Cold Spring Research Articles

Understanding the effects of weather parameters on the population dynamics of an endangered geophyte supports monitoring efficiency.

Due to their complex life cycles geophytes are often neglected in conservation programs, despite they are important elements of early spring communities. Their life cycle is strongly affected by weather parameters, i.e. temperature, precipitation, and light, but the effects of these parameters are often contradictory and show high intra-annual variability even within species. Deeper knowledge about the abiotic factors affecting the population dynamics of geophytes is needed to support the designation of effective conservation plans. We aimed to explore the link between weather parameters and population dynamics of Colchicum bulbocodium, an endangered and strictly protected geophyte. We monitored three life cycle stages (flowering, growing, fruiting) of 1069 individuals in permanent plots for six consecutive years. Our results showed that life cycle of C. bulbocodium was strongly related to the actual weather parameters; the lagged effect of the previous year was weaker. Increasing temperature and lack of cold periods had negative effect on all life stages. We highlighted that population estimation based on the number of flowering individuals in a single year can underestimate population size by 40-83%. Monitoring in years following wet and cold springs and cold winters could increase the accuracy of population estimations of the flowering individuals.

Similar sources but distinct δ13C signatures in adjacent low-temperature travertines from Laguna Amarga (Southern Patagonian Andes)

This study examined the waters and carbonates from two cold spring travertines (ca. 13 °C) located on the sun-exposed (north-facing travertine) and sun-shaded (south-facing travertine) margins of Laguna Amarga, an alkaline lake from the semiarid region of the eastern Patagonian Andes (51°S).The travertines are composed of calcite + low-Mg calcite ± aragonite. Both exhibit similar sedimentological transitions along their longitudinal profiles. In the proximal zones, biologically-influenced carbonates form in wetland-like environments. Spherulitic calcite precipitates in association with extracellular polymeric substances in microbial biofilms containing cyanobacteria-like molds at the vent of the south-facing travertine, while aragonite spherulite formation at the north-facing travertine vent also involves sulfate-reducing bacteria, as indicated by their close association with framboidal pyrite. Downstream, in the intermediate and distal zones, crystalline dendrites predominantly precipitate due to increased turbulence-induced CO2 degassing.Both travertines share a similar range of carbonate 87Sr/86Sr composition (0.70720–0.70740) and isotopic signatures of the spring waters, including δ2H (ca. -110 ‰ VSMOW), δ18Owater (ca. -14 ‰ VSMOW) and δ13C-DIC (ca. -5 ‰ VPDB), suggesting common sources and processes influencing fluid composition. This points to the dissolution of carbonates from mudstone-rich marine units of the Lower Cretaceous (δ13C ca. -1 ‰ VPDB) and Upper Cretaceous (δ13C ca. -10 ‰ VPDB) during shallow subsurface circulation of meteoric waters through the bedrock. The carbon isotopic composition of the deposits resembles those of endogenic travertines (δ13Ctrav − 1.2 to 5.3 ‰ VPDB), with the highest δ13Ctrav values associated with carbonates from the vents. However, the involvement of deep CO2 sources is unclear and epigenic processes capable of producing the observed 13C enrichments are discussed.Despite their common sources, similar sedimentological features and δ18Otrav compositional range (−12.4 to −10.1 ‰ VPDB), the δ13Ctrav values are lower in the south-facing travertine (−1.2 to 1.9 ‰ VPDB) compared to the north-facing travertine (1.8 to 5.3 ‰ VPDB). This disparity is inferred to result from variations in local environmental conditions due to different levels of insolation, which favored the incorporation of soil-derived CO2 in the south-facing travertine and likely increased photosynthetic productivity in the north-facing travertine, thereby shifting their δ13Ctrav signatures to lower and higher values, respectively. These relationships highlight the sensitivity of low-temperature spring carbonates to subtle environmental changes at basin scales.

