Central English Channel Research Articles

High-resolution geophysical data unravel the post-Variscan structural history of the NW Cotentin inner shelf (Central English Channel)

The Cotentin Peninsula (CP) is one of the only area in Europe which contains records of a > 2.5 Ga-lasted geological history including three orogenic events (Archaean, Cadomian and Variscan) followed by a polyphase basin/inversion evolution during Meso-Cenozoic times. The CP area sensu lato is thus a suitable place for discussing how the structural configuration of the basement might have influenced the development of part of the southern shelf margin of the Central English Channel, even if sediments and post-Variscan tectonic records are limited at this place. This issue is addressed through an onshore/offshore structural approach combining newly-acquired high resolution bathymetric data and reflection seismic profiles, further constrained by lateral correlations onshore. The resulting Land-Sea Digital Elevation Model and corresponding geological map reveal a number of fault-bounded blocks involving a relatively thin package of Jurassic to Plio-Quaternary sequences, locally involved in slightly compressional deformations. These specific sedimentary and tectonic features typically characterize the southern shelf margin of the Central English Channel. They are discussed in terms of basin development and inversion processes in relation with basement structures and then integrated in the English Channel basin framework. Special attention is paid to three major structural features, i.e. the La Hague Offshore Fault, the La Hague Deep Fault network and the La Hague Deep, which emphasize, respectively, the role of structural inheritance and erosion/incision/deposition events during the post-Variscan tectono-sedimentary history of the southern elevated shoulder of the Central English Channel.

The Central English Channel troughs: major source-to-sink remnants or giant tidal scours?

The Central English Channel troughs correspond to elongated incisions up to 250 m-deep, at several locations at the bottom of this sea corridor. Depending on their location, they are usually interpreted as part of the submerged quaternary paleovalley network or as resulting from megaflood events. Shedding light on these features, their age, and the processes underlying their development is key for understanding their significance in terms of event geology. The interpretation of a dense grid of high-resolution marine seismic data acquired in the Bay of Seine area reveals that the extensive Quaternary paleovalley and trough network commonly as associated to the “Channel River” system is actually subdivided into at least two superimposed and unrelated incised networks. The overlying network corresponds to fluvial incisions developing during low sea-level conditions of Pleistocene time and connects to the present day fluvial network. The underlying network corresponds to the troughs and appears as a complex, deeper, relatively discontinuous and isolated network. This older network shows unexpected local incision depth up to c.350-400 m-deep and complex sedimentary infill involving several sedimentary processes and environments from fluvial to tidal and shallow-marine. We discuss these observations and their implications for understanding the origin, age and development of the troughs all over the English Channel, from the Dangeard Troughs in the Dover Strait to the Hurd Deep at the western end. We also raise questions about the significance of these large incised features in terms of source-to-sink system of northwestern Europe.

New perspectives on the English Channel megaflood hypothesis: High-resolution multibeam and seabed camera imaging of submarine landforms in the Northern Palaeovalley

A network of large, bedrock-incised valleys is preserved on the seabed of the English Channel. Based on analysis of a 30 × 30 m bathymetric grid, the morphology of the valleys was interpreted to be a consequence of erosion by catastrophic flood processes from overspill of a large proglacial lake in the Southern North Sea. The significance of the “megaflood features” has since been recognized by the UK Government with the designation of their protected status in one of three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the palaeovalley in the central English Channel. Here, we analyse recent multibeam bathymetry data (2 × 2 m DEM) from these MPAs, together with backscatter and high-definition seabed camera imagery. The new data allow us to ground truth and refine the earlier interpretation and recognize previously undiscovered finer features. Streamlined valley margins, streamlined islands and metres-deep scours eroded into the valley floor are described at higher detail, while new subtle features on the valley floor such as kilometre-long, sub-parallel inner channels and streamlined bedrock ridges are identified for the first time. These features are consistent with a high energy erosion origin. We also identify isolated large boulders (>1 m length) on flat seabed on the flanks of the palaeovalley, which are consistent with deposition from megaflood processes, although wave action during transgression/regression cannot be ruled out. Our new results enable more robust morphological evidence to support the influence of catastrophic flooding on bedrock valley incision in the English Channel.

