‘Tips’ to Affirming Cultural Identity through Communication

This study examines how cultural identity is affirmed through communication. It draws on experiences of communication with those who come to Brother André Café in Portland, Oregon. The study analyzes what is currently known about affirming identity through the lenses of identity, face, language, avowal and ascription, silence, cultural values, and themes of cultural identity. Through these different constructs, a ‘TIPS Sheet’ is developed which gives first time volunteers to Brother André some guideposts to help them in their interactions with those who partake in conversation. This TIPS Sheet causes minimal changes in the current routine of Brother André, and can be easily and cheaply implemented. It is expected to help volunteers come away with a better experience, as it guides them in their interactions, and can be applied to interactions beyond those that take place at Brother André

The Ground CO2 Mapper. An innovative tool for the rapid and precise mapping of CO2 leakage distribution

The recently developed Ground CO2 Mapper (“Mapper” for short) is an inexpensive, light, robust, and low power consuming tool for determining the distribution of CO2 at the soil-atmosphere contact as an indicator of CO2 leakage. The basic premise behind the Mapper is that the contact between the ground surface and the atmosphere represents an interval where CO2 leaking from the subsurface can accumulate in anomalous concentrations due to two mechanisms, the higher density of CO2 with respect to air and the tendency of wind speed (and thus mixing) to approach zero near the ground surface due to frictional drag. Because of its measurement target and the tool’s very rapid response time, Mapper surveys can be conducted very quickly at a high sampling density, yielding accurate maps of CO2 spot anomalies. The unit can be used by anyone and deployed within only 5-10 minutes after sensor and GPS signal warm-up. Here we describe the Mapper and present results from a site of natural diffuse CO2 degassing in central Italy

Abnormally high acoustic sea-floor backscatter patterns in active methane venting areas, Dnepr paleo-delta, northwestern Black Sea

During the 58th and 60th cruise of R.V. Vodyanitskiy, conducted in the framework of the EU-funded CRIMEA project, almost 3000 active bubble-releasing seeps were detected with an adapted split-beam echosounder within the 1540 km2 of the studied Dnepr paleo-delta area. The distribution of these active seeps is not random, but is controlled by morphology, by underlying stratigraphy and sediment properties, and by the presence of gas hydrates acting as a seal and preventing upward migrating gas to be released as bubbles in the water column (Naudts et al., 2006).Here we present the relation between acoustic sea-floor backscatter and the distribution of more than 600 active methane seeps detected within a small area on the continental shelf. This study is further sustained by visual sea-floor observations, highresolution seismic data, pore-water data and grain-size analysis.The backscatter data indicate that seeps are generally not located within highbackscatter areas, but rather surround them. Most seeps are located within shallow pockmarks which are characterized by medium-backscatter values, whereas deeper pockmarks have high-backscatter values with much lower seep densities. The seismic data show the presence of a distinct gas front (free gas); shallow gas fronts correspond to high- and medium-backscatter areas, which are associated with gas seeps, whereas deep gas fronts correspond to low-backscatter areas without seeps. The presence of shallow gas is also confirmed by the pore-water data, showing higher amounts of dissolved-methane concentrations for areas with medium- to high-backscatter values.Visual observations showed that the high-backscatter areas correspond to white Beggiatoa mats. These thiotrophic bacterial mats are indicators for the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) which results in the formation of methane-derived carbonates (MDAC’s). AOM was also confirmed by the pore-water data. No clear correlation with grain-size distribution could be established.Based on the integration of all datasets, we conclude that the observed highbackscatter anomalies are a result of methane-derived authigenic carbonates (MDAC’s). The carbonate formation appears to lead to a gradual (self)-sealing of the seeps (Hovland, 2002), followed by a relocation of the bubble-releasing holes. Furthermore, the degree of MDAC-formation is directly linked to the backscatter intensity and seep activity which makes it possible to use the backscatter strength as a proxy for the seep activity and distribution

Anomalous seafloor backscatter patterns in methane venting areas, Dnepr paleo-delta, NW Black Sea

