Dispersal Dynamics Research Articles

Combining graph theory and spatially-explicit, individual-based models to improve invasive species control strategies at a regional scale

ContextInvasive species cause widespread species extinction and economic loss. There is an increasing need to identify ways to efficiently target control efforts from local to regional scales.ObjectivesOur goal was to test whether prioritizing managed habitat using different treatments based on spatial measures of connectivity, including graph-theoretic measures, can improve management of invasive species and whether the level of control effort affects treatment performance. We also explored how uncertainty in biological variables, such as dispersal ability, affects measures performance.MethodsWe used a spatially-explicit, individual-based model (sIBM) based on the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a globally pervasive invasive species. Simulations were informed by geographic data from part of the American bullfrog’s non-native range in southeastern Arizona, USA where they are known to pose a threat to native species.ResultsWe found that total bullfrog populations and occupancy declined in response to all treatments regardless of effort level or patch prioritization methods. The most effective spatial prioritization was effort-dependent and varied depending on spatial context, but frequently a buffer strategy was most effective. Treatments were also sensitive to dispersal ability. Performance of treatments prioritizing habitat patches using betweenness centrality improved with increasing dispersal ability, while performance of eigenvalue centrality improved as dispersal ability decreased.ConclusionsWith the careful application of connectivity measures to prioritize control efforts, similar reductions in invasive species population size and occupancy could be achieved with less than half the effort of sub-optimal connectivity measures at higher effort rates. More work is needed to determine if trait-based generalities may define appropriate connectivity measures for specific suites of dispersal abilities, demographic traits, and population dynamics.

Insights into phthalocyanine blue pigment dispersion: Modeling particle size distribution and grinding rate constants

The study presents an advanced mathematical model aimed at enhancing the understanding of pigment dispersion processes, with a particular focus on analyzing the dynamics of particle size distribution and determining grinding rate constants. Pigmented dispersions are crucial in various industries, including paints, coatings, and inks, where achieving optimal particle size distribution is vital for product quality. This investigates the relationship between grinding duration and pigment dispersion, aiming to establish empirical equations for the grinding rate constant as a function of particle size distribution and feed rate. Through experimental validation, the developed kinetic model provides insights into the dynamics of pigment dispersion and offers predictive capabilities for optimizing dispersion processes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of pigment dispersion through mathematical modeling contributes to enhancing the performance and quality of final products in diverse industrial applications. The development of a new kinetic model, effective mathematical model is proposed to accurately simulate the evolution was applicable for the particle size from 32.67 to 122.4 nm distribution of pigment during comminution processes. In addition, it was observed that the kinetic model was not applicable for the particle size from 166.2 to 190.1 nm and also confirmed that the grinding was completed within 40 min, which was possible for uniform particle size distribution.

Influence of ammonia-water fog formation on ammonia dispersion from a liquid spill

Ammonia is expected to play an important role in the green transition, both as a hydrogen carrier and a zero-emission fuel. The use of refrigerated ammonia is attractive due to its relatively high volumetric energy density and increased safety compared to pressurized solutions. Ammonia is highly toxic, and with new applications and increased global demand come stricter requirements for safe handling. Cold gaseous ammonia following a spill of refrigerated ammonia will in contact with humid air cause fog formation. In an environment rich in ammonia, these droplets will due to ammonia’s strong hygroscopicity consist of considerable amounts of liquid ammonia as well as water. Fog formation affects the ammonia-air density and thus influences the dispersion dynamics, with a potentially significant impact on hazardous zones. In this work, we present a CFD model including an ammonia-water fog formation model based on accurate thermodynamics. This includes modeling the vapor–liquid equilibrium and accounting for the exothermic mixing of ammonia and water. We apply this CFD model to relevant cases and demonstrate the significant impact of the fog. We analyze the effect of varying relative humidity, fog visibility, influence of wind, and pool evaporation rate. Finally, we model the Red Squirrel test 1F and show how the fog formation could have influenced the dispersion behavior.

