Brent goose (Branta bernicla (L.)) winter feeding pattern and zostera resources at Scolt Head Island, Norfolk

Simultaneous measurements of vertical accretion from marker horizons and marsh-elevation change from sedimentation-erosion tables (SET) were made in selected marshes along the East Anglian coast of the UK in order to address the following objectives: (1) to ascertain the validity of treating accretion measurements obtained within tidally dominated, minerogenic saltmarshes as equivalent to surface elevation changes; (2) to explore the implications, in terms of physical and biological processes, of discrepancies between separately measured vertical accretion and elevation change within contrasting marsh types. Data were collected from several marsh environments at Scolt Head Island and Stiffkey on the North Norfolk coast and at an experimental managed realignment project near Tollesbury, Essex. Scolt Head Island was selected for its long-term datasets of marsh accretion, Stiffkey for its contrasting open coast-back barrier settings, and Tollesbury for its experimental management, in order to illustrate the potential application of the SET method and evaluate the relationship between vertical accretion and elevation change in a variety of marsh settings. The relationship between vertical accretion and elevation change varied widely among marsh settings of different age and height (within the tidal frame) at Scolt Head Island and Stiffkey. Rates of vertical accretion and elevation change were similar in the older and midheight settings on Scolt Head Island, indicating control of elevation change by surface accretionary processes (e.g. sediment deposition). However, subsurface processes controlled elevation at three of the marsh sites. Spartina Marsh, the youngest and lowest of the back barrier settings at Scolt Head Island, exhibited continuous shallow subsidence (vertical accretion greater than elevation change) over a 4-year period, implying that compaction controls elevation change. In the upper part of Hut Marsh and the interior of the Stiffkey marshes, elevation change exceeded vertical accretion suggesting that subsurface processes (e.g. organic accumulation) controlled elevation in these settings. Surface accretionary processes control elevation change in both the highly dynamic, outer marsh at Stiffkey and the low, restored marsh at Tollesbury. Despite the occurrence of shallow subsidence, all sites gained elevation at an annual rate comparable to that of sea-level rise. In summary, the SET provides the means to critically evaluate the influence of vertical accretion measures on elevation and represents an improved method by which to evaluate the vulnerability of a marsh to sea-level rise.

Sand gobies in the Dutch Wadden Sea (pomatoschistus, gobiidae, pisces)

This paper describes the results of a study of the factors determining the abundance and distribution of the Cinnabar Moth in Britain. The main part of the study was on a population of the moth at Weeting Heath in Norfolk. This is an area of sandy heath which is heavily overgrazed by rabbits. Here the moth fluctuates violently in number and periodically it completely defoliates its food plant (ragwort, Senecio jacobaea L.) over large areas. This happened in 1960, 1961, 1967, and 1968.Since 1966, the numbers of the moth have been studied in detail and Life Tables are presented for five years.Adult fecundity varies considerably between years. This is due mainly to fluctuations in adult size resulting from changes in larval density. By comparison adult mortality and dispersal have little effect on fecundity; although there is some evidence to suggest that dispersal is density dependent. Because the number of eggs laid in one generation depends on the size of the previous generation, fecundity tends to be acting as a delayed density dependent factor.Mortality is low during the egg stage, but is high amongst young larvae, due mainly to arthropod predation. As the caterpillars grow they become immune from this predation. They are distasteful to vertebrate predators.A larval parasite, Apanteles popularis, kills many of the fully grown larvae. The highest rates of parasitism have coincided with the lowest densities of the moth, however, so that over the five years it has acted as an inverse density dependent factor.In 1967, the population became so large that the ragwort was completely defoliated, and about 20% of the caterpillars died from starvation. In the following year the population was still large and the ragwort plants were small, owing to the effects of defoliation in the previous year. Food ran out early in the season and about 50% of the larvae starved. Because of the overriding effect of starvation, total larval mortality tends to be density dependent.Mortality is high at, or immediately after, pupation and this is thought to be due primarily to predation by moles (Talpa europaea). Pupal mortality does not appear to be density dependent.The upward growth of the population is limited by food supply. Starvation led to a population crash, so that in 1969 only 62 eggs/150 m2 were laid compared with 17110 and 16493 in the previous two years. The rate of recovery of the population after this crash was dependent upon the rapid recovery of the ragwort plants. Owing to the wet summer in 1968, plant numbers actually increased after defoliation, due to regeneration from root buds. This was in spite of the fact that no seed was produced in the area in either 1967 or 1968.The only factor which appears to buffer the population against extinction in years when food runs out early in the season, is the heterogeneity within the moth and ragwort populations. The earliest individuals manage to obtain sufficient food in those patches of ragwort which survive longest.Large fluctuations in number only occur in some localities. Other populations of the moth persist at low density and never eat out their food supply. Some data are presented from such a population at Monks Wood. This site is on a heavy clay soil, rabbit grazing is less marked than at Weeting, and ragwort occurs only at a low density. The lusher vegetation supports a very large population of arthropod predators and these take a higher percentage of the young caterpillars than was found at Weeting. Pupal survival is also low due probably to waterlogging of the soil. Pupae can withstand considerable desiccation, but excessive moisture soon leads to their death.The distribution of the moth in Britain and its use for the biological control of ragwort are discussed.