Spatial variability of macrofaunal traits across the Greater North Sea

Large-scale spatial variability of macrofaunal traits has rarely been studied. This paucity of information hinders progress to derive indicators of seabed integrity under current policy drivers. Based on data from 327 stations across the Greater North Sea, a sub-region of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), we describe variability in the numerical dominance of ten important macrofaunal traits and their relationships with the physical environment.For six traits (longevity, larval development position, egg development position, sediment position and bioturbation method), macrofaunal assemblages were dominated by one or two trait categories; these traits showed more pronounced spatial patterns than traits with a wider (and more even) trait category expression. Similar spatial distributions of some dominant categories were observed. For example, egg-brooding, surface-dwelling and suspension feeding traits were dominant in the central English Channel and off the Humber Estuary. Traits generally showed weak spatial relationships with environmental variables, although sediment position and feeding type were related to variations in bed shear stress and gravel content. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to monitoring seabed integrity under the MSFD.

Phytoplankton distribution from Western to Central English Channel, revealed by automated flow cytometry during the summer-fall transition

Automated pulse shape-recording flow cytometry was applied to address phytoplankton spatial distribution, at high frequency, in stratified and well mixed water masses in the Western and Central English Channel during the summer-fall transition. Cytometric pulse shapes derived from optical features of single cells allowed the characterization of eight phytoplankton groups. Abundance and total red fluorescence (chlorophyll a autofluorescence) per group were used to define six phytoplankton communities. Their distribution revealed high spatial heterogeneity. Abundance presented a longitudinal gradient for six over the eight groups and succession of brutal shifts along the cruise. Maximum values were often located near the Ushant front in the Western English Channel. A latitudinal gradient characterised the Central English Channel waters under the influence of the Seine estuary. Picophytoplankton (Synechococcus-like cells and picoeukaryotes) represented up to 96% of total abundance and half of the total red fluorescence of the communities near the main front and the Bay of Seine, whereas nanoeukaryotes and microphytoplankton, represented only 4% and less than 1% respectively of total abundance. Both nanoeukaryotes and microphytoplankton dominated the total red fluorescence of the communities of the Central English Channel. The study of traits within each group showed a high variability of traits between communities. The comparison between traits showed that they were independent from each other for some groups (size and red fluorescence per cell for PicoHighFLR and Coccolithophore-like cells; orange and red fluorescence for all the groups), whereas they were dependent for other groups (red fluorescence per cell was dependent of size for picophytoplankton, NanoLowFLR, NanoHighFLR, Cryptophyte-like cells and Microphytoplankton). Variance partitioning revealed that the environmental parameters (temperature, salinity and turbidity) accounted less than spatial descriptors (physical and biological processes) in shaping the communities. Hydrological structures (frontal structures, eddies and tidal streams) were responsible for patches of phytoplankton and defined the structure at the sub-mesoscale (1–10 km) in this area.

High-frequency sea level variations and implications for coastal flooding: A case study of the Solent, UK

This study examines the occurrence and characteristics of high-frequency (<6h) sea level variations in the Solent, UK – a mesotidal estuarine strait located in the central English Channel. A 14-year time series (2000–2013) of sea level observations sampled at 15-min intervals from the Southampton tide gauge was analyzed. The 8 highest-energy events have a mean amplitude of approximately 0.6m and a dominant period of around 4h. These events correspond with periods of enhanced meteorological activity, namely a marked reduction in air pressure and onset of strong southwesterly-southeasterly winds. Sea level observations from tide gauges around the Solent and the wider English Channel region (23 in total) were used to assess the spatial characteristics of these events. Analysis of time series and phase information indicates the occurrence of standing waves oscillating across the English Channel between southern England and northern France. This study provides a unique example of standing waves generated by extra-tropical cyclones over a large basin (the English Channel) with implications for flood inundation. The event of 28th October 2013 – the highest-amplitude (1.16m) event in the record – was associated with minor coastal flooding at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. This flood occurred during a neap tide, when such events are widely thought to be impossible. Hence, our findings emphasize the relevance of high-frequency sea level variability for regional sea level forecasting and flood risk management.

