Water Column Profiles Research Articles

The impact of shrimp trawling and associated sediment resuspension in mud dominated, shallow estuaries

To address the relative importance of shrimp trawling on seabed resuspension and bottom characteristics in shallow estuaries, a series of disturbance and monitoring experiments were conducted at a bay bottom mud site (2.5 m depth) in Galveston Bay, Texas in July 1998 and May 1999. Based on pre- and post-trawl sediment profiles of 7Be; pore water dissolved oxygen and sulfide concentration; and bulk sediment properties, it was estimated that the trawl rig, including the net, trawl doors, and “tickler chain,” excavate the seabed to a maximum depth of approximately 1.5 cm, with most areas displaying considerably less disturbance. Water column profile data in the turbid plume left by the trawl in these underconsolidated muds (85–90% porosity; <0.25 kPa undrained shear strength) demonstrate that suspended sediment inventories of up to 85–90 mg/cm 2 are produced immediately behind the trawl net; an order of magnitude higher than pre-trawl inventories and comparable to those observed during a 9–10 m/s wind event at the study site. Plume settling and dispersion caused suspended sediment inventories to return to pre-trawl values about 14 min after trawl passage in two separate experiments, indicating particles re-settle primarily as flocs before they can be widely dispersed by local currents. As a result of the passage of the trawl rig across the seabed, shear strength of the sediment surface showed no significant increase, suggesting that bed armoring is not taking place and the trawled areas will not show an increase in critical shear stress.

Aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophs in the Black Sea water column

Inputs of CH(4) from sediments, including methane seeps on the continental margin and methane-rich mud volcanoes on the abyssal plain, make the Black Sea the world's largest surface water reservoir of dissolved methane and drive a high rate of aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of methane in the water column. Here we present the first combined organic geochemical and molecular ecology data on a water column profile of the western Black Sea. We show that aerobic methanotrophs type I are responsible for methane oxidation in the oxic water column and ANME-1- and ANME-2-related organisms for anaerobic methane oxidation. The occurrence of methanotrophs type I cells in the anoxic zone suggests that inactive cells settle to deeper waters. Molecular and biomarker results suggest that a clear distinction between the occurrence of ANME-1- and ANME-2-related lineages exists, i.e. ANME-1-related organisms are responsible for anaerobic methane oxidation below 600 m water depth, whereas ANME-2-related organisms are responsible for this process in the anoxic water column above approximately 600 m water depth.

Photosynthetic electron turnover in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Photosynthetic electron transport directly generates the energy required for carbon fixation and thus underlies the aerobic metabolism of aquatic systems. We determined photosynthetic electron turnover rates, ETRs, from ca. 100 FRR fluorescence water-column profiles throughout the subtropical and tropical Atlantic during six Atlantic Meridional Transect cruises (AMT 6, May–June 1998, to AMT 11, September–October 2000). Each FRR fluorescence profile yielded a water-column ETR-light response from which the maximum electron turnover rate ( ETR RCII max ) , effective absorption (σPSII) and light saturation parameter (Ek) specific to the concentration of photosystem II reaction centres (RCIIs) were calculated. ETR RCII max and Ek increased whilst σPSII decreased with mixed-layer depth and the daily integrated photosynthetically active photon flux when all provinces were considered together. These trends suggested that variability in maximum ETR can be partly attributed to changes in effective absorption. Independent bio-optical measurements taken during AMT 11 demonstrated that σPSII variability reflects taxonomic and physiological differences in the phytoplankton communities. ETR RCII max and Ek, but not σPSII, remained correlated with mixed-layer depth and daily integrated photosynthetically active photon flux when data from each oceanic province were considered separately, indicating a decoupling of electron turnover and carbon fixation rates within each province. Comparison of maximum ETRs with 14C-based measurements of Pmax further suggests that light absorption and C fixation are coupled to differing extents for the various oligotrophic Atlantic provinces. We explore the importance of quantifying RCII concentration for determination of ETRs and interpretation of ETR-C fixation coupling.

