Estructuras de escape y equilibrio asociadas a Conichnus conicus como indicadores de tasas de sedimentación variables en medios litorales tortonienses del SO de España

Numerous and large vertically extensive specimens of Conichnus conicus are described from the Tortonian deposits of the central Guadalquivir Basin (SW Spain). These burrowing structures form a low bioturbation index of the ichnofabric, which allows one to infer the original depositional setting. Both ichnological and sedimentological features suggest a coastal to shallow marine environment dominated by high sediment supply and high-energy sedimentary processes. Conichnus exhibits a characteristic internal fabric that reflects changes in sedimentation rates linked to various processes: (1) initial substrate penetration by the tracemaker; (2) gradual retrusive movement in response to rapid but continuous sediment aggradation; 3) moderate to high rates of retrusive migration as a consequence of rapid to very rapid sediment aggradation and tracemaker escape; and, finally, (4) abandonment of the burrow or burial of the tracemaker subsequently in response to extremely high sediment accumulation rates. Conichnus has been also described from other areas with similar deposits of different ages, where its important value as a paleoenvironmental indicator similarly has been indicated.     

Palaeocommunity Dynamics and Behavioral Analysis of Conichnus: Bhuj Formation (Lower Cretaceous),Kachchh-India

A palaeocommunity of large Conichnus conicus, a conical, cone-in-cone shaped burrow, created by sea anemones, occurs in medium-grained, crossbedded, well-sorted sandstone in the middle part of the Cretaceous Guneri Member of the Bhuj Formation in India. The trace fossil Conichnus is considered to be a common element of the Skolithos ichnofacies and is interpreted to reflect equilibrium movement in response to substrate aggradation. In the present study, three different varieties of Conichnus conicus are distinguished based on morphology and internal fabric. Community dynamics and burrowing behavior are revealed by inter-burrow relationships, burrow initiation levels and sedimentology. Three types of behavior are envisaged: retrusive equilibrium, protrusive equilibrium response, and escape behavior. Palaeocommunity dynamics show that the tracemakers consisted of only adult organisms that initiated burrows during neap tides and are adapted to feed effectively during weak flow conditions. The occurrence of Conichnus palaeocommunity in the Guneri Member indicates the tidal conditions in a fully marine setting. Results presented herein may aid in the understanding of palaeocommunity dynamics in other shallow marine sequences.     

Trace fossils of the bivalve panopea faujasi,pliocene, Rhodes,Greece

The large bivalve, Panopea faujasi Ménard de la Groye, 1807 is locally abundant in shallow marine sandy facies in Late Pliocene sediments of Rhodes, where it occurs in life position within its burrow. Several Panopea‐trace fossils were sectioned in a vertical plane and others in series of horizontal sections, in order to study them in detail. Morphology of the structures produced by different individuals varied greatly, and even neighbors at the same horizon were unalike in detail. All show retrusive, upward shift in accordance with sedimentary accretion, but some also show protrusive movement as a response to erosive phases. As a response to sedimentation, the bivalve dug its way upwards by moving terrigenous grains and skeletal material from above it to below. In cross section the outline is slightly oval to circular. The longest example of these retrusive structures was preserved to a length of 86 cm and had a diameter of about 15 to 20 cm. As the bivalve has a long lifespan, and burrows deeply, the structures have good preservation potential and can reveal details of depositional history. The trace fossil is named Scalichnus phiale igen. et isp. nov.     

Sedimentological implications of an unusual form of the trace fossil <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizocorallium</Emphasis> from the Lower Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic), S. Poland

Specimens of the trace fossil Rhizocorallium isp. with retrusive limbs occur in 10–20-cm-thick composite beds: the bottom layers contain abundant Planolites and Thalassinoides trace fossils, and the top layers are built of horizontally bedded pelitic limestone and contain less bioturbational structures. The first specimens of Rhizocorallium isp. occur just 2–3 cm above the lower surfaces of the top layers. The horizontal protrusive sections are 1 cm high and 1 cm wide. At some sites, the horizontal tunnels end, and the limbs become first obliquely retrusive (45°) at a distance of 1.5–2.5 cm, and then vertically retrusive at a distance of 4–6 cm, or at once vertically retrusive at a similar distance. They reach to the upper surfaces of the top layers. These composite beds with unusual Rhizocorallium mark successive stages of distal tempestite sedimentation. The erosional events are recorded as uneven bases and a lack of Rhizocorallium, which suggests erosion to approx. 10 cm deep. The lower parts of the top layers record deposition of lime mud from a powerful flow. The protrusive sections of Rhizocorallium record relatively quiet periods resulting from significantly decreased sedimentation. The successive retrusive sections provide evidence that the quiet conditions suddenly came to an end, and that sedimentation was reactivated or accelerated. The last retrusive limbs of Rhizocorallium isp. mark the border of the storm event and the next erosion event. The composition of the fecal pellets shows that these burrowing animals were deposit-feeders, fast enough to find a sufficient amount of food, and also fast enough to escape being buried.     