Dynamics of phytoplankton diversity structure and primary productivity in the English Channel

The dynamics of the phytoplankton assemblage, the physical, chemical and biologi- cal parameters, and primary productivity and production were monitored in the central English Channel along a transect between Ouistreham and Portsmouth from January to December 2010. The spatial patterns of the phytoplankton assemblage were controlled by the hydrological charac- teristics of the water masses, and the annual structure of the phytoplankton assemblage was char- acteristic of the central English Channel and was controlled by seasonality. The spring bloom was dominated by a single species, Chaetoceros socialis, and associated with low microphytoplankton evenness and Shannon-Wiener indices, whereas the evenness index was high from late spring to winter and associated with the proliferation of pico- and nanophytoplankton cells. We identified 2 species responsible for harmful algal blooms, Phaeocystis globosa, which dominated the commu- nity in the northern part of the Seine Bay in May, and Lepidodinium chlorophorum, which domi- nated the community near the French coast in September. We examined the relationship between microphytoplankton diversity and maximum primary production and productivity. We found a negative parabolic relationship between the diversity indices (evenness and Shannon-Wiener) and maximum primary production, and a positive parabolic relationship between the number of taxa (richness) and maximum primary production. However, we found no relationship between maximum productivity and the evenness or richness indices. High levels of productivity were measured during the increasing abundance of pico and nanophytoplankton cells, highlighting the importance of taking the dominant functional group into account, rather than the degree of diver- sity, when explaining the level of productivity.

Contrasting records of sea-level change in the eastern and western North Atlantic during the last 300 years

We present a new 300-year sea-level reconstruction from a salt marsh on the Isle of Wight (central English Channel, UK) that we compare to other salt-marsh and long tide-gauge records to examine spatial and temporal variability in sea-level change in the North Atlantic. Our new reconstruction identifies an overall rise in relative sea level (RSL) of c. 0.30 m since the start of the eighteenth century at a rate of 0.9±0.3 mmyr−1. Error-in-variables changepoint analysis indicates that there is no statistically significant deviation from a constant rate within the dataset. The reconstruction is broadly comparable to other tide-gauge and salt-marsh records from the European Atlantic, demonstrating coherence in sea level in this region over the last 150–300 years. In contrast, we identify significant differences in the rate and timing of RSL with records from the east coast of North America. The absence of a strong late 19th/early 20th century RSL acceleration contrasts with that recorded in salt marsh sediments along the eastern USA coastline, in particular in a well-dated and precise sea-level reconstruction from North Carolina. This suggests that this part of the North Carolina sea level record represents a regionally specific sea level acceleration. This is significant because the North Carolina record has been used as if it were globally representative within semi-empirical parameterisations of past and future sea-level change. We conclude that regional-scale differences of sea-level change highlight the value of using several, regionally representative RSL records when calibrating and testing semi-empirical models of sea level against palaeo-records. This is because by using records that potentially over-estimate sea-level rise in the past such models risk over-estimating sea-level rise in the future.

XVIII INQUA Congress, 21st–27th July, 2011, Bern, Switzerland: Abstracts

We present a new 300-year sea-level reconstruction from a salt marsh on the Isle of Wight (central English Channel, UK) that we compare to other salt-marsh and long tide-gauge records to examine spatial and temporal variability in sea-level change in the North Atlantic. Our new reconstruction identifies an overall rise in relative sea level (RSL) of c. 0.30 m since the start of the eighteenth century at a rate of 0.9±0.3 mmyr−1. Error-in-variables changepoint analysis indicates that there is no statistically significant deviation from a constant rate within the dataset. The reconstruction is broadly comparable to other tide-gauge and salt-marsh records from the European Atlantic, demonstrating coherence in sea level in this region over the last 150–300 years. In contrast, we identify significant differences in the rate and timing of RSL with records from the east coast of North America. The absence of a strong late 19th/early 20th century RSL acceleration contrasts with that recorded in salt marsh sediments along the eastern USA coastline, in particular in a well-dated and precise sea-level reconstruction from North Carolina. This suggests that this part of the North Carolina sea level record represents a regionally specific sea level acceleration. This is significant because the North Carolina record has been used as if it were globally representative within semi-empirical parameterisations of past and future sea-level change. We conclude that regional-scale differences of sea-level change highlight the value of using several, regionally representative RSL records when calibrating and testing semi-empirical models of sea level against palaeo-records. This is because by using records that potentially over-estimate sea-level rise in the past such models risk over-estimating sea-level rise in the future.