Using a random displacement model to simulate turbulent particle motion in a baroclinic frontal zone: A new implementation scheme and model performance tests

Numerical artifacts can limit accurate simulation of turbulent particle motion when Lagrangian particle-tracking models are implemented in hydrodynamic models with stratified conditions like fronts. Yet, modeling of individual particle motion in frontal regions is critical for understanding sediment dynamics as well as the transport and retention of planktonic organisms. The objective of this research was to develop a numerical technique to accurately simulate turbulent particle motions in a particle-tracking model embedded within a hydrodynamic model of a frontal zone. A new interpolation scheme, the ‘water column profile’ scheme, was developed and used to implement a random displacement model for turbulent particle motions. A new interpolation scheme was necessary because linear interpolation schemes caused artificial aggregation of particles where abrupt changes in vertical diffusivity occurred. The new ‘water column profile’ scheme was used to fit a continuous function (a tension spline) to a smoothed profile of vertical diffusivities at the x– y particle location. The new implementation scheme was checked for artifacts and compared with a standard random walk model using (1) Well Mixed Condition tests, and (2) dye-release experiments. The Well Mixed Condition tests confirmed that the use of the ‘water column profile’ interpolation scheme for implementing the random displacement model significantly reduced numerical artifacts. In dye-release experiments, high concentrations of Eulerian tracer and Lagrangian particles were released at the same location up-estuary of the salt front and tracked for 4 days. After small differences in initial dispersal rates, tracer and particle distributions remained highly correlated ( r = 0.84 to 0.99) when a random displacement model was implemented in the particle-tracking model. In contrast, correlation coefficients were substantially lower ( r = 0.07 to 0.58) when a random walk model was implemented. In general, model performance tests indicated that the ‘water column interpolation’ scheme was an effective technique for implementing a random displacement model within a hydrodynamic model, and both could be used to accurately simulate diffusion in a highly baroclinic frontal region. The new implementation scheme has the potential to be a useful tool for investigating the influence of hydrodynamic variability on the transport of sediment particles and planktonic organisms in frontal zones.

Silicon isotope fractionation during nutrient utilization in the North Pacific

The distribution of silicon in the North Pacific is controlled by the utilization of silicic acid by diatoms, a process that fractionates silicon (Si) isotopic compositions. Silicon isotope variations are presented for six water column profiles from the surface mixed layer down to the deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Although the observed Si isotopic variations display an apparently simple inverse relationship with dissolved nutrient concentrations, in fact they reflect mixing of surface waters undergoing active Si isotope fractionation and deep-waters with more uniform concentrations and isotope compositions. Samples from the surface of the subtropical gyre have the lowest dissolved Si concentrations and heaviest Si isotope compositions of marine waters measured thus far. Fractionation in the surface waters follows a typical Rayleigh-type distillation curve for a ‘closed’ surface water reservoir resulting from stratification of the surface layer in the subarctic region. In contrast, an ‘open’ system prevails within the subtropical gyre where there is significant recycling of silicic acid in the upper water column and lateral transport of silicon within surface currents. For deep waters, the Si isotope composition distinguishes between the northern North Pacific Deep Water (NPDW) and the southerly-derived bottom water. The relatively light Si isotope compositions measured from waters within the subarctic gyre provides evidence for isolation of the nutrient pool in the North Pacific.

Direct and indirect effects of hypoxia on benthos in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, U.S.A.

Hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) has been found in the southeastern region of Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, U.S.A. every summer since 1988. The objectives of the current study were to determine direct and indirect effects of hypoxia on macrofauna. Direct physiological effects of hypoxia include reduction of benthic abundance, biomass, diversity, species richness and species evenness because of physiological intolerance. Indirect ecological effects of hypoxia include predation of emerging benthic fauna from the sediment. Macrofaunal community characteristics were compared vertically within sediments in caged and uncaged sediment samples in hypoxic and normoxic areas. Cage effects were determined with partial cages, which had reduced flow and no predator exclusion. Dissolved oxygen concentrations during the experiment was monitored in water column profiles and continuous measurement of bottom water in the hypoxic and normoxic areas. Hypoxia in Corpus Christi Bay in 1999 occurred as transient events, many of which were of short duration (less than 1 h) and moderate intensity (around 2 mg l − 1 ). The macrobenthic community characteristics (i.e., abundance, biomass, species richness, diversity, and evenness) were directly affected by hypoxia as indicated by depressed levels and few deeper-dwelling organisms in the hypoxic area. Community structure was also different between the hypoxic and normoxic areas because of loss of species (presumably due to intolerance to low oxygen) in the hypoxic areas. Benthic invertebrates were found primarily in the surface in the hypoxic area, but there was no significant indication of indirect effects, i.e., increased predation pressure in the hypoxic area. The increased exposure to predation risk may be mitigated by predator avoidance of hypoxic areas. In conclusion, hypoxia in Corpus Christi Bay has negative direct effects on benthic organisms, but no indirect effects, such as increased predation pressure. The most significant finding is the interaction between hypoxia and vertical distributions of infauna, which drive hypoxia intolerant organisms to the surface and out of sediments.