movements, is increasing rapidly. Experimental work, already carried out and planned, is perfecting a series of techniques which may soon be regarded as standard practice. The method has been applied to silt,1* 2> 3 sand, 4> 5 and shingle.6' 7 The great interest in the marking of beach material with radioactive tracers stems from the lack of information of how this material moves over the sea bed. As Dr. Martin A. Mason, the Chief of the Engineering and Research Branch of the Beach Erosion Board in the United States, has said8: Estimation of the material volume derived from or lost to the adjacent sea bottom is unsatisfactory at present . . . there is little, if any, evidence of a conclusive nature with respect to this phenomenon in Nature. Radioactive marking promises to supply the conclusive evidence which is lacking, since it allows the actual material of the beach to be used and makes it possible to trace the movements of the material under the influence of waves and currents. It is possible to locate it on the sea bed without dredging and it can be detected even when buried on the beach to a depth of 8-9 inches. The experiments described in the present paper were carried out off Orfordness in Suffolk during the period from January to March 1957. Earlier work at Scolt Head Island, Norfolk, on the movement of shingle over the sea bed 6' 7 demonstrated the practicability of the method as applied to shingle. The trials ofT Orfordness were designed to develop the techniques employed at Scolt Head Island and to study specific coastal problems at Orfordness. Choice of tracer.?As in the experiments at Scolt Head the isotope barium 140lanthanum 140 was chosen for the Orfordness trials because it fulfils the principal requirements for the purpose; it emits high-energy gamma rays enabling it to be detected at distances of about 10 inches in water and it has a half-life eminently suitable for experimental work of this nature. This half-life (12 days) is long enough to enable tracing to be carried out over a reasonable period?the Orfordness experiments lasted for some 7 weeks?but short enough to eliminate any health hazards if the pebble were picked up by a member of the public. It is also necessary to have a short-lived material if repeat experiments are to be carried out in the same area. Barium 140 decays by the emission of beta-particles and low-energy gamma rays to form the isotope lanthanum 140, which then itself decays with the emission of beta-particles and high-energy gamma rays with a half-life of 40 hours, to form the stable isotope cerium 140. Barium 140 is produced by irradiating uranium in a nuclear reactor. One of the many fission products of the uranium nucleus is barium, and this may be separated chemically from all the other elements, and obtained in a solution as carrier-free barium 140. This means that virtually all the atoms of barium present in the solution are radioactive, and the total mass of barium present is very small. Immediately after separation, the lanthanum 140 starts to be formed, and increases with a half-life of about 40 hours until it reaches equilibrium with the decaying barium 140 and the two then decay together with a half-life of 12 days. The lanthanum builds up to within 20 per cent. of its equilibrium value within 5 days, and it is suit? able for use as a tracer after this period. If all the labelling and the transporting of the