The relation between acoustic seafloor backscatter and seep distribution is examined by integrating multibeam backscatter data and seep locations detected by single-beam echosounder. This study is further supported by side scan sonar recordings, high-resolution 5 kHz seismic data, pore-water analysis, grain-size analysis and visual seafloor observations. The datasets were acquired during the 2003 and 2004 expeditions of the EC-funded CRIMEA project in the Dnepr paleo-delta area, northwestern Black Sea. More than 600 active methane seeps were hydro-acoustically detected within a small (3.96 km by 3.72 km) area on the continental shelf of the Dnepr paleo-delta in water depths ranging from -72 m to -156 m. Multibeam and side scan sonar recordings show backscatter patterns that are clearly associated with seepage or with a present dune area. Seeps generally occur within medium- to high backscatter areas which often coincide with pockmarks. High-resolution seismic data reveal the presence of an undulating gas front, i.e. the top of the free gas in the subsurface, which domes up towards and intersects the seafloor at locations where gas seeps and medium- to high-backscatter values are detected. Pore-water analysis of 4 multi-cores, taken at different backscatter intensity sites, shows a clear correlation between backscatter intensity and dissolved methane fluxes. All analyzed chemical species indicate increasing anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) from medium- to high-backscatter locations. This is confirmed by visual seafloor observations, showing bacterial mats and authigenic carbonates formed by AOM. Grain-size analysis of the 4 multi-cores only reveals negligible variations between the different backscatter sites. Integration of all datasets leads to the conclusion that the observed backscatter patterns are the result of ongoing methane seepage and the precipitation of methane-derived authigenic carbonates (MDACs) caused by AOM. The carbonate formation also appears to lead to a gradual (self-)sealing of the seeps by cementing fluid pathways/horizons followed by a relocation of the bubble-releasing locations

Behavioral Disorders: A Nutritional Checklist for the Educational Practitioner

Millions of dollars are spent annually on special educational programs for children whose severe behavior disorders prevent them from participating in the regular school setting despite average or above average intellectual capacity. A growing body of research indicates that some of these behavior disorders are related to nutritional problems. (Pfeiffer and Iliev 1972; Kittler 1973; Mayron 1979; and Buckley 1977), and many clinicians support the view that no matter what the etiology of behavioral disorders, nutritional programs can improve the baseline data on medical, social and intellectual achievement, and on personality measures (Palmer 1978). Our purpose here is to present a checklist of physical symptoms associated with dietary problems related to nonadaptive behavior in order to help teachers determine if a medical-nutritional referral is appropriate

Spatial-temporal water column monitoring using multiple, low-cost GasPro-pCO2 sensors: implications for monitoring, modelling, and potential impact

Monitoring of the water column in the vicinity of offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites is needed to ensure site integrity and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. In this regard, the use of continuous, autonomous systems is considered greatly advantageous due to the costs and limitations of periodic, ship-based sampling campaigns. While various geochemical monitoring tools have been developed their elevated costs and complexities mean that typically only one unit can be deployed at a time, yielding single point temporal data but no spatial data. To address this the authors have developed low-cost pCO2 sensors (GasPro-pCO2) that are small, robust, stable, and which have a low power consumption, characteristics which allow for the deployment of numerous units to monitor the spatial-temporal distribution of pCO2, temperature, and water pressure in surface water environments. The present article details the results of three field deployments at the natural, CO2-leaking site near Panarea, Island. While the first consisted of 6 probes placed on the sea floor for a 2.5 month period, the other two involved the deployment of 20 GasPro units along a transect through the water column in the vicinity of active CO2 seeps over 2 – 4 days. Results show both transport and mixing processes and highlight the dynamic nature of the leakage-induced marine geochemical anomalies. Implications for monitoring programs as well as potential impacts are discussed

Water column monitoring at CO2 leaking sites near Panarea Island

The fate and transport of geologically produced CO2 that leaks from the sea floor into the overlying water column has numerous important implications related to large scale carbon cycling and potential impact on marine organisms, and is of interest for the development of improved monitoring techniques and strategies for offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites. The CO2 leakage areas off the east coast of Panarea Island, Italy provides an excellent environment to study these processes given the wide range of different flux rates in relatively shallow water. The water column at this site was monitored using two completely different but complementary approaches, continuous monitoring along short 2D transects using GasPro pCO2 sensors and discrete seasonal sampling along a 700 m transect crossing multiple leakage areas. Results are discussed in terms of the movement of CO2, and associated tracers, in the water column