Interpretation of the 231Pa/230Th paleocirculation proxy: New water-column measurements from the southwest Indian Ocean

Measurements of 231 Pa, 230 Th and 232 Th concentrations have been made on five water-column profiles along the western margin of the Madagascar and Mascarene Basins in the southern Indian Ocean. These measurements help to fill a significant gap in the global coverage of water-column 232 Th, 230 Th and 231 Pa data. 232 Th concentrations vary, but generally increase with depth, suggesting higher particle loading in deeper waters, and the presence of a significant dissolved fraction of 232 Th. 230 Th concentrations increase with depth, and profiles are similar to the average of existing data from other regions. 231 Pa concentrations, on the other hand, show significant depth structure, apparently reflecting the various water masses sampled at this location. The modified remnants of North Atlantic Deep Water are found at a depth of 62000 m and exhibit elevated 231 Pa concentrations exported from the South Atlantic. Antarctic Intermediate and Bottom Waters have lower 231 Pa, probably due to scavenging onto opal particles during transit from the Southern Ocean. The differences between water masses raises a question: which water mass is important in controlling the 231 Pa/ 230 Th ratio in underlying sediments? A simple one-dimensional model is used to demonstrate that the 230 Th and 231 Pa exported to sea-floor sediments last equilibrates with waters close to the seafloor (within 61000 m), rather than averaging the whole water column. These findings suggest that 231 Paxs/ 230 Thxs in sediments provides information primarily about deep-water masses. In this region, sedimentary records will therefore provide information about the past flow of Antarctic Bottom Water into the Indian Ocean. Interpretation of data from other regions, such as the North Atlantic where this proxy has most successfully been applied, requires careful consideration of regional oceanography and knowledge of the composition of the water masses being investigated. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vertical distributions of thiosulfate and sulfite in the Cariaco Basin

Water column profiles of S 2O and SO were obtained in January and May 2004 in the eastern portion of the

Iron in the Sargasso Sea (Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study region) during summer: Eolian imprint, spatiotemporal variability, and ecological implications

We report iron measurements for water column and aerosol samples collected in the Sargasso Sea during July‐August 2003 (summer 2003) and April‐May 2004 (spring 2004). Our data reveal a large seasonal change in the dissolved iron (dFe) concentration of surface waters in the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study region, from ∼1–2 nM in summer 2003, when aerosol iron concentrations were high (mean 10 nmol m−3), to ∼0.1–0.2 nM in spring 2004, when aerosol iron concentrations were low (mean 0.64 nmol m−3). During summer 2003, we observed an increase of ∼0.6 nM in surface water dFe concentrations over 13 days, presumably due to eolian iron input; an estimate of total iron deposition over this same period suggests an effective solubility of 3–30% for aerosol iron. Our summer 2003 water column profiles show potentially growth‐limiting dFe concentrations (0.02–0.19 nM) coinciding with a deep chlorophyll maximum at 100–150 m depth, where phytoplankton biomass is typically dominated by Prochlorococcus during late summer.

234Th, 210Pb, 210Po and stable Pb in the central equatorial Pacific: Tracers for particle cycling

