2014 Vol. 33, No. 12
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2014, 33(12): .
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2014, 33(12): 1-14.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0567-6
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The simulations of the Arctic Intermediate Water in four datasets of climate models and reanalyses, CCSM3, CCSM4, SODA and GLORYS, are analyzed and evaluated. The climatological core temperatures and depths in both CCSM models exhibit deviations over 0.5℃ and 200 m from the PHC. SODA reanalysis reproduces relatively reasonable spatial patterns of core temperature and depth, while GLORYS, another reanalysis, shows a remarkable cooling and deepening drift compared with the result at the beginning of the dataset especially in the Eurasian Basin (about 2℃). The heat contents at the depth of intermediate water in the CCSM models are overestimated with large positive errors nearly twice of that in the PHC. To the contrary, the GLORYS in 2009 show a negative error with a similar magnitude, which means the characteristic of the water mass is totally lost. The circulations in the two reanalyses at the depth of intermediate water are more energetic and realistic than those in the CCSMs, which is attributed to the horizontal eddy-permitting resolution. The velocity fields and the transports in the Fram Strait are also investigated. The necessity of finer horizontal resolution is concluded again. The northward volume transports are much larger in the two reanalyses, although they are still weak comparing with mooring observations. Finally, an investigation of the impact of assimilation is done with an evidence of the heat input from assimilation. It is thought to be a reason for the good performance in the SODA, while the GLORYS drifts dramatically without assimilation data in the Arctic Ocean.
The simulations of the Arctic Intermediate Water in four datasets of climate models and reanalyses, CCSM3, CCSM4, SODA and GLORYS, are analyzed and evaluated. The climatological core temperatures and depths in both CCSM models exhibit deviations over 0.5℃ and 200 m from the PHC. SODA reanalysis reproduces relatively reasonable spatial patterns of core temperature and depth, while GLORYS, another reanalysis, shows a remarkable cooling and deepening drift compared with the result at the beginning of the dataset especially in the Eurasian Basin (about 2℃). The heat contents at the depth of intermediate water in the CCSM models are overestimated with large positive errors nearly twice of that in the PHC. To the contrary, the GLORYS in 2009 show a negative error with a similar magnitude, which means the characteristic of the water mass is totally lost. The circulations in the two reanalyses at the depth of intermediate water are more energetic and realistic than those in the CCSMs, which is attributed to the horizontal eddy-permitting resolution. The velocity fields and the transports in the Fram Strait are also investigated. The necessity of finer horizontal resolution is concluded again. The northward volume transports are much larger in the two reanalyses, although they are still weak comparing with mooring observations. Finally, an investigation of the impact of assimilation is done with an evidence of the heat input from assimilation. It is thought to be a reason for the good performance in the SODA, while the GLORYS drifts dramatically without assimilation data in the Arctic Ocean.
2014, 33(12): 15-23.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0566-7
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A regional Arctic configuration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) is used as the coupled ice-ocean model for forecasting sea ice conditions in the Arctic Ocean at the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center of China (NMEFC), and the numerical weather prediction from the National Center for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System (NCEP GFS) is used as the atmospheric forcing. To improve the sea ice forecasting, a recently developed Polar Weather Research and Forecasting model (Polar WRF) model prediction is also tested as the atmospheric forcing. Their forecasting performances are evaluated with two different satellite-derived sea ice concentration products as initializations: (1) the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) and (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E). Three synoptic cases, which represent the typical atmospheric circulations over the Arctic Ocean in summer 2010, are selected to carry out the Arctic sea ice numerical forecasting experiments. The evaluations suggest that the forecasts of sea ice concentrations using the Polar WRF atmospheric forcing show some improvements as compared with that of the NCEP GFS.
A regional Arctic configuration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) is used as the coupled ice-ocean model for forecasting sea ice conditions in the Arctic Ocean at the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center of China (NMEFC), and the numerical weather prediction from the National Center for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System (NCEP GFS) is used as the atmospheric forcing. To improve the sea ice forecasting, a recently developed Polar Weather Research and Forecasting model (Polar WRF) model prediction is also tested as the atmospheric forcing. Their forecasting performances are evaluated with two different satellite-derived sea ice concentration products as initializations: (1) the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) and (2) the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E). Three synoptic cases, which represent the typical atmospheric circulations over the Arctic Ocean in summer 2010, are selected to carry out the Arctic sea ice numerical forecasting experiments. The evaluations suggest that the forecasts of sea ice concentrations using the Polar WRF atmospheric forcing show some improvements as compared with that of the NCEP GFS.
2014, 33(12): 24-31.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0551-1
Abstract:
Diffuse attenuation coefficient (DAC) of sea water is an important parameter in ocean thermodynamics and biology, reflecting the absorption capability of sea water in different layers. In the Arctic Ocean, however, sea ice affects the radiance/irradiance measurements of upper ocean, which results in obvious errors in the DAC calculation. To better understand the impacts of sea ice on the ocean optics observations, a series of in situ experiments were carried out in the summer of 2009 in the southern Beaufort Sea. Observational results show that the profiles of spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients of seawater near ice cover within upper surface of 50 m were not contaminated by the sea ice with a solar zenith angle of 55°, relative azimuth angle of 110°≤φ≤115° and horizontal distance between the sensors and ice edge of greater than 25 m. Based on geometric optics theory, the impact of ice cover could be avoided by adjusting the relative solar azimuth angle in a particular distance between the instrument and ice. Under an overcast sky, ice cover being 25 m away from sensors did not affect the profiles of spectral DACs within the upper 50 m either. Moreover, reliable spectral DACs of seawater could be obtained with sensors completely covered by sea ice.
Diffuse attenuation coefficient (DAC) of sea water is an important parameter in ocean thermodynamics and biology, reflecting the absorption capability of sea water in different layers. In the Arctic Ocean, however, sea ice affects the radiance/irradiance measurements of upper ocean, which results in obvious errors in the DAC calculation. To better understand the impacts of sea ice on the ocean optics observations, a series of in situ experiments were carried out in the summer of 2009 in the southern Beaufort Sea. Observational results show that the profiles of spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients of seawater near ice cover within upper surface of 50 m were not contaminated by the sea ice with a solar zenith angle of 55°, relative azimuth angle of 110°≤φ≤115° and horizontal distance between the sensors and ice edge of greater than 25 m. Based on geometric optics theory, the impact of ice cover could be avoided by adjusting the relative solar azimuth angle in a particular distance between the instrument and ice. Under an overcast sky, ice cover being 25 m away from sensors did not affect the profiles of spectral DACs within the upper 50 m either. Moreover, reliable spectral DACs of seawater could be obtained with sensors completely covered by sea ice.
