Tracing the late Holocene evolution of the NW Iberian upwelling system

This work analyses data from the OMEX core KSGX 40 (164-cm long) collected in the Galicia Mud Deposit, from the NW Iberian outer continental shelf, off the Ria de Vigo (North Spain). Sediment grain-size and benthic foraminifera distribution patterns indicate a number of substantial changes in sedimentation and also food/oxygen availability to the benthic ecosystem during the last ∼4.8 ka cal BP. Cluster analysis (Q-mode and R-mode) based on the most abundant taxa was used to recognize similarities within the data set. Three main clusters were established by Q-mode cluster analysis. The species distribution pattern of two of these three clusters is clearly related with changes in texture of the sediments. Textural data and benthic foraminifera proxies suggest that between ∼4.8 and 2.2 ka cal BP there was a period of higher hydrodynamism, with more energetic oceanic currents associated with shelf mixed waters. The period since ∼2.2 ka cal BP until present was characterized by generally lower bottom energetic conditions and by a supply of finer sediment, which was richer in organic matter leading to more eutrophic conditions in the benthic environment, mainly between ∼2.2 and 1.2 ka cal BP and since ∼0.5 ka cal BP until the present. Eutrophication was probably determined by strong water column stratified conditions and by coastal upwelling-dominated depositional intervals and/or by higher lateral flux of organic carbon. Since the upwelling increasing periods are in general due the intensification of northerly winds, both most productive upwelling-dominated periods may be attributed to climatic/oceanographic induced changes during the Sub-Atlantic climate. Small sea levels oscillations also should contribute to these results. Eutrophication since the end of Little Ice Age may be related to human influence in coastal areas.     

黔西高原MIS3-MIS2期炭屑记录与火灾模式研究

火灾与气候、植被存在复杂的关系,搞清东亚季风区的火灾模式及其发生机制,对预测未来气候变化及火灾防治具有重要意义。通过对黔西高原MIS3—MIS2期间的古湖相沉积物进行炭屑分析并结合AMS~(14)C测年数据研究发现:MIS3晚期以来研究区的火灾主要发生于36.3—35 cal ka BP、26.2—17.6 cal ka BP期间,中粒炭屑和大炭屑分别在35、26.2、23.6 cal ka BP记录到3次地方火。研究区炭屑记录对冷干事件响应敏感,炭屑峰值区对应Heinrich事件(H事件)、末次冰盛期(LGM)等干旱事件,低值区对应DO事件,呈现千年旋回的特征。比对东亚地区的炭屑记录发现,在大范围的东亚季风区MIS2期比MIS3末期在火的强度和频率上都要高,与欧洲模式显著不同。火的发生机制可能受气候因素的控制,同时受植被类型的影响。     

Nutrient-enhanced productivity in the northern Gulf of Mexico: past,present and future

Nutrient over-enrichment in many areas around the world is having pervasive ecological effects on coastal ecosystems. These effects include reduced dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems and subsequent impacts on living resources. The largest zone of oxygen-depleted coastal waters in the United States, and the entire western Atlantic Ocean, is found in the northern Gulf of Mexico on the Louisiana/Texas continental shelf influenced by the freshwater discharge and nutrient load of the Mississippi River system. The mid-summer bottom areal extent of hypoxic waters (<2 mg l^–1 O₂) in 1985–1992 averaged 8000 to 9000 km² but increased to up to 16000 to 20700 km² in 1993–2001. The Mississippi River system is the dominant source of fresh water and nutrients to the northern Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi River nutrient concentrations and loading to the adjacent continental shelf have changed in the last half of the 20th century. The average annual nitrate concentration doubled, and the mean silicate concentration was reduced by 50%. There is no doubt that the average concentration and flux of nitrogen (per unit volume discharge) increased from the 1950s to 1980s, especially in the spring. There is considerable evidence that nutrient-enhanced primary production in the northern Gulf of Mexico is causally related to the oxygen depletion in the lower water column. Evidence from long-term data sets and the sedimentary record demonstrate that historic increases in riverine dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration and loads over the last 50 years are highly correlated with indicators of increased productivity in the overlying water column, i.e. eutrophication of the continental shelf waters, and subsequent worsening of oxygen stress in the bottom waters. Evidence associates increased coastal ocean productivity and worsening oxygen depletion with changes in landscape use and nutrient management that resulted in nutrient enrichment of receiving waters. A steady-state model, calibrated to different observed summer conditions, was used to assess the response of the system to reductions in nutrient inputs. A reduction in surface layer chlorophyll and an increase in lower layer dissolved oxygen resulted from a reduction of either nitrogen or phosphorus loading, with the response being greater for nitrogen reductions.     