Linking sedimentary sulfur and iron biogeochemistry to growth patterns of a cold‐water coral mound in the Porcupine Basin,S.W. Ireland (IODP Expedition 307)

Challenger Mound, a 150‐m‐high cold‐water coral mound on the eastern flank of the Porcupine Seabight off SW Ireland, was drilled during Expedition 307 of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Retrieved cores offer unique insight into an archive of Quaternary paleo‐environmental change, long‐term coral mound development, and the diagenetic alteration of these carbonate fabrics over time. To characterize biogeochemical carbon–iron–sulfur transformations in the mound sediments, the contents of dithionite‐ and HCl‐extractable iron phases, iron monosulfide and pyrite, and acid‐extractable calcium, magnesium, manganese, and strontium were determined. Additionally, the stable isotopic compositions of pore‐water sulfate and solid‐phase reduced sulfur compounds were analyzed. Sulfate penetrated through the mound sequence and into the underlying Miocene sediments, where a sulfate–methane transition zone was identified. Small sulfate concentration decreases (<7 mm ) within the top 40 m of the mound suggested slow net rates of present‐day organoclastic sulfate reduction. Increasing δ³⁴S‐sulfate values due to microbial sulfate reduction mirrored the decrease in sulfate concentrations. This process was accompanied by oxygen isotope exchange with water that was indicated by increasing δ¹⁸O‐sulfate values, reaching equilibrium with pore‐water at depth. Below 50 mbsf, sediment intervals with strong ³⁴S‐enriched imprints on chromium‐reducible sulfur (pyrite S), high degree‐of‐pyritization values, and semi‐lithified diagenetic carbonate‐rich layers characterized by poor coral preservation, were observed. These layers provided evidence for the occurrence of enhanced microbial sulfate‐reducing activity in the mound in the past during periods of rapid mound aggradation and subsequent intervals of non‐deposition or erosion when geochemical fronts remained stationary. During these periods, especially during the Early Pleistocene, elevated sulfate reduction rates facilitated the consumption of reducible iron oxide phases, coral dissolution, and the subsequent formation of carbonate cements.     

Tidal flows and sediment budgets for a salt-marsh system,Essex, England

Studies of tidal flows in salt-marsh creeks in Essex, England, show large variations in water velocity during different tidal cycles, particularly between tides below, at, and above marsh level. Water level, velocity and suspended sediment concentration have been monitored at 5-min intervals during 700 tidal cycles during the year March 1982–March 1983, and the data are being used to calculate sediment budgets for the creek system studied. Completed analyses for two of the tidal cycles show a large positive sediment flux. Because of the importance of velocity in controlling total discharge through a creek cross-section, and hence its effect on total sediment movement, we cannot extrapolate from these two below-marsh tides to any general conclusions about marsh erosion or accretion. We use these preliminary data both to demonstrate our methods and to indicate some of the complexities involved in the analysis.Acknowledgements: This work has been supported by the Natural Environment Research Council. We thank the Philip Lake Fund for financial assistance and the Department of Geography, Cambridge University, for much material support. Mr D. J. Fisher kindly gave access to his land, and Mr W. Bailey helped us greatly. We also thank Mr A. St Joseph for his help, Mr M. Diver for practical support, and Dr J. S. Pethick for discussion.     

