As there is no clear correlation between d30Si(OH)4 and silicic acid concentrations in the entire data set the distribution of d30Si(OH)4 signatures in deep waters of the Pacific is considered to be mainly a consequence of the mixing of several end member water masses with distinct Si isotope signatures including Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) and North Pacific Deep Water (NPDW).

Concentrations of phosphates and silicon in near-bottom and interstitial waters of the Baltic Sea

Fine structure of vertical distributions of phosphorus and silicon in near-bottom layers and interstitial waters is studied in different regions of the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Finland, Bornholm area, Gotland trench). Data obtained are used to calculate fluxes of mineral forms of phosphorus and silicon in exchange processes between sediments and the near-bottom water layer. Depending on sediment types, values of nutrient fluxes vary from 9.8 to 632.6 µg-at/m**2/day for phosphorus and from 232.4 to 1881.1 µg-at/m**2/day for silicon. Fluxes calculated for different regions are compared.

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the north-eastern Black Sea during SESRU02 cruise in September 2008

The SESRU_02_mesozooplankton dataset contains data collected in September 2008 at 15 stations located between 37°E and 39.5°E and between 42.4°N and 44.5°N in the north-eastern Black Sea. Samples were collected with a Juday net. Juday net: Vertical tows of a closing Juday net, with mouth area 0.1 m**2, mesh size 180 µm. Samples were taken from different layers. Towing speed: 1m/s. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Integrated samples were taken from the lower boundary of the oxic zone to the surface, stratified samples were taken according to CTD-profiles: samples were taken from the following depth strata: 1) the upper mixed layer (UML); 2) the layer of high temperature gradients (from the upper boundary of thermocline to the depth of 8 deg C temperature); 3) cold Intermediate layer (CIL) - the layer with the T< 8 deg C; 4) from the depth of sigma theta = 15.8 (oxycline) to the lower boundary of CIL; 5) from the depth of sigma theta = 16.2 to the depth of sigma theta = 15.8. Samples were analysed for zooplankton species and stage composition and abundance. The entire sample or an aliquot (1/2 to ¼) was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Mesozooplankton species and stages were identified and enumerated; meroplankton were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level. Taxonomic identification was done at Shirshov Institute of Oceanology using the relevant taxonomic literature (Rose, 1933, Brodsky, 1950 and Internet resources).

(Appendix A) Dissolved manganese concentrations during POLARSTERN Cruise ARK-XXII/2

A total of 773 samples were analysed for dissolved manganese (Mn) in the Arctic Ocean aboard R.V. Polarstern during expedition ARK XXII/2 from 28 July until 07 October 2007 from Tromsø (Norway) to Bremerhaven. Concentrations of Mn were elevated in the surface layer with concentrations of up to 6 nM over the deep Basins and over 20 nM in the Laptev Sea. The general distribution of Mn through the water column is consistent with previous studies, but there are differences in the absolute concentrations that are most likely related to differences in sample area, sampling and filtration. The elevated concentrations of Mn in the surface layer are related to fresh water input. This was visible in the strong negative correlations observed between dissolved Mn and salinity. The correlation between Mn and salinity and the correlation between Mn and the quasi conservative trace water mass tracer PO4*, showed fluvial and melt water input and the Pacific and Atlantic origin of the surface waters. A large portion of the Mn delivered by the Arctic rivers is removed in the shelf seas and does not pass into the central basins. Most likely a benthic flux is at the origin of the elevated concentrations of Mn near the sediments in the Barents and Kara Seas. These elevated concentrations of Mn apparently affected the deep basins as well, as maxima in the concentrations of Mn were observed that corresponded with lowered transmission over the continental slope. A maximum in the concentration of Mn in the deep basin corresponded with anomalies in light transmission, potential temperature and dissolved iron, confirming the hydrothermal origin. The hydrothermal plume was observed throughout the Nansen Basin and over the deep Gakkel Ridge around 2500 m depth and a smaller plume was observed around 3200 m. The concentration of Mn at the Mn maximum around 2500 m depth decreased exponentially, consistent with a first order scavenging model. The concentrations of Mn were extremely low in the deep Makarov Basin (~0.05 nM) and slightly higher in the Eurasian Basin (~0.1 nM) outside the influence of the hydrothermal activity.

Sedimentology of ODP Leg 104 holes

The long-term record of glacial/interglacial cycles indicates three major paleoceanographic regimes in the Norwegian Sea. The period since the first major glaciation over Scandinavia at 2.56 Ma is characterized by high-frequency, low-amplitude oscillations of ice-rafted debris inputs, a lowered salinity, and decreased carbonate shell production in surface waters as well as overall strong carbonate dissolution at the sea floor. These conditions indicate a more zonal circulation pattern in the Northern Hemisphere and a relative isolation of surface and bottom waters in the Norwegian Sea. The generally temperate glacial climate was only interrupted by episodic weak intrusions of warm Atlantic waters. These intrusions have been detected in considerable magnitude only at Site 644, and thus are restricted to areas much closer to the Norwegian shelf than during earlier periods. The interval from 1.2 to 0.6 Ma is characterized by an increase in carbonate shell production and a better preservation, as well as a change in frequency patterns of ice-rafted debris inputs. This pattern reflects increasing meridionality in circulation-strengthening contrasts in the Norwegian Sea between strong glaciations and warm interglacials. The past 0.6 Ma reveal high-amplitude oscillations in carbonate records that are dominated by the 100-k.y. frequency pattern. Glacial/interglacial sedimentary cycles in the ODP Leg 104 drill sites reveal a variety of specific dark lithofacies. These dark diamictons reflect intense iceberg rafting in surface waters fed by surges along the front of marine-based parts of the continental ice sheets in the southeastern sector of the Norwegian Sea and are associated with resuspension of reworked fossil organic carbon and strong dissolution at the sea floor. Piling up of huge iceberg barriers along the Iceland-Faeroe-Scotland Ridge might have partially blocked off surface water connections with the North Atlantic during these periods