The use of R code for modeling and simulation of 2-D contaminant migration through a soil for the pulse source

<p>In this study, based on an existing analytical solution for the two-dimensional transport of contaminants in a saturated soil layer, for the pulse source, the R program code was developed. The simulation is used to obtain the profiles of contaminant concentration, for a steady groundwater velocity, as a function of distance from the source and time. The problem is analytically solved by leveraging the similarity between the Gaussian (normal) distribution and contaminant concentration distribution, the development of the analytical model (i.e., solution of partial differential equation) by using this similarity is explained step by step since it may be of interest to researchers. Contaminant propagation is modeled using R software, which helps to understand how contaminants migrate through a saturated soil layer. This approach aids in comprehending the mechanisms and spatial dynamics of contaminant dispersion, facilitating the prediction and management of soil and groundwater contamination. The provided R code can be altered for different parameters and time intervals.</p>

The use of R code for modeling and simulation of 2-D contaminant migration through a soil for the pulse source

<p>In this study, based on an existing analytical solution for the two-dimensional transport of contaminants in a saturated soil layer, for the pulse source, the R program code was developed. The simulation is used to obtain the profiles of contaminant concentration, for a steady groundwater velocity, as a function of distance from the source and time. The problem is analytically solved by leveraging the similarity between the Gaussian (normal) distribution and contaminant concentration distribution, the development of the analytical model (i.e., solution of partial differential equation) by using this similarity is explained step by step since it may be of interest to researchers. Contaminant propagation is modeled using R software, which helps to understand how contaminants migrate through a saturated soil layer. This approach aids in comprehending the mechanisms and spatial dynamics of contaminant dispersion, facilitating the prediction and management of soil and groundwater contamination. The provided R code can be altered for different parameters and time intervals.</p>

Effect of biochar application on physiochemical properties and nitrate degradation rate in a Siliciclastic Riverine Sandy soil

This study investigated the efficacy of biochar as a soil amendment for enhancing soil physicochemical properties and solute transport dynamics, with implications for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. Batch laboratory experiments and column studies were conducted to assess the effects of biochar application on soil parameters and solute transport under saturated conditions. The saturation soil extraction approach was employed in batch leaching tests, while column experiments replicated subsurface conditions. Transport modeling using CXTFIT 2.1 elucidated solute dispersion dynamics in biochar-amended soils. Batch experiments revealed significant alterations in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient release following biochar addition. Biochar exhibited adsorption capacity for fluoride ions and released dissolved organic carbon, highlighting its potential for soil carbon sequestration and microbial activity. Column studies demonstrated enhanced solute dispersion and increased microbial activity in biochar-amended soils, as evidenced by changes in breakthrough curves and degradation rates of nitrate. Indeed, nitrate first-order degradation coefficients were 9.08E-06 for the column with only sandy soil, 3.09E-05 and 1.47E-04 for the columns with minimum and maximum doses of biochar respectively. Biochar application significantly influenced soil physicochemical properties and solute transport dynamics, with potential implications for nutrient management and contaminant attenuation in agricultural systems. Despite limitations in laboratory-scale experiments, this research provides valuable insights into biochar-soil interactions. It underscores the need for further investigation under field conditions to validate findings and optimize biochar management practices for sustainable soil and environmental management.

Active remote sensing data and dispersal processes improve predictions for an invasive aquatic plant during a climatic extreme in Great Lakes coastal wetlands