Ten Years of the Synthetic Biology Summer Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Summer Course on Synthetic Biology, established in 2013, has emerged as a premier platform for immersive education and research in this dynamic field. Rooted in CSHL's rich legacy of biological discovery, the course offers a comprehensive exploration of synthetic biology's fundamentals and applications. Led by a consortium of faculty from diverse institutions, the course structure seamlessly integrates practical laboratory sessions, exploratory research rotations, and enriching seminars by leaders in the field. Over the years, the curriculum has evolved to cover essential topics such as cell-free transcription-translation, DNA construction, computational modeling of gene circuits, engineered gene regulation, and CRISPR technologies. In this review, we describe the history, development, and structure of the course, and discuss how elements of the course might inform the development of other short courses in synthetic biology. We also demonstrate the course's impact beyond the lab with a summary of alumni contributions to research, education, and entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, the CSHL Summer Course on Synthetic Biology remains at the forefront of shaping the next generation of synthetic biologists.

Modeling cheatgrass distribution, abundance, and response to climate change as a function of soil microclimate.

Exotic annual grass invasions in water-limited systems cause degradation of native plant and animal communities and increased fire risk. The life history of invasive annual grasses allows for high sensitivity to interannual variability in weather. Current distribution and abundance models derived from remote sensing, however, provide only a coarse understanding of how species respond to weather, making it difficult to anticipate how climate change will affect vulnerability to invasion. Here, we derived germination covariates (rate sums) from mechanistic germination and soil microclimate models to quantify the favorability of soil microclimate for cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) establishment and growth across 30 years at 2662 sites across the sagebrush steppe system in the western United States. Our approach, using four bioclimatic covariates alone, predicted cheatgrass distribution with accuracy comparable to previous models fit using many years of remotely-sensed imagery. Accuracy metrics from our out-of-sample testing dataset indicate that our model predicted distribution well (72% overall accuracy) but explained patterns of abundance poorly (R2 = 0.22). Climatic suitability for cheatgrass presence depended on both spatial (mean) and temporal (annual anomaly) variation of fall and spring rate sums. Sites that on average have warm and wet fall soils and warm and wet spring soils (high rate sums during these periods) were predicted to have a high abundance of cheatgrass. Interannual variation in fall soil conditions had a greater impact on cheatgrass presence and abundance than spring conditions. Our model predicts that climate change has already affected cheatgrass distribution with suitable microclimatic conditions expanding 10%-17% from 1989 to 2019 across all aspects at low- to mid-elevation sites, while high- elevation sites (>2100 m) remain unfavorable for cheatgrass due to cold spring and fall soils.

Registration of six albinism wheat sib lines for genetic aberration of photosynthetic pigments

AbstractPlant biologists have long been fascinated with the abnormal, the monstrous, and the defective. Six sib winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines with varying types of albinism, ShunMai GAG‐1 (Reg. no. GP‐1090, PI 704106), ShunMai GAG‐2 (Reg. no. GP‐1091, PI 704107), ShunMai GAG‐3 (Reg. no. GP‐1092, PI 704108), ShunMai GAG‐4 (Reg. no. GP‐1093, PI 704109), ShunMai GAG‐5 (Reg. no. GP‐1094, PI 704110), and ShunMai GAG‐6, (Reg. no. GP‐1095, PI 704111), were derived from a cross made in 2013 with unknown pedigree, and were developed using conventional phenotypic selections. Albinism, or stage‐specific albino, is their unique abnormal agronomic characteristics. All their leaves and tillers produced before winter are green, all their spring‐emerging leaves and tillers are albino, and all their summer‐producing leaves turn green again. Their main stems could have at least three albino leaves. In some colder springs, their after‐winter emerging leaves are reddish to pinkish. They may serve as useful experimental materials for addressing a wide range of wheat breeding problems, and for wheat field art too, and may also be important materials for functional studies and eventually lead to the gene discovery. We discuss the possible interactions between plastid genes and nuclear genes and between vernalization genes responsible for the transition from vegetative to generative growth stage and photosynthetic genes.