Pore-water chemistry of ODP sites 111-677 and 111-678

Sites 677 and 678 were drilled on ODP Leg 111 to test hypotheses about the nature and pattern of hydrothermal circulation on a mid-ocean ridge flank. Together with earlier results from DSDP Site 501/504 and several heatflow and piston coring surveys covering a 100-km**2 area surrounding the three drill sites, they confirm that hydrothermal circulation persists in this 5.9-m.y.-old crust, both in basement and through the overlying sediments (Langseth et al., 1988, doi:10.2973/odp.proc.ir.111.102.1988). Profiles of sediment pore-water composition with depth at the three drill sites show both vertical and horizontal gradients. The shapes of the profiles and their variation from one site to another result from a combination of vertical and horizontal diffusion, convection, and reaction in the sediments and basement. Chemical species that are highly reactive in the siliceous-calcareous biogenic sediments include bicarbonate (alkalinity), ammonium, sulfate, manganese, calcium, strontium, lithium, silica, and possibly potassium. Reactions include bacterial sulfate reduction, mobilization of Mn2+, precipitation of CaCO3, and recrystallization of calcareous and siliceous oozes to chalk, limestone, and chert. Species with profiles more affected by reaction in basaltic basement than in the sediments include Mg, Ca, Na, K, and oxygen isotopes. Reaction in basement at 60?C and at higher temperatures has produced a highly altered basement formation water that is uniform in composition over distances of several kilometers. As inferred from the composition of the basal sediment pore water at the three sites, this uniformity extends from up flow zone to downflow zone in basement and the sediments. It exists in spite of large variations in heat flow and depth to basement, apparently as a result of homogenization by hydrothermal circulation in basement. Profiles for chlorinity, Na, Mg, and other species in the sediment pore waters confirm that Site 678, drilled on a localized heatflow high identified by Langseth et al. (1988), is a site of long-lived upwelling of warm water from basement through the sediments at velocities of 1 to 2 mm/yr. The upflow through the anomalously thin sediments is apparently localized above an uplifted fault block in basement. This site and other similar sites in the survey area give rise to lateral diffusion and possibly flow through the sediments, which produces lateral gradients in sediment pore-water composition at sites such as 501/504. The complementary pore-water profiles at the low-heatflow Site 677 2 km to the south indicate that downflow is occurring through the sediments there, at comparable rates of 1 to 2 mm/yr.

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the north-eastern Black Sea during SESRU01 cruise in April 2008

The SESRU01_mesozooplankton dataset contains data collected in April 2008 at 19 stations located between 37°E and 39.5°E and between 42.4°N and 44.5°N in the north-eastern Black Sea. Samples were collected with a Juday net (mesh size 180 ?m, mouth area 0.1 m**2). Integrated samples were taken from the lower boundary of the oxic zone to the surface, stratified samples were taken according to CTD-profiles: samples were taken from the following depth strata: 1) the upper mixed layer (UML); 2) the layer of high temperature gradients (from the upper boundary of thermocline to the depth of 8 deg C temperature); 3) cold Intermediate layer (CIL) - the layer with the T< 8 deg C; 4) from the depth of sigma theta = 15.8 (oxycline) to the lower boundary of CIL; 5) from the depth of sigma theta = 16.2 to the depth of sigma theta = 15.8. Samples were analysed for zooplankton species and stage composition and abundance. Juday net: Vertical tows of a closing Juday net, with mouth area 0.1 m**2, mesh size 180µm. Samples were taken from different layers. Towing speed: 1m/s. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area by the wire length. The entire sample or an aliquot (1/2 to1/4) was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Mesozooplankton species and stages were identified and enumerated; meroplankton were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level. Taxonomic identification was done at Shirshov Institute of Oceanology using the relevant taxonomic literature (Rose, 1933, Brodsky, 1950, and Internet resources).

(Table 1) Thickness of the Holocene layer and sedimentation rates in the Atlantic Ocean

On the basis of planktonic foraminifera study, thickness of Holocene sediments has been ascertained in 60 sediment cores from various regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Ratios of species reflect warming of the upper water layer at the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary over the entire ocean. The Holocene boundary can be determined not only from microfaunal data, but also from lithologic ones including textural and structural features. Increase in CaCO3 contents in Holocene sediments as compared to Pleistocene is from 5-7% to 60-70% in different parts of the ocean.