2014, 33(12): 32-39.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0531-5
Abstract:
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in atmospheric samples collected from the North Pacific to the Arctic Ocean between July and September 2012 to study the atmospheric concentration characteristics of PCBs and their gas/particle partitioning. The mean concentration of 26 PCBs (vapor plus particulate phase) (∑PCBs) was 19.116 pg/m3 with a standard deviation of 13.833 pg/m3. Three most abundant congeners were CB-28, -52 and -77, accounting for 43.0% to ∑PCBs. The predominance of vapor PCBs (79.0% to ∑PCBs) in the atmosphere was observed. ∑PCBs were negative correlated with the latitudes and inverse of the absolute temperature (1/T). The significant correlation for most congeners was also observed between the logarithm of gas/particle partition coefficient (logKP) and 1/T. Shallower slopes (from -0.15 to -0.46, average -0.27) were measured from the regression of the logarithm of sub-cooled liquid vapor pressures (logp°L) and logKP for all samples. The difference of the slopes and intercepts among samples was insignificant (p>0.1), implying adsorption and/or absorption processes and the aerosol composition did not differ significantly among different samples. By comparing three models, the J-P adsorption model, the octanol/ air partition coefficient (KOA) based model and the soot-air model, the gas/particle partitioning of PCBs in the Arctic atmosphere was simulated more precisely by the soot-air model, and the adsorption onto elemental carbon is more sensitive than the absorption into organic matters of aerosols, especially for lowchlorinated PCB congeners.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in atmospheric samples collected from the North Pacific to the Arctic Ocean between July and September 2012 to study the atmospheric concentration characteristics of PCBs and their gas/particle partitioning. The mean concentration of 26 PCBs (vapor plus particulate phase) (∑PCBs) was 19.116 pg/m3 with a standard deviation of 13.833 pg/m3. Three most abundant congeners were CB-28, -52 and -77, accounting for 43.0% to ∑PCBs. The predominance of vapor PCBs (79.0% to ∑PCBs) in the atmosphere was observed. ∑PCBs were negative correlated with the latitudes and inverse of the absolute temperature (1/T). The significant correlation for most congeners was also observed between the logarithm of gas/particle partition coefficient (logKP) and 1/T. Shallower slopes (from -0.15 to -0.46, average -0.27) were measured from the regression of the logarithm of sub-cooled liquid vapor pressures (logp°L) and logKP for all samples. The difference of the slopes and intercepts among samples was insignificant (p>0.1), implying adsorption and/or absorption processes and the aerosol composition did not differ significantly among different samples. By comparing three models, the J-P adsorption model, the octanol/ air partition coefficient (KOA) based model and the soot-air model, the gas/particle partitioning of PCBs in the Arctic atmosphere was simulated more precisely by the soot-air model, and the adsorption onto elemental carbon is more sensitive than the absorption into organic matters of aerosols, especially for lowchlorinated PCB congeners.
2014, 33(12): 40-47.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0570-y
Abstract:
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of particulate organic matter (POM) were measured for samples collected from the Bering Sea in 2010 summer. Particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN) showed high concentrations in the shelf and slope regions and decreased with depth in the slope and basin, indicating that biological processes play an important role on POM distribution. The low C/N ratio and heavy isotopic composition of POM, compared to those from the Alaska River, suggested a predominant contribution of marine biogenic organic matter in the Bering Sea. The fact that δ13C and δ15N generally increased with depth in the Bering Sea basin demonstrated that organic components with light carbon or nitrogen were decomposed preferentially during their transport to deep water. However, the high δ153C and δ15N observed in shelf bottom water were mostly resulted from sediment resuspension.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of particulate organic matter (POM) were measured for samples collected from the Bering Sea in 2010 summer. Particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN) showed high concentrations in the shelf and slope regions and decreased with depth in the slope and basin, indicating that biological processes play an important role on POM distribution. The low C/N ratio and heavy isotopic composition of POM, compared to those from the Alaska River, suggested a predominant contribution of marine biogenic organic matter in the Bering Sea. The fact that δ13C and δ15N generally increased with depth in the Bering Sea basin demonstrated that organic components with light carbon or nitrogen were decomposed preferentially during their transport to deep water. However, the high δ153C and δ15N observed in shelf bottom water were mostly resulted from sediment resuspension.
2014, 33(12): 48-57.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0574-7
Abstract:
Naturally existing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes are important in the study of sedimentary organic matter sources. To identify the sources of sedimentary organic matter in Sanggou Bay and its adjacent areas, which is characterized by high-density shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, the grain size, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of organic matter in the surface sediment were determined. The results showed that, in August, sedimentary OC and TN ranged from 0.17% to 0.76% and 0.04% to 0.14%, respectively. In November, OC and TN ranged from 0.23% to 0.87% and 0.05% to 0.14%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between OC and TN (R=0.98, P<0.0001), indicating that OC and TN were homologous. In August, the δ13C and δ15N of organic matter varied from -23.06‰ to -21.59‰ and 5.10‰ to 6.31‰, respectively. In November, δ13C and δ15N ranged from -22.87‰ to -21.34‰ and 5.13‰ to 7.31‰, respectively. This study found that the major sources of sedimentary organic matter were marine shellfish biodeposition, seaweed farming, and soil organic matter. Using a three-end-member mixed model, we estimated that the dominant source of sedimentary organic matter was shellfish biodeposition, with an average contribution rate of 65.53% in August and 43.00% in November. Thus, shellfish farming had a significant influence on the coastal carbon cycle.
Naturally existing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes are important in the study of sedimentary organic matter sources. To identify the sources of sedimentary organic matter in Sanggou Bay and its adjacent areas, which is characterized by high-density shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, the grain size, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of organic matter in the surface sediment were determined. The results showed that, in August, sedimentary OC and TN ranged from 0.17% to 0.76% and 0.04% to 0.14%, respectively. In November, OC and TN ranged from 0.23% to 0.87% and 0.05% to 0.14%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between OC and TN (R=0.98, P<0.0001), indicating that OC and TN were homologous. In August, the δ13C and δ15N of organic matter varied from -23.06‰ to -21.59‰ and 5.10‰ to 6.31‰, respectively. In November, δ13C and δ15N ranged from -22.87‰ to -21.34‰ and 5.13‰ to 7.31‰, respectively. This study found that the major sources of sedimentary organic matter were marine shellfish biodeposition, seaweed farming, and soil organic matter. Using a three-end-member mixed model, we estimated that the dominant source of sedimentary organic matter was shellfish biodeposition, with an average contribution rate of 65.53% in August and 43.00% in November. Thus, shellfish farming had a significant influence on the coastal carbon cycle.
2014, 33(12): 58-66.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0572-9
Abstract:
Utilizing Si, Fe and Mn concentrations within the end-member PACMANUS hydrothermal fluid, Si-Fe-Mn- H2O Pourbaix diagrams were constructed at 300℃ and 25℃. The Pourbaix diagrams show that the main Si, Fe and Mn oxides species precipitating from the hydrothermal fluid were SiO2, Fe(OH)3, Fe3(OH)8, Mn3O4, and Mn2O3 at 25℃. During mixing of hydrothermal fluid with seawater, SiO2 precipitated earlier than Fe- Mn-oxyhydroxides because of the lower stability boundary. Then Fe(OH)2 precipitated first, followed by Fe3(OH)8 and Fe(OH)3, and last, small amounts of Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 precipitated. Fe(OH)3 was readily deposited in alkaline solution with little influence by Eh. There were many Si-Fe-Mn-concentric particles in the polished sections of the massive precipitates collected from PACMANUS. In the concentric nucleus and ellipsoid, Si oxides precipitated first before the hydrothermal fluid had mixed with seawater. In the concentric nucleus, after the precipitation of Si oxides, the increase of pH and Eh promoted the precipitation of Mn oxides around the Si oxides. In the large ellipsoid, the precipitation of Fe was divided into two periods. In the early period, increase of pH value of hydrothermal fluid produced by low-temperature convection and an input of a small volume of seawater promoted a small amount of Fe(OH)3 to precipitate in the Si-rich core. In the late period, after complete mixing with seawater and the resultant fluid was close to neutral or slightly alkaline in pH, Fe(OH)3 was easily precipitated from the solution and distributed around the Si-rich core.
Utilizing Si, Fe and Mn concentrations within the end-member PACMANUS hydrothermal fluid, Si-Fe-Mn- H2O Pourbaix diagrams were constructed at 300℃ and 25℃. The Pourbaix diagrams show that the main Si, Fe and Mn oxides species precipitating from the hydrothermal fluid were SiO2, Fe(OH)3, Fe3(OH)8, Mn3O4, and Mn2O3 at 25℃. During mixing of hydrothermal fluid with seawater, SiO2 precipitated earlier than Fe- Mn-oxyhydroxides because of the lower stability boundary. Then Fe(OH)2 precipitated first, followed by Fe3(OH)8 and Fe(OH)3, and last, small amounts of Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 precipitated. Fe(OH)3 was readily deposited in alkaline solution with little influence by Eh. There were many Si-Fe-Mn-concentric particles in the polished sections of the massive precipitates collected from PACMANUS. In the concentric nucleus and ellipsoid, Si oxides precipitated first before the hydrothermal fluid had mixed with seawater. In the concentric nucleus, after the precipitation of Si oxides, the increase of pH and Eh promoted the precipitation of Mn oxides around the Si oxides. In the large ellipsoid, the precipitation of Fe was divided into two periods. In the early period, increase of pH value of hydrothermal fluid produced by low-temperature convection and an input of a small volume of seawater promoted a small amount of Fe(OH)3 to precipitate in the Si-rich core. In the late period, after complete mixing with seawater and the resultant fluid was close to neutral or slightly alkaline in pH, Fe(OH)3 was easily precipitated from the solution and distributed around the Si-rich core.