:Aging: Geroscience as the New Public Health Frontier. Second Edition. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine

:<i>Aging: Geroscience as the New Public Health Frontier. Second Edition. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine</i>

Seasonal Dynamics of the Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes as Potential Markers of Climate Change in Natural Model: Deep Cold Lake–Shallow Warmer Reservoir

In the context of global climate changes, it is important to assess the sustainability perspective of aquatic ecosystems based on marker organisms. In this work, we analyzed seasonal dynamics of silica-scaled chrysophytes in freshwater communicating environments which have considerable differences in water temperature between two ecosystems: the deep and cold oligotrophic Lake Baikal versus the shallower and warmer downstream Irkutsk Reservoir having mesotrophic features. During three seasons of the open water period of 2023, 38 species of silica-scaled chrysophytes were observed at 17 stations using scanning and transmission microscopy. The distribution of silica-scaled chrysophytes was shown to correlate with the water temperature. The greatest species richness was observed in the spring season in a large bay of the Irkutsk Reservoir (23 species), the smallest in the cold spring waters of Southern Baikal (up to 7 species). Widespread species living in Southern Baikal continued to grow in warmer waters of the reservoir. Using the example of silica-scaled chrysophytes, the stability of the high-latitudinal freshwater ecosystems affected by climate change is discussed. Continuous increment of the water temperature can lead to an increased abundance of widespread species and the displacement of psychrophilic species, affecting the overall biodiversity in such ecosystems.

Exploring geothermal resources with the CSAMT and microtremor methods: a case study in Tangquan, Jiangsu Province, China

The development of geothermal energy has received extensive attention because of global energy scarcity and environmental pollution. The Tangquan area is in the north of the Yangtze fold belt, and the lack of magmatic rock development has resulted in a low-temperature type of geothermal reservoir. There are sporadic hot springs and cold springs exposed in the study area, but the uncertain deep geological structure, unknown geothermal reservoir formation mechanism, and lack of detailed exploration data seriously restrict the exploration and development of geothermal resources in the area. Filling underground faults with water can significantly reduce electrical resistivity, while traps filled with warm water can cause a decrease in S-wave velocity. Thus, a new integrated geophysical method, including the controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) and microtremor methods, is applied for geothermal exploration in the region. The combination of CSAMT and microtremor methods can determine thermal-controlled and water-conducting structures more effectively and locate geothermal storage more accurately. The source, channel, storage, and cover of regional geothermal reservoir formation are analyzed using geophysical and geological data. That is, the regional NE- and NW-trending faults are explained as thermal-controlled and water-conducted structures, respectively. The deep Sinian Dengying Formation supplies a heat- and water-bearing space. The tectonic intersection area, especially the tensional fault zone, is found to be closely related to the existence of geothermal reservoirs, which is well verified by later drilling results. Finally, a geothermal reservoir model is established to comprehensively understand the distribution of geothermal energy in the region.

Fluid upwelling and alluvial controls on spring localization: An example from Sri Lanka

In water-scarce regions, perennial springs can be a valuable source of drinking water. However, to identify unreported springs and shallow water upwelling zones, it is essential to understand the factors that control spring localization. In a crystalline basement, as in Sri Lanka, without a sedimentary cover, faults and fractures provide the only far-reaching fluid pathways and springs commonly emerge at fault/fracture intersections. While surveying cold and hot water springs in Sri Lanka, it was observed that all springs probed were located at the edge of alluvium. In order to gain insight into this relationship, we performed a topographic and geomorphological analysis was conducted utilizing remote sensing, geological and soil maps, and geological mapping in the field. The results of our analysis of 27 springs indicate that their localization is controlled by fault intersections, non-permeable clay in the alluvium and laterite, and the chemically weathered surface of the bedrock. Furthermore, the constant discharge rates observed over the years and isotope analysis suggest that the springs are part of a tens-of-kilometer-wide regional groundwater system. Based on these results, we propose a conceptual model in which water rises at fault intersections from depth until it reaches the base of the alluvium where up to several meters thick clay with low to zero permeability further inhibits vertical flow forcing the water to spread laterally. Along the alluvium clay boundary with the more permeable weathered bedrock, the water continues its path to the surface. The localization of springs differs from that of fault intersection by tens of meters, with the potential for mixing between shallow and deep groundwater. This observed effect of alluvium and their contact boundaries on spring localization has not been reported for Sri Lanka. Consequently, discharge rates may be significantly increased if the fault intersections are specifically targeted by shallow drilling.