山东半岛南部近岸海域晚第四纪以来有孔虫和介形类化石群落分布特征及古环境演化

在山东半岛南部近岸海域QDZ03孔16.2m的沉积记录中,通过有孔虫和介形类化石群落的定量分析,探讨了研究区晚第四纪氧同位素(MIS)4期以来古沉积环境演变。在距今6万年前后开始的黄海海退期(相当于MIS4期),发育了有多次沉积间断的第1层(孔深16.2~12.0m)陆相地层。进入玉木亚间冰期(相当于MIS3)后,由于海平面的震荡上升,发育了第2层—第5层的滨岸弱海相—陆相沉积层,其中第5层上部可能包含部分MIS2期的产物,而MIS2期绝大部分沉积地层缺失。在距今12 000—11 000年前,海水逐渐由黄海入侵到青岛地区,发育了第6层下段(孔深9.1—8.6m)的海陆过渡相沉积层;在全新世最大洪泛面MFS来临之前(距今约11.0—9.0ka期间),海平面进一步上升,钻孔中发育了第6层中段(孔深8.6—7.7m)的滨岸相沉积层。随着距今6 000年前南黄海最大海泛面出现,后降至现今水平,并基本保持稳定状态,在黄河、近岸短源河流以及海岸带基岩侵蚀物等物质联合贡献下完成了南黄海中部泥质沉积体在近岸的延伸(7.7m以上),其中顶部约4.8m以上粒度粗化及与之相关的较多含量胶结壳有孔虫化石的出现,可能与约3 000—2 000年以来海岸带地区人类活动的加剧有关。     

The Lake Superior varve stratigraphy and implications for eastern Lake Agassiz outflow from 10,700 to 8900 cal ybp (9.5-8.0 C ka)

Glaciolacustrine rhythmites within sediment cores from Lake Superior record the regional recession of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) from 10,700 to 8900 cal ybp [ca. 9.5-8.0 ¹⁴C ka]. LIS retreat from Superior opened eastern Lake Agassiz outlets so that the rhythmites reflect the combined impacts of sediment-laden meltwater and Lake Agassiz discharge. Multiple rhythmite stratigraphies, a time series analysis of the thickness measurements, and high-resolution inorganic carbonate data demonstrate that this is an annual record (varved). The varve thickness records primarily document regional ice margin dynamics; correlative thick varve sequences at 9100 cal ybp [∼ 8.1 ¹⁴C ka] and 10,400-10,200 cal ybp [∼ 9.2-9.0 ¹⁴C ka] record two periods of enhanced glaciofluvial discharge, most likely moraine formation (the Nakina and Nipigon). General varve cessation is associated with the circumvention of Lake Agassiz and glacial meltwater into Lake Ojibway at 9040 cal ybp [∼ 8.1 ¹⁴C ka], although adjacent to the inlets from Lake Nipigon, rhythmic sedimentation persisted for 200 years.Positively identifying Lake Agassiz catastrophic discharge events remains speculative but seems feasible. Following retreat of Marquette ice that had re-advanced to fill the basin, the initial influx of Lake Agassiz water is expected at around 10,600 cal ybp [∼ 9.4 ¹⁴C ka], but at this time, most of northeastern Lake Superior was covered by ice. Three sets of thick-thin varves in western Lake Superior perhaps record influxes of Lake Agassiz at around 10,630, 10,600, and 10,570 cal ybp [∼ 9.4 ¹⁴C ka]. Varve formation in Superior coincides with high lake levels in Lake Huron, suggesting that high lake levels in Huron correspond to periods of high Agassiz and/or meltwater flow into Lake Superior.     