2014, 33(12): 67-74.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0552-0
Abstract:
Organic matter in cobalt-rich crust (CRC) from the Marcus-Wake Seamounts of the western Pacific Ocean, Sample CM1D03, has been analyzed to understand the source, geochemistry and mineralization of organic matter, and the mineralization environment. Biomarkers, including n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpanes and sterols, have been detected in various layers of the CRC sample, using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The content of organic carbon (OC) and its stable isotope (δ13C), and the combined features of the biomarkers show that the mineralized organic matter in CM1D03 CRC was mainly derived from microorganisms and lower plankton (e.g., bacteria and algae, respectively) from marine surface water, with some terrestrial higher plant components. The ratio of chloroform bitumen “A”: OC was high in the CRC, between 10.51 and 20.66, showing significant migration characteristics of n-alkanes. Four mineralization categories of organic matter were recognized based on GC chromatograms of n-alkane molecules: (1) primitive type (bacteria and algae), which is characterized by moderately mature of n-alkanes preserving the original characteristics of the organic matter from microorganisms and lower plankton; (2) microbial degradation type, which is characterized by low contents of n-alkanes and rising baseline in the chromatogram, with the “bulge” being the products of organic matter by biodegradation; (3) organic matter migration type, which is characterized by low carbon number of n-alkanes with nC18 as the main peak carbon, without odd even predominance, and low concentrations of isoprenoids and hydrocarbons with high carbon number; and (4) organic matter hydrothermal type, which is characterized by relatively low concentration of small molecular weight n-alkanes, pristane, and phytane, accompanied by higher concentration of n-alkanes with carbon number greater than nC18. This study shows that biomarkers can record controlling factors of mineralization and their variation.
Organic matter in cobalt-rich crust (CRC) from the Marcus-Wake Seamounts of the western Pacific Ocean, Sample CM1D03, has been analyzed to understand the source, geochemistry and mineralization of organic matter, and the mineralization environment. Biomarkers, including n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpanes and sterols, have been detected in various layers of the CRC sample, using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The content of organic carbon (OC) and its stable isotope (δ13C), and the combined features of the biomarkers show that the mineralized organic matter in CM1D03 CRC was mainly derived from microorganisms and lower plankton (e.g., bacteria and algae, respectively) from marine surface water, with some terrestrial higher plant components. The ratio of chloroform bitumen “A”: OC was high in the CRC, between 10.51 and 20.66, showing significant migration characteristics of n-alkanes. Four mineralization categories of organic matter were recognized based on GC chromatograms of n-alkane molecules: (1) primitive type (bacteria and algae), which is characterized by moderately mature of n-alkanes preserving the original characteristics of the organic matter from microorganisms and lower plankton; (2) microbial degradation type, which is characterized by low contents of n-alkanes and rising baseline in the chromatogram, with the “bulge” being the products of organic matter by biodegradation; (3) organic matter migration type, which is characterized by low carbon number of n-alkanes with nC18 as the main peak carbon, without odd even predominance, and low concentrations of isoprenoids and hydrocarbons with high carbon number; and (4) organic matter hydrothermal type, which is characterized by relatively low concentration of small molecular weight n-alkanes, pristane, and phytane, accompanied by higher concentration of n-alkanes with carbon number greater than nC18. This study shows that biomarkers can record controlling factors of mineralization and their variation.
2014, 33(12): 75-80.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0568-5
Abstract:
Three volcanic ash layers were identified in a deep-sea Core IR-GC1 from the north-eastern Indian Ocean, adjacent to western Indonesian arc. They were dominated by glass shards with minor mineral crystals, such as plagioclase, biotite, and hornblende. According to the morphology and major element compositions of the representative glass shards, combined with the δ18O-based age, it is suggested that ash Layer A is correlated to the youngest Toba tuff (YTT), Layer B is supposed to be associated with a new eruption of Toba caldera in an age of 98 to 100 ka. Ash Layer C is different the geochemistry characteristics than those of Layer A and Layer B, suggesting that Layer C was not originated from Toba but registered another volcanic eruption event.
Three volcanic ash layers were identified in a deep-sea Core IR-GC1 from the north-eastern Indian Ocean, adjacent to western Indonesian arc. They were dominated by glass shards with minor mineral crystals, such as plagioclase, biotite, and hornblende. According to the morphology and major element compositions of the representative glass shards, combined with the δ18O-based age, it is suggested that ash Layer A is correlated to the youngest Toba tuff (YTT), Layer B is supposed to be associated with a new eruption of Toba caldera in an age of 98 to 100 ka. Ash Layer C is different the geochemistry characteristics than those of Layer A and Layer B, suggesting that Layer C was not originated from Toba but registered another volcanic eruption event.
2014, 33(12): 81-95.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0578-3
Abstract:
A geochemical analysis of rare-earth elements (REEs) in 97 samples collected from the core of deep-water Well LS-A located at the Lingnan Low Uplift Area of the Qiongdongnan Basin is conducted, with the purpose of revealing the changes of sedimentary source and environment in the study region since Oligocene and evaluating the response of geochemical characteristics of REEs to the tectonic evolution. In the core samples, both ΣREE and ΣLREE (LREE is short for light-group REEs) fluctuate in a relatively wide range, while ΣHREE (HREE is short for heavy-group REEs) maintains a relatively stable level. With the stratigraphic chronology becoming newer, both ΣREE and ΣLREE show a gradually rising trend overall. The ΣREE of the core is relatively high from the bottom of Yacheng Formation (at a well depth of 4 207 m) to the top of Ledong Formation, and the REEs show partitioning characteristics of the enrichment of LREE, the stable content of HREE, and the negative anomaly of Eu to varying degrees. Overall the geochemical characteristics of REEs are relatively approximate to those of China's neritic sediments and loess, with significant “continental orientation”. The ΣREE of the core is relatively low in the lower part of Yacheng Formation (at a well depth of 4 207-4 330 m), as shown by the REEs partitioning characteristics of the depletion of LREE, the relative enrichment of HREE, and the positive anomaly of Eu; the geochemical characteristics of REEs are approximate to those of oceanic crust and basalt overall, indicating that the provenance is primarily composed of volcanic eruption matters. As shown by the analyses based on sequence stratigraphy and mineralogy, the provenance in study region in the early Oligocene mainly resulted from the volcanic materials of the peripheral uplift areas; the continental margin materials from the north contributed only insignificantly; the provenance developed to a certain extent in the late Oligocene. Since the Miocene, the provenance has ceaselessly expanded from proximal to distal realm, embodying a characteristic of multi-source sedimentation. In the core strata with 31.5, 28.4, 25.5, 23, and 16 Ma from today, the geochemical parameters of REEs and Th/Sc ratio have significant saltation, embodying the tectonic movement events in the evolution of the Qiongdongnan Basin. In the tectonic evolution history of the South China Sea, the South China Sea Movement (34-25 Ma BP, early expansion of the South China Sea), Baiyun Movement (23 Ma BP), late expansion movement (23.5-16.5 Ma BP), expansion-settlement transition, and other important events are all clearly recorded by the geochemical characteristics of REEs in the core.