Samples were collected during the 1992 US JGOFS EqPac Survey I and II cruises from 12°N to 12°S at 140°W in the central equatorial Pacific for water column profiles of dissolved, particulate and total 234Th, 210Pb and 210Po and total acid soluble stable Pb and sediment trap fluxes of 234Th, 210Pb and 210Po. Survey I occurred in February/March with moderate El Nino conditions while Survey II was conducted in September/October when there was a well developed cold-tongue. 234Th, 210Pb and 210Po are all particle reactive yet they partition differently between dissolved and particulate phases. Fractionation factors (the ratios of the distribution coefficients) show that the selectivity for suspended and sediment trap particles follows Th>Po>Pb. Scavenging residence times ( τ) for 234Th, 210Pb and 210Po ranged from 25 to 100 d, 3 to 8 years and 100 to 500 d, respectively. These particle reactive tracers have very different distributions in the water column, which reflect differences in their sources and sinks. The deficiency of 234Th relative to 238U was fairly uniformly distributed meridionally, though deficiencies were higher during Survey II when there was higher new production. Excess 210Pb relative to 226Ra was very asymmetrical with much higher excess values north of the equator. The distributions were similar for Surveys I and II. The deficiency of 210Po relative to 210Pb had a symmetrical distribution about the equator for both Survey I and II but the deficiencies were larger during Survey I when upwelling was smaller. Stable Pb was generally higher at the surface than at 250 m and there was no meridional trend from 12°N to 12°S. A mass balance for 210Pb was used to determine the atmospheric input of 210Pb. The average values for Surveys I and II were 0.12 and 0.32 dpm cm −2 year −1, respectively. There was no general increase in atmospheric input of 210Pb north of the equator but there was a strong maximum at 2–3°N during Survey I coincident with the location of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), suggesting a large role for wet deposition. A mass balance for stable Pb was used to determine the atmospheric input of stable Pb. Results ranged from 110 to 140 pmol cm −2 year −1. This flux was low in the southern hemisphere and increased steadily north of the equator. We evaluated use of 210Po as a tracer for export of particulate organic matter during Survey I. Organic carbon and 210Po were highly correlated in suspended matter and sediment trap samples. Average values of organic carbon fluxes determined from the deficiencies of 210Po times the orgC/ 210Po ratio agreed well with those determined from the deficiencies of 234Th times the organic carbon/ 234Th ratio and 15N-new production, but had a much larger variability because of the more variable advection corrections.

A Multi-Index GEM Technique and Its Application to the Southwestern Japan/East Sea

Abstract This paper demonstrates a new gravest empirical mode (GEM) technique that constructs multi-index lookup tables of temperature (T) and specific volume anomalies (δ) using historical hydrocasts as a function of three indices: round-trip travel time (τ) from sea floor to the surface, sea surface temperature, and pressure. Moreover, the historical hydrocasts are separated into non-mixed-layer (NML) and mixed-layer (ML) groups, and a single GEM field is constructed for each group. This is called the MI-GEM technique. The appropriate dates for MI-GEM fields are determined by the monthly distribution of the number of NML and ML profiles in the historical hydrocasts, which are also well correlated with the strength of the winds during the 2 yr of observations. The T and δ profiles that are determined by this MI-GEM technique capture 92% and 88% of the T and δ variances in the depth range of 0–200 db. These values reduce by about one-third of the unexplained error variance of the residual GEM, which was recently developed and applied to the optimal interpolated τ data in the southwestern Japan/East Sea (JES) by Mitchell et al. Comparisons with the in situ CTD casts demonstrate that the MI-GEM technique almost always produces improved full water column profiles of T and δ. Whereas the residual GEM estimates had exhibited qualitatively erroneous features like T inversions in the near–surface layer and too thin or thick intermediate water layers in some regions, the MI-GEM estimates avoid those problems, which were inherent to the residual GEM technique in the southwestern JES.

Relevance of silicon isotopes to Si‐nutrient utilization and Si‐source assessment in Antarctic waters

We analyzed δ29Si of dissolved silicate for eight water column profiles across the Southern Ocean (south of Australia in spring 2001) from the Seasonal Ice Zone (SIZ) north to the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ), including the first isotopic compositions measured for Si‐depleted seawaters. All profiles display mixed layer enrichments in heavy Si isotopes relative to deep water in accordance with preferential uptake of the light isotope by diatoms. As silicate levels decrease from the SIZ northward across the Polar Front Zone (PFZ) to the SAZ, surface and mesopelagic δ29Si signatures generally become progressively heavier, but the most Si‐depleted SAZ waters do not exhibit δ29Si values heavier than in the PFZ. This intricacy appears to derive from variations in the vertical and horizontal supply of silicate to surface waters, and by applying a steady state open system model, we estimate a fractionation factor, 29ɛ, between diatoms and seawater of −0.45 ± 0.17‰, independently of zones and phytoplankton community. Though encouraging, these results are related to latitudinal changes in mesopelagic δ29Si values, complexity in surface silicate−δ29Si correlations, and differences from previous studies, which underline the need for caution in the use of silicon isotopes in paleoceanographic studies until systematic efforts have been undertaken to better understand modern variations.