安徽巢湖更新世末——全新世中期环境演变的湖泊沉积植硅体记录

通过巢湖西岸湖泊钻孔的植硅体分析,结合AMS14 C年代测定,识别了5个植硅体组合带。根据各组合带主要植硅体类型变化特征,重建了该地区13.7—7.5cal ka BP的气候环境演变史,共分为4个阶段:1)13.7—12.9cal ka BP阶段,气候呈现温暖湿润的特点,降水量较大,其中晚期阶段(13.1—12.9cal ka BP)气候开始逐渐变凉变干;2)12.9—11.5cal ka BP阶段,降温幅度较大,降水量减少,可能对应全球性新仙女木降温事件;3)11.5—9.8cal ka BP阶段,气温有所回升,降水量增加,气候总体表现为温凉湿润;4)9.8—7.5cal ka BP阶段,气温进一步回升,降水量略有减少,并存在多次波动。其中8.4—8.2cal ka BP期间发生了一次明显的变冷变干事件,可能代表了全球8.2ka的降温事件。上述结果很好地响应了区域性与全球性的气候变化,填补了该地区之前更新世末至全新世初古环境演变研究的不足。此外,13.7—7.5cal ka BP期间,水稻植硅体的连续出现表明该地区可能一直存在水稻生长,表明更新世末至全新世中期我国野生稻资源分布的北界至少已经到达巢湖流域。这一结果为研究我国史前野生稻资源的分布,以及长江流域及其以北地区稻作农业起源与发展等相关问题提供了实证和新线索。     

新疆巴里坤湖8.8cal.kaBP以来植被演替的花粉记录

本文利用新疆东部巴里坤盆地内巴里坤湖的地层孢粉记录,结合14C定年,重建了该地区8.8cal.kaBP以来植被的演化历史.结果表明在8.8-8.0cal.kaBP、8.0-4.3cal.kaBP、4.3-3.8cal.kaBP、3.8-0.6cal.kaBP以及0.6cal kaBP至今,植被分别经历了荒漠、荒漠草原/草原、荒漠、荒漠草原/草原再到荒漠的演化过程.研究区中全新世以来的这种植被变化模式与亚洲中部干旱区的其它研究记录具有很好的一致性.     

Cooling in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and estuary region at 9.7 to 7.2 C ka (11.2-8.0 cal ka): Palynological response to the PBO and 8.2 cal ka cold events, Laurentide Ice Sheet air-mass circulation and enhanced freshwater runoff