A geochemical analysis of rare-earth elements (REEs) in 97 samples collected from the core of deep-water Well LS-A located at the Lingnan Low Uplift Area of the Qiongdongnan Basin is conducted, with the purpose of revealing the changes of sedimentary source and environment in the study region since Oligocene and evaluating the response of geochemical characteristics of REEs to the tectonic evolution. In the core samples, both ΣREE and ΣLREE (LREE is short for light-group REEs) fluctuate in a relatively wide range, while ΣHREE (HREE is short for heavy-group REEs) maintains a relatively stable level. With the stratigraphic chronology becoming newer, both ΣREE and ΣLREE show a gradually rising trend overall. The ΣREE of the core is relatively high from the bottom of Yacheng Formation (at a well depth of 4 207 m) to the top of Ledong Formation, and the REEs show partitioning characteristics of the enrichment of LREE, the stable content of HREE, and the negative anomaly of Eu to varying degrees. Overall the geochemical characteristics of REEs are relatively approximate to those of China's neritic sediments and loess, with significant “continental orientation”. The ΣREE of the core is relatively low in the lower part of Yacheng Formation (at a well depth of 4 207-4 330 m), as shown by the REEs partitioning characteristics of the depletion of LREE, the relative enrichment of HREE, and the positive anomaly of Eu; the geochemical characteristics of REEs are approximate to those of oceanic crust and basalt overall, indicating that the provenance is primarily composed of volcanic eruption matters. As shown by the analyses based on sequence stratigraphy and mineralogy, the provenance in study region in the early Oligocene mainly resulted from the volcanic materials of the peripheral uplift areas; the continental margin materials from the north contributed only insignificantly; the provenance developed to a certain extent in the late Oligocene. Since the Miocene, the provenance has ceaselessly expanded from proximal to distal realm, embodying a characteristic of multi-source sedimentation. In the core strata with 31.5, 28.4, 25.5, 23, and 16 Ma from today, the geochemical parameters of REEs and Th/Sc ratio have significant saltation, embodying the tectonic movement events in the evolution of the Qiongdongnan Basin. In the tectonic evolution history of the South China Sea, the South China Sea Movement (34-25 Ma BP, early expansion of the South China Sea), Baiyun Movement (23 Ma BP), late expansion movement (23.5-16.5 Ma BP), expansion-settlement transition, and other important events are all clearly recorded by the geochemical characteristics of REEs in the core.
2014, 33(12): 96-106.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0579-2
Abstract:
In the Qiongdongnan Basin, faults are well developed. Based on the drilling results, the traps controlled two or more faults are oil-rich. However, when only one fault cut through the sand body, there is no sign for hydrocarbon accumulation in the sandstone. In terms of this phenomenon, the principle of reservoir-forming controlled by fault terrace is proposed, i.e., when the single fault activates, because of the incompressibility of pore water, the resistance of pore and the direction of buoyancy, it is impossible for hydrocarbon to accumulate in sandstone. But when there are two or more faults, one of the faults acts as the spillway so the hydrocarbon could fill in the pore of sandstone through other faults. In total five gas bearing structures and four failure traps are considered, as examples to demonstrate our findings. According to this theory, it is well-advised that south steep slope zone of Baodao-Changchang Depression, south gentle slope zone of Lingshui Depression, north steep slope zone of Lingshui Depression, and north steep slope zone of Baodao Depression are the most favorable step-fault zones, which are the main exploration direction in next stage.
In the Qiongdongnan Basin, faults are well developed. Based on the drilling results, the traps controlled two or more faults are oil-rich. However, when only one fault cut through the sand body, there is no sign for hydrocarbon accumulation in the sandstone. In terms of this phenomenon, the principle of reservoir-forming controlled by fault terrace is proposed, i.e., when the single fault activates, because of the incompressibility of pore water, the resistance of pore and the direction of buoyancy, it is impossible for hydrocarbon to accumulate in sandstone. But when there are two or more faults, one of the faults acts as the spillway so the hydrocarbon could fill in the pore of sandstone through other faults. In total five gas bearing structures and four failure traps are considered, as examples to demonstrate our findings. According to this theory, it is well-advised that south steep slope zone of Baodao-Changchang Depression, south gentle slope zone of Lingshui Depression, north steep slope zone of Lingshui Depression, and north steep slope zone of Baodao Depression are the most favorable step-fault zones, which are the main exploration direction in next stage.
2014, 33(12): 107-117.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0580-9
Abstract:
To reveal the tectonic thermal evolution and influence factors on the present heat flow distribution, based on 154 heat flow data, the present heat flow distribution features of the main tectonic units are first analyzed in detail, then the tectonic thermal evolution histories of 20 profiles are reestablished crossing the main deep-water sags with a structural, thermal and sedimentary coupled numerical model. On the basis of the present geothermal features, the Qiongdongnan Basin could be divided into three regions: the northern shelf and upper slope region with a heat flow of 50-70 mW/m2, most of the central depression zone of 70-85 mW/m2, and a NE trending high heat flow zone of 85-105 mW/m2 lying in the eastern basin. Numerical modeling shows that during the syn-rift phase, the heat flow increases generally with time, and is higher in basement high area than in its adjacent sags. At the end of the syn-rift phase, the heat flow in the deepwater sags was in a range of 60-85 mW/m2, while in the basement high area, it was in a range of 75-100 mW/m2. During the post-rift phase, the heat flow decreased gradually, and tended to be more uniform in the basement highs and sags. However, an extensive magmatism, which equivalently happened at around 5 Ma, has greatly increased the heat flow values, and the relict heat still contributes about 10-25 mW/m2 to the present surface heat flow in the central depression zone and the southern uplift zone. Further analyses suggested that the present high heat flow in the deep-water Qiongdongnan Basin is a combined result of the thermal anomaly in the upper mantle, highly thinning of the lithosphere, and the recent extensive magmatism. Other secondary factors might have affected the heat flow distribution features in some local regions. These factors include basement and seafloor topography, sediment heat generation, thermal blanketing, local magmatic injecting and hydrothermal activities related to faulting and overpressure.
To reveal the tectonic thermal evolution and influence factors on the present heat flow distribution, based on 154 heat flow data, the present heat flow distribution features of the main tectonic units are first analyzed in detail, then the tectonic thermal evolution histories of 20 profiles are reestablished crossing the main deep-water sags with a structural, thermal and sedimentary coupled numerical model. On the basis of the present geothermal features, the Qiongdongnan Basin could be divided into three regions: the northern shelf and upper slope region with a heat flow of 50-70 mW/m2, most of the central depression zone of 70-85 mW/m2, and a NE trending high heat flow zone of 85-105 mW/m2 lying in the eastern basin. Numerical modeling shows that during the syn-rift phase, the heat flow increases generally with time, and is higher in basement high area than in its adjacent sags. At the end of the syn-rift phase, the heat flow in the deepwater sags was in a range of 60-85 mW/m2, while in the basement high area, it was in a range of 75-100 mW/m2. During the post-rift phase, the heat flow decreased gradually, and tended to be more uniform in the basement highs and sags. However, an extensive magmatism, which equivalently happened at around 5 Ma, has greatly increased the heat flow values, and the relict heat still contributes about 10-25 mW/m2 to the present surface heat flow in the central depression zone and the southern uplift zone. Further analyses suggested that the present high heat flow in the deep-water Qiongdongnan Basin is a combined result of the thermal anomaly in the upper mantle, highly thinning of the lithosphere, and the recent extensive magmatism. Other secondary factors might have affected the heat flow distribution features in some local regions. These factors include basement and seafloor topography, sediment heat generation, thermal blanketing, local magmatic injecting and hydrothermal activities related to faulting and overpressure.