Origin of Groundwater in Kawung Carang Cold Spring, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java

Abstract The occurrence of several springs around Slamet Volcano raised questions regarding their origin. Many studies have been conducted to understand the origin of hot spring water around Slamet Volcano. Meanwhile, there has not been any research on the origin and hydrogeological system of cold spring water around Slamet Volcano. Kawung Carang Spring is one of cold spring water that occurs on the southern flank of Slamet Volcano. It is situated in a quaternary volcanic deposit of Mt. Slamet formation. Field observation was conducted to identify local geological conditions and hydrogeological systems in the research area. Isotopic analysis was performed to help understand how to delineate the recharge area. This study used a physical-chemical analysis of Kawung Carang cold spring water and the ratio of deuterium (2H) and 18O stable isotopes to interpret its groundwater origin. The results of the analysis informed that the origin of Kawung Carang spring water was local meteoric water. The hydrogeological system was an unconfined aquifer that consisted of a lahar deposit on the top of a volcanic breccia layer. The physical-chemical characteristic of groundwater around the Kawung Carang cold spring shows low electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) values. EC and TDS values of groundwater vary from 92 to 253 µS/cm and 46 to 126 mg/L indicating that groundwater has a short time in water-rock interaction process and comes from shallow depth aquifer. Furthermore, the signature of stable isotopes of δ18O and δ2H shows the elevation of the Kawung Carang cold spring recharge area ranges from 386.08 to 441.37 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of the research area.

Hydrogeochemical signatures of spring water in geologically diverse terrains: a case study of Southern Western Ghats, India.

Out of 5 million Indian spring water systems, a few were characterised for hydrochemistry and freshwater potential. The present study focuses on analysing the hydrochemistry, discharge, and drinking/irrigation water quality of both cold and thermal spring clusters namely Southern Kerala Springs (SKS) and Dakshina Kannada Springs (DKS) of Southern Western Ghats, India. Currently, eleven springs from SKS and ten from DKS including one thermal spring (TS) with temperature ranges from 34 to 37°C were considered. The study revealed that cold springs (CS) of SKS are Na-Cl type, while the thermal and cold-water springs in DKS are Na-HCO3 and mixing water type, respectively. Two distinct mechanisms predominantly define the hydro-chemical composition of the springs-SKS are influenced by precipitation, whereas DKS is likely by chemical weathering processes. While comparing the major ions and saturation indices of thermal springs (TS), it is evident that silicate minerals predominantly affect the chemical composition of water. CaCO3- is oversaturated in TS water and tends to precipitate as a scale layer. PCA showed that both geogenic and anthropogenic factors influence water chemistry. WQI categorized the CS in both the clusters are in the "Excellent" rank as compared to TS. Irrigation water quality signifies that the cold springs are only suitable for irrigation. Moreover, it is evident from the discharge that both SKS and DKS were rainfed in nature. Discharge monitoring designated that the CS could augment drinking water supplies in the nearby regions indicating the necessity of conservation and sustainable use considering future freshwater scarcity.

Cycling of fluid-mobile elements through the forearc: Insights from the Cl, B, and Li isotope composition of Costa Rican spring fluids

