Vent System Research Articles

The summer 2019 basaltic Vulcanian eruptions (paroxysms) of Stromboli

Stromboli is an active, open conduit mafic volcano, whose persistent mild Strombolian activity is occasionally punctuated by much stronger explosions, known as paroxysms. During summer 2019, the volcano unexpectedly produced one such paroxysm on July 3, followed by intense explosive and intermittent effusive activity culminating in a second paroxysm on August 28. Visual observations and the analysis of the fall deposits associated with the two paroxysms allowed us to reconstruct ballistic exit velocities of up to 160 m s−1. Plume heights of ~ 8.4 km and 6.4 km estimated for the two events correspond to mass eruption rates of 1.1 × 106 kg s−1 and 3.6 × 105 kg s−1, respectively. This is certainly an underestimate as directional pyroclastic flows into which mass was partitioned immediately formed, triggering small tsunamis at the sea entrance. The mass of ballistic spatters and blocks erupted during the July 3 event formed a continuous cover at the summit of the volcano, with a mass calculated at ~ 1.4 × 108 kg. The distribution of fall deposits of both the July 3 and August 28 events suggests that pyroclasts characterized by terminal fall velocities < 10–20 m s−1 remained fully suspended within the convective region of the plume and did not fall at distances closer than ca 1700 m to the vent. Based on the impulsive, blast-like phenomenology of paroxysms as well as the deposit distribution and type, paroxysms are classified as basaltic Vulcanian in style. The evolution of the summer 2019 eruptive events was not properly captured within the framework of the alert level system which is focused on tsunamigenic processes, and this is discussed so as to provide elements for the implementation of the reference scenarios and an upgrade of the system to take into account such events. In particular we find that, although still largely unpredictable, at least at operational time scales, and not necessarily tsunamigenic, Vulcanian eruptions and the subsequent evolution of the eruptive phenomena should be considered for the alert level system. This serves as a warning to the implementation of alert systems where the unexpected needs to be taken into account, even at systems that are believed to be relatively “predictable” as is the case at many persistently active, open vent mafic systems.

Experimental investigation on bubble behaviors in a water pool using the venturi scrubbing nozzle

The containment filtered venting system (CFVS) filters the atmosphere of the containment building and discharges a part of it to the outside environment to prevent containment overpressure during severe accidents. The Korean CFVS has a tank that filters fission products from the containment atmosphere by pool scrubbing, which is the primary decontamination process; however, prediction of its performance has been done based on researches conducted under mild conditions than those of severe accidents. Bubble behavior in a pool is a key parameter of pool scrubbing. Therefore, the bubble behavior in the pool was analyzed under various injection flow rates observed at the venturi nozzles used in the Korean CFVS using a wire-mesh sensor. Based on the experimental results, void fraction model was modified using the existing correlation, and a new bubble size prediction model was developed. The modified void fraction model agreed well with the obtained experimental data. However, the newly developed bubble size prediction model showed different results to those established in previous studies because the venturi nozzle diameter considered in this study was larger than those in previous studies. Therefore, this is the first model that reflects actual design of a venturi scrubbing nozzle.

Additions to the genus Gimesia: description of Gimesia alba sp. nov., Gimesia algae sp. nov., Gimesia aquarii sp. nov., Gimesia aquatilis sp. nov., Gimesia fumaroli sp. nov. and Gimesia panareensis sp. nov., isolated from aquatic habitats of the Northern Hemisphere