2014, 33(12): 118-126.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0581-8
Abstract:
Using regional geological, newly acquired 2D and 3D seismic, drilling and well log data, especially 2D long cable seismic profiles, the structure and stratigraphy in the deep-water area of Qiongdongnan Basin are interpreted. The geometry of No.2 fault system is also re-defined, which is an important fault in the central depression belt of the deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan Basin by employing the quantitative analysis techniques of fault activity and backstripping. Furthermore, the dynamical evolution of the No.2 fault system and its controls on the central depression belt are analyzed. This study indicates that the Qiongdongnan Basin was strongly influenced by the NW-trending tensile stress field during the Late Eocene. At this time, No.2 fault system initiated and was characterized by several discontinuous fault segments, which controlled a series small NE-trending fault basins. During the Oligocene, the regional extensional stress field changed from NW-SE to SN with the oceanic spreading of South China Sea, the early small faults started to grow along their strikes, eventually connected and merged as the listric shape of the No.2 fault system as observed today. No.2 fault detaches along the crustal Moho surface in the deep domain of the seismic profiles as a large-scale detachment fault. A large-scale rollover anticline formed in hanging wall of the detachment fault. There are a series of small fault basins in both limbs of the rollover anticline, showing that the early small basins were involved into fold deformation of the rollover anticline. Structurally, from west to east, the central depression belt is characterized by alternatively arranged graben and half-graben. The central depression belt of the Qiongdongnan Basin lies at the extension zone of the tip of the V-shaped northwestern ocean sub-basin of the South China Sea, its activity period is the same as the development period of the northwestern ocean sub-basin, furthermore the emplacement and eruption of magma that originated from the mantle below the Moho surface occurred at the region between Songnan-Baodao and Changchang sags, from east to west with the early-stage spreading of the South China Sea. Therefore, this study not only helps in depicting the structural features and evolution of the deep-water basin in the Qiongdongnan Basin, but also provides the geological and structural evidence for establishing a unified model of continental margin extension and oceanic spreading.
Using regional geological, newly acquired 2D and 3D seismic, drilling and well log data, especially 2D long cable seismic profiles, the structure and stratigraphy in the deep-water area of Qiongdongnan Basin are interpreted. The geometry of No.2 fault system is also re-defined, which is an important fault in the central depression belt of the deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan Basin by employing the quantitative analysis techniques of fault activity and backstripping. Furthermore, the dynamical evolution of the No.2 fault system and its controls on the central depression belt are analyzed. This study indicates that the Qiongdongnan Basin was strongly influenced by the NW-trending tensile stress field during the Late Eocene. At this time, No.2 fault system initiated and was characterized by several discontinuous fault segments, which controlled a series small NE-trending fault basins. During the Oligocene, the regional extensional stress field changed from NW-SE to SN with the oceanic spreading of South China Sea, the early small faults started to grow along their strikes, eventually connected and merged as the listric shape of the No.2 fault system as observed today. No.2 fault detaches along the crustal Moho surface in the deep domain of the seismic profiles as a large-scale detachment fault. A large-scale rollover anticline formed in hanging wall of the detachment fault. There are a series of small fault basins in both limbs of the rollover anticline, showing that the early small basins were involved into fold deformation of the rollover anticline. Structurally, from west to east, the central depression belt is characterized by alternatively arranged graben and half-graben. The central depression belt of the Qiongdongnan Basin lies at the extension zone of the tip of the V-shaped northwestern ocean sub-basin of the South China Sea, its activity period is the same as the development period of the northwestern ocean sub-basin, furthermore the emplacement and eruption of magma that originated from the mantle below the Moho surface occurred at the region between Songnan-Baodao and Changchang sags, from east to west with the early-stage spreading of the South China Sea. Therefore, this study not only helps in depicting the structural features and evolution of the deep-water basin in the Qiongdongnan Basin, but also provides the geological and structural evidence for establishing a unified model of continental margin extension and oceanic spreading.
2014, 33(12): 127-137.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0582-7
Abstract:
Turbidity currents represent a major agent for sediment transport in lakes, seas and oceans. In particular, they formulate the most significant clastic accumulations in the deep sea, which become many of the world's most important hydrocarbon reservoirs. Several boreholes in the Qiongdongnan Basin, the northwestern South China Sea, have recently revealed turbidity current deposits as significant hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, there are some arguments for the potential provenances. To solve this problem, it is essential to delineate their sedimentary processes as well as to evaluate their qualities as reservoir. Numerical simulations have been developed rapidly over the last several years, offering insights into turbidity current behaviors, as geologically significant turbidity currents are difficult to directly investigate due to their large scale and often destructive nature. Combined with the interpretation of the turbidity system based on highresolution 3D seismic data, the paleotophography is acquired via a back-stripping seismic profile integrated with a borehole, i.e., Well A, in the western Qiongdongnan Basin; then a numerical model is built on the basis of this back-stripped profile. After defining the various turbidity current initial boundary conditions, including grain size, velocity and sediment concentration, the structures and behaviors of turbidity currents are investigated via numerical simulation software ANSYS FLUENT. Finally, the simulated turbidity deposits are compared with the interpreted sedimentary bodies based on 3D seismic data and the potential provenances of the revealed turbidites by Well A are discussed in details. The simulation results indicate that a sedimentary body develops far away from its source with an average grain size of 0.1 mm, i.e., sand-size sediment. Taking into account the location and orientation of the simulated seismic line, the consistence between normal forward simulation results and the revealed cores in Well A indicates that the turbidites should have been transported from Vietnam instead of Hainan Island. This interpretation has also been verified by the planar maps of sedimentary systems based on integration of boreholes and seismic data. The identification of the turbidity provenance will benefit the evaluation of extensively distributed submarine fans for hydrocarbon exploration in the deepwater areas.
Turbidity currents represent a major agent for sediment transport in lakes, seas and oceans. In particular, they formulate the most significant clastic accumulations in the deep sea, which become many of the world's most important hydrocarbon reservoirs. Several boreholes in the Qiongdongnan Basin, the northwestern South China Sea, have recently revealed turbidity current deposits as significant hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, there are some arguments for the potential provenances. To solve this problem, it is essential to delineate their sedimentary processes as well as to evaluate their qualities as reservoir. Numerical simulations have been developed rapidly over the last several years, offering insights into turbidity current behaviors, as geologically significant turbidity currents are difficult to directly investigate due to their large scale and often destructive nature. Combined with the interpretation of the turbidity system based on highresolution 3D seismic data, the paleotophography is acquired via a back-stripping seismic profile integrated with a borehole, i.e., Well A, in the western Qiongdongnan Basin; then a numerical model is built on the basis of this back-stripped profile. After defining the various turbidity current initial boundary conditions, including grain size, velocity and sediment concentration, the structures and behaviors of turbidity currents are investigated via numerical simulation software ANSYS FLUENT. Finally, the simulated turbidity deposits are compared with the interpreted sedimentary bodies based on 3D seismic data and the potential provenances of the revealed turbidites by Well A are discussed in details. The simulation results indicate that a sedimentary body develops far away from its source with an average grain size of 0.1 mm, i.e., sand-size sediment. Taking into account the location and orientation of the simulated seismic line, the consistence between normal forward simulation results and the revealed cores in Well A indicates that the turbidites should have been transported from Vietnam instead of Hainan Island. This interpretation has also been verified by the planar maps of sedimentary systems based on integration of boreholes and seismic data. The identification of the turbidity provenance will benefit the evaluation of extensively distributed submarine fans for hydrocarbon exploration in the deepwater areas.
2014, 33(12): 138-144.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0573-8
Abstract:
Many studies have revealed that anchovy has exhibited large variability in population size on decadal timescales. However, such works concerning anchovy population are mainly based on short historical catch records. In order to understand the causes of variability in fish stocks (natural and/or anthropogenic) and calibrate the error between catches and standing stocks, it is essential to develop long-term time series of fish stocks from the time when human impacts are minimal or negligible. Well preserved fish scales from sediment record are regarded as useful indicators revealing the history of fish population dynamics over the last centuries. Anchovy scales was first analyzed over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea and the largest abundance was found in the central South Yellow Sea where is regarded as the largest overwintering ground for Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicas). Thus in the central South Yellow Sea, two cores covering the last 150 years were collected for estimating fish scale flux. The scale deposition rate (SDR) records show that the decadal scale SDRs were obviously coherent between cores with independent chronologies. The calibration of downcore SDRs to the standing stocks of anchovy further validated that SDR is a reliable proxy to reconstruct the long-term anchovy population dynamic in the central South Yellow Sea where anoxic conditions prevail in the sediment. When assembled with other productivity proxies, it would be expected that SDR could be associated with changes in oceanic productivity and may make a contribution to determine the forcing factors and elucidate the mechanism of the process in future.