Effects of tide range alterations on salt marsh sediments in the Eastern Scheldt,S. W. Netherlands

The construction of three dams induced large changes in the tide range in the Eastern Scheldt, a tidal inlet in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. In 1986 the mean high tide level was reduced by almost one metre. This excluded the greater part of the medium-high marshes almost completely from tidal flooding.The absence of tidal flooding in the summer of 1986, combined with a net precipitation deficit, increased the bulk density of the sediment irreversibly from 400 to 530 kg m^–3 in the top 5 cm. The subsidence of the backmarshes varied from 1 to 8 cm.The loss of moisture allowed oxygen to diffuse into the initial reducing sediment. This altered the geochemistry of the sediment significantly. The redoxcline was lowered from a mean depth of about 15 cm in 1985 to 20–30 cm in the summer of 1986. Evidence of pyrite oxidation within a narrow depth interval of 15–30 cm was obtained from the change in the composition of pore waters. The rapid increase in redox potentials (up to 600 mV) and total dissolved iron (up to 5 mM 1^–1) and SO _inf4 ^sup2– (up to 65 mM 1^–1) and the decrease in pH (up to 4.5–2.5) all suggest a rapid oxidation of pyrite. Acidic conditions were found only in sediments with low contents of calcium carbonate and high contents of pyrite. The importance of seasonal changes in redox processes on the partial decalcification of the salt marsh sediments is discussed.The established of a new tide range was reflected in the pH and Eh of the sediment. In December 1987 the depth profiles of pH and Eh were again close to those observed in 1985.     

底栖生物影响下的潮滩微地貌演化数值模拟

潮滩是海岸带湿地的主要类型之一,其中分布的底栖生物对生态环境具有重要的调节作用。潮滩底栖微藻、泥沙与水动力之间存在相互作用,影响潮滩微地貌形态,明晰底栖生物对潮滩微地貌的演化机制至关重要。以黄河三角洲潮滩湿地为研究区,通过构建潮滩微地貌动力模型,探究底栖生物对微地貌格局演化的作用机制,分析底栖生物对微地貌系统稳定性的影响。结果表明(1)底栖微藻生长与泥沙扩散、水流再分配过程交互作用驱动下,潮滩上可形成底栖微藻覆盖的高丘与积水洼地交替分布的规则性微地貌斑图;(2)微地貌斑图的形成提高了潮滩生态系统初级生产力和泥沙淤积高度;(3)底栖微藻与泥沙、水流的交互作用使得潮滩微地貌系统对侵蚀扰动呈现非线性响应行为,系统存在临界点,且在一定侵蚀率范围内存在双稳态;(4)黄河口泥螺入侵使得微地貌系统抵抗侵蚀扰动能力减小,且系统稳定性随泥螺生物量的增加而降低。     

Response of macrofauna to drifting tidal sediments

The effect of hydrodynamically-mobilized sediment on abundance and vertical distribution of macrobenthic fauna was studied in Königshafen, a sheltered tidal bay at the northern end of the Island of Sylt (North Sea). Sediment drift tended to increase from high towards low tide level, while abundance of nearly all species decreased (with the polychaeteSpio filicornis as a notable exception). To test whether this decrease could be attributed to water currents affecting sediment stability, experimental flumes with funnels at both ends were set up to enhance sediment mobility by increasing tidal current velocities. Abundance and vertical distribution of fauna inside and outside the flumes were compared. Responses of individual species depended on their vertical position in the sediment, and resembled those observed along the gradient of sediment drift between high and low tide levels. Mainly juveniles ofPygospio elegans, Scoloplos armiger, Hydrobia ulvae andMacoma balthica, and the small polychaeteMicrophthalmus sczelkowii were washed out of the sediment. No effect of increased erosion inside the flume was found on the numbers ofCapitella capitata and the oligochaetesTubificoides benedii andT. pseudogaster. These oligochaetes probably migrated downwards with increasing erosion in the flumes. Numbers decreased in the upper cm and tended to increase below. A storm had a similar effect on oligochaete vertical distribution, while under conditions of permanently high sediment mobility near low tide level, these species were rare or absent. It is concluded that even under sheltered conditions, differential degrees of sediment mobility may have effects on the zonation of the tidal flat macrofauna.     