An examination of post-Younger Dryas (YD) pollen stratigraphies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and St. Lawrence estuary region reveals features in the pollen records that represent breaks in the normal vegetation succession, widespread vegetation suppression, and a delay in migration of plant taxa between 9.7 and 7.2 ¹⁴C ka (11.2 and 8.0 cal ka). The domination of Alnus crispa at sites bordering the St. Lawrence estuary-Gulf region in Gaspésie and northern New Brunswick within this timeframe represents a diversion from the typical vegetation progression from Picea and/or Populus or Picea/Betula to Pinus and/or Betula, and signifies a shift to a cooler, drier climate. Coinciding with the A. crispa expansion and domination in that region was the contraction of Picea populations in other areas. In southwestern New Brunswick and eastern and southeastern Nova Scotia, Picea was replaced by the first appearance of tree birch, B. papyrifera; whereas in western and southwestern Newfoundland, Picea gave way to a resurgence of shrub birch, Betula glandulosa. The Picea contraction and immediate resurgence of Betula represents cooling, and is reliably dated at 9720 ± 110 ¹⁴C BP (10,800-11,240 cal BP) in southwest Newfoundland. This first post-YD episode of widespread cooling is correlated with the North Atlantic Preboreal Oscillation (PBO) centered around 9650 ¹⁴C BP (10,900-11,180 cal BP) in the adjacent Great Lakes region. Sites exposed to winds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in eastern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and northern Nova Scotia show a lingering persistence of Picea and delay in arrival of Pinus to 8.0 and 7.7 ¹⁴C ka (9.0 and 8.4 cal ka), yet Pinus was dominant as early as 9.4 ¹⁴C ka (10.6 cal ka) in southwestern New Brunswick. At the same time, tundra vegetation persisted at high elevations in western and southwestern Newfoundland only to be replaced by upslope migration of shrub-birch heath by 8 ¹⁴C ka. Prolonged broad-scale cooling to 8 ¹⁴C ka and to as late as 7.7 ¹⁴C ka extended up to 200 km inland in areas exposed to the St. Lawrence estuary and Gulf region and was in response to strong, cold, dry anticyclonic winds coming off the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet in combination with enhanced freshwater runoff through the Gulf of St. Lawrence.The end of the period of prolonged cooling and onset of regional warming coincided with the diversion of western Canada runoff and Agassiz-Ojibway drainage to Hudson Bay and reduced effect or final break-up of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Several sites document a subsequent cold shift, that interrupted regional warming at 7650 to 7200 ¹⁴C BP (8400 to 8000 cal BP), and which is variously represented by the suppression of Pinus and resurgence of Picea, sometimes with A. crispa (Québec-Maritime region), or by an abrupt decrease of Picea and resurgence of Betula (western Newfoundland). This second post-YD cool interval is equated with the 8200 cal BP cold event registered in the Greenland ice isotopic record.     

Landscape Development and Coastal Wetland Losses in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The causes of the extensive (0.86%/yr; 288,414 ha/yr) and welldocumented dramatic and accelerating rate of coastal wetlandloss in the northern Gulf of Mexico were investigated by aninterdisciplinary university research team to discern the roleof outer continental shelf development. The landscape changesand potential causal agents are emphasized herein. Natural drivingfactors include sea level rise and geological compaction, whichappear to remain constant this century, and sediment supplyfrom the Mississippi River which has declined by 50%,since the1950s. Man-made influences include hydrologic changes from riverdiversions, flood protection levees, an extensive canal andspoil bank network, belowground fluid withdrawal and accidentaland intentional impoundments. Wetland loss is not simply a geologicalphenomenon. Wetland plants hold sediments together, add to verticalaccretion rates, withstand storm winds and waves, and assistin sediment trapping. Plant physiologic stress is documentedwhere hydrologic changes occur, and much of the wetland losscould be attributed to the effects of soil waterlogging on plants,not to sediment deprivation.     

Conservation genetics of the alligator snapping turtle: cytonuclear evidence of range-wide bottleneck effects and unusually pronounced geographic structure

A previous mtDNA study indicated that female-mediated gene flow was extremely rare among alligator snapping turtle populations in different drainages of the Gulf of Mexico. In this study, we used variation at seven microsatellite DNA loci to assess the possibility of male-mediated gene flow, we augmented the mtDNA survey with additional sampling of the large Mississippi River System, and we evaluated the hypothesis that the consistently low within-population mtDNA diversity reflects past population bottlenecks. The results show that dispersal between drainages of the Gulf of Mexico is rare (F _STmsat  = 0.43, Φ_STmtDNA = 0.98). Past range-wide bottlenecks are indicated by several genetic signals, including low diversity for microsatellites (1.1–3.9 alleles/locus; H _e = 0.06–0.53) and mtDNA (h = 0.00 for most drainages; π = 0.000–0.001). Microsatellite data reinforce the conclusion from mtDNA that the Suwannee River population might eventually be recognized as a distinct taxonomic unit. It was the only population showing fixation or near fixation for otherwise rare microsatellite alleles. Six evolutionarily significant units are recommended on the basis of reciprocal mtDNA monophyly and high levels of microsatellite DNA divergence.     