SUMMARY . i (1) We investigated interactions between snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and their food plants in winter during a cyclic fluctuation in numbers at Kluane, Yukon, between 1977 and 1985. • (2) The winter diet of hares at Kluane was dominated by four species of shrubs and trees. Betula glandulosa, the most preferred species, was common on only four of nine study plots. Salix glauca was eaten most often in mid-winter, when Betula was covered by snow. Where Betula was absent, Salix was eaten at or above the level expected from its relative abundance. Picea glauca was generally not preferred, but was eaten, especially where Betula was absent. Shepherdia canadensis was eaten fourth most often. (3) By the peak of the cycle in the winter of 1981-82, hares had removed much of the biomass of small twigs of Betula glandulosa and Salix glauca from three study plots. Hares had little effect on the biomass of Pice a glauca twigs. The biomass of these three species on two control plots at the end of the 1981-82 winter was, however, still sufficient to support the hares residing there. A larger population of hares on a third plot with added food depleted their supply of natural foods more severely. ( 4) An analysis of the fates of tagged twigs showed that hares browsed an average of 63% of Betula glandulosa twigs, 26% of Salix glauca twigs, 20% of Shepherdia twigs, and 14% of Picea glauca twigs in the winter during the 3 years of peak density. At the peak in hare numbers in 1981-82, over 80% of Betula twigs were eaten. Twigs within 50 em of the ground were browsed most often. (5) Heavily-browsed Betula glandulosa bushes grew new twigs rapidly after hare numbers had declined. Salix glauca showed less terminal regrowth, but produced stump sprouts, which we did not measure. Picea glauca and Shepherdia were not heavily browsed, nor did they grow faster after browsing by hares. (6) Adult hares became heavier in spring as numbers rose, and then lighter as their numbers declined. The latter effect was absent on plots with added food. Growth rates of juvenile hares in summer and autumn declined as hare numbers rose, but did so more slowly on two plots where food was added. Juveniles lost mass in winters of peak density, but did not do so on two plots with added food. The growth rates of juvenile hares recovered within 2 years of the decline. (7) Our results suggest that snowshoe hares at Kluane did not experience an absolute food shortage in winter at peak densities. Also, radio telemetry studies at Kluane showed that most hares died of predation, not starvation. We suggest that a relative food shortage

This paper presents a novel reference dataset for North Norfolk, UK, that demonstrates the value of harmonising coastal field-based topographic and remotely sensed datasets at local scales. It is hoped that this reference dataset and the associated methodologies will facilitate the use of topographic and remotely sensed coastal datasets, as demonstrated here using open-access UK Environment Agency datasets. Two core methodologies, used to generate the novel reference dataset, are presented. Firstly, we establish a robust approach to extracting shorelines from vertical aerial photography, validated against LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and coastal topography surveys. Secondly, we present a standard methodology for quantifying sediment volume change from spatially continuous LiDAR elevation datasets. As coastal systems are monitored at greater spatial resolution and temporal frequency there is an unprecedented opportunity to determine how and why coastal systems have changed in the past with a view to informing future forecasting. With revelation of trends that suggest increasing coastal risk, coastal change research is needed to inform the management and protection of coasts.

Aerial Photography Protocols at Scolt Head Island, North Norfolk Coast, UK

Measurements of surface sediment accretion have been obtained for Hut Marsh, Scolt Head Island, Norfolk, England, using sand marker horizons. More than eighty 1-m2 marker sites were deployed in October 1983, and vertical accretion measured at them in April and October 1986 and April 1987. Elevations relative to Ordnance Datum were established by levelling each site at the time of deployment. Data collected by Steers between 1935 and 1957 on the same marsh show a clear relationship between marsh elevation and sedimentation. The results of the current more detailed study, presented as mean annual accretion rates, indicate a complex pattern of sediment distribution at this macrotidal location. These data, together with the results of tidal flow monitoring in the creeks on Hut Marsh, show the importance of spatial and temporal patterns of sediment delivery and variations in depositional processes in determining the distribution of sedimentation across the marsh surface.