Thirteen novel planctomycetal strains were isolated from five different aquatic sampling locations. These comprise the hydrothermal vent system close to Panarea Island (Italy), a biofilm on the surface of kelp at Monterey Bay (CA, USA), sediment and algae on Mallorca Island (Spain) and Helgoland Island (Germany), as well as a seawater aquarium in Braunschweig, Germany. All strains were shown to belong to the genus Gimesia. Their genomes cover a size range from 7.22 to 8.29 Mb and have a G+C content between 45.1 and 53.7%. All strains are mesophilic (Topt 26–33 °C) with generation times between 12 and 32 h. Analysis of fatty acids yielded palmitic acid (16:0) and a fatty acid with the equivalent chain length of 15.817 as major compounds. While five of the novel strains belong to the already described species Gimesia maris and Gimesia chilikensis, the other strains belong to novel species, for which we propose the names Gimesia alba (type strain Pan241wT = DSM 100744T = LMG 31345T = CECT 9841T = VKM B-3430T), Gimesia algae (type strain Pan161T = CECT 30192T = STH00943T = LMG 29130T), Gimesia aquarii (type strain V144T = DSM 101710T = VKM B-3433T), Gimesia fumaroli (type strain Enr17T = DSM 100710T = VKM B-3429T) and Gimesia panareensis (type strain Enr10T = DSM 100416T = LMG 29082T). STH numbers refer to the Jena Microbial Resource Collection (JMRC).

Updates to the recently introduced family Lacipirellulaceae in the phylum Planctomycetes: isolation of strains belonging to the novel genera Aeoliella, Botrimarina, Pirellulimonas and Pseudobythopirellula and the novel species Bythopirellula polymerisocia and Posidoniimonas corsicana

Eight novel strains of the phylum Planctomycetes were isolated from different aquatic habitats. Among these habitats were the hydrothermal vent system close to Panarea Island, a public beach at Mallorca Island, the shore of Costa Brava (Spain), and three sites with brackish water in the Baltic Sea. The genome sizes of the novel strains range from 4.33 to 6.29 Mb with DNA G+C contents between 52.8 and 66.7%. All strains are mesophilic (Topt 24–30 °C) and display generation times between 17 and 94 h. All eight isolates constitute novel species of either already described or novel genera within the family Lacipirellulaceae. Two of the novel species, Posidoniimonas polymericola (type strain Pla123aT = DSM 103020T = LMG 29466T) and Bythopirellula polymerisocia (type strain Pla144T = DSM 104841T = VKM B-3442T), belong to established genera, while the other strains represent the novel genera Aeoliella gen. nov., Botrimarina gen. nov., Pirellulimonas gen. nov. and Pseudobythopirellula gen. nov. Based on our polyphasic analysis, we propose the species Aeoliella mucimassa sp. nov. (type strain Pan181T = DSM 29370T = LMG 31346T = CECT 9840T = VKM B-3426T), Botrimarina colliarenosi sp. nov. (type strain Pla108T = DSM 103355T = LMG 29803T), Botrimarina hoheduenensis sp. nov. (type strain Pla111T = DSM 103485T = STH00945T, Jena Microbial Resource Collection JMRC), Botrimarina mediterranea sp. nov. (type strain Spa11T = DSM 100745T = LMG 31350T = CECT 9852T = VKM B-3431T), Pirellulimonas nuda sp. nov. (type strain Pla175T = DSM 109594T = CECT 9871T = VKM B-3448T) and Pseudobythopirellula maris sp. nov. (type strain Mal64T = DSM 100832T = LMG 29020T).

Recent Developments of Exploration and Detection of Shallow-Water Hydrothermal Systems

A hydrothermal vent system is one of the most unique marine environments on Earth. The cycling hydrothermal fluid hosts favorable conditions for unique life forms and novel mineralization mechanisms, which have attracted the interests of researchers in fields of biological, chemical and geological studies. Shallow-water hydrothermal vents located in coastal areas are suitable for hydrothermal studies due to their close relationship with human activities. This paper presents a summary of the developments in exploration and detection methods for shallow-water hydrothermal systems. Mapping and measuring approaches of vents, together with newly developed equipment, including sensors, measuring systems and water samplers, are included. These techniques provide scientists with improved accuracy, efficiency or even extended data types while studying shallow-water hydrothermal systems. Further development of these techniques may provide new potential for hydrothermal studies and relevant studies in fields of geology, origins of life and astrobiology.

Alpha-Carbonic Anhydrases from Hydrothermal Vent Sources as Potential Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Agents: In Silico Sequence, Structure and Dynamics Analyses.

