Accretion, structure and hydrology of intermediate spreading-rate oceanic crust from drillhole experiments and seafloor observations

Downhole measurements recorded in the context of the Ocean Drilling Program in Hole 504B, the deepest hole drilled yet into the oceanic crust, are analyzed in terms of accretion processes of the upper oceanic crust at intermediate spreading-rate. The upper part of the crust is found to support the non steady-state models of crustal accretion developed from seafloor observations (Kappel and Ryan, 1986; Gente, 1987). The continuous and vertical nature of borehole measurements provides stratigraphic and structural data that cannot be obtained solely from seafloor studies and, in turn, these models define a framework to analyze the structural, hydrological, and mineralogical observations made in the hole over the past decade.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43190/1/11001_2005_Article_BF01204282.pd

A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses

Video and image data are regularly used in the field of benthic ecology to document biodiversity. However, their use is subject to a number of challenges, principally the identification of taxa within the images without associated physical specimens. The challenge of applying traditional taxonomic keys to the identification of fauna from images has led to the development of personal, group, or institution level reference image catalogues of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or morphospecies. Lack of standardisation among these reference catalogues has led to problems with observer bias and the inability to combine datasets across studies. In addition, lack of a common reference standard is stifling efforts in the application of artificial intelligence to taxon identification. Using the North Atlantic deep sea as a case study, we propose a database structure to facilitate standardisation of morphospecies image catalogues between research groups and support future use in multiple front-end applications. We also propose a framework for coordination of international efforts to develop reference guides for the identification of marine species from images. The proposed structure maps to the Darwin Core standard to allow integration with existing databases. We suggest a management framework where high-level taxonomic groups are curated by a regional team, consisting of both end users and taxonomic experts. We identify a mechanism by which overall quality of data within a common reference guide could be raised over the next decade. Finally, we discuss the role of a common reference standard in advancing marine ecology and supporting sustainable use of this ecosystem

Man and the Last Great Wilderness: Human Impact on the Deep Sea

The deep sea, the largest ecosystem on Earth and one of the least studied, harbours high biodiversity and provides a wealth of resources. Although humans have used the oceans for millennia, technological developments now allow exploitation of fisheries resources, hydrocarbons and minerals below 2000 m depth. The remoteness of the deep seafloor has promoted the disposal of residues and litter. Ocean acidification and climate change now bring a new dimension of global effects. Thus the challenges facing the deep sea are large and accelerating, providing a new imperative for the science community, industry and national and international organizations to work together to develop successful exploitation management and conservation of the deep-sea ecosystem. This paper provides scientific expert judgement and a semi-quantitative analysis of past, present and future impacts of human-related activities on global deep-sea habitats within three categories: disposal, exploitation and climate change. The analysis is the result of a Census of Marine Life – SYNDEEP workshop (September 2008). A detailed review of known impacts and their effects is provided. The analysis shows how, in recent decades, the most significant anthropogenic activities that affect the deep sea have evolved from mainly disposal (past) to exploitation (present). We predict that from now and into the future, increases in atmospheric CO2 and facets and consequences of climate change will have the most impact on deep-sea habitats and their fauna. Synergies between different anthropogenic pressures and associated effects are discussed, indicating that most synergies are related to increased atmospheric CO2 and climate change effects. We identify deep-sea ecosystems we believe are at higher risk from human impacts in the near future: benthic communities on sedimentary upper slopes, cold-water corals, canyon benthic communities and seamount pelagic and benthic communities. We finalise this review with a short discussion on protection and management methods

Perspectives in visual imaging for marine biology and ecology: from acquisition to understanding

Durden J, Schoening T, Althaus F, et al. Perspectives in Visual Imaging for Marine Biology and Ecology: From Acquisition to Understanding. In: Hughes RN, Hughes DJ, Smith IP, Dale AC, eds. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review. 54. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2016: 1-72

The geochemistry of the Amazon River system: Part I. The factors that control the salinity and the composition and concentration of the suspended solids

On the basis of wet- and dry-season sampling along the Amazon River, at its mouth, and from its 16 large tributaries, the factors that control the salinity and the composition and concentration of the suspended solids of the Amazon River were determined. The multiple regression analysis of the analytical results of 74 river-water samples and numerous in situ measurements revealed: (1) of the 92 percent of the variability of the salinity accounted for, 85 percent was accounted for by relief - 86 percent of the total dissolved salts discharged by the Amazon was supplied from the 12 percent of the total area of the Basin comprising the mountainous-environment type; (2) of the 62 percent of the variability of the concentration of the suspended solids accounted for, 43 percent was accounted for by relief - 82 percent of the total suspended solids discharged by the Amazon was supplied from the mountainous environment-type. The multiple regression analysis of the analytical results obtained by X-ray diffraction from 50 suspended solids samples revealed: (1) increased-relief physical weathering controlled the percentages of quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, mica, chlorite, and amphibole; (2) the percentage of "calcic" rocks in the upper portions of tributary basins controlled montmorillonite concentrations; and (3) a combination of low-relief chemical weathering and the percentage of igneous and metamorphic rocks controlled the percentages kaolinite and gibbsite. The increased-relief physical weathering dominant in the Andean mountainous environment controls the geochemistry of the Amazon River, indicated by the following observations: (1) the over-all composition of the suspended solids discharged by the Amazon differs only slightly from that of the suspended solids eroded from the mountainous environment; and (2) 84 percent of the total amount of dissolved salts and suspended solids discharged is eroded from the 12 percent of the total area of the Amazon Basin comprising the mountainous Andean environment-type. © 1967, The Geological Society of America, Inc