N isotopic composition of dissolved organic nitrogen and nitrate at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study site

To better constrain the dynamics of the dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) pool and the role of N2 fixation in the nitrogen cycle at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) site, we measured the 15N/14N ratio of total nongaseous nitrogen (TN) in the upper 250 m and of nitrate in the upper 1000 m of monthly water column profiles from June 2000 through May 2001. The annually averaged TN δ15N in the upper 100 m is 3.9‰, which is greater than thermocline nitrate (2–3‰ at 250 m) and similar to literature values for shallow sinking nitrogen at BATS (3.7‰). We discern no seasonal variation in TN δ15N, which suggests that most of the DON pool is recalcitrant on this timescale. The TN data require a δ15N for the sinking flux that is similar to previous measurements, suggesting that N2 fixation is a minor component of new nitrogen at BATS. Small but measurable differences in the concentration and 15N/14N of total organic nitrogen (TON) between the surface and subsurface (∼250 m) suggest that subsurface remineralization of ∼0.25 μM of the surface TON acts to lower the 15N/14N of nitrate in the thermocline at BATS.

A new water column profiler for shallow aquatic systems

Coupled physical and biogeochemical processes in shallow (<2 m deep) productive systems must be observed on fine temporal and spatial scales with automated sampling and monitoring devices. We developed a pump profiler system that can sample six to eight depths at 10-cm resolution every 30 min. The system is economical, secure from vandalism, portable, and capable of integration with a real-time remote monitoring system. Solenoid valves select the suction depth, and a diaphragm pump delivers water to a flow cell where temperature, oxygen, pH, specific conductivity, turbidity, oxidation reduction potential, and fluorescence are measured with probes mounted on a water quality sonde. A microcontroller is used to direct the operation of the system. Water column disturbance and maintenance requirements are minimized by eliminating exposed moving parts. The data can be retrieved remotely and graphically displayed on the Internet in real time. The system has been deployed successfully in two freshwater ponds and a tidal saltwater system. The pump profiler is used to study coupled physical biogeochemical processes in shallow systems with strong diel cycles and large density and chemical gradients. Applications may include studies in aquaculture ponds, storm water retention ponds, shallow lakes, and small estuaries.

Synergic Effect of Gold Mining and Damming on Mercury Contamination in Fish

Since the late 1980s, several studies have shown that human populations in the Amazon basin are exposed to high mercury levels in their fish diet. Gold mining, which releases the metal during the amalgamation process and erodes soils naturally rich in mercury, is regarded as the main contamination source. Here, we present the results of a comparative study of mercury distribution in the water and fish of two adjacent rivers in French Guiana, with and without gold mining activities. As a consequence of a marked difference in suspended particulate matter between the two systems, total mercury concentrations in unfiltered water samples were higher in the mined river (25.4-34.9 ng L(-1)) as compared to the reference one (2.1-5.4 ng L(-1)). Surprisingly, no significant differences were observed in mercury concentrations between 13 common fish species at upstream sites. In sharp contrast, mercury concentration of fish caught downstream a hydroelectric reservoir, where the two rivers flow, was up to 8-fold higher than that upstream. Mercury speciation measurements allowed one to relate these differences in fish to the water distribution of monomethylmercury, the mercury chemical species that biomagnifies along aquatic foodwebs. Indeed, mean dissolved monomethylmercury concentrations were low and similar in both rivers (0.03-0.06 ng L(-1)), while they were 10 times higher (up to 0.56 ng L(-1)) in the water outflowing the hydroelectric dam. Dissolved monomethylmercury determinations along a water column profile suggest that methylation of inorganic mercury occurs in the deep anoxic part in reservoir. We conclude that mercury mobilization related to gold mining is not solely sufficient to account for high concentrations in fish and that environmental conditions that favor mercury methylation, such as anoxia, are needed.

