Sediment-moss interactions on a temperate glacier: Falljökull, Iceland

Full text of this article can be found at: http://www.igsoc.org/annals/ Copyright IGS. DOI: 10.3189/172756408784700734We present the results of preliminary investigations of globular moss growth on the surface of Falljökull, a temperate outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, southern Iceland. Supraglacial debris has provided a basis for moss colonization, and several large (>500 m2) patches of moss growth (Racomitrium spp.) are observed on the surface of the glacier. Each area of moss-colonized supraglacial debris shows a downslope increase in sphericity and moss cushion size and a decrease in percentage surface coverage of moss-colonized and bare clasts. It is suggested that moss growth on supraglacial debris allows preferential downslope movement of clasts through an associated increase in both overall mass and sphericity. Thermal insulation by moss cushions protects the underlying ice surface from melt, and the resulting ice pedestals assist in downslope sliding and toppling of moss cushions. The morphology and life cycle of supraglacial globular mosses is therefore not only closely linked to the presence and distribution of supraglacial debris, but also appears to assist in limited down-glacier transport of this debris. This research highlights both the dynamic nature of the interaction of mosses with supraglacial sedimentary systems and the need for a detailed consideration of their role within the wider glacial ecosystem.Peer reviewe

Netting venture capital from a fishing village

In northern New England, equity capital has often been difficult for small- and medium-sized companies to obtain. Keith Bisson shares Coastal Enterprises, Inc.'s philosophy of community development venture capital and explains how others can get involved.Economic development - New England ; Venture capital ; Economic development - Maine ; Economic development - New Hampshire

Modern pollen data from Tuchola Forest

This paper compares pollen spectra derived from modified Tauber traps and moss samples adjacent to pollen traps from four sites different in type of vegetation and openness of the landscape in Tuchola Forest. The length of the pollen deposition period covered by an individual moss sample was a matter of discussion, as well as accumulated values of pollen grains in green gametophytes (A) and basal part of moss (B). Compared to pollen traps, mosses tend to accumulate more Pinus grains. The investigated moss samples (A+B) usually contain pollen from a period between one and two years. Pine, spruce, oak and beech pollen deposited more pollen almost always in the subsample A

Bronze Age moss fibre garments from Scotland – the jury’s out

In the light of recent discoveries of early to middle Bronze Age burials with mats and fibrous material in Scotland, for example at Langwell farm and Forteviot, it was deemed timely to re-evaluate earlier finds of this period, several of which were discovered and initially reported on nearly a century ago. As part of this research it was noted that three Bronze Age finds from the old literature were reported as clothing or shrouds made of hair moss (Polytrichum commune). Three of these are reassessed here, with a detailed re-examination of the “hair moss apron” from North Cairn Farm. Technological analysis of this find showed no evidence for the twining previously reported and SEM fibre analysis shows that it is unlikely to be hair moss or indeed Bronze Age. However, there is other evidence for hair moss artefacts from other British Bronze Age and Roman contexts. These suggest it is possible that hair moss fibre was used in Scotland in the Bronze Age, but that the North Cairn Farm fibrous object should no longer be considered among this evidence

Automated Measurement of Adherence to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Guidelines using Neurological ICU Data

Using a combination of physiological and treatment information from neurological ICU data-sets, adherence to traumatic brain injury (TBI) guidelines on hypotension, intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is calculated automatically. The ICU output is evaluated to capture pressure events and actions taken by clinical staff for patient management, and are then re-expressed as simplified process models. The official TBI guidelines from the Brain Trauma Foundation are similarly evaluated, so the two structures can be compared and a quantifiable distance between the two calculated (the measure of adherence). The methods used include: the compilation of physiological and treatment information into event logs and subsequently process models; the expression of the BTF guidelines in process models within the real-time context of the ICU; a calculation of distance between the two processes using two algorithms (“Direct” and “Weighted”) building on work conducted in th e business process domain. Results are presented across two categories each with clinical utility (minute-by-minute and single patient stays) using a real ICU data-set. Results of two sample patients using a weighted algorithm show a non-adherence level of 6.25% for 42 mins and 56.25% for 708 mins and non-adherence of 18.75% for 17 minutes and 56.25% for 483 minutes. Expressed as two combinatorial metrics (duration/non-adherence (A) and duration * non-adherence (B)), which together indicate the clinical importance of the non-adherence, one has a mean of A=4.63 and B=10014.16 and the other a mean of A=0.43 and B=500.0

The mosses of sub-Saharan Africa : 2., endemism and biodiversity

Based on a recent moss checklist of sub-Saharan Africa, an analysis is made of moss diversity and endemism in the area. There are over 3000 taxa, 77% of which are endemic. Figures for diversity and endemism for each country are listed, mapped and graphed, and endemism is also considered at the genus level. As the bryophyte flora of Africa is comparatively poorly known, it is important to be prudent when drawing conclusions about biodiversity and endemism

The taxonomic status of Bryum arachnoideum C. Müll. and B. lanatum (P. Beauv.) Brid.

A study of an isotype of Bryum arachnoideum C. Müll., a poorly understood species described from tropical Africa, revealed that this species is distinct from B. argenteum Hedw. var. lanatum (P. Beauv.) Hampe. The differences between both species are listed. All specimens from tropical Africa named as B. arachnoideum by the author must be attributed to B. argenteum var. lanatum. The differences between B. argenteum var. argenteum and var. lanatum, both morphologically and ecologically, are so important that it is proposed to treat var. lanatum on a species level as B. lanatum (P. Beauv.) Brid

Economic revitalization through the arts: the creative economy

Whether artists' lofts lure tourists or graphic designers enhance manufacturing, the benefits of the creative economy are everywhere. Today New England is learning the value of fully integrating this source of growth into economic-development agendas.Economic development - New England ; Community arts projects - New England

Ecological studies of aquatic moss pillars in Antarctic lakes 1. Macro structure and carbon, nitrogen and Chlorophyll a contents

Structures of a typical \u27moss pillar\u27 submerged in Antarctic lakes were investigated to analyze the sizes, age distribution, and composition such as shoot density, dry weight, carbon, nitrogen and chlorophyll a using a sample collected from lake B-4 Ike in the Skarvsnes region, East Antarctica. The moss pillar was mainly composed of shoots of a moss species, Leptobryum sp. Most of the green shoots of the species were located at the top surface of the pillar, and brownish old shoots with prominent vegetative diaspores, so-called rhizoidal tubers, formed the internal body of the pillar. The internal core of the pillar was nearly empty, and seemed to be decomposed considerably. Dry weight, carbon, nitrogen and chlorophyll distributions in the pillar took heterogeneous patterns, that is, they were largely centered at apical parts. It is suggested that growth of the moss pillar occurred extensively at the apical part. The age was estimated ca. 250 years at ca. 20 cm below the apical top by the AMS method. The presence of the moss pillar in lake B-4 Ike indicates that a tremendous amount of biomass has been produced under the oligotrophic freshwater Antarctic lake environment over more than a quarter millennium