Invasive aquatic plants pose a significant threat to coastal wetlands. Predicting suitable habitat for invasive aquatic plants in uninvaded yet vulnerable wetlands remains a critical task to prevent further harm to these ecosystems. The integration of remote sensing and geospatial data into species distribution models (SDMs) can help predict where new invasions are likely to occur by generating spatial outputs of habitat suitability. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of utilizing active remote sensing datasets (synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) with multispectral imagery and other geospatial data in predicting the potential distribution of an invasive aquatic plant based on its biophysical habitat requirements and dispersal dynamics. We also considered a climatic extreme (lake water levels) during the study period to investigate how these predictions may change between years. We compiled a time series of 1628 field records on the occurrence of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European frogbit; EFB) with nine remote sensing and geospatial layers as predictors to train and assess the predictive capacity of random forest models to generate habitat suitability in Great Lakes coastal wetlands in northern Michigan, USA. We found that SAR and LiDAR data were useful as proxies for key biophysical characteristics of EFB habitat (emergent vegetation and water depth), and that a vegetation index calculated from spectral imagery was one of the most important predictors of EFB occurrence. Our SDM using all predictors yielded the highest mean overall accuracy of 88.3% and a true skill statistic of 75.7%. Two of the most important predictors of EFB occurrence were dispersal-related: 1) distance to the nearest known EFB population (m), and 2) distance to nearest public boat launch (m). The area of highly suitable habitat (pixels assigned ≥0.8 probability) was 74% larger during a climatically extreme high water-level year compared to an average year. Our findings demonstrate that active remote sensing can be integrated into SDM workflows as proxies for important drivers of invasive species expansion that are difficult to measure in other ways. Moreover, the importance of a proxy variable for endogenous dispersal (distance to nearest known population) in these SDMs indicates that EFB is currently spreading, and thereby less influenced by within-site dynamics such as interspecific competition. Lastly, we found that extreme climatic conditions can dramatically change this species’ niche, and therefore we recommend that future studies include dynamic climate conditions in SDMs to more accurately forecast the spread during early invasion stages.

New insights into the combined effect of dispersal and local dynamics in a two-patch population model

Understanding the effect of dispersal on fragmented populations has drawn the attention of ecologists and managers in recent years, and great efforts have been made to understand the impact of dispersal on the total population size. All previous numerical and theoretical findings determined that the possible response scenarios of the overall population size to increasing dispersal are monotonic or hump-shaped, which has become a common assumption in ecology. Against this, we show in this paper that many other response scenarios are possible by using a simple two-patch discrete-time model. This fact evidences the interplay of local dynamics and dispersal and has significant consequences from a management perspective that will be discussed.

Evolutionarily diverse fungal zoospores show contrasting swimming patterns specific to ultrastructure

Zoosporic fungi, also called chytrids, produce single-celled motile spores with flagellar swimming tails (zoospores).1,2 These fungi are key components of aquatic food webs, acting as pathogens, saprotrophs, and prey.3,4,5,6,7,8 Little is known about the swimming behavior of fungal zoospores, a crucial factor governing dispersal, biogeographical range, ecological function, and infection dynamics.6,9 Here, we track the swimming patterns of zoospores from 12 evolutionarily divergent species of zoosporic fungi from across seven orders of the Chytridiomycota and the Blastocladiomycota. We report two major swimming patterns that correlate with the cytoskeletal ultrastructure of these zoospores. Specifically, we show that species without major cytoplasmic tubulin components swim in a circular fashion, while species with prominent cytoplasmic tubulin structures swim in a pattern akin to a random walk (move-stop-redirect-move). We confirm cytoskeletal architecture by performing fluorescence confocal microscopy across all 12 species. We then treat representative species with variant swimming behaviors and cytoplasmic-cytoskeletal arrangements with tubulin-stabilizing (Taxol) and depolymerizing (nocodazole) pharmacological compounds. We observed that when treating the "random walk" species with nocodazole, their swimming behavior changed to a circular-swimming pattern. Confocal imaging of the nocodazole-treated zoospores demonstrates that these cells maintain flagellum tubulin structures but lack their characteristic cytoplasmic tubulin structures. Our data demonstrate that the capability of zoospores to perform "complex" random-walk movement is linked to the presence of prominent cytoplasmic tubulin structures and suggest a link between cytology, sensory systems, and swimming behavior in a diversity of zoosporic fungi.

Drivers of the taxonomic and functional structuring of aquatic and terrestrial floodplain bird communities