With the increase in CO2 emissions worldwide and its dire effects, there is a need to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Alpha-carbonic anhydrases (α-CAs) have been identified as suitable sequestration agents. This study reports the sequence and structural analysis of 15 α-CAs from bacteria, originating from hydrothermal vent systems. Structural analysis of the multimers enabled the identification of hotspot and interface residues. Molecular dynamics simulations of the homo-multimers were performed at 300 K, 363 K, 393 K and 423 K to unearth potentially thermostable α-CAs. Average betweenness centrality (BC) calculations confirmed the relevance of some hotspot and interface residues. The key residues responsible for dimer thermostability were identified by comparing fluctuating interfaces with stable ones, and were part of conserved motifs. Crucial long-lived hydrogen bond networks were observed around residues with high BC values. Dynamic cross correlation fortified the relevance of oligomerization of these proteins, thus the importance of simulating them in their multimeric forms. A consensus of the simulation analyses used in this study suggested high thermostability for the α-CA from Nitratiruptor tergarcus. Overall, our novel findings enhance the potential of biotechnology applications through the discovery of alternative thermostable CO2 sequestration agents and their potential protein design.

Ocean acidification causes variable trait-shifts in a coral species.

High pCO2 habitats and their populations provide an unparalleled opportunity to assess how species may survive under future ocean acidification conditions, and help to reveal the traits that confer tolerance. Here we utilize a unique CO2 vent system to study the effects of exposure to elevated pCO2 on trait-shifts observed throughout natural populations of Astroides calycularis, an azooxanthellate scleractinian coral endemic to the Mediterranean. Unexpected shifts in skeletal and growth patterns were found. Colonies shifted to a skeletal phenotype characterized by encrusting morphology, smaller size, reduced coenosarc tissue, fewer polyps, and less porous and denser skeletons at low pH. Interestingly, while individual polyps calcified more and extended faster at low pH, whole colonies found at low pH site calcified and extended their skeleton at the same rate as did those at ambient pH sites. Transcriptomic data revealed strong genetic differentiation among local populations of this warm water species whose distribution range is currently expanding northward. We found excess differentiation in the CO2 vent population for genes central to calcification, including genes for calcium management (calmodulin, calcium-binding proteins), pH regulation (V-type proton ATPase), and inorganic carbon regulation (carbonic anhydrase). Combined, our results demonstrate how coral populations can persist in high pCO2 environments, making this system a powerful candidate for investigating acclimatization and local adaptation of organisms to global environmental change.

Imprint of Kairei and Pelagia deep-sea hydrothermal systems (Indian Ocean) on marine dissolved organic matter

Only few studies exist that investigate the dynamics of deep-sea dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from hydrothermal vents. In this study, we provide first insight into the molecular composition of DOM associated with Indian Ocean hydrothermal systems covering the full range from hot focussed endmember fluids over diffuse fluids to open ocean hydrothermal plumes and deep seawater. We combined geochemical analyses with molecular characterization of DOM using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). We studied two vent systems with fluids venting >330 °C and up to 97% of hydrothermal endmember: the Kairei vents (Central Indian Ridge) with brine phase separation, and the newly discovered Pelagia vents (South-East Indian Ridge). The hot fluids in both systems were highly enriched in dissolved Fe, Si, K, Li, Mn and Zn compared to seawater. The molecular composition of DOM from hot fluids differed substantially from that of diffuse fluids and plumes, in which the composition was highly dominated by the seawater DOM signature. Low O/C ratio average in hot fluids (<0.38) indicated potential input of more reduced (O-poor) DOM compounds from the vents into the surrounding seawater, independently of the vent location and of whether the fluid has undergone phase separation. To test the importance of pure thermal degradation, we compared our samples to fluids subjected to abiotic thermal degradation under laboratory conditions and we observed that our natural samples largely differed (>94% Bray Curtis dissimilarity) from the experimental ones, suggesting additional degradation processes of organic compounds at the Indian Ocean hydrothermal systems.

