(Table 1) I, Br, B, d11B and Mn concentrations in ODP Site 131-808

This study of the interstitial water concentration-depth distributions of iodide, bromide, boron, d11B, and dissolved organic carbon, as represented by absorbance at 325 nm (yellow substance: YS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), is a follow-up of the extensive shipboard program of interstitial water analysis during ODP Leg 131. Most of the components studied are associated with processes involving the diagenesis of organic matter in these sediments. Three zones of the sediment column are discussed separately because of the different processes involved in causing concentration changes: 1. The upper few hundreds of meters: In this zone, characterized by very high sedimentation rates (>1200 m/m.y.), interstitial waters show very sharp increases in alkalinity, ammonia, iodide, bromide, YS, and LIF, mainly as a result of the diagenesis of organic carbon; 2. Whereas below 200 mbsf concentration gradients all show a decreasing trend, the zone at ~ 365 mbsf is characterized by concentration reversals, mainly due to the recent emplacement of deeper sediments above this depth as a result of thrust-faulting; 3. The décollement zone (945-964 mbsf) is characterized by concentration anomalies in various constituents (bromide, boron, d11B, manganese, LIF). These data are interpreted as resulting from an advective input of fluids along the zone of décollement as recent as ~ 200 ka. Possibly periodic inputs of anomalous fluids still seem to occur along this décollement zone.

Geographic distribution of dinoflagellate cysts in surface sediments

Dinoflagellate cysts are useful for reconstructing upper water conditions. For adequate reconstructions detailed information is required about the relationship between modern day environmental conditions and the geographic distribution of cysts in sediments. This Atlas summarises the modern global distribution of 71 organicwalled dinoflagellate cyst species. The synthesis is based on the integration of literature sources together with data of 2405 globally distributed surface sediment samples that have been preparedwith a comparable methodology and taxonomy. The distribution patterns of individual cyst species are being comparedwith environmental factors that are knownto influence dinoflagellate growth, gamete production, encystment, excystment and preservation of their organic-walled cysts: surface water temperature, salinity, nitrate, phosphate, chlorophyll-a concentrations and bottom water oxygen concentrations. Graphs are provided for every species depicting the relationship between seasonal and annual variations of these parameters and the relative abundance of the species. Results have been compared with previously published records; an overview of the ecological significance as well as information about the seasonal production of each individual species is presented. The relationship between the cyst distribution and variation in the aforementioned environmental parameters was analysed by performing a canonical correspondence analysis. All tested variables showed a positive relationship on the 99% confidence level. Sea-surface temperature represents the parameter corresponding to the largest amount of variance within the dataset (40%) followed by nitrate, salinity, phosphate and bottom-water oxygen concentration, which correspond to 34%, 33%, 25% and 24% of the variance, respectively. Characterisations of selected environments as well as a discussion about how these factors could have influenced the final cyst yield in sediments are included.

Atlantic 231Pa/230Th and biogenic opal compilation of the Holocene and the LGM

The strength and geometry of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is tightly coupled to climate on glacial-interglacial and millennial timescales, but has proved difficult to reconstruct, particularly for the Last Glacial Maximum. Today, the return flow from the northern North Atlantic to lower latitudes associated with the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation reaches down to approximately 4,000 m. In contrast, during the Last Glacial Maximum this return flow is thought to have occurred primarily at shallower depths. Measurements of sedimentary 231Pa/230Th have been used to reconstruct the strength of circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean, but the effects of biogenic silica on 231Pa/230Th-based estimates remain controversial. Here we use measurements of 231Pa/230Th ratios and biogenic silica in Holocene-aged Atlantic sediments and simulations with a two-dimensional scavenging model to demonstrate that the geometry and strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are the primary controls of 231Pa/230Th ratios in modern Atlantic sediments. For the glacial maximum, a simulation of Atlantic overturning with a shallow, but vigorous circulation and bulk water transport at around 2,000 m depth best matched observed glacial Atlantic 231Pa/230Th values. We estimate that the transport of intermediate water during the Last Glacial Maximum was at least as strong as deep water transport today.

Top left: Res. of Aaron Childs, Sec. 4, Augusta Tp., Mich. Top right: Res. of G. Muir, Sec. 9, Augusta Tp. Mich. Bottom: Res. of Robert Campbell, Sec. 4, Augusta Tp. Mich.

Augusta Township (Mich.) residences. Inset: Sheep barn & young orchard of Robt Campbell. Publication information: Chicago, Ill. : Everts & Stewart, 1874.