Loss of slab-derived volatile and fluid-mobile elements (FME) through the forearc may represent a large, unaccounted for flux out of convergent margins. To address volatile recycling through the forearc and potential changes in fluid source from the progressively dehydrating subducting slab, we collected water samples from 44 different cold and thermal (>40 °C) springs on a transect across the outer forearc (∼20–40 km to the subducting slab), forearc (∼40–80 km to the slab), and arc (∼80–120 km to the slab) in Costa Rica. We focused on the heavy halogens (Cl, Br, I), as well as B and Li, given their high fluid mobility and thus limited potential for modification by subsequent fluid-rock interaction. Chlorine, boron, and lithium stable isotope ratios show dramatic ranges from −1.7 to +1.0 ‰ (n = 43), −12.0 to +30.9 ‰ (n = 35), and −2.4 to + 27.5 ‰ (n = 38), respectively, with distinct changes across the transect consistent with a sedimentary pore fluid component in the outer forearc, fluids sourced from dehydration of the slab (sediment and altered oceanic crust) in the forearc, and minimal slab input near the arc. Variations in elemental ratios (Br/Cl, I/Cl, B/Cl, Li/B) across the transect are also largely consistent with evolving FME sources during subduction. Boron isotope ratios in some higher-temperature fluids are modified due to phase separation, whereas, lithium and chlorine isotope ratios are minimally modified. Springs located in the outer forearc along a major fault (Falla Morote) deviate from the consistent across-arc trend and record almost the full range of observed isotopic values. This extreme range in values along the fault likely represents a combination of adsorption/desorption effects, weathering, and mixing with crustal fluids. Mass balance calculations show that up to ∼ 70 % of Cl, ∼50 % of Br, ∼30 % of B, ∼15 % of I, and minimal Li may be recycled through the outer forearc and forearc springs of the Costa Rican margin, therefore fluid emission via springs in global forearc regions are a potentially significant output for FME at convergent margins.

Geochemical and Isotopic Techniques Constraints on the Origin, Evolution, and Residence Time of Low‐enthalpy Geothermal Water in Western Wugongshan, SE China

AbstractGeothermal resources are increasingly gaining attention as a competitive, clean energy source to address the energy crisis and mitigate climate change. The Wugongshan area, situated in the southeast coast geothermal belt of China, is a typical geothermal anomaly and contains abundant medium‐ and low‐temperature geothermal resources. This study employed hydrogeochemical and isotopic techniques to explore the cyclic evolution of geothermal water in the western Wugongshan region, encompassing the recharge origin, water–rock interaction mechanisms, and residence time. The results show that the geothermal water in the western region of Wugongshan is weakly alkaline, with low enthalpy and mineralization levels. The hydrochemistry of geothermal waters is dominated by Na‐HCO3 and Na‐SO4, while the hydrochemistry types of cold springs are all Na‐HCO3. The hydrochemistry types of surface waters and rain waters are Na‐HCO3 or Ca‐HCO3. The δD and δ18O values reveal that the geothermal waters are recharged by atmospheric precipitation at an altitude between 550.0 and 1218.6 m. Molar ratios of major solutes and isotopic compositions of 87Sr/86Sr underscore the significant role of silicate weathering, dissolution, and cation exchange in controlling geothermal water chemistry. Additionally, geothermal waters experienced varying degrees of mixing with cold water during their ascent. The δ13C values suggest that the primary sources of carbon in the geothermal waters were biogenic and organic. The δ34S value suggests that the sulfates in geothermal water originate from sulfide minerals in the surrounding rock. Age dating using 3H and 14C isotopes suggests that geothermal waters have a residence time exceeding 1 kaBP and undergo a long‐distance cycling process.

The origin and water quality of spring systems in Monchique, Portugal: A focus on Long-Term sustainability and elevated sodium levels

Spring water systems in Monchique, SW Portugal, not only serve diverse local utilities–from thermal baths to bottled water–but also represent a microcosm of a global concern: elevated sodium levels in spring-sourced bottled waters. This research employs hydrogeochemical and isotopic analyses to investigate the origin, hierarchy and quality of the springs offering a new focus on elevated sodium concentrations, a known global cardiometabolic risk factor. The springs arise from a complex hydrogeological system formed by extensive faulting between argillaceous country-rocks and intruded Cretaceous syenites. Here we show that thermal springs with temperatures of 23–31 °C, have a groundwater age of 5000 years, indicative of extended water–rock interactions and recharge at elevations of 450 to 650 m revealing a hitherto unreported resilience in regional groundwater hydraulics. Conversely, cold springs recharging from 200 m to the area’s peak at 900 m follow shorter paths within the regolith influenced by shallow geological features. The study detects nitrate contamination from surface sources in the cold springs and relatively high sodium levels in the geothermal springs that approach or surpass guideline values. Elevated sodium is attributed, for the first time, to long-term interactions and cation exchange with Na-rich syenites, possibly intensified by heat-induced dissolution at depth. This study informs current perspectives on the long-term sustainability and public health implications of spring water systems. The ion chemistry and isotopic evidence suggest that thermal springs, due to their longer circulation times, are less vulnerable to climatic shifts compared to the more susceptible cold springs. While offering specific insights into the Monchique springs, the research has broad implications to similar high-sodium thermal springs across the Iberian Peninsula and potentially worldwide.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Courses in Phage and Bacterial Genetics: A Catalyst for Innovation in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Microbiology.