A new species of the genus Smacigastes Ivanenko &amp;amp; Defaye, 2004 (Tegastidae, Harpacticoida, Copepoda) from the Onnuri Vent Field in the Indian Ocean

The genus Smacigastes Ivanenko &amp;amp; Defaye, 2004 (Harpacticoida, Copepoda) is the most primitive genus in the family Tegastidae Sars, 1904, occurring in deep-sea chemosynthetic environments, such as hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, whale falls and wood falls. Our exploration of the Onnuri Vent Field, the sixth active hydrothermal vent system in the Central Indian Ridge, resulted in the discovery of a new species in the genus Smacigastes. A detailed morphological analysis of S. pumilasp. nov. reveals that it most resembles S. barti Gollner, Ivanenko &amp;amp; Martínez Arbizu, 2008, described from a hydrothermal vent in the East Pacific Ridge; the new species can be distinguished from the existing species by the 8-segmented female antennule, the absence of an abexopodal seta on the antennary basis, the mandibular exopod represented by a single seta and the exopod of the first leg with five setae. This is the first record of Smacigastes in the Indian Ocean. A dichotomous key to species of the genus Smacigastes worldwide is provided.

Experimental evaluation of re-entrainment from wet scrubber filtered containment venting systems

Wet scrubber-based filtered containment venting systems (FCVSs) are commonly deployed at nuclear power plants, owing to the high degree of aerosol, iodine, and organic iodine retention that is possible through the pool scrubbing action that takes place during their operation. However, after a FCVS has been operating during a severe accident, the pool water will become extremely contaminated with previously-captured radionuclides, and the bubbling action of gases passing through the pool, could result in the re-entrainment of contaminated liquid droplets into the gas stream. This would produce a secondary source term during the late phases of an accident. As such, a set of experiments have been conducted in order to evaluate the aerosol re-entrainment rates and size distribution from a system prototypical of a pool-type FCVS. Entrainment rates were measured by tracking the carry-over of a NaCl tracer into a set of liquid traps, while the size of the re-entrained droplets was measured with a phase Doppler anemometer. The experiment employed a prototypical venturi nozzle and gas injection conditions to examine the influence of gas flow rate, liquid level, and pool water temperature. Entrainment factors between 5×10−5 and 1×10−3 were measured, and the water droplet count median diameters were between 3 and 13 µm, and fairly wide particle size distributions, with mass mean diameters were on the order of 40–140 µm. These experimental results help the assessment of the potential magnitude of the late phase source term hazards posed by the fission products retained in pool-type FCVS (secondary release), and the potential loading on the secondary dry filter stage (metal fiber filters) employed in FCVSs after the primary pool scrubbing stage. The secondary metal fiber filters should have a high efficiency in capturing water droplets produced through this mechanism, given the droplet’s relatively large size.

Molecular Network and Culture Media Variation Reveal a Complex Metabolic Profile in Pantoea cf. eucrina D2 Associated with an Acidified Marine Sponge.

The Gram-negative Pantoea eucrina D2 was isolated from the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis. Sponges were collected in a shallow volcanic vents system in Ischia island (South Italy), influenced by CO2 emissions and lowered pH. The chemical diversity of the secondary metabolites produced by this strain, under different culture conditions, was explored by a combined approach including molecular networking, pure compound isolation and NMR spectroscopy. The metabolome of Pantoea cf. eucrina D2 yielded a very complex molecular network, allowing the annotation of several metabolites, among them two biosurfactant clusters: lipoamino acids and surfactins. The production of each class of metabolites was highly dependent on the culture conditions, in particular, the production of unusual surfactins derivatives was reported for the first time from this genus; interestingly the production of these metabolites only arises by utilizing inorganic nitrogen as a sole nitrogen source. Major components of the extract obtained under standard medium culture conditions were isolated and identified as N-lipoamino acids by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESI-MS analysis. Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of the pure compounds towards some human pathogens, indicated a moderate activity of leucine containing N-lipoamino acids towards Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and a clinical isolate of the emerging food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

Low-temperature, shallow-water hydrothermal vent mineralization following the recent submarine eruption of Tagoro volcano (El Hierro, Canary Islands)