EFFECTS OF TIDE ON WAVES IN THE OUTER SEINE ESTUARY AND THE HARBOR OF LE HAVRE

The present study examines the influences of time-varying tide-induced water depths and currents on waves in the outer Seine estuary (southern central English Channel) and their penetration in the harbor of Le Havre and its new infrastructures Port 2000. The investigation is based on a numerical procedure which links regional phase-averaged wave modules with a local phase-resolving wave module within Port 2000 harbor. Required spatio-temporal evolutions of tidal free-surface elevation and current are computed by circulation modules. Numerical results of wave height are compared with field data collected at three wave buoys in the access harbor channel and its inner basin. Predictions exhibit a local increase (up to 30 %) of wave height induced by current refraction at slack tide in the access harbor channel. Respective mappings of the wave height modified by the tide, the water levels alone and the currents alone confirm this finding. The effect of currents on waves are pronounced along the southern breakwater of Port 2000 harbor and in the vicinity of coastal topographic features of the outer Seine estuary. Ultimate predictions of wave propagation within Port 2000 basin exhibit, however, the negligible direct influence of local ambient currents on wave height. Observed-semidiurnal wave-height variations in the inner basin are thus mainly associated with the propagation of the outer tide-induced modulation. Mappings of maximum wave-height within harbor basin reveal an increased exposition of the northern wharves at high tide and the southern western breakwater at low tide in relation to current-induced changes in the approaching-waves direction.

An overview of the biology and status of undulate ray Raja undulata in the north‐east Atlantic Ocean

The undulate ray Raja undulata is one of the lesser-known skates occurring on the continental shelf of the north-east Atlantic Ocean. It is patchily distributed throughout its range, with sites of local abundance in the central English Channel and off the coasts of Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal. Raja undulata is most abundant in coastal waters (<50 m deep) and is often found in proximity to large estuaries, rias and bays. It is a relatively large-bodied species, attaining a maximum total length (L(T) ) of at least 114 cm, with females maturing at an L(T) of c. 84 cm in Portuguese waters. Although infrequently taken in existing trawl surveys, it can be locally abundant in certain areas, where it can be the dominant skate species. Given its large size, patchy distribution and concern over the possibilities of localized depletions, the IUCN listed R. undulata as an endangered species and, since 2009, the European Union has established regulations to prohibit commercial fisheries landing the species. Given the increased interest in the species, a synopsis of current knowledge is provided, and available data from internationally co-ordinated trawl surveys presented.

Response of intertidal populations to climate: Effects of extreme events versus long term change

Biogeographic change in response to climate is a ratchet-like process, with gradual long term change punctuated by advances and retreats caused by extreme events. The winter of 1962–63 was the coldest winter since 1740, and caused lasting widespread changes in intertidal populations in Europe. Against the background of several decades of gradual warming, the severely cold winter of 2009–10 provided an opportunity to test mechanistic hypotheses regarding the control of biogeographic limits, including recruitment failure and adult mortality. As a result of enhanced recruitment in cold conditions, the northern barnacle Semibalanus balanoides expanded its range in both France and Iberia at an average rate of 25 km year − 1 . The northern polychaete Arenicola marina had high recruitment in northern France, which filled in a gap in its range in the central English Channel. The southern barnacles Chthamalus montagui and Chthamalus stellatus, which are sensitive to cold winters, suffered recruitment failure but no adult mortality at their northern limit in continental Europe. The southern limpet, Patella rustica and the southern polychaete Diopatra which are sensitive to cold summers, had virtually no change in distribution, as a result of the prior warm summer. The southern mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis suffered little adult mortality at its northern limit in continental Europe. Metapopulation models of future distribution, based on these mechanisms, and validated by hindcasts of historical biogeography, indicate that a regime shift will occur in northern Europe as southern species like Diopatra are able to invade the English Channel and from there enter the North Sea. These models and the historical biogeographic record confirm the view that biogeographic change is punctuated by population responses to extreme events.