Late Quaternary marginal marine palaeoenvironments of northern Australia as inferred from cluster analysis of coccolith assemblages

Cluster analyses (R- and Q-mode) were applied to upper Quaternary coccolith assemblages in a sediment core (MD972132) collected in the Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Australia. This shallow gulf is influenced by the Australian monsoon, is tectonally stable and represents an important link between marine and terrestrial palaeoenvironments. The Gulf of Carpentaria is linked to the Pacific Ocean to the east by Torres Strait (12 m water depth) and to the Indian Ocean to the west by the Arafura Sill (53 m water depth), and therefore has been separated from both oceans during sea-level low-stands, resulting in the formation of Lake Carpentaria. Coccolith assemblages in the gulf are similar to modern assemblages in the region, and correspond to typical assemblages in marginal seas. The cluster analysis defines six species assemblages (R-mode), and six groups of samples (i.e., defined by depth in core depth; Q-mode), some with sub-groups, which were deposited under similar environmental conditions. We thus recognised, four major environmental facies over the past 125 ka, corresponding to closed Lake Carpentaria stages, the transitional periods while active channels sporadically connected Lake Carpentaria to the Indian Ocean, and the opening of the Gulf of Carpentaria to the ocean over either one, or both of the sills. Lake Carpentaria was isolated from both oceans through Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 5d, MIS 4 and MIS 2, and the Gulf of Carpentaria was connected to both oceans during MIS 5c and MIS 1. Torres Strait was emergent during MIS 5b, was flooded again during MIS 5a and persisted as land bridge from MIS 4 to MIS 1. The Arafura Sill was opened from MIS 5c to MIS 5a and episodically connected the Gulf to the Indian Ocean during MIS 3.     

Organic Nitrogen Retention in the Atchafalaya River Swamp

Freshwater diversions from the lower Mississippi River into the region’s wetlands have been considered an alternative means for reducing nitrogen loading. The Atchafalaya River Swamp, the largest freshwater swamp in North America, carries the entire discharge of the Red River and 30% of the discharge of the Mississippi River, but it is largely unknown how much nitrogen actually can be retained from the overflowing waters of the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River system. Nitrogen discharge from the upper Mississippi River Basin has been implicated as the major cause for the hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, which threatens not only the aquatic ecosystem health, but also Louisiana’s fishery industry, among other problems. This study was conducted to determine the change in organic nitrogen mass as water flows through the Atchafalaya River Swamp and into the Gulf of Mexico. By utilizing the river’s long-term discharge and water quality data (1978–2002), monthly and annual organic nitrogen fluxes were quantified, and their relationships with the basin’s hydrologic conditions were investigated. A total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) mass input–output balance between the upstream (Simmesport) and downstream (Morgan City and Wax Lake Outlet) locations was established to examine the organic nitrogen removal potential for this large swamp. The results showed that on average, TKN input into the Atchafalaya was 200 323 tons year⁻¹ and TKN output leaving the basin was 145 917 tons year⁻¹, resulting in a 27% removal rate of organic nitrogen. Monthly TKN input and output in the basin were highest from March to June (input vs. output: 25 000 vs. 18 000 tons month⁻¹) and lowest from August to November (8000 vs. 6000 tons month⁻¹). There was a large variation in both annual and inter-annual organic nitrogen removals. The variability was positively correlated with the amount of inflow water at Simmesport, suggesting that regulating the river’s inflow at the Old River flood control structures may help reduce nitrogen loading of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, the in-stream loss of organic nitrogen indicates that previous studies may have overestimated nitrogen discharge from the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River system.     