The ability to answer complex scientific questions depends on the experimental methods available. New methods often allow scientists to answer questions that were previously intractable, leading to discoveries that often dramatically change a field. Beginning with Max Delbrück's famous summer phage course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 1945, the Phage, Bacterial Genetics, and Advanced Bacterial Genetics courses have provided hands-on experiences to generations of scientists that facilitated the broad adoption of new experimental methods into laboratories around the world. These methods have led to discoveries that changed the way we think about genetics, bacteria, and viruses, transforming our understanding of biology. The impact of these courses has been further amplified by published laboratory manuals that provide detailed protocols for the evolving experimental toolkit. These courses catalyzed intensive and critical discourse about ideas that were previously intractable and provided novel experimental approaches to answer new questions-a process that epitomizes Thomas Kuhn's concepts of Scientific Revolution, spinning off the new field of Molecular Biology and dramatically changing the field of microbiology.

Use of Transposable Reporters in the Analysis of Bacterial Regulatory Networks.

Transposable elements are genetic entities that have the capacity to promote their own translocation from one site to another within a genome. Initially discovered in Zea mays by Barbara McClintock at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, transposable elements have been found to populate the genomes of all forms of life. In bacteria, the discovery of transposons significantly enhanced genetic analyses; they have been widely used to make insertion mutants and have inspired elegant strategies for strain construction and in vivo genome engineering. In one application, transposons have been modified to include a reporter gene engineered in such a way that the reporter can become fused to a chromosomal gene upon inserting randomly in the bacterial chromosome. Screening this type of transposon library for expression of the reporter under different conditions allows identifying fusions that respond coordinately to a specific treatment or stress condition. Characterization of these fusions provides a genome-wide snapshot of the organization of a bacterial regulatory network.

The Role of Microbial Diversity in Lignocellulosic Biomass Degradation: A Biotechnological Perspective

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass, such as plant residues and agricultural waste, holds immense potential as a renewable resource for the production of biofuels, chemicals, and animal feed. However, the efficient degradation of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars remains a significant challenge. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of microbial diversity in lignocellulosic biomass degradation, offering new insights from a biotechnological perspective. The comprehension and utilization of microbial diversity are crucial for developing efficient biotechnological strategies for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. By uncovering the intricate relationships between microbial communities and their enzymatic machinery, researchers can optimize degradation processes, enhance biofuel production, and contribute to a more sustainable bio‐based economy. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, possess diverse enzymatic capabilities, allowing them to secrete a plethora of lignocellulolytic enzymes. Microbial organisms inhabiting extreme environments, such as the rumen, hot and cold springs, deep sea trenches, and acidic and alkaline pH environments, exhibit significant potential in generating enzymes, including hemicellulolytic and lignocellulolytic enzymes, which possess superior biochemical properties essential for industrial bioconversion applications. This review explores the ability of lignocellulosic enzymes from microbial sources to efficiently break down the lignocellulosic biomass and their potential applications in industrial biotechnology.