ContextThere has been a limited amount of research which comparatively examines the local and landscape scale ecological determinants of the community structure of both riparian and aquatic bird communities in floodplain ecosystems.ObjectivesHere, we quantified the contribution of local habitat structure, land cover and spatial configuration of the sampling sites to the taxonomical and functional structuring of aquatic and terrestrial bird communities in a relatively intact floodplain of the river Danube, Hungary.MethodsWe used the relative abundance of species and foraging guilds as response variables in partial redundancy analyses to determine the relative importance of each variable group.ResultsLocal-scale characteristics of the water bodies proved to be less influential than land cover and spatial variables both for aquatic and terrestrial birds and both for taxonomic and foraging guild structures. Purely spatial variables were important determinants, besides purely environmental and the shared proportion of variation explained by environmental and spatial variables. The predictability of community structuring generally increased towards the lowest land cover measurement scales (i.e., 500, 250 or 125 m radius buffers). Different land cover types contributed at each scale, and their importance depended on aquatic vs terrestrial communities.ConclusionsThese results indicate the relatively strong response of floodplain bird communities to land cover and spatial configuration. They also suggest that dispersal dynamics and mass-effect mechanisms are critically important for understanding the structuring of floodplain bird communities, and should therefore be considered by conservation management strategies.

Nonequilibrium relaxation of soft responsive colloids.

Stimuli-responsive macromolecules display large conformational changes during their dynamics, sometimes switching between states. Such a multi-stability is useful for the development of soft functional materials. Here, we introduce a mean-field dynamical density functional theory for a model of responsive colloids to study the nonequilibrium dynamics of a colloidal dispersion in time-dependent external fields, with a focus on the coupling of translational and conformational dynamics during their relaxation. Specifically, we consider soft Gaussian particles with a bimodal size distribution between two confining walls with time-dependent (switching-on and off) external gravitational and osmotic fields. We find a rich relaxation behavior of the systems in excellent agreement with particle-based Brownian dynamics computer simulations. In particular, we find time-asymmetric relaxations of integrated observables (wall pressures, mean size, and liquid center-of-mass) for activation/deactivation of external potentials, respectively, which are tunable by the ratio of translational and conformational diffusion time scales. Our work thus paves the way for studying the nonequilibrium relaxation dynamics of complex soft matter with multiple degrees of freedom and hierarchical relaxations.

Generalized 3D Model of Crosswind Concentrations and Deposition in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

In this paper, we introduce a comprehensive solution aimed at enhancing our understanding of three-dimensional atmospheric pollutant dispersion. This innovative solution involves the development of a generalized model that extends previous research and is applicable to all parameterization schemes of these equations, including wind speed profiles and turbulent diffusion coefficients, while incorporating the dry deposition criterion. Our methodology involves subdividing the atmospheric boundary layer into distinct sub-layers, which facilitates a detailed examination of pollutant dispersion dynamics. Extensive validation with data from the Hanford experiment has demonstrated the accuracy of this solution in simulating pollutant concentrations. The results demonstrate that there is a strong correlation between the projected and observed concentrations, underscoring the statistical reliability of our approach. This validation situates the statistical indices of our solution within an acceptable range, confirming its accuracy in predicting atmospheric pollutant dispersion. These findings thus establish our solution as a valid and effective method for studying complex environmental phenomena.

Ecological function maintained despite mesomammal declines

Mid-sized mammals (i.e., mesomammals) fulfill important ecological roles, serving as essential scavengers, predators, pollinators, and seed dispersers in the ecosystems they inhabit. Consequently, declines in mesomammal populations have the potential to alter ecological processes and fundamentally change ecosystems. However, ecosystems characterized by high functional redundancy, where multiple species can fulfil similar ecological roles, may be less impacted by the loss of mesomammals and other vertebrates. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem in southern Florida is a historically biodiverse region that has recently been impacted by multiple anthropogenic threats, most notably the introduction of the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus). Since pythons became established, mesomammal populations have become greatly reduced. To assess whether these declines in mesomammals have affected two critical ecosystem functions—scavenging and frugivory—we conducted experiments in areas where mesomammals were present and absent. We did not observe significant differences in scavenging or frugivory efficiency in areas with and without mesomammals, but we did observe significant differences in the communities responsible for scavenging and frugivory. Despite the observed evidence of redundancy, the changes in community composition could potentially lead to indirect consequences on processes like seed dispersal and disease dynamics within this ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further study.