Hydrothermal iron (Fe)-rich sediments were recovered from the Tagoro underwater volcano (Central Atlantic) that formed during the 2011–2012 volcanic event. Cruises in 2012 and 2014 enabled the monitoring and sampling of the early-stage establishment of a hydrothermal system. Degassing vents produced acoustic flares imaged on echo-sounders in June 2012, four months after the eruption. A novel hydrothermal vent system was discovered and sampled in 2014 during a ROV dive. The system is characterized by hornito-like structures and chimneys showing active CO2 degassing and anomalous temperatures at 120–89 m water depth, and along the SE flank at 215-185 m water depth associated with secondary cones. Iron- and silica-rich gelatinous deposits pooled over and between basanite in the hornitos, brecciated lavas, and lapilli. The low temperature, shallow-water hydrothermal system was discovered by the venting of Fe-rich fluids that produced a seafloor draped by extensive Fe-flocculate deposits precipitated from the neutrally buoyant plumes located along the oxic/photic zone at 50-70 m water depths. The basanite is capped by mm- to cm-thick hydrothermally derived Fe-oxyhydroxide sediment, and contains micro-cracks and degasification vesicles filled by sulfides (mostly pyrite). Mineralogically, the Fe-oxyhydroxide sediment consists of proto-ferrihydrite and ferrihydrite with scarce pyrite at their base. The Fe-rich endmember contains low concentrations of most trace elements in comparison with hydrogenetic ferromanganese deposits, and the sediments show some dilution of the Fe oxyhydroxide by volcanic ash. The Fe-oxyhydroxide phase, with a mean particle size of 3–4 nm, low average La/Fe ratios of the mineralized deposits from the various sampling sites, and the positive Eu anomalies indicate rapid deposition of the Fe oxyhydroxide near the hydrothermal vents. Electron microprobe studies show the presence of various organomineral structures, mainly twisted stalks and sheaths covered by iron-silica deposits within the mineralized samples, reflecting microbial iron-oxidation from the hydrothermal fluids. Sequencing of 16 s rRNA genes also reveals the presence of other microorganisms involved in sulfur and methane cycles. Samples collected from hornito chimneys contain silicified microorganisms coated by Fe-rich precipitates. The rapid silicification may have been indirectly promoted by microorganisms acting as nucleation sites. We suggest that this type of hydrothermal deposit might be more frequent than presently reported to occur in submarine volcanoes. On a geological scale, these volcanic eruptions and low-temperature hydrothermal vents might contribute to increased dissolved metals in seawater, and generate considerable Fe-oxyhydroxide deposits as identified in older hot-spot seamounts.

Influence of hydrothermal vent activity on GDGT pool in marine sediments might be less than previously thought

Hydrothermal systems have a pronounced effect on deep-sea chemistry and some plumes are reported to occupy large parts of ocean volume. However, the impact of these systems on the marine organic carbon cycle is not well understood. Here, we compare the distribution of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in several short (0–23 cm) and one long (304 cm) sediment core of hydrothermal vent sites at the Central (CIR) and Southeast Indian Ridges (SEIR) and to those of nearby normal marine sediment as reference, to characterize the impact of hydrothermal activity on deep sea sediment organic matter. We detected a range of GDGTs in some of the sediments. BrGDGT and GMGTs were absent at the normal marine reference location, but present in some of the hydrothermal sediments with relatively high concentrations of brGMGT-IIIa and brGDGT-Ia, hinting at in situ hydrothermal production. The isoGDGT distributions were similar between the hydrothermal and normal marine sites, with predominance of GDGT-0 and crenarchaeol. isoGDGT-0/crenarchaeol ratios (G-0/Cren) < 2 suggested Thaumarchaeota as the major source of GDGTs in these sediments. Consistent with a dominant thaumarchaeotal source, TEX86 in the surface samples reflected modern sea surface temperature (SST) at the core locations. Increasing trends of δ13Corg values from surface to bottom sediments were observed only in hydrothermal influenced sediments and not at the reference station. Altogether these results indicate a minor impact of hydrothermal activity on the GDGT distribution in this region, urging for caution in up-scaling previous results which proposed a significant impact of hydrothermal vents system on nearby open ocean marine sediments.

