Toward molecular trait-based ecology through integration of biogeochemical, geographical and metagenomic data

Using metagenomic ‘parts lists' to study microbial ecology remains a significant challenge. This work proposes a molecular trait-based approach to biogeography by integrating metagenomic data with external metadata and using functional community composition as readout

Physics in Riemann's mathematical papers

Riemann's mathematical papers contain many ideas that arise from physics, and some of them are motivated by problems from physics. In fact, it is not easy to separate Riemann's ideas in mathematics from those in physics. Furthermore, Riemann's philosophical ideas are often in the background of his work on science. The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of Riemann's mathematical results based on physical reasoning or motivated by physics. We also elaborate on the relation with philosophy. While we discuss some of Riemann's philosophical points of view, we review some ideas on the same subjects emitted by Riemann's predecessors, and in particular Greek philosophers, mainly the pre-socratics and Aristotle. The final version of this paper will appear in the book: From Riemann to differential geometry and relativity (L. Ji, A. Papadopoulos and S. Yamada, ed.) Berlin: Springer, 2017

Zonal-mean circulation response to reduced air-sea momentum roughness

The impact of uncertainties in surface layer physics on the atmospheric general circulation is comparatively unexplored. Here the sensitivity of the zonal-mean circulation to reduced air-sea momentum roughness (Z0m) at low flow speed is investigated with the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3). In an aquaplanet framework with prescribed sea surface temperatures, the response to reduced Z0m resembles the La Niña minus El Niño response to El Niño Southern Oscillation variability with: i) a poleward shift of the mid-latitude westerlies extending all the way to the surface; ii) a weak poleward shift of the subtropical descent region; and iii) a weakening of the Hadley circulation, which is generally also accompanied by a poleward shift of the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and the tropical surface easterlies. Mechanism-denial experiments show this response to be initiated by the reduction of tropical latent and sensible heat fluxes, effected by reducing Z0m. The circulation response is elucidated by considering the effect of the tropical energy fluxes on the Hadley circulation strength, the upper tropospheric critical layer latitudes, and the lower-tropospheric baroclinic eddy forcing. The ITCZ shift is understood via moist static energy budget analysis in the tropics. The circulation response to reduced Z0m carries over to more complex setups with seasonal cycle, full complexity of atmosphere-ice-land-ocean interaction, and a slab ocean lower boundary condition. Hence, relatively small changes in the surface parameterization parameters can lead to a significant circulation response

Phytoplankton across Tropical and Subtropical Regions of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans

Postprint4,411

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

Intercomparisons of high‐resolution global ocean analyses: Evaluation of a new synthesis in tropical oceans

A new high‐resolution global analysis product is constructed from a fully coupled surface wave‐tide‐circulation Ocean Model developed by the First Institute of Oceanography Coupled Ocean Model (FIO‐COM). The performance of the FIO‐COM analysis data set is assessed based on comparisons with two other widely used high‐resolution global analysis products (Copernicus marine and environment monitoring service and HYbrid isopycnal‐sigma‐pressure coordinate ocean model), and observations in tropical oceans. Through comparison with observations, the FIO‐COM analysis is shown to be able to accurately capture the large‐scale mixed layer depth (MLD) structures in the tropical oceans during all seasons. Seasonal variations of MLDs can exceed ±80% in the southern and northern tropical oceans (10°‐25°S and 10°‐25°N) in both boreal winter and summer, as inferred from observations and FIO‐COM analysis data. Quantitative assessments of the 20°C isothermal depth, temperature at 5°m depth, and temperature and salinity profiles, among the analyses and in situ observations are also conducted. The capability of the FIO‐COM analysis to reflect the observed sea surface temperature variability during the 2015 El Niño episode is further investigated through comparisons with observations from 19 TAO buoys located in the Niño 3.4 region. All indicate the high quality of the new data set