The seabed habitats of the central English Channel: A generation on from Holme and Cabioch, how do their interpretations match-up to modern mapping techniques?

In the latter half of the 20th century, Norman Holme and Louis Cabioch reported separate programmes of work describing the benthic fauna and habitats of the ‘English’ Channel (La Manche). Holme was based in southern England, while Cabioch was based in northern France, and both developed their own interpretation of the Channel ecosystem, describing similar geographical patterns in habitats and fauna that reflect the notable environmental gradients of the area. Both produced a ‘map’ of sorts to show the distribution of the different benthic communities they had identified. These interpretations were based predominantly on samples collected by small dredges and only in the later years made use of the (then) emerging technologies of underwater cameras and acoustic systems. A generation on, these technologies have reached a level of maturity and reliability that enable them to be used routinely on seabed surveys. We have recently completed a habitat mapping survey over an extensive area of the central Channel using acoustic, photographic and traditional grab sampling techniques to derive full-coverage modelled maps classifying biotopes according to the EUNIS habitat classification scheme. We were curious to see how the interpretations made by Holme and Cabioch for this area compared to our own, and found they were entirely consistent. We also found that we were able to match many of the faunal associations described by Holme, Cabioch and their co-workers to biotope classes currently listed in the EUNIS classification; a process we termed as ‘translation’. We subsequently developed a modelled EUNIS habitat map for the entire Channel, allowing us to expand the geographical scope of our comparison. Working at EUNIS level 3, we overlaid a ‘translated’ map of Holme's point sampling stations on our full-coverage modelled map and scored where they matched, resulting in 64% overall agreement, 82% for sublittoral coarse sediments, 72% for sublittoral sands, 27% for sublittoral muds and 0% for sublittoral mixed sediments. A similar assessment was not feasible for Cabioch's maps, as these presented poly-lines showing the limits of distribution of certain faunal groups. However, simple inspection revealed a reasonable degree of consistency for the ‘whole Channel’ area among his maps, a French seabed typology map and our modelled EUNIS map. Our new map is a significant improvement on similar EUNIS maps for the Channel area generated recently by the MESH and REBENT projects, providing greater detail and overcoming some obvious limitations of the previous maps. The degree of consistency between the 20th and 21st century maps points to the potential utility of legacy data to ground-truth modern acoustic survey data until such time that modern ground-truth surveys can be completed. Such an approach would help satisfy the urgent demand for reliable habitat maps, generated by policy initiatives such as the European Union's Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Solid partitioning and solid-liquid distribution of 210Po and 210Pb in marine anoxic sediments: roads of Cherbourg at the northwestern France

A sequential extraction protocol has been used to determine the solid-phase partition of 210Po and 210Pb in anoxic marine sediment from the roads of Cherbourg (France) in the central English Channel. Measurements were also obtained in pore waters, in which 210Po activities range between 1 and 20 mBq L −1 and 210Pb activities between 2.4 and 3.8 mBq L −1, with highest activities in the topmost layer. These activities are higher than in seawater, suggesting that sediment act as a source of both 210Po and 210Pb for overlying water. The 210Po profile in the pore waters is apparently correlated with those obtained for Fe, Mn and SO 4 2 −, suggesting an influence of early diagenetic processes on the 210Po solid-liquid distribution. In the sediment, 210Po is predominantly bound to organic matter or chromium reducible sulphides, and residuals (clay minerals and refractory oxides). Our results indicate that 210Po is not significantly bound to AVS, i.e. acid volatile sulphides: bioturbation could play a role by the early redistribution of 210Po bound to acid volatile sulphides in the sediment. 210Po, 210Pb and Pb exhibit differences in terms of distribution, probably due to a different mode of penetration in the sediment. This work provides information on solid and liquid distribution of 210Po and 210Pb in marine sediment. These data are very scarce in the litterature.