Glacial and postglacial sedimentation in the Fryxell basin, Taylor Valley, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica

A 9.14 m long sediment sequence was recovered from Lake Fryxell, Taylor Valley, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica, and investigated for its chronology and sedimentological, mineralogical, and biogeochemical changes. The basal part of the sequence is dominated by coarse clastic matter, i.e., mainly sand. The sediment composition suggests that a lake existed in Fryxell basin during the Middle Weichselian by ca. 48,000 cal. year BP. After a short period of lake-level lowstand ca. 43,000 cal. year BP, lower Taylor Valley became occupied by the proglacial Lake Washburn, which was at least partly supplied by meltwater and sediments from the Ross Ice Sheet that was advanced to the mouth of Taylor Valley. Evaporation of Lake Washburn to lower levels started during the Last Glacial Maximum at ca. 22,000 cal. year BP, long before the Ross Ice Sheet retreated significantly. Lake-level lowering was discontinuous with a series of high and low stands. From ca. 4000 cal. year BP environmental conditions were similar to those of today and lower Fryxell basin was occupied by a small lake. This lake evaporated to a saline or hypersaline pond between ca. 2500 and 1000 cal. year BP and refilled subsequently.     

Last glacial–Holocene water structure in the southwestern Okhotsk Sea inferred from radiolarian assemblages

In order to reconstruct paleoceanographic conditions in the southwestern (SW) Okhotsk Sea, radiolarian assemblages were analyzed from 10 surface sediments and 5 sediment cores obtained from various water depths, ranging between 461 and 1348 m. We also measured geochemical components such as biogenic opal, calcium carbonate, total organic carbon, total sulfur and total nitrogen for one sediment core. These data imply that the complicated water structure in the SW Okhotsk Sea changed with time from the last glacial to Holocene. The glacial surface water was characterized by low primary production in the summer and expanded sea-ice coverage in the winter. During this time, the ventilation might have reached deeper than during the Holocene. During the major deglacial period including the melt-water pulses 1A and 1B, the deep-sea oxygen content had declined with less ventilation and/or more oxygen consumption with organic matter supply into the deeper depths. The intermediate layer has been well ventilated and has supplied large amount of organic matter during the last 20 kyrs, especially in the early-mid Holocene, however such condition ceased during 3 to 2 ka. The warm Pacific deep water has been present since 9 ka. The influence of warmer surface water such as the Soya Warm Current (SWC) increased in the coastal area during 7 to 4 ka and since 2 ka till present. Neritic-derived productivity might be extended at 2.2–1.8 ka and since 1.2 ka till present.     

Paleoceanography of the Gulf of Alaska during the past 15,000 years: Results from diatoms, silicoflagellates, and geochemistry

High-resolution records of diatoms, silicoflagellates, and geochemistry covering the past 15,000 years were studied in three cores from the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Core EW0408-85JC in an oceanic setting on the Kayak Slope displays a paleoceanographic record similar to that at several locations on the California margin during deglaciation. Biologic productivity as reconstructed using geochemical and microfossil proxies increased abruptly during the Bølling–Alleröd (Bø–Al) warm interval (14.7–12.9 cal ka), declined during the Younger Dryas (YD) cold interval (12.9 to 11.7 cal kyr BP), and rose again during the earliest Holocene. At this site, the record after ~ 11 cal kyr BP is dominated by oceanic diatoms and silicoflagellates, with geochemical proxies displaying more subtle variation.Cores EW0408-66JC in the Yakobi Sea Valley near Cross Sound and EW0408-11JC in the Gulf of Esquibel contain an expanded, composite record along the southeast Alaskan margin. Core 66JC contains a detailed record of the Bø–Al and YD. Diatoms and silicoflagellates indicate that coastal upwelling and biosiliceous productivity were strong during the Bø–Al but declined during the YD. Sea ice-related diatoms increased in abundance during the YD, indicating cooler, but less productive waters.The glacial to biogenic marine sediment transition in core 11JC occurs at 1280 cmbsf (centimeters below sea floor), probably representing rising sea level and deglaciation early in the Bø–Al. Freshwater and sea-ice related diatoms are common in the lower part of the core (Bø–Al and YD), but upwelling-related diatoms and silicoflagellates quickly increased in relative abundance up-core, dominating the record of the past 11,000 years. Low oxygen conditions in the bottom water as reconstructed using geochemical proxies (U and Mo concentration) were most intense between ~ 6.5 and 2.8 cal kyr BP, the beginning of which is coincident with increases in abundance of upwelling-related diatoms.The records from these three cores jointly thus made it possible to reconstruct paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic conditions at high northern Pacific latitudes during the last 15 kyr.     