Revealing the Protective Dynamics of an Ecologically Engineered Wetland against Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study in South Africa

This study investigated the Zaalklapspruit valley bottom wetland in South Africa, an ecologically engineered site influenced by acid mine drainage (AMD) from a defunct coal mine upstream. Conducted in 2022, the research aimed to elucidate the dynamics of contaminant dispersal within this wetland, focusing on the sources, pathways, and receptors of metals and sulfur compounds. The analysis revealed that the wetland’s bottom sediment is rich in organic material, with pH values ranging from 6.05 to 6.59 and low oxidation-reduction potentials reaching −219.67 mV at Site S3. The significant findings included the highest adsorption rates of manganese, contrasted with iron, which was primarily absorbed by the roots of Typha capensis and the algae Klebsormidium acidophilum. The macrophyte rhizospheres were found to host diverse microbiota, including families such as Helicobacteraceae and Hydrogenophilaceae, pivotal in metal and sulfur processing. This study highlighted the complex biogeochemical interactions involving sediment, macrophyte root systems, periphyton, and microbial populations. These interactions demonstrate the efficacy of ecologically engineered wetlands in mitigating the impacts of acid mine drainage, underscoring their potential for environmental remediation. Importantly, the sustainability of such interventions highlights the need for community involvement and acceptance, acknowledging that local support is essential for the long-term success of ecological engineering solutions that address environmental challenges like AMD.

Self-Suppressed Quantum-Limited Timing Jitter and Fundamental Noise Limit of Soliton Microcombs.

Quantum-limited timing jitter of soliton microcombs has long been recognized as their fundamental noise limit. Here, we surpass such limit by utilizing dispersive wave dynamics in multimode microresonators. Through the viscous force provided by these dispersive waves, the quantum-limited timing jitter can be suppressed to a much lower level that forms the ultimate fundamental noise limit of soliton microcombs. Our findings enable coherence engineering of soliton microcombs in the quantum regime, providing critical guidelines for using soliton microcombs to synthesize ultralow-noise microwave and optical signals.

Carrier mobility and broadband performance of two-dimensional Sb/SnSe van der Waals heterostructure: A first-principles study

Compared to single two-dimensional (2D) materials, stacking layered 2D materials with van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures offers novel opportunities to achieve desired exotic properties. Herein, 2D Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure is constructed by vertically stacking the antimonene (Sb) monolayer on the tin selenide (SnSe) monolayer. We have conducted a theoretical study by using the first-principles calculations to comprehensively examine the electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. Phonon dispersion and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have demonstrated that the Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure possesses remarkable stability, ensuring its robustness up to 900 K. The Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure is characterized as a semiconducting material with a direct band gap of 0.24 eV, calculated by the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functional method. Compared to the pristine Sb and SnSe monolayers, the Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure exhibits a lower work function value of 3.82 eV. Furthermore, the carrier mobility of the heterostructure demonstrates anisotropic characteristics with a notable improvement in hole-mobility (12.05 × 103 cm2V−1s−1) along the y-direction. The Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure shows enhanced broadband absorption spectra, especially in the visible to near-infrared ranges. Our findings underscore the potential of the Sb/SnSe vdW heterostructure for future nano-electronic and optoelectronic technologies.

Risks and Safety of CO2 Pipeline Transport: A Case Study of the Analysis and Modeling of the Risk of Accidental Release of CO2 into the Atmosphere

In the field of CO2 capture and sequestration, ensuring the safety of pipeline infrastructure is paramount to successful climate change mitigation efforts. This study investigates the dynamics of CO2 dispersion from pipeline systems, assessing not only the transport process but also the physical properties and associated hazards. Advanced simulation techniques are used to model how different states of CO2 (gas, liquid, and supercritical) and varying pipeline characteristics—such as perforation sizes, flow rates, and orientations—affect the dispersion patterns in the event of a leak. Simulations cover a range of atmospheric conditions, emphasizing the role of atmospheric stability and wind speed in shaping dispersion and defining potential impact zones. An analysis of historical pipeline accidents is included to inform risk management strategies. The results show that the orientation of the pipeline has a significant effect on dispersion, with downward leaks causing the largest impact zones, particularly under supercritical conditions. The results highlight the need for adaptive safety strategies that take into account real-time CO2 transport conditions and localized environmental data. By integrating these factors, the study recommends refining safety protocols and emergency response strategies to improve pipeline resilience and public safety against potential leaks. Key findings include the quantification of the relationship between leak parameters and dispersion areas, providing a valuable framework for future safety improvements.