84 Linking environmental forcing, kelp forest habitat dynamics, and community structure in the northeast pacific

Benthic populations of Euglena viridis exhibit vertical migration behavior on high energy intertidal beaches and along the sand banks of freshwater streams. This study examines similarities and differences in the migratory behavior and cell morphology of populations of E. viridis inhabiting Scripps Beach, La Jolla, California and Coble Brook, Burlington, North Carolina. The timing of migration was measured by counting the number of cells in samples collected from the sediment surface throughout the day. Sediment cores were extracted and sectioned to determine the vertical distribution of the population. Neutral density filters and opaque canisters were used to shade the substratum to 56%, 22%, 2%, and 0% of incident irradiance (Io) to examine the effect of light on cell morphology and migratory behavior. On intertidal beaches, E. viridis exhibited a tidal rhythm in vertical migration with cells migrating below the sediment surface at night (>15 cm) and during daytime high tides. In this habitat, the upward migration response was enhanced at irradiances lower than 100% Io but cell morphology was not altered by shading. On the banks of freshwater streams, E. viridis exhibited a diurnal migratory rhythm with both tear-drop and spherical morphologies observed throughout the day. The population was most concentrated at the surface around solar noon and at night it was located between 1 and 2 cm below the surface. Shading did not enhance upward migration but it did affect cell morphology. These results will be interpreted in the context of the dominant selection pressures in each environment.     

Wave and sediment dynamics along a shallow subtidal sandy beach inhabited by modern stromatolites

To help define the habitat of modern marine stromatolites, wave-dominated flow and sediment transport were studied in the shallow subtidal region (1-2 m depth) along the slightly concave, windward face of Highborne Cay, Exuma, Bahamas - the only face of the cay that includes a population of stromatolites concentrated near the region of highest curvature of the beach. Wave energy impacting this island's most exposed beach was driven by local wind forcing which increases largely in response to the passage of atmospheric disturbances that typically affect the region for periods of a few days. Although some wave energy is almost always noted (maximum horizontal orbital speeds at the bottom are rarely <10 cm s(-1)), wave conditions remain comparatively calm until local winds increase above speeds of approximately 3-4 m s(-1) at which point maximum wave speeds rapidly increase to 50-80 cm s(-1). Stromatolites, which are largely restricted to the shoreward side of a shallow platform reef, are sheltered by the reef beyond which wave speeds are one to four times higher (depending on tidal stage). Moreover, stromatolite populations are predominantly found along a region of this wave-exposed beach that experiences comparatively reduced wave energy because of the curved morphology of the island's face. Maximum wave speeds are 1.4 to 2 times higher along more northern sections of the beach just beyond the locus of stromatolite populations. A quantitative model of sediment transport was developed that accurately predicted accumulation of suspended sediment in sediment traps deployed in the shallow subtidal zone along this beach. This model, coupled with in situ wave records, indicates that gross rates of suspended sediment deposition should be two to three times higher northward of the main stromatolite populations. Regions of the beach containing stromatolites nevertheless should experience significant rates of gross suspended sediment deposition averaging 7-10 g cm(-2) day(-1) ( approximately 4-6 cm day(-1)). Results suggest that one axis of the habitat of modern marine stromatolites may be defined by a comparatively narrow range of flow energy and sediment transport conditions.     

An Arabidopsis E3 ligase, SHOOT GRAVITROPISM9, modulates the interaction between statoliths and F-actin in gravity sensing

Higher plants use the sedimentation of amyloplasts in statocytes as statolith to sense the direction of gravity during gravitropism. In Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescence stem statocyte, amyloplasts are in complex movement; some show jumping-like saltatory movement and some tend to sediment toward the gravity direction. Here, we report that a RING-type E3 ligase SHOOT GRAVITROPISM9 (SGR9) localized to amyloplasts modulates amyloplast dynamics. In the sgr9 mutant, which exhibits reduced gravitropism, amyloplasts did not sediment but exhibited increased saltatory movement. Amyloplasts sometimes formed a cluster that is abnormally entangled with actin filaments (AFs) in sgr9. By contrast, in the fiz1 mutant, an ACT8 semidominant mutant that induces fragmentation of AFs, amyloplasts, lost saltatory movement and sedimented with nearly statically. Both treatment with Latrunculin B, an inhibitor of AF polymerization, and the fiz1 mutation rescued the gravitropic defect of sgr9. In addition, fiz1 decreased saltatory movement and induced amyloplast sedimentation even in sgr9. Our results suggest that amyloplasts are in equilibrium between sedimentation and saltatory movement in wild-type endodermal cells. Furthermore, this equilibrium is the result of the interaction between amyloplasts and AFs modulated by the SGR9. SGR9 may promote detachment of amyloplasts from AFs, allowing the amyloplasts to sediment in the AFs-dependent equilibrium of amyloplast dynamics.     