Numerical investigation on full thermodynamic venting process of liquid hydrogen in an on-orbit storage tank

Liquid hydrogen has been identified as a promising propellant for long-duration space missions, benefiting from its high specific impulse when paired with liquid oxygen. A full procedural computational fluid dynamic model was proposed for the jetting, mixing, throttling, and venting processes of thermodynamic venting systems (TVS) for the purpose of minimizing liquid hydrogen boil-off on orbit. In addition to the mixing and jetting components as well as the fluid domain inside the storage tank, the external fluid circulation loop and the throttling device were also coupled into the solver in the form of user-defined code, which enabled simulation of the continuous complete thermodynamic cycles. The evaporation/condensation intensity factors for the liquid-vapor phase change were confined in a smaller range than those used in other studies through theoretical analysis. To enhance the numerical stability, the well-known Lee model for liquid-vapor phase change was modified by introducing a smoothing function. Simulations with a variety of initial temperatures, mass flow-rates and vent ratios were conducted, which revealed that the condensation of superheated vapor contributes to the depressurization processes noticeably greater than the disturbance of the temperature stratification. Depressurization efficiency was introduced for evaluating the TVS performance during the jetting process. Significant performance enhancement was observed when the temperature difference between the liquid and the ullage before jetting was enlarged. The self-pressurization period was found lasting longer time under on-orbit condition than that on the ground, which is attributable to the floating of the bulk liquid and higher uniformity of the temperature distribution after the jetting process in the absence of gravity.

Analysis of fission product reduction strategy in SGTR accident using CFVS

In order to reduce risks from the Steam Generator Tube Rupture (SGTR) accident and to meet safety targets, various measures have been analyzed to minimize the amount of fission product (FP) release. In this paper, we propose an introduction of a Containment Filtered Venting System (CFVS) connected to the steam generator secondary side, which can reduce the amount of FP release while minimizing adverse effects identified in the previous studies. In order to compare the effect of new equipment with the existing strategy, accident simulations using MELCOR were performed. As a result of simulations, it is confirmed that CFVS operation lowers FP release into the environment, and the release fractions are lower (minimum 0.6% of the initial inventory for Cs) than that of the strategy which intends to depressurize the primary system directly (minimum 15.2% for Cs). The sensitivity analyses identify that refill of the CFVS vessel is a dominant contributor reducing the amount of FP released. As the new strategy has the possibility of hydrogen combustion and detonation in CFVS, the installation of an igniter inside the CFVS vessel may be considered in reducing such hydrogen risk.

Focused Fluid Flow Along the Nootka Fault Zone and Continental Slope, Explorer‐Juan de Fuca Plate Boundary

AbstractGeophysical and geochemical data indicate there is abundant fluid expulsion in the Nootka fault zone (NFZ) between the Juan de Fuca and Explorer plates and the Nootka continental slope. Here we combine observations from &gt;20 years of investigations to demonstrate the nature of fluid‐flow along the NFZ, which is the seismically most active region off Vancouver Island. Seismicity reaching down to the upper mantle is linked to near‐seafloor manifestation of fluid flow through a network of faults. Along the two main fault traces, seismic reflection data imaged bright spots 100–300 m below seafloor that lie above changes in basement topography. The bright spots are conformable to sediment layering, show opposite‐to‐seafloor reflection polarity, and are associated with frequency reduction and velocity push‐down indicating the presence of gas in the sediments. Two seafloor mounds ~15 km seaward of the Nootka slope are underlain by deep, nonconformable high‐amplitude reflective zones. Measurements in the water column above one mound revealed a plume of warm water, and bottom‐video observations imaged hydrothermal vent system biota. Pore fluids from a core at this mound contain predominately microbial methane (C1) with a high proportion of ethane (C2) yielding C1/C2 ratios &lt;500 indicating a possible slight contribution from a deep source. We infer the reflective zones beneath the two mounds are basaltic intrusions that create hydrothermal circulation within the overlying sediments. Across the Nootka continental slope, gas hydrate‐related bottom‐simulating reflectors are widespread and occur at depths indicating heat flow values of 80–90 mW/m2.