Gases and seabed fluid fluxes at the Panarea shallow hydrothermal vents (Aeolian Islands)

CO2 leaking into the shallow sediments and overlying seawater is partitioned in different forms, each migrating at its own rate and having potentially different impacts. To begin with the CO2 gas will migrate through the shallow subsurface either alone as a free gas or together with associated deep fluids (e.g. brines), with the free-phase CO2 equilibrating with the surrounding pore waters/associated brines. Migrating upward these fluids will enter the base of the water column, with the release of gas bubbles (and possibly associated waters) from the sediments into the overlying seawater. The bubbles will rise in the water column creating what is known as a bubble “flare” with the CO2 in the bubbles dissolving in the surrounding surface water as they rise. Depending on the depth and the chemical/physical characteristics of the water column, these bubbles may or may not reach the water surface. Any co-migrating water/brine will also be released into the water column, creating a plume having a chemical composition that is distinct from the surrounding seawater, consisting of dissolved gases (mainly CO2), elements in the original brine, and elements liberated via CO2-induced water-rock interaction. The height that this dissolved plume will reach in the water column will depend on the original flow rate across the sediment-water interface and the density contrast between the plume and surrounding seawater. Both the gas-induced and water plumes will then migrate laterally and vertically as a result of the local currents, water column stratification, and density effects, meaning that there is the potential for impact both in the near and far field for pelagic organisms, both in terms of a lower pH and the possibility of elevated concentrations of toxic elements. This study was carried out in the framework of two EC funded projects, RISCS and ECO2 related to research on sub-seabed CO2 storage as climate change mitigation strategy, and potential impact on marine ecosystems. Here, we investigated how CO2-leakage, a risk associated with subseafloor CO2-storage, can affect physical and chemical characteristics of the surrounding ecosystem. We studied the Panarea natural laboratory site (Aeolian Islands), where natural CO2 is leaking from the seafloor into the overlying water column, as an analogue for a leakage scenario

The Panarea natural CO2 seeps: fate and impact of the leaking gas (PaCO2) ; R/V URANIA, Cruise No. U10/2011, 27 July – 01 August 2011, Naples (Italy) – Naples (Italy)

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), both on- and offshore, is expected to be an important technique to mitigate anthropogenic effects on global climate by isolating man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep geological formations. In marine environments, however, the potential impacts of CO2 leakage, appropriate detection methods, and risk and pathways of atmospheric emissions are poorly defined. The natural CO2 gas seeps that occur in the relatively shallow waters off the coast of Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands, Italy) can be studied as a large-scale, real-world analogue of what might occur at a leaking offshore CCS site and what tools can be used to study it. The oceanographic survey PaCO2 was performed aboard R/V Urania from 27 July – 01 August 2011 (Naples – Naples). The project’s ship-time was funded by Eurofleets, with work being performed as a sub-project of the Seventh Framework Programme projects “ECO2” and “RISCS”, which provided subsidiary funding. Large amounts of data and samples were collected during the cruise which will be interpreted in the coming months, with preliminary results detailed here. Of particular importance was the discovery of much larger areas showing gas seepage than previously reported. Interdisciplinary measurements were performed at the Panarea seepage site. The international team of scientists onboard R/V Urania performed complementary sampling and measurements for biological, chemical, and physical parameters throughout the area. Together with the dedication of R/V Urania’s Captain and crew, and the eagerness and cooperation of the scientific crew, we were able to obtain excellent scientific results during this six-day cruise

Potential Environmental Impacts of CO2 Leakage from the Study of Natural Analogue Sites in Europe

AbstractSites of natural CO2 leakage provide opportunities to study the potential environmental impacts of such leakage on near-surface ecosystems. As part of the FP7 RISCS (Research into Impacts and Safety in CO2 Storage) project a geochemical, botanical and microbiological study have been conducted on a natural CO2 vent in Florina, Greece and the findings are compared with the results drawn from Latera, Italy and Laacher See, Germany. Plant and microbial communities appear to have adapted to long-term CO2 exposure. Therefore the findings may not be representative of the effects of potential leakage from man made storage sites