Many studies have revealed that anchovy has exhibited large variability in population size on decadal timescales. However, such works concerning anchovy population are mainly based on short historical catch records. In order to understand the causes of variability in fish stocks (natural and/or anthropogenic) and calibrate the error between catches and standing stocks, it is essential to develop long-term time series of fish stocks from the time when human impacts are minimal or negligible. Well preserved fish scales from sediment record are regarded as useful indicators revealing the history of fish population dynamics over the last centuries. Anchovy scales was first analyzed over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea and the largest abundance was found in the central South Yellow Sea where is regarded as the largest overwintering ground for Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicas). Thus in the central South Yellow Sea, two cores covering the last 150 years were collected for estimating fish scale flux. The scale deposition rate (SDR) records show that the decadal scale SDRs were obviously coherent between cores with independent chronologies. The calibration of downcore SDRs to the standing stocks of anchovy further validated that SDR is a reliable proxy to reconstruct the long-term anchovy population dynamic in the central South Yellow Sea where anoxic conditions prevail in the sediment. When assembled with other productivity proxies, it would be expected that SDR could be associated with changes in oceanic productivity and may make a contribution to determine the forcing factors and elucidate the mechanism of the process in future.
2014, 33(12): 145-154.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0533-3
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations of ichthyoplankton diversity and abundance in the northern South China Sea based on the data collected during summer, winter and spring. In total, 95 taxa of larval fishes were identified. The greatest number of species was recorded in spring, followed by summer and winter. The number of species was distributed mainly in the coastal waters from the east of Leizhou Peninsula to the southeast of Hainan Island during the surveyed periods of summer and spring, but in the offshore waters during winter. The abundance of larval fish was lowest in winter, increased in spring, and reached the maximum in summer. High abundance of larval fish was generally restricted to coastal waters with the isobaths less than 50 m. Seasonal variations of larval fish richness, abundance and diversity index were significant (P<0.001). Carangidae was the most common and abundant taxon in summer and winter, while Sardinella sp., Thrissa mystax and Leiognathus sp. were dominant in spring. High diversity and abundance of larval fish might be attributed to increased temperature and coastal upwelling in spring and summer.
The objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal variations of ichthyoplankton diversity and abundance in the northern South China Sea based on the data collected during summer, winter and spring. In total, 95 taxa of larval fishes were identified. The greatest number of species was recorded in spring, followed by summer and winter. The number of species was distributed mainly in the coastal waters from the east of Leizhou Peninsula to the southeast of Hainan Island during the surveyed periods of summer and spring, but in the offshore waters during winter. The abundance of larval fish was lowest in winter, increased in spring, and reached the maximum in summer. High abundance of larval fish was generally restricted to coastal waters with the isobaths less than 50 m. Seasonal variations of larval fish richness, abundance and diversity index were significant (P<0.001). Carangidae was the most common and abundant taxon in summer and winter, while Sardinella sp., Thrissa mystax and Leiognathus sp. were dominant in spring. High diversity and abundance of larval fish might be attributed to increased temperature and coastal upwelling in spring and summer.
2014, 33(12): 155-162.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0532-4
Abstract:
The Gross growth efficiency (GGE) is defined as the amount of consumer carbon produced relative to the amount of prey ingested in a given time interval. In population ecology, it can be considered as an index for the ability of a consumer to convert the biomass of food into its population production. In this study, it was firstly applied to estimate the role of amphipods grazing in the biomass dynamics of macroalgae (Ulva lactuca) in Yundang Lagoon (a subtropical eutrophic coastal lagoon, Xiamen City, China). It was found that amphipods were the dominant group (82.2%-98.7%) in the benthic assemblage, in which five amphipod species (Corophium uenoi, Ampithoe valida, Grandidierella japonica, Grammaropsis laevipalmata and Caprella panantis) were observed in the lagoon. However, only A. valida significantly consumed U. lactuca among these amphipod species. A series of experiments were conducted to estimate the consumption of U. lactuca by A. valida. It was suggested that the monthly secondary production (P) of A. valida using size frequency method ranged from 2.39 to 13.68 g/m2. GGE of A. valida exponentially reduced with body size and was closely associated with water temperature. Therefore, GGE equation for different months using the temperature recorded during the field investigation was fitted. The monthly consumption of U. lactuca was figured out to be 86.7-1 549.0 g/m2 by the sum of consumption (P/GGE) by A. valida at different size, accounting for 2.0%-37.5% of U. lactuca production. It indicates that the grazing effect of A. valida did play a role in reducing the accumulation of U. lactuca biomass when A. valida was abundant, but it finally fails to limit the U. lactuca growth in Yundang Lagoon. Low abundance of A. valida and high nutrient loading may be two major reasons for the outbreak of U. lactuca bloom in the lagoon.
The Gross growth efficiency (GGE) is defined as the amount of consumer carbon produced relative to the amount of prey ingested in a given time interval. In population ecology, it can be considered as an index for the ability of a consumer to convert the biomass of food into its population production. In this study, it was firstly applied to estimate the role of amphipods grazing in the biomass dynamics of macroalgae (Ulva lactuca) in Yundang Lagoon (a subtropical eutrophic coastal lagoon, Xiamen City, China). It was found that amphipods were the dominant group (82.2%-98.7%) in the benthic assemblage, in which five amphipod species (Corophium uenoi, Ampithoe valida, Grandidierella japonica, Grammaropsis laevipalmata and Caprella panantis) were observed in the lagoon. However, only A. valida significantly consumed U. lactuca among these amphipod species. A series of experiments were conducted to estimate the consumption of U. lactuca by A. valida. It was suggested that the monthly secondary production (P) of A. valida using size frequency method ranged from 2.39 to 13.68 g/m2. GGE of A. valida exponentially reduced with body size and was closely associated with water temperature. Therefore, GGE equation for different months using the temperature recorded during the field investigation was fitted. The monthly consumption of U. lactuca was figured out to be 86.7-1 549.0 g/m2 by the sum of consumption (P/GGE) by A. valida at different size, accounting for 2.0%-37.5% of U. lactuca production. It indicates that the grazing effect of A. valida did play a role in reducing the accumulation of U. lactuca biomass when A. valida was abundant, but it finally fails to limit the U. lactuca growth in Yundang Lagoon. Low abundance of A. valida and high nutrient loading may be two major reasons for the outbreak of U. lactuca bloom in the lagoon.
2014, 33(12): 163-169.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0534-2
Abstract:
Thermostable SOD is a promising enzyme in biotechnological applications. In the present study, thermophile Geobacillus sp. EPT3 was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal field in the East Pacific. A thermostable superoxide dismutase (SOD) from this strain was purified to homogeneity by steps of fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-Sepharose chromatography, and Phenyl-Sepharose chromatography. SOD was purified 13.4 fold to homogeneity with a specific activity of 3 354 U/mg and 11.1% recovery. SOD from Geobacillus sp. EPT3 was of the Mn-SOD type, judged by the insensitivity of the enzyme to both KCN and H2O2. SOD was determined to be a homodimer with monomeric molecular mass of 26.0 kDa. It had high thermostability at 50℃ and 60℃. At tested conditions, SOD was relatively stable in the presence of some inhibitors and denaturants, such as β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME), dithiothreitol (DTT), phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), urea, and guanidine hydrochloride. Geobacillus sp. EPT3 SOD showed striking stability across a wide pH range from 5.0 to 11.0. It could withstand denaturants of extremely acidic and alkaline conditions, which makes it useful in the industrial applications.