Performance of a durum wheat diversity panel under different management systems

AbstractThirty winter and spring durum wheat varieties and breeding lines were evaluated between 2020 and 2022 under low-input, conventional and organic management. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant effects for the year, management, genotype and their interactions for heading, lodging, grain yield, grain width and length, test weight and thousand grain weight. In the case of ground cover, the genotype × management and the genotype × management × year interactions were not significant. In 2020 and 2022, the latest heading variety ‘Mv Makaróni’ headed on 20th and 21st of May, respectively, whilst in 2021, due to the rainy and cold spring weather, 73% of the varieties started to head only after this date. Lodging was observed only on the conventional sites in two years. The average yield of the experiment was 5.94 t ha−1. For grain yield ‘Mv Vékadur’ and ‘NS Dur’ in the low-input and conventional trials, and genotypes ‘Sambadur’, ‘NS Žad’ and line MVTD12-23 in the organic trials were found as highly stable and best performing genotypes. Significant positive correlations were found between grain width and grain weight. Early ground coverage was measured in all three managements across two years and resulted in significant positive correlation with grain yield.

Rapid Diagenesis and Microbial Biosignature Degradation in Spring Carbonates from Crystal Geyser, Utah

Carbonate rocks retain a well preserved record of biologically associated structures at the outcrop to millimeter scale, however microscale features such as cellular fossils are rarely represented. The lack of microscale textural information in ancient carbonates is commonly attributed to processes relating to carbonate diagenesis. However, there are relatively few examples of precisely how and when these destructive processes occur, particularly in active precipitating systems. To better understand the taphonomy of carbonate precipitating environments through early diagenesis, we investigated Crystal Geyser, an active cold water carbonate spring ( about 18 deg C) located in Grand County, Utah. Here we show that rapid precipitation is effective at initially capturing cell-like structures and forming associated microscale laminated stromatolites; however, these morphologies degrade immediately after their formation. We attribute destructive diagenetic effects to the recrystallization of metastable aragonite into the more stable polymorph calcite (i.e., inversion) and the associated textural coarsening that homogenizes and erases the original fabric (i.e., aggrading neomorphism). Despite the loss of microscale morphological information, chemical biosignatures in the form of macromolecular organics remain dispersed throughout the disrupted carbonate textures. These observations provide an example of penecontemporaneous diagenesis that obliterates primary microscale textures in carbonate rocks. Similar mechanisms and their rapid timing, as shown here, likely contributes to the observed lack of microscale morphological biosignatures in many ancient carbonates. This work further highlights that within such systems, permineralization by a more stable crystalline phase, such as chert, must occur rapidly after deposition to effectively retain these signatures over geological timescales.

Extreme springs in Switzerland since 1763 in climate and phenological indices

Abstract. Historical sources report manifold on hazardous past climate and weather events that had considerable impacts on society. Studying changes in the occurrence or mechanisms behind such events is, however, hampered by a lack of spatially and temporally complete weather data. In particular, the spring season has received less attention in comparison to summer and winter but is nevertheless relevant, since weather conditions in spring can delay vegetation and create substantial damage due to late-frost events. For Switzerland, we created a daily high-resolution (1 × 1 km2) reconstruction of temperature and precipitation fields from 1763 to 1960 that forms, together with present-day meteorological fields, a 258-year-long gridded data set. With this data set, we study changes in long-term climate and historical weather events based on climate and phenological indices focusing on the spring season. Climate and phenological indices show few changes in the mean during the first 200 years compared to the most recent period from 1991 to 2020, where climate change signals clearly emerged in many indices. We evaluate the climate and phenological indices for three cases of extreme spring weather conditions: an unusually warm spring, two late-frost events, and three cold springs. Warm springs are much more frequent in the 21st century, but a very warm and early spring also occurred in 1862. Spring temperatures, however, do not agree on how anomalously warm the spring was when comparing the Swiss temperature reconstruction with reanalyses that extend back to 1868. The three springs of 1785, 1837, and 1853 were particularly cold, with historical sources reporting, for example, prolonged lake freezing and abundant snowfall. Whereas the springs of 1837 and 1853 were characterized by cold and wet conditions, in the spring of 1785 wet days were below average, and frost days reached an all-time maximum, in particular in the Swiss Plateau, indicating inversion conditions. Such conditions are in line with a high occurrence of northeasterly and high-pressure weather types and historical sources describing Bise conditions, a regional wind in the Alpine area related to inversions. Studying such historical events is valuable, since similar atmospheric conditions can lead to cold springs affecting vegetation growth and agricultural production.