Does ecology shape geographical parthenogenesis? Evidence from the facultatively parthenogenetic stick insect Megacrania batesii.

Closely related sexual and parthenogenetic species often show distinct distribution patterns, known as geographical parthenogenesis. Similar patterns, characterized by the existence of separate sexual and parthenogenetic populations across their natural range, can also be found in facultative parthenogens - species in which every female is capable of both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction. The underlying mechanisms driving this phenomenon in nature remain unclear. Features of the habitat, such as differences in host-plant phenotypes or niche breadth, could favour sexual or asexual reproductive modes and thus help to explain geographical parthenogenesis in natural insect populations. Megacrania batesii is a facultatively parthenogenetic stick insect that displays geographical parthenogenesis in the wild. We aimed to explore whether sexual and parthenogenetic populations of M. batesii displayed niche differentiation or variations in niche breadth that could explain the separation of the two population types. To do this, we sampled host plants from across the range of M. batesii and quantified phenotypic traits that might affect palatability or accessibility for M. batesii, including leaf thickness, toughness, spike size and density, plant height, and chemical composition. We also quantified host-plant density, which could affect M. batesii dispersal. We found little evidence of phenotypic differences between host plants supporting sexual versus asexual M. batesii populations, and no difference in host-plant density or niche breadth between the two population types. Our results suggest that habitat parameters do not play a substantial role in shaping patterns of geographical parthenogenesis in wild populations of M. batesii. Instead, population sex ratio variation could result from interactions between the sexes or dispersal dynamics.

Particle dispersion in atmospheric modelling: A comprehensive review

Atmospheric dispersion modeling, traditionally inclined towards gaseous dispersion, has undergone significant evolution in capturing the intricacies of particle dispersion in urban and open environments. This comprehensive review explores the nuances of particle-gas interactions, highlighting discrepancies in correlations between their concentrations, influenced by factors such as turbulence and multiple emission sources. The research accentuates the intriguing dynamics between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, suggesting the viability of models based on passive scalars for such particles in open environments. However, a marked challenge emerges in modeling particle number concentration, necessitating the integration of aerosol dynamics modules. Emphasizing the diversity of model types, this paper elucidates the specific requirements across varying spatial scales, identifying gaps in understanding particle dispersion and aerosol dynamics. The review critically assesses the performance of notable models, highlighting the paramount importance of quality data sources and underscoring the need for more dedicated focus on particle dynamics beyond mass predictions. Through a synthesis of existing literature and model evaluations, this review seeks to guide future research endeavors, fostering advancements in atmospheric dispersion modeling.

Diel vertical migration and seamount stepping stones promote species connectivity from coastal to offshore insular systems in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic

AbstractThe recruitment of marine species in isolated oceanic island systems can be challenged by prevailing currents, as exemplified by the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic. In this region, the Fernando de Noronha ridge hosts several seamounts, the Rocas Atoll and the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, which are home to great marine biodiversity. However, along the ridge, the central branch of the South Equatorial Current (cSEC), flowing westward, poses a challenge to the recruitment of organisms toward Fernando de Noronha. To unveil critical insights into the intricate processes shaping biodiversity in these insular ecosystems, we use a dispersal Lagrangian tool to explore the role of diel vertical migration (DVM) to depth strata influenced by the South Equatorial Undercurrent (SEUC), which flows eastward bellow the cSEC, in shaping species dispersal and metacommunity dynamics. Our results show that while not a direct journey, the DVM into SEUC‐influenced strata increases the possibility that the seamounts and the Rocas Atoll act as stepping stones between the continental shelf and Fernando de Noronha. Propagules of organisms originating primarily from the continental shelf are transported to the western seamounts of the ridge. Upon reaching the western seamounts, organisms can find suitable habitats to recruit. The progeny of these communities that migrate to SEUC‐influenced strata have the opportunity to reach suitable habitats at the Rocas Atoll and the Eastern seamounts, ultimately connecting to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. These results provide scientific fundaments for the development of a functional network of marine protected areas in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic.