The energy budget of the stratosphere during 1965

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics; and, (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Meteorology, 1967.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 167-170).A monthly statistical analysis was made of the effects of large scale horizontal eddy transport processes on the zonal momentum, heat and energy budgets for three layers of the 1965 stratosphere. Geostrophic wind components were computed from IQSY data at 100, 50, 30 and 10 mb for use in calculating the statistical quantities -used in the analysis. It was found that temporal and spatial variances and covariances -computed from monthly means of temperature and geostrophic wind components give meaningful results when used in the computation of momentum, heat and energy balances. Monthly meridional distributions of eddy transports and energy conversions show large latitudinal and height variations. They also indicate a physically reasonable compatibility with month to month changes in zonal mean values of temperature, zonal wind and geo-potential. It was further determined that in the winter, the eddies in the middle stratosphere convert a self contained source of zonal available potential energy into eddy available potential energy. It is speculated that further conversion of this energy eventuates in its availability as a significant source for the mean zonal motions.by Merwin Eugene Richards.M.S

Surviving in isolation: genetic variation, bottlenecks and reproductive strategies in the Canarian endemic Limonium macrophyllum (Plumbaginaceae)

Oceanic archipelagos are typically rich in endemic taxa, because they offer ideal conditions for diversification and speciation in isolation. One of the most remarkable evolutionary radiations on the Canary Islands comprises the 16 species included in Limonium subsection Nobiles, all of which are subject to diverse threats, and legally protected. Since many of them are single-island endemics limited to one or a few populations, there exists a risk that a loss of genetic variation might limit their longterm survival. In this study, we used eight newly developed microsatellite markers to characterize the levels of genetic variation and inbreeding in L. macrophyllum, a species endemic to the North-east of Tenerife that belongs to Limonium subsection Nobiles. We detected generally low levels of genetic variation over all populations (HT = 0.363), and substantial differentiation among populations (FST = 0.188;RST = 0.186) coupled with a negligible degree of inbreeding (F = 0.042). Obligate outcrossing may have maintained L. macrophyllum relatively unaffected by inbreeding despite the species’ limited dispersal ability and the genetic bottlenecks likely caused by a prolonged history of grazing. Although several factors still constitute a risk for the conservation of L. macrophyllum, the lack of inbreeding and the recent positive demographic trends observed in the populations of this species are factors that favour its future persistence

Understanding the complexity of catch and release in recreational fishing: an integrative synthesis of global knowledge from historical, ethical social and biological perspectives

Most research on catch-and-release (C&R) in recreational fishing has been conducted from a disciplinary angle focusing on the biological sciences and the study of hooking mortality after release. This hampers understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of C&R. In the present synopsis, we develop an integrative perspective on C&R by drawing on historical, philosophical, socio-psychological, biological, and managerial insights and perspectives. Such a perspective is helpful for a variety of reasons, such as 1) improving the science supporting successful fisheries management and conservation, 2) facilitating dialogue between managers, anglers, and other stakeholders, 3) minimizing conflict potentials, and 4) paving the path toward sustainable recreational fisheries management. The present work highlights the array of cultural, institutional, psychological, and biological factors and dimensions involved in C&R. Progress toward successful treatment of C&R might be enhanced by acknowledging the complexity inherent in C&R recreational fishing