Hydroelectricity and fish: a synopsis of comprehensive studies of upstream and downstream passage of anadromous wild Atlantic salmon, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo salar</Emphasis>, on the Exploits River,Canada

Microalgal biofilms are associated with considerable variability in the properties of natural sediments, yet little effort has been made to isolate micro-scale spatial and temporal changes in sediment properties caused by the growth of a biofilm. Understanding the changes associated with biofilm growth and quantifying the time scales over which these changes occur is important for developing suitable experimental designs and for understanding how biofilms mediate sediment properties and processes. The development of a microphytobenthic biofilm and associated changes in the sediment was investigated over 45 days in the laboratory. The biogeochemical properties of the sediment: bulk density, water content, chlorophyll a concentration and colloidal carbohydrate concentration were measured on a sub-millimetre scale in the top 2 mm. The erosion threshold was measured with a Cohesive Strength Meter (CSM). Biofilm development was rapid, with changes in the properties occurring after 1 day and a visible film forming after just 3 days. The largest changes in sediment properties tended to occur in the surface 200 μm through time, with some variables also showing a differing response with depth. There were significant changes in water content, chlorophyll a concentration, colloidal carbohydrate concentration and erosion threshold in the surface 2 mm, with a general trend to increase with time. Bulk density was highly variable and did not show a consistent pattern of change with time. Erosion threshold was positively correlated with water content, chlorophyll a and colloidal carbohydrate in the surface 200 μm and these were also positively correlated with each other. Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscopy (LTSEM) images revealed changes in the surface sediment structure and the formation of a thick multi-layer biofilm. The rapidity of biofilm growth and development and the associated changes to the sediment should be considered when designing experiments that investigate biofilms and properties of sediments and/or that involve biocide treatments or disturbance to the sediment.     

Particle size selection and sediment reworking in a funnel feeder,Leptosynapta tenuis (Holothuroidea,Synaptidae)

The burrowing behavior of the holothurian Leptosynapta tenuis, its lebensspuren, and the types of peristaltic waves used in movement and burrow irrigation are described. Particle size selection is a function of accessability of grains. L. tenuis cannot distinguish between particle sizes but nevertheless ingests small particles in a lesser proportion than that found in the surrounding sediment. Feeding rates are 2900–5500 g · yr⁻¹ · animal⁻¹. These rates are strongly dependent on temperature. Computation of a sediment mixing budget shows that of all the sediment ingested, 51% is ingested from the top 1/2 cm of sediment, 75% from the top 3 cm. The significance of the funnel as a ‘tool’ to exploit the top 1/2 cm of sediment is discussed. L. tenuis differs from other deposit feeders in that (1) it removes small particles from the surface sediment during its reworking activities, (2) it reworks sediment downward as well as upward, (3) its reworking activities tend to increase the stability of the upper 3 cm of the sediment, and (4) because so much sediment is ingested from the top 1/2 cm, it reworks an entire sediment column less efficiently per gram of sediment ingested than many other deposit feeders.     

VERTICAL MIGRATION OF A MIXED‐SPECIES EUGLENA (EUGLENOPHYTA) ASSEMBLAGE INHABITING THE HIGH‐INTERTIDAL SANDS OF NYE BEACH,OREGON1

Comparatively little is known about the vertical migration of the microphytobenthic community forming visible patches on high‐energy beaches. We collected surface and cored samples to evaluate the timing and extent of downward migration of a multispecies Euglena assemblage inhabiting Nye Beach, Oregon. Euglena density at the surface was highly variable and was not correlated with the time of low tide or instantaneous irradiance measurements; however, triplicate cores collected at low and high tides revealed a tidal rhythm in mean depth. On average, 95% of the assemblage occurred within 1 cm of the surface during low tide, but 54% of the assemblage was collected between 1 and 8 cm below the surface during high tide. A midday shading experiment revealed that short‐term changes in irradiance levels altered the Euglena density at the sediment surface by inducing vertical migration. This response to short‐term fluctuations in light may explain the weak correlation between cell density at the surface and time of day. The high‐intertidal location of these patches prevented the removal of nonmigrating cells by daily high tides, which increased the variability in surface samples and obscured the tidal migration rhythm detected in the core samples. Due in part to the semidiurnal nature of Oregon tides, this study provides in situ confirmation of past mesocosm research indicating that sediment disturbance during daily submersed periods is an important process in maintaining the quasi‐tidal rhythm in the appearance and disappearance of Euglena spp. from the surface of beaches and intertidal sandflats.     

Late Holocene stratigraphic evolution of a back-barrier