Thermostable SOD is a promising enzyme in biotechnological applications. In the present study, thermophile Geobacillus sp. EPT3 was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal field in the East Pacific. A thermostable superoxide dismutase (SOD) from this strain was purified to homogeneity by steps of fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-Sepharose chromatography, and Phenyl-Sepharose chromatography. SOD was purified 13.4 fold to homogeneity with a specific activity of 3 354 U/mg and 11.1% recovery. SOD from Geobacillus sp. EPT3 was of the Mn-SOD type, judged by the insensitivity of the enzyme to both KCN and H2O2. SOD was determined to be a homodimer with monomeric molecular mass of 26.0 kDa. It had high thermostability at 50℃ and 60℃. At tested conditions, SOD was relatively stable in the presence of some inhibitors and denaturants, such as β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME), dithiothreitol (DTT), phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), urea, and guanidine hydrochloride. Geobacillus sp. EPT3 SOD showed striking stability across a wide pH range from 5.0 to 11.0. It could withstand denaturants of extremely acidic and alkaline conditions, which makes it useful in the industrial applications.
2014, 33(12): 170-179.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0571-x
Abstract:
Remote sensing applications are important in the fisheries sector and efforts were on to improve the predictions of potential fishing zones using ocean color. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytoplankton dynamics and their absorption properties in the coastal waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea in different seasons during the year 2010 to 2011. The region exhibited 73 genera of phytoplankton from 19 orders and 41 families. The numerical abundance of phytoplankton varied from 14.235×103 to 55.075×106 cells/L. Centric diatoms dominated in the region and the largest family identified was Thalassiosiraceae with main genera as Skeletonema spp., Planktionella spp. and Thalassiosira spp. Annual variations in abundance of phytoplankton showed a typical one-peak cycle, with the highest recorded during premonsoon season and the lowest during monsoon season. The species diversity index of phytoplankton exhibited low diversity during monsoon season. Phytoplankton with pigments Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll c, peridinin, diadinoxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene and phycoerythrobilin dominated in these waters. The knowledge on phytoplankton dynamics in coastal waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea forms a key parameter in bio-optical models of pigments and productivity and for the interpretation of remotely sensed ocean color data.
Remote sensing applications are important in the fisheries sector and efforts were on to improve the predictions of potential fishing zones using ocean color. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytoplankton dynamics and their absorption properties in the coastal waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea in different seasons during the year 2010 to 2011. The region exhibited 73 genera of phytoplankton from 19 orders and 41 families. The numerical abundance of phytoplankton varied from 14.235×103 to 55.075×106 cells/L. Centric diatoms dominated in the region and the largest family identified was Thalassiosiraceae with main genera as Skeletonema spp., Planktionella spp. and Thalassiosira spp. Annual variations in abundance of phytoplankton showed a typical one-peak cycle, with the highest recorded during premonsoon season and the lowest during monsoon season. The species diversity index of phytoplankton exhibited low diversity during monsoon season. Phytoplankton with pigments Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll c, peridinin, diadinoxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene and phycoerythrobilin dominated in these waters. The knowledge on phytoplankton dynamics in coastal waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea forms a key parameter in bio-optical models of pigments and productivity and for the interpretation of remotely sensed ocean color data.
2014, 33(12): 180-191.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0577-4
Abstract:
Micro-phytoplankton density, genera composition, chlorophyll a concentration, and physico-chemical parameters were investigated at five stations (S1—near the coast; S2 and S4—at the edges of the aquaculture set-up; S3—in the center of the set-up; and S5—nearby patch of corals) in and around a coastal channelbased fish farm. The highest total micro-phytoplankton density (TPD), including diatoms, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, was recorded at S3 ((6.28±2.00)×106 cells/L) followed by S4 ((5.87±2.81)×105 cells/L), S1 ((4.92×105±8.70×104) cells/L), S5 ((3.54×105±5.33×104) cells/L) and S2 ((2.60±1.14)×105 cells/L). Chlorophyll a and nutrient concentrations were highest at S3 and were positively correlated with TPD. Among the 35 genera documented in this study, Chaetoceros spp. was the dominant diatom while Peridinium spp. was the most dominant dinoflagellate. Very low densities of toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellates were encountered during this study. These results suggest that occurrence of non-bloom densities of micro-phytoplankton, possibly due to the natural flushing of the existing lagoonal channel at the aquaculture site, yielded in little environmental impact and can represent an appropriate sustainable approach for future aquaculture development.
Micro-phytoplankton density, genera composition, chlorophyll a concentration, and physico-chemical parameters were investigated at five stations (S1—near the coast; S2 and S4—at the edges of the aquaculture set-up; S3—in the center of the set-up; and S5—nearby patch of corals) in and around a coastal channelbased fish farm. The highest total micro-phytoplankton density (TPD), including diatoms, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, was recorded at S3 ((6.28±2.00)×106 cells/L) followed by S4 ((5.87±2.81)×105 cells/L), S1 ((4.92×105±8.70×104) cells/L), S5 ((3.54×105±5.33×104) cells/L) and S2 ((2.60±1.14)×105 cells/L). Chlorophyll a and nutrient concentrations were highest at S3 and were positively correlated with TPD. Among the 35 genera documented in this study, Chaetoceros spp. was the dominant diatom while Peridinium spp. was the most dominant dinoflagellate. Very low densities of toxic bloom-forming dinoflagellates were encountered during this study. These results suggest that occurrence of non-bloom densities of micro-phytoplankton, possibly due to the natural flushing of the existing lagoonal channel at the aquaculture site, yielded in little environmental impact and can represent an appropriate sustainable approach for future aquaculture development.
2014, 33(12): 192-205.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0576-5
Abstract:
An in vivo three-dimensional fluorescence method for the determination of algae community structure was developed by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and CHEMTAX. The PARAFAC model was applied to fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) of 60 algae species belonging to five divisions and 11 fluorescent components were identified according to the residual sum of squares and specificity of the composition profiles of fluorescent. By the 11 fluorescent components, the algae species at different growth stages were classified correctly at the division level using Bayesian discriminant analysis (BDA). Then the reference fluorescent component ratio matrix was constructed for CHEMTAX, and the EEM-PARAFAC-CHEMTAX method was developed to differentiate algae taxonomic groups. The correct discrimination ratios (CDRs) when the fluorometric method was used for single-species samples were 100% at the division level, except for Bacillariophyta with a CDR of 95.6%. The CDRs for the mixtures were above 94.0% for the dominant algae species and above 87.0% for the subdominant algae species. However, the CDRs of the subdominant algae species were too low to be unreliable when the relative abundance estimated was less than 15.0%. The fluorometric method was tested using the samples from the Jiaozhou Bay and the mesocosm experiments in the Xiaomai Island Bay in August 2007. The discrimination results of the dominant algae groups agreed with microscopy cell counts, as well as the subdominant algae groups of which the estimated relative abundance was above 15.0%. This technique would be of great aid when low-cost and rapid analysis is needed for samples in a large batch. The fluorometric technique has the ability to correctly identify dominant species with proper abundance both in vivo and in situ.
An in vivo three-dimensional fluorescence method for the determination of algae community structure was developed by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and CHEMTAX. The PARAFAC model was applied to fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) of 60 algae species belonging to five divisions and 11 fluorescent components were identified according to the residual sum of squares and specificity of the composition profiles of fluorescent. By the 11 fluorescent components, the algae species at different growth stages were classified correctly at the division level using Bayesian discriminant analysis (BDA). Then the reference fluorescent component ratio matrix was constructed for CHEMTAX, and the EEM-PARAFAC-CHEMTAX method was developed to differentiate algae taxonomic groups. The correct discrimination ratios (CDRs) when the fluorometric method was used for single-species samples were 100% at the division level, except for Bacillariophyta with a CDR of 95.6%. The CDRs for the mixtures were above 94.0% for the dominant algae species and above 87.0% for the subdominant algae species. However, the CDRs of the subdominant algae species were too low to be unreliable when the relative abundance estimated was less than 15.0%. The fluorometric method was tested using the samples from the Jiaozhou Bay and the mesocosm experiments in the Xiaomai Island Bay in August 2007. The discrimination results of the dominant algae groups agreed with microscopy cell counts, as well as the subdominant algae groups of which the estimated relative abundance was above 15.0%. This technique would be of great aid when low-cost and rapid analysis is needed for samples in a large batch. The fluorometric technique has the ability to correctly identify dominant species with proper abundance both in vivo and in situ.