Storm impacts play a significant role in shoreline dynamics on barrier coastlines. Furthermore, inter-storm recovery is a key parameter determining long-term coastal resilience to climate change, storminess variability and sea level rise. Over the last decade, four extreme storms, with strong energetic waves and high still water levels resulting from high spring tides and large skew surge residuals, have impacted the shoreline of the southern North Sea. The 5th December 2013 storm, with the highest run-up levels recorded in the last 60years, resulted in large sections of the frontline of the North Norfolk coast being translated inland by over 10m. Storms in March and November 2007 also generated barrier scarping and shoreline retreat, although not on the scale of 2013. Between 2008 and 2013, a calm period, recovery dominated barrier position and elevation but was spatially differentiated alongshore. For one study area, Scolt Head Island, no recovery was seen; this section of the coast is being reset episodically landwards during storms. By contrast, the study area at Holkham Bay showed considerable recovery between 2008 and 2013, with barrier sections developing seaward through foredune recovery. The third study area, Brancaster Bay, showed partial recovery in barrier location and elevation. Results suggest that recovery is promoted by high sediment supply and onshore intertidal bar migration, at rates of 40ma−1. These processes bring sand to elevations where substrate drying enables aeolian processes to entrain and transport sand from upper foreshores to foredunes. We identify three potential sediment transport pathways that create a region of positive diffusivity at Holkham Bay. During calm periods, a general westward movement of sediment from the drift divide at Sheringham sources the intertidal bar and foredune development at Holkham Bay. However, during and following storms the drift switches to eastward, not only on the beach itself but also below the –7m isobath. Sediment from the eroding barrier at Brancaster Bay, and especially Scolt Head Island, also sources the sediment sink of Holkham Bay. Knowledge of foredune growth and barrier recovery in natural systems are vital aspects of future coastal management planning with accelerated sea-level rise and storminess variability.

Step-wise records for volumetric change analysis of successive coastal LiDAR digital elevation models.

Holkham is one of the best-known eighteenth-century English estates. Acknowledging Coke's and Kent's travels on the Grand Tour, previous studies have underestimated the significance of the estate's...

Background to the topic: For food safety and security reasons, hundreds of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and environmental pollutants should be monitored in the food supply, but current methods are too time-consuming, laborious, and expensive. As a result, only a tiny fraction of the food is tested for a limited number of contaminants. Original proposal objectives: Our main original goal was to develop fast, practical, and effective new approaches for the analysis of hazardous chemicals in the food supply. We proposed to extend the QuEChERS approach to more pesticides, veterinary drugs and pollutants, further develop GC-MS and LC-MS with SMB and combine QuEChERS with GC-SMB-MS and LC-SMB-EI-MS to provide the “ultimate” approach for the analysis of hazardous chemicals in food. Major conclusions, solutions and achievements: The original QuEChERS method was validated for more than 200 pesticide residues in a variety of food crops. For the few basic pesticides for which the method gave lower recoveries, an extensive solvent suitability study was conducted, and a buffering modification was made to improve results for difficult analytes. Furthermore, evaluation of the QuEChERS approach for fatty matrices, including olives and its oil, was performed. The QuEChERS concept was also extended to acrylamide analysis in foods. Other advanced techniques to improve speed, ease, and effectiveness of chemical residue analysis were also successfully developed and/or evaluated, which include: a simple and inexpensive solvent-in-silicone-tube extraction approach for highly sensitive detection of nonpolar pesticides in GC; ruggedness testing of low-pressure GC-MS for 3-fold faster separations; optimization and extensive evaluation of analyte protectants in GC-MS; and use of prototypical commercial automated direct sample introduction devices for GC-MS. GC-MS with SMB was further developed and combined with the Varian 1200 GCMS/ MS system, resulting in a new type of GC-MS with advanced capabilities. Careful attention was given to the subject of GC-MS sensitivity and its LOD for difficult to analyze samples such as thermally labile pesticides or those with weak or no molecular ions, and record low LOD were demonstrated and discussed. The new approach of electron ionization LC-MS with SMB was developed, its key components of sample vaporization nozzle and flythrough ion source were improved and was evaluated with a range of samples, including carbamate pesticides. A new method and software based on IAA were developed and tested on a range of pesticides in agricultural matrices. This IAA method and software in combination with GC-MS and SMB provide extremely high confidence in sample identification. A new type of comprehensive GCxGC (based on flow modulation) was uniquely combined with GC-MS with SMB, and we demonstrated improved pesticide separation and identification in complex agricultural matrices using this novel approach. An improved device for aroma sample collection and introduction (SnifProbe) was further developed and favorably compared with SPME for coffee aroma sampling. Implications, both scientific and agricultural: We succeeded in achieving significant improvements in the analysis of hazardous chemicals in the food supply, from easy sample preparation approaches, through sample analysis by advanced new types of GC-MS and LCMS techniques, all the way to improved data analysis by lowering LOD and providing greater confidence in chemical identification. As a result, the combination of the QuEChERS approach, new and superior instrumentation, and the novel monitoring methods that were developed will enable vastly reduced time and cost of analysis, increased analytical scope, and a higher monitoring rate. This provides better enforcement, an added impetus for farmers to use good agricultural practices, improved food safety and security, increased trade, and greater consumer confidence in the food supply.