A generic velocity-free calculation method of the blasting wave in nuclear power plants for designing venting system

Venting system, mainly composed of bursting discs, is designed to protect the structural integrity of the cabins in nuclear power plants (NPPs). During a loss of coolant accident (LOCA), much gas is rapidly released into the cabin, forming a kind of pressure longitudinal wave (PLW) named “blasting wave” and challenge the mechanical strength of the envelope structure. Simulation of the blasting wave is meaningful for designing bursting discs. CFD is a generic method for cabins with arbitrary geometric features, which consumes much time and computing resource; There exists a mathematical model based on wave equation describing PLW, but it has never been applied in the field of nuclear reactor accident because of some bottlenecks. In this study, the mathematical model based on wave equation is transformed into a generic method of simulating PLW without solving velocity field, which is in the form of a velocity-free PDE problem with velocity-related initial and boundary conditions. The boundary condition is not Dirichlet, Neumann nor Robbin, and provides condition for one-dimensional analytical solution. The problem can also be solved by finite element method (FEM). Both solutions are validated by CFD simulation in our previous study and can be extended to higher dimensions. In engineering application, the analytical solution can be directly used if the cabin’s geometry is relatively simple, while FEM solution can be used on a coarse meshing if the geometry is complex. Both applications are convenient compared with CFD method.

Bathya brevicarpus gen. et sp. nov. (Amphipoda: Senticaudata: Calliopiidae), from hydrothermal vents, Okinawa Trough, North-west Pacific

One individual referable to Calliopiidae G.O. Sars, 1893 was collected from a chemically reduced habitat, the hydrothermal vent systems in Okinawa Trough, and was identified as a new genus and species belonging to this family after a morphological examination. A formal description of this new species and a discussion of the relationship of the new genus within Calliopiidae are presented.

Geochemical time series of hydrothermal fluids from the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Implications of medium-term stability

Time series investigations of hydrothermal fluids from different geological settings at the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) indicate a surprising medium-term stability of their chemical composition over up to 20 years. This does not only apply to tectonically controlled systems with exposure of mantle rocks where magmatic activity is limited, such as the Logatchev-1 hydrothermal field at 14°45′N. We also found the 407 °C hot and extremely metal-rich fluids at the 5°S site Turtle Pits (2986 m water depth) to discharge at constant composition indicating supercritical phase separation for at least 4 years, which contrasts with rather dynamic volcanically driven hydrothermal systems at the fast-spreading East-Pacific Rise (EPR). Possibly, fluid pathways and pressure-temperature conditions are more stable in tectonically controlled settings at MAR than at the EPR where frequent volcanic activity affects permeability within the hydrothermal systems. Despite some spatial variability, hydrothermal fluids discharging at the shallower (ca. 810–870 m) Menez Gwen hydrothermal field at 37°50′N seem to represent a stable discharge of phase-separated vapor-type fluids over 16 years. This demonstrates that medium-term stability of hydrothermal fluid composition seems to be a general feature at slow-spreading ridges. As a consequence, hydrothermal vent organisms at the MAR may live in a more stable chemical environment compared to vent systems at fast-spreading ridges. Considering the fact that slow-spreading ridges account for more than half of the submarine ridge system, such a constant emanation of hydrothermal fluids makes hydrothermal vent systems on slow spreading ridges a medium-term stable source of Fe and other micronutrients into the ocean.

Mathematical analysis and flux-based radius of influence for radon/VOC vapor intrusion mitigation systems

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon progeny pose potential health risks to occupants of certain buildings via subsurface vapor intrusion (VI) to indoor air. VI mitigation is usually performed using systems that extract gas from below the building, and the system performance is typically evaluated by measuring the distribution of applied vacuum below the floor. This article provides a new approach to assessing the radius of influence (ROI) for subslab venting systems based on mass flux instead of static vacuum distribution and includes an analyses of 121 pneumatic tests performed at 65 different suction points in 16 different buildings. The mathematical model represents a two-layer system with horizontal radial flow through transmissive material below the floor slab and vertical flow through discontinuities in the floor slab (which is simplified to approximate an equivalent porous medium). The analysis includes comparisons of the flux-based ROI to values calculated using the two-layer model for 1) vacuum, 2) velocity, and 3) travel time, which may be useful as alternative performance metrics for mitigation systems.