The distribution and production of submerged macrophytes in Loch Leven, Kinross

SynopsisThe distribution and production of submerged macrophytes in Loch Leven has been investigated using drag-rake surveys and biomass measurements. Survey data suggest that changes in the species diversity of the loch have occurred since the earlier records. There appears to have been a decline in some species with an increase in others.In general there has been an overall loss in species diversity which may be correlated with the increasingly eutrophic status of Loch Leven. At present the macrophyte flora is dominated by a few species, notably Potamogeton filiformis, Zannichellia palustris, Nitella opaca and algal periphyton, with declining, though still significant amounts of Chora aspera. It is probable that the species diversity is in the process of adjusting to the eutrophic status of the loch and that P. filiformis in particular is in an expanding condition.</jats:p

A Schema for Capturing and Comparing Parametric Spatial Data

In this paper, the authors consider the problem of architectural spatial performance indicators for assessing computer generated design, where identification and analysis of meaningful and relevant spatial qualities is the target of assessment. The paper presents a parametric spatial analysis schema and spatial database structure for the restricted, but still significant, domain of residential housing. A process for the capture and comparison of different types of architectural spatial data is described where analysis focuses on a series of 2D metric and topological spatial measures. The process is then demonstrated in our discussion of a descriptive scenario

Modeling the distribution and ecology of <i>Trichosolen</i> blooms on coral reefs worldwide

Worldwide blooms of the green alga Trichosolen have been reported on damaged coral reefs following catastrophic events. However, the global distribution of Trichosolen and the factors triggering such blooms remained elusive because of a paucity of occurrence records. This study presents a presence-only niche modelling approach to map the potential distribution and delineate bloom risk areas as well as to identify environmental response optima for non-blooming occurrences and blooms. The modelled suitability map revealed a pantropical to subtropical distribution, while high suitability values delineated bloom risk areas including important tropical reef systems where Trichosolen has not yet been reported from. While both blooms and non-bloom occurrences show a strong preference for high temperatures, blooms responded better to broader nutrient ranges than non-blooms, suggesting the importance of sudden nutrient inputs during catastrophic events in the formation of blooms