Food resources are crucial for conserving endangered species. Quantifying the distribution of food plants and their driving factors in Hainan gibbon habitats helps to understand food supply characteristics and guide targeted habitat restoration. This study was based on a survey of 122 grid plots (20 × 20 m), categorized as food plants by size (large: diameter at breast height [DBH] ≥ 15 cm; small: 1 cm ≤ DBH < 15 cm) and seasonality (dry season and preferred food plants). The results showed: 1) Significant differences in the ecological factors between high-altitude and low-altitude habitats (t = − 9.04–11.03, P < 0.05). 2) Significantly higher species richness (t = 2.08–5.02, P < 0.05) in high-altitude habitats than low-altitude ones, with a long dry season, and preferred food plants were more abundant in the A and C family groups. 3) Key factors affecting the spatial distribution of food plants included elevation, the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, average temperature, and annual precipitation, with effects varying by food plant type and elevation. These findings indicate that successional low-altitude secondary forests are potential habitats for Hainan gibbons (e.g., family group E) but require further restoration for population growth and spatial expansion. In contrast, high-altitude areas remain ideal. This research underscores the importance of tailored restoration strategies for different food plant groups. Practices, such as thinning, are recommended to enhance food plant diversity and ensure a stable food supply. Future research should focus on human disturbances and plant interactions to fully understand the food plant distribution patterns.

Ammonium chloride salting out extraction/cleanup for trace-level quantitative analysis in food and biological matrices by flow injection tandem mass spectrometry

A paramount and alluring sphere of research, now-a-days, is food analysis, because of the breakneck augmentation of food enterprise and highly hightened maneuverability of today's populations. The management of food quality is very indispensable both for consumer safeguard as well as the food corporations. The biosensors' application in the field of food analysis is quite propitious for the revealing of food borne pathogens. Biosensor, an analytical device, transforms a biological response into an electrical signal. Bioreceptors and transducers are the two main components of a biosensor. Bioreceptor or biorecognition element is the one which leads to the recognition of target analyte and a transducer, for the conversion of recognized event into a measurable electrical signal. The development of biosensors improved the sensitivity and selectivity of detection techniques for food borne pathogens and is rapid, reliable, effective and highly suitable when used in in situ analysis. Since the security in the food supply becomes crucial because of increased perception among consumers and vying nature of food industries, the necessity for expeditious, low volume and sensitive biosensor devices has productively increased. TM Nevertheless , till date, a very few biosensor systems are available commercially such as Biacore, Spreeta , Reichert SR 7000, Analyte 2000, RAPTOR etc. Since, there is ever growing concern regarding safe food and water supply, it is very obvious that the demand for rapid detecting biosensors will also be increasing at par.