Iron, manganese, and lead at Hawaii Ocean Time-series station ALOHA: Temporal variability and an intermediate water hydrothermal plume

Trace metal clean techniques were used to sample Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) station ALOHA on seven occasions between November 1998 and October 2002. On three occasions, full water-column profile samples were obtained; on the other four occasions, surface and near-surface euphotic zone profiles were obtained. Together with three other published samplings, this site may have been monitored for “dissolved” (≤0.4 or ≤0.2 μm) Fe more frequently than any other open ocean site in the world. Low Fe concentrations (<0.1 nmol kg −1) are seen in the lower euphotic zone, and Fe concentrations increase to a maximum in intermediate waters. In the deepwaters (>2500 m), the concentrations we observe (0.4–0.5 nmol kg −1) are significantly lower than some other deep North Pacific stations but are similar to values that have been reported for a station 350 miles to the northeast. We attribute these low deepwater values to transport of low-Fe Antarctic Bottom Water into the basin and a balance between Fe regeneration and scavenging in the deep water. Near-surface waters have higher Fe levels than observed in the lower euphotic zone. Significant temporal variability is seen in near-surface Fe concentrations (ranging from 0.2–0.7 nmol kg −1); we attribute these surface Fe fluctuations to variable dust deposition, biological uptake, and changes in the mixed layer depth. This variability could occur only if the surface layer Fe residence time is less than a few years, and based on that constraint, it appears that a higher percentage of the total Fe must be released from North Pacific aerosols compared to North Atlantic aerosols. Surprisingly, significant temporal variability and high particulate Fe concentrations are observed for intermediate waters (1000–1500 m). These features are seen in the depth interval where high δ 3He from the nearby Loihi Seamount hydrothermal fields has been observed; the total Fe/ 3He ratio implies that the hydrothermal vents are the source of the high and variable Fe. The vertical profile of Mn at ALOHA qualitatively resembles other North Pacific Mn profiles with surface and intermediate water maxima, but there are some significant quantitative differences from other reported profiles. The ≤0.4 μm Mn concentration is highest near the surface, decreases sharply in the upper 500 m, then shows an intermediate water maximum at 800 m and then decreases in the deepest waters; these concentrations are higher than observed at a station 350 miles to the northeast that shows similar vertical variations. It appears that there is a significant Mn gradient (throughout the water column) from HOT towards the northeast. Compared to the first valid oceanic Pb data for samples collected in 1976, Pb at ALOHA in 1997–1999 shows decreases in surface waters and waters shallower than 200 m. Pb concentrations in central North Pacific surface waters have decreased by a factor of 2 during the past 25 yr (from ∼65 to ∼30 pmol kg −1); surface water Pb concentrations in the central North Atlantic and central North Pacific are now comparable. We attribute the surface water Pb decrease to the elimination of leaded gasoline in Japan and to some extent by the U.S. and Canada. We attribute most of the remaining Pb in Pacific surface waters to Asian emissions, more likely due to high-temperature industrial activities such as coal burning rather than to leaded gasoline consumption. A 3-year mixed-layer time series from the nearby HALE-ALOHA mooring site (1997–1999) shows that there is an annual cycle in Pb with concentrations ∼20% higher in winter months; this rise may be created by downward mixing of the winter mixed layer into the steep gradient of higher Pb in the upper thermocline (Pb concentrations double between the surface and 200 m). From 200 m to the bottom, Pb concentrations decrease to levels of 5–9 pmol kg −1 near the bottom; for most of the water column, thermocline and deepwater Pb concentrations do not appear to have changed significantly during the 23-yr interval.

Variations of carbon remineralisation in the Southern Ocean illustrated by the Ba xs proxy

We present water column profiles of excess particulate Ba (Ba xs, an estimate of biogenic Ba from total particulate Ba after small corrections for lithogenic Ba) along a transect in the Australian sector of the Southern Ocean from the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ) to the Sea Ice Zone during spring (October–December 2001). Surface water Ba xs contents appear related to phytoplankton derived particles. Below, in the twilight zone, mesopelagic Ba xs records the changes in plankton biomass from the mixed layer over a time scale of a few weeks and confirms its usefulness as an indicator of the carbon remineralisation process. In comparison to the SAZ, the mesopelagic Ba xs accumulation is larger and begins at shallower depths south of the Polar Front Zone (PFZ), in the Antarctic Zone (AZ), where diatoms are the dominant component of the phytoplankton community. Summer results from 1998, when mesopelagic Ba xs accumulations were larger, also show this latitudinal trend. In contrast, as observed also for deep particulate organic carbon fluxes, the flux of Ba xs to moored deep sea sediment traps was larger in the nano-phytoplankton dominated SAZ than the diatom dominated PFZ. Overall, the results suggest relatively high particulate carbon export to the deep sea in the absence of strong remineralisation in the SAZ, and relatively low export to the deep sea in the presence of strong remineralisation further south. Mesopelagic carbon remineralisation is higher in summer than in spring as also observed on deep sediment traps carbon fluxes. Our findings are supported by 234Th and N-uptake proxies from the same transect. This study expands the utility of Ba as an indicator of biogeochemical processes in the twilight zone and supports its usability as a paleoceanographic proxy for deep C export.