2014, 33(12): 206-211.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0569-4
Abstract:
Ambient noise is very important in the prediction system of a sonar performance, because it determines the detection ranges always in a passive sonar and usually in an active sonar. In the uncertainty issue for the sonar performance, it is necessary to know this factor's statistical characteristics that are only obtained by data processing from the underwater ambient noise measurements. Broad-band ambient noise signals from 16 hydrophones were amplified and recorded for 2 min every 1 h. The results show that the ambient noise is essentially depth independent. The cross correlation of the ambient noise levels (1, 6 and 12 h average) with a wind speed is presented. It was found that the correlation is excellent on the upper frequency band and the noise levels correlate better with high wind speed than with low wind speed.
Ambient noise is very important in the prediction system of a sonar performance, because it determines the detection ranges always in a passive sonar and usually in an active sonar. In the uncertainty issue for the sonar performance, it is necessary to know this factor's statistical characteristics that are only obtained by data processing from the underwater ambient noise measurements. Broad-band ambient noise signals from 16 hydrophones were amplified and recorded for 2 min every 1 h. The results show that the ambient noise is essentially depth independent. The cross correlation of the ambient noise levels (1, 6 and 12 h average) with a wind speed is presented. It was found that the correlation is excellent on the upper frequency band and the noise levels correlate better with high wind speed than with low wind speed.
2014, 33(12): 212-221.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0575-6
Abstract:
Predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) is often used in ecological risk assessment to determine low-risk concentrations for chemicals. In the present study, the chronic data from native saltwater species were used to calculated PNEC values using four methods: log-normal distribution (ETX 2.0), log-triangle distribution (US EPA's water quality criteria procedure), burr III distribution (BurrliOZ) and traditional assessment factor (AF). The PNECs that were calculated using four methods ranged from 0.08 μg/L to 1.8 μg/L. Three of the SSD-derived PNECs range from 0.94 to 1.8 μg/L, about a factor of two apart. To demonstrate the use of SSD-based PNEC values and comprehensively estimate the regional ecological risk for cadmium in surface water of the Bohai Sea, in the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay, China, the dissolved cadmium concentrations were measured and obtained 753 valid data covering 190 stations from July 2006 to November 2007. Based on three ecological risk assessment approaches, namely hazard quotient (HQ), probabilistic risk quotient and joint probability curve (JPC), the potential ecological risk of cadmium in surface water of the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizahou Bay were estimated. Overall, the ecological risk of cadmium to aquatic ecosystem in the whole Bohai Sea was at acceptable ecological risk level, the order of ecological risk was Liaodong Bay>Bohai Bay>Laizhou Bay. However, more concerns should be paid to aquatic ecological risk in the Liaodong Bay which is the home of many steel, metallurgy and petrochemical industrial in China.
Predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) is often used in ecological risk assessment to determine low-risk concentrations for chemicals. In the present study, the chronic data from native saltwater species were used to calculated PNEC values using four methods: log-normal distribution (ETX 2.0), log-triangle distribution (US EPA's water quality criteria procedure), burr III distribution (BurrliOZ) and traditional assessment factor (AF). The PNECs that were calculated using four methods ranged from 0.08 μg/L to 1.8 μg/L. Three of the SSD-derived PNECs range from 0.94 to 1.8 μg/L, about a factor of two apart. To demonstrate the use of SSD-based PNEC values and comprehensively estimate the regional ecological risk for cadmium in surface water of the Bohai Sea, in the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay, China, the dissolved cadmium concentrations were measured and obtained 753 valid data covering 190 stations from July 2006 to November 2007. Based on three ecological risk assessment approaches, namely hazard quotient (HQ), probabilistic risk quotient and joint probability curve (JPC), the potential ecological risk of cadmium in surface water of the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizahou Bay were estimated. Overall, the ecological risk of cadmium to aquatic ecosystem in the whole Bohai Sea was at acceptable ecological risk level, the order of ecological risk was Liaodong Bay>Bohai Bay>Laizhou Bay. However, more concerns should be paid to aquatic ecological risk in the Liaodong Bay which is the home of many steel, metallurgy and petrochemical industrial in China.
2014, 33(12): 222-230.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-014-0548-9
Abstract:
The temporal variations of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass (1-Volumetric method by settling volume and displacement volume and 2- Gravimetric method through wet weight, dry weight and ash-free dry weight) with relation to environmental parameters were studied in the mangrove creek area of Karachi coast, Pakistan. The data of mesozooplankton samples along with environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, etc.) were collected during January 1998 to December 1998 from two creek stations. The abundance of mesozooplankton also exhibited seasonal trends at both stations. At Sta. S2, the highest and lowest abundance values were observed during post-monsoon and southwest monsoon respectively whereas, at Sta. S1, a clear trend of high abundance in pre-monsoon to low abundance in southwest monsoon was observed. Mesozooplankton abundance was also positively correlated with settling volume, displacement volume, wet weight and dry weight. The highest biomass value was observed in the northeast monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. The results of the canonical analysis of the output from the discriminate function was tested. Out of fifteen variables, only one was significantly different in single character ratios dry weight/ash free-dry weight (F3,23=4.78, P<0.005). The mesozooplankton community was collectively composed of 28 taxa. Among these groups, copepoda (66.3%), gastropod larvae (9.94%), evadne (4.60%), zoea (3.60%), cypris nauplii (2.56%), lemellibranch larvae (1.87%), chaetognaths (1.81%), ostracods (1.73%), lucifer (1.15%) and barnacles nauplii (1.35%) contributed the most to the similarities within Sta. S1, while copepoda (74.68%), cypris nauplii (5.29%), gastropods (4.87%), barnacles nauplii (4.81%), evadne (1.72%), zoea (1.53%) and caridean larvae (1.18%) at Sta. S2. The remaining mesozooplanktonic group were accounted for less than 5% and 6% at Sta. S1 and Sta. S2 respectively, of the total organisms. Similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis revealed that copepoda, gastropod larvae and cyprus nauplii contributed most of the similarities within Sta. S2 along Sta. S1.
The temporal variations of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass (1-Volumetric method by settling volume and displacement volume and 2- Gravimetric method through wet weight, dry weight and ash-free dry weight) with relation to environmental parameters were studied in the mangrove creek area of Karachi coast, Pakistan. The data of mesozooplankton samples along with environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, etc.) were collected during January 1998 to December 1998 from two creek stations. The abundance of mesozooplankton also exhibited seasonal trends at both stations. At Sta. S2, the highest and lowest abundance values were observed during post-monsoon and southwest monsoon respectively whereas, at Sta. S1, a clear trend of high abundance in pre-monsoon to low abundance in southwest monsoon was observed. Mesozooplankton abundance was also positively correlated with settling volume, displacement volume, wet weight and dry weight. The highest biomass value was observed in the northeast monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. The results of the canonical analysis of the output from the discriminate function was tested. Out of fifteen variables, only one was significantly different in single character ratios dry weight/ash free-dry weight (F3,23=4.78, P<0.005). The mesozooplankton community was collectively composed of 28 taxa. Among these groups, copepoda (66.3%), gastropod larvae (9.94%), evadne (4.60%), zoea (3.60%), cypris nauplii (2.56%), lemellibranch larvae (1.87%), chaetognaths (1.81%), ostracods (1.73%), lucifer (1.15%) and barnacles nauplii (1.35%) contributed the most to the similarities within Sta. S1, while copepoda (74.68%), cypris nauplii (5.29%), gastropods (4.87%), barnacles nauplii (4.81%), evadne (1.72%), zoea (1.53%) and caridean larvae (1.18%) at Sta. S2. The remaining mesozooplanktonic group were accounted for less than 5% and 6% at Sta. S1 and Sta. S2 respectively, of the total organisms. Similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis revealed that copepoda, gastropod larvae and cyprus nauplii contributed most of the similarities within Sta. S2 along Sta. S1.
