Relic occurence of Betula nana L. in Massif Central, France

An isolated occurrence of Betula nana L. in Massif Central, France, has been proved by macrosubfossil analyses to be a relic locality where the dwarf birch has been present since the Pre-boreal period.Des analyses de macrorestes dans la tourbe qui supporte une population isolée de Betula nana L. dans le Massif Central prouvent sa présence sur place à partir du Préboréal et donc son caractère relique.Vasari Annicki, Vasari Y. Relic occurence of Betula nana L. in Massif Central, France. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 11 n°1, 1985. Changements hydrologiques dans la zone tempérée au cours des quinze derniers millénaires / Paleohydrological changes in the temperate zone in the last 15000 years. Marseille (France) 3-5/07/1984. pp. 65-68

Dating of the ombrotrophic peat formation in Finland (Datation de la tourbe de milieu très humide en Finlande).

The paper gives a survey of the regional features in the present mire vegetation of Finland with special emphasis upon the regions of raised bogs. The means of making a distinction between minerotrophic and ombrotrophic vegetation, both at the present time and in the past is discussed. The studies dealing with the history of raised bogs in Finland are reviewed. It is evident that the Sub-Boreal period was the main phase for the origin of ombrogenous peat formation. The Sub-Atlantic period has been secondary in importance. In some cases raised bogs began to form during the Atlantic time already.The surface pattern which is especially characteristic for the so-called kermi raised bogs is evidently of a fairly recent origin. It has been formed mainly during the Sub-Atlantic period. Both the wet depressions and the interlying high dry strings have been remarkably stabile formations.L'étude des tourbières bombées de Finlande révèle que la majeure partie d'entre elles se sont développées à partir du Subboréal. Cependant dans certains cas la tourbification a débuté des l'Atlantique.Vasari Y. Dating of the ombrotrophic peat formation in Finland (Datation de la tourbe de milieu très humide en Finlande).. In: Bulletin de l'Association française pour l'étude du quaternaire, vol. 17, n°1-2, 1980. p. 80

Dating of the ombrotrophic peat formation in Finland (Datation de la tourbe de milieu très humide en Finlande).

The paper gives a survey of the regional features in the present mire vegetation of Finland with special emphasis upon the regions of raised bogs. The means of making a distinction between minerotrophic and ombrotrophic vegetation, both at the present time and in the past is discussed. The studies dealing with the history of raised bogs in Finland are reviewed. It is evident that the Sub-Boreal period was the main phase for the origin of ombrogenous peat formation. The Sub-Atlantic period has been secondary in importance. In some cases raised bogs began to form during the Atlantic time already.The surface pattern which is especially characteristic for the so-called kermi raised bogs is evidently of a fairly recent origin. It has been formed mainly during the Sub-Atlantic period. Both the wet depressions and the interlying high dry strings have been remarkably stabile formations.L'étude des tourbières bombées de Finlande révèle que la majeure partie d'entre elles se sont développées à partir du Subboréal. Cependant dans certains cas la tourbification a débuté des l'Atlantique.Vasari Y. Dating of the ombrotrophic peat formation in Finland (Datation de la tourbe de milieu très humide en Finlande).. In: Bulletin de l'Association française pour l'étude du quaternaire, vol. 17, n°1-2, 1980. p. 80

A case of manganese precipitate in the Taviharju esker, Kuusamo, North East Finland

A manganese-iron precipitate of an exceptional size has been found in the Taviharju esker in Kuusamo, North-East Finland. The different forms in which manganese is known to be deposited in humid areas such as Finland are listed. The Taviharju case represents an example of cementation in gravel and coarse sand. The mechanism operates in the following way: Manganese and iron have been dissolved in reduced form, probably as complex organic compounds, in percolating ground water. When the water enters coarse esker material where oxidizing conditions prevail, the manganese, iron and dissolved organic compounds are oxidized and precipitated as electrically charged gels. These coat the mineral grains and cement them together to form horizontal layers rich in manganese. The soil may be termed gleyed

International staff and diversity in missions

Contemporary universities have many different tasks. Next to the traditional research and teaching mission, universities are also expected to engage in other activities that create social value. A balance between these different tasks varies across higher education systems, institutions, and individuals. This chapter examines the position of international staff on this landscape of different missions. International mobility is usually associated with research excellence. In this chapter we empirically examine the difference between local and international staff to test this image about international staff. The analysis shows that international staff is indeed significantly more oriented towards research and less on teaching, both in their intrinsic interest and time investment. Difference with respect to ‘third mission’ activities is small. International staff is equally or even more active in activities like patenting or creating spin-off companies. On the other hand, they are underrepresented in activities that are embedded in a local context, such as serving on expert committees or undertaking consultancy work. This triggers a question about an optimal engagement of international staff in the diversity of missions.</p