Widespread rocky reef occurrence in the central English Channel and the implications for predictive habitat mapping

Reefs are one of the marine habitats listed in Annex I of the European Union's Habitats Directive, which aims to establish a coherent European ecological network of Special Areas of Conservation. EU Member States are required to prepare and propose a national list of sites for evaluation under the scheme, but currently the occurrence of reefs in the United Kingdom's nearshore and offshore areas is not well documented. Here we report on our search for rocky reefs in the central English Channel, which unexpectedly revealed an extensive reef system covering an area of 1100 km 2. Prior to our work, it was generally perceived that the seabed in this area comprised mostly gravel, with a few isolated rock outcrops. Our approach to determining the location, extent and character of these reefs incorporated broad, medium and fine-scale analyses over a 3200 km 2 area of seabed, using single- and multi-beam acoustic data, ground-truthed by underwater video and stills imagery. A benthic terrain model was developed in ArcGIS to map topographic features at the broad and medium scales. Biotope assignments were made at the fine scale through detailed analysis of video footage obtained from 30 sampling stations. The study area has a complex geological history and lies at the centre of a major bedload-parting zone. Together, these strongly influence the seabed character and the distribution of biotopes. An integrated assessment of the physical and biological features was used to map the study area to level 4 of the EUNIS habitat classification system. Similar physical conditions exist in other areas of the UK continental shelf, raising the prospect of predicting where other rocky reef systems might occur. In the absence of a co-ordinated national seabed survey programme, such predictions, coupled with interpretation of existing single-beam bathymetry data, can help prioritise areas where limited survey resources could be most effectively deployed.

Modelling the Karenia mikimotoi bloom that occurred in the western English Channel during summer 2003

Observations from space and in situ from the R.V. Corystes 8/03 Cruise show that a massive Karenia mikimotoi bloom occured during summer 2003 in the western English Channel. Due to exceptional climatoligical conditions that occured in June 2003, the installation of a very strong thermocline enhanced the development of a massive bloom over 1 million cells l −1 in the Central English Channel. This paper presents the application of a mathematical model of this species, previously developed in for the Bay of Biscay, into a general 3D model of the primary production of the English Channel and southern Bight of the North Sea. Allelopathic interactions exerted by K. mikimotoi on other phytoplankton species and the role of agitation in the mortality of this species are taken into account. The model includes the dynamics of the bloom and consequently reproduces with good agreement the geographical distribution of the K. mikimotoi bloom both surface and subsurface. The model suggests that the apparent transport of the bloom towards the French coasts as inferred from the satellite observation was not due to advection but was only caused by the establishment of suitable conditions. The sensivity of the K. mikimotoi distribution to boundary conditions, initialization and the role of turbulence is discussed.

Influence of recruitment and temperature on distribution of intertidal barnacles in the English Channel

Many warm-water (Lusitanian) species reach their limits in the central English Channel, failing to penetrate to the North Sea. We re-surveyed the eastern limits of the Lusitanian intertidal barnacles Chthamalus montagui and C. stellatus, from 1994 to 2004, a decade of exceptionally high sea temperatures, and found range extensions on both sides of the Channel compared to the 1950s and 1970s. Annual recruitment of Chthamalus on the English coast was monitored. There was a consistent gradient of low recruitment to the east of Portland Bill, with significant reductions coinciding with prominent headlands. Highest recruitment occurred during the warmest years. Cluster analysis showed a high degree of similarity of annual recruitment within coastal cells suggesting that local processes are also important. In 1999 we compared recruitment in the other common intertidal barnacles, the boreal Semibalanus balanoides and the non-native Elminius modestus, with Chthamalus spp. All species showed low recruitment between Selsey Bill and Portland Bill, suggesting habitat limitations and/or hydrographic mechanisms. Annual recruitment of Chthamalus at existing limits on the Isle of Wight was positively correlated with the number of days of westerly and south-westerly winds during the summer, coinciding with the pelagic larval phase. A ‘pulse’ of high Chthamalus recruitment on the Isle of Wight, measured during the summer of 2000, reversed population decline. Only a higher frequency of such pulses will maintain populations at existing limits and increase the rate of range extension towards the North Sea. Such extension will be limited by lack of hard substrata, but proliferation of coastal defence schemes in recent years is increasing suitable habitat for barnacles.