Variations in the age and growth of yellowfin tuna larvae,Thunnus albacares,collected about the Mississippi River plume

Synopsis Eight hundred and one yellowfin tuna larvae ranging from 2.57–7.48 mm SL were collected near the Mississippi River discharge plume in the Gulf of Mexico during July and September, 1987. Larvae were most abundant at intermediate salinities (i.e. frontal waters) where chlorophylla and macrozooplankton displacement values were also highest. Using sagittal otolith microstructure, we estimated larval ages ranging from 3–14 d. These ages were used to back calculate spawning dates from 13–24 July and 22–31 August. Mean absolute individual growth rate (length age^–1) was 0.47 mm d^–1, with the least squares linear regression SL = 1.67 + 0.47 AGE (r² = 0.60, Pr> F = 0.0001) representing the best growth curve. Highest growth occurred at intermediate salinities near 31%, and temperatures near 29° C. There was significant temporal variation in growth, with larvae collected in July growing slower than those from September (0.37 and 0.48 mm d^–1, respectively). The pooled instantaneous daily mortality rate (Z) of the larvae was estimated to be 0.33 d^–1 (0.16 d^–1 in July and 0.41 d^–1 in September). These results show that significant spawning of yellowfin tuna may occur in the northern Gulf of Mexico in the vicinity of the Mississippi River discharge plume, and suggest that larval growth and survival may be enhanced in the plume frontal waters.     

内蒙古鄂尔多斯乌兰木伦遗址MIS3阶段的植被与环境

鄂尔多斯高原拥有我国最早发现的水洞沟和萨拉乌苏旧石器遗址,是系统研究东亚现代人演化及动因的重要地区。乌兰木伦遗址位于鄂尔多斯康巴什新区乌兰木伦河岸,发掘出大量石制品、动物化石和炭屑,遗存埋藏的14C年代在41.4~33.1 cal ka BP之间,属MIS 3阶段中期。花粉和木炭化石记录显示,早期为灌丛-草原,晚期为典型草原植被,气候温凉偏干,较现今相对温暖湿润,胡颓子属和霸王属等小乔木和灌木作为先民使用的薪材。MIS 3阶段相对暖湿气候有利于人类的繁衍、扩散和交流,可能是我国北方地区旧石器时代晚期出现大量人类活动的重要原因。     

Gulf sturgeon summer habitat use and fall migration in the Pascagoula River, Mississippi, USA

The locations and habitat features of freshwater holding areas and the timing of fall migration are undocumented for Gulf sturgeon in the Pascagoula River drainage, Mississippi. Our objectives were to identify and characterize holding areas for Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), document their summer and fall movement patterns, and determine migration cues. To do this we captured, radio‐tagged, and monitored movement of Gulf sturgeon in the Pascagoula River drainage and analyzed these data using geographic information systems. From May to November Gulf sturgeon congregate in a holding area in the lower portion of the Pascagoula River and Big Black Creek [river kilometers (rkm) 57–68] and near Cumbest Bluff (rkm 40), before they return to the Gulf of Mexico. While in the holding area, Gulf sturgeon were typically found in deep locations, either in or downstream from river bends. As found in other rivers, Gulf sturgeon in the Pascagoula River showed little movement within the holding area and often stayed within a single river bend; although we observed local movements by some individuals (under 10 rkm). In the Pascagoula River, Gulf sturgeon initiated their migration out of fresh water from late‐September to mid‐October, coincident with shorter day length, falling water temperature (mean = 23.7°C, range 21–26°C), and elevated river flow. Our work demonstrates that the lower Pascagoula River serves as a vital area for Gulf sturgeon.