Movement of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) as determined by satellite tagging experiments initiated off New England

Pop-up satellite archival tags were attached to 35 Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) off the New England coast of the United States of America in 1998, 2000, and 2001. The tags provided information on the horizontal and vertical movements and environmental preferences of bluefin tuna. Fish showed movement patterns that can be categorized by age and season. Mature individuals were linked to the Gulf of Mexico breeding grounds based on light level longitude and sea surface temperature latitude estimates of geolocation and a radiosatellite endpoint position. A track based on geolocation indicated that a single individual moved from the tagging release location to the Gulf of Mexico and back to New England waters. Tag-generated water column profiles of depth versus temperature were consistent with fish movement along the shelf and into the Gulf of Mexico. Adolescent fish moved from the New England offshore feeding locations to winter aggregations in the coastal shelf and slope waters of North and South Carolina. Bluefin tuna showed a preference for ambient temperatures that ranged from 14 to 26 °C in autumn and from 18 to 24 °C in winter.

Sediment exchange between Amazon mudbanks and shore-fringing mangroves in French Guiana

Time-series remote sensing data, sediment cores, and water column profiles of fluid properties and suspended sediment concentration were utilized to examine the mechanisms and volumes of sediment exchange between the mangrove fringe and the coastal zone in French Guiana. Remote sensing estimates of sediment yield from mangrove shoreline erosion by wave attack during the ∼30-year periods when offshore Amazon mudbanks are not adjacent to a 30–40 km long section of the shoreline are 6–23 million tons year −1. 7Be, 137Cs, and 210Pb inventories in sediment cores from inner (<5 m water depth) mudbank areas suggest the mangrove erosion occurs primarily during the January–April period of high wave energy, and is responsible for the bulk of sediment deposition on the leading edge of the mudbank. Remote sensing estimates of shoreline accretion associated with onshore flux of sediment from a mudbank are also large (8–26 million tons year −1). Radiotracer-generated strata age relationships indicate that the lower intertidal zone of the leading (depositional) edge of the mudbank is a relict surface, suggesting the offshore mudbank is decoupled from the shoreline. Water column profiles and radiochemical signatures point to fluid mud suspensions (10–400 g l −1) as the primary mechanism for delivering sediment across the relict intertidal zone to create the accretion at the shoreline. If the estimates of sediment volume involved in shoreline accretion and erosion in the studied area are extrapolated along the entire 1400-km-long Guianas coastline possessing offshore mudbanks, the annual exchange of sediment to and from the mangrove fringe is at least equivalent to the average input of new sediment from the Amazon.

Tidal influence on suspended sediment distribution and dispersal in the northern Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban

Surface and water column profiles of suspended matter collected during April–May 2002, and satellite images were used to study factors influencing suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) and dispersal in the northern Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban, one of the largest highly turbid areas of the world's oceans. Perennial high SSC in the Gulf of Martaban is due to a combination of factors including resuspension of sediments by strong tidal currents, shallow bathymetry and seasonal sediment influx from rivers. From satellite images, it was observed that in the central portion of the Gulf of Martaban, the turbidity front oscillates about 150 km in phase with spring-neap tidal cycles and the area covered by the turbid zone (SSC>15 mg l −1) increases from less than 15 000 km 2 during neap tide to more than 45 000 km 2 during spring tide. The sediment discharged by the Ayeyarwady River is transported mainly eastward, along the coast, into the Gulf of Martaban. Occasionally, during the winter monsoon period, sediment plumes are seen heading westward into the Bay of Bengal. Turbidity profiles show that bottom nepheloid layers are actively transporting some of the sediments into the deep Andaman Sea via the Martaban canyon.