Source discrimination of fine-grained deposits occurring on marine beaches: The Calvados beaches (eastern Bay of the Seine, France)

In tide-dominated systems, fine-grained deposits occur in intertidal areas of inner estuaries as loci of convergence of fluvial and marine material. Even in the vicinity of estuaries, mud deposits are rare on open sandy beaches. This study focuses on temporary occurrences of muddy sediments on marine beaches along the Calvados coastline in Normandy, adjacent to the macrotidal Seine estuary (France). Clay mineralogy, major–minor–trace elements and radionuclides were used as particulate markers to determine the provenance of the mud deposits. The fine fraction, defined here as particles <50 μm, was analysed, in surficial muddy sediments on seven beaches between the Seine estuary and the Orne river mouth, sampled between February 2002 and June 2003. The deposits were compared to earlier Holocene relict deposits, which crop out on some beaches and on the shoreface, and to Mesozoic marls and limestones, which have detached from the coastal cliffs. The use of the three types of particulate markers revealed no significant seasonal or geographical variations between the beaches. The muddy deposits were made up of the same sedimentary pool of particles. The clay mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of these mud deposits enabled modern (i.e. present-day and earlier Holocene fine silts and clays) to be distinguished from ancient (i.e. Mesozoic) sediments. The use of radionuclides ( 60Co and 137Cs) confirmed the marine influence in the modern deposits, with a decreasing gradient along the Calvados beaches towards the east. The presence of several specific major–minor–trace elements (e.g. Ti, P) revealed that some of the fine material originated in the Seine estuary. Despite the occurrence of easily erodable rocks (i.e. clays, marls and limestones) in the coastal cliffs, this source represented a limited supply, which is only of local significance. Small rivers, such as the Orne, Dives and Touques which discharge in the study area act as secondary suppliers of fine-grained material to this system. In spite of the exposed coastal setting where strong tidal currents and waves occur, the beaches have become a distal part of the Seine estuarine system and form a temporary sink for strongly mixed fine material mainly of riverine (Seine River) and open marine (Bay of the Seine and the Central English Channel) origins. This is consistent with the infilling of the estuary, the reduction in accommodation space in its inner part, and the offshore shifting of the depocentre of the mud.

Spatial patterns and GIS habitat modelling of &lt;em&gt;Solea solea&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Pleuronectes flesus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Limanda limanda&lt;/em&gt; fish larvae in the eastern English Channel during the spring

The spring distribution of larval fish stages of flatfishes in the Dover Strait (eastern English Channel) was studied in 1995 and 1999. Fish larvae were identified and sorted according to developmental stages in order to study their ontogenic distribution. The French coastal waters are characterised by an unstable tide-dependent front, which influences larval dispersion. In spring, the French coastal waters have a high phytoplanktonic production. They have higher temperatures, lower salinities and differences in current intensity compared with the central English Channel waters. Generalised Additive Models (GAM) combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to model the potential habitats of life stages considering data from three major surveys in this area. The models were developed by coupling presence-absence models with non-null abundance models. The potential habitat of larval stages was then mapped using a geostatistical method (kriging). This revealed different species strategies in which young stages were abundant in central waters and older ones were distributed mainly along the French and Belgian coasts. It is concluded that the central English waters are important for young stages after hatching and that coastal waters are essential nurseries for future juveniles. The models of three flatfish species having similar life cycle strategies are presented here: Limanda limanda, Platichthys flesus and Solea solea.

Post-depositional reactivity of the plutonium in different sediment facies from the English Channel - an experimental approach

The post-depositional reactivity of the plutonium was investigated in bottom sediments collected in the central English Channel using an experimental approach. Medium to coarse grained surficial sediments and fine-grained undisturbed sediment cores were spiked with 238 Pu. After a one-month incubation, pore waters were extracted under strictly anoxic conditions and dissolved plutonium was analysed by liquid scintillation techniques. Kd values ranged from 102 to 105 in surficial sediments undergoing oxic diagenesis, and were shown to be grain-size dependant. In fine-grained sediments undergoing anoxic diagenesis, Kd values ranged between 103 and 105 . Kd profile suggests an active recycling of the plutonium in the topmost sediment layers, and subsequent efficient uptake process at depth, tentatively acido-volatile sulphide (AVS) precipitation. This hypothesis was further confirmed by a correlation between the AVS content and the loosely bound plutonium extracted using an oxidising/complexing solution from sediment subsamples. In surficial sediments, by contrast, loosely bound plutonium was likely to be associated with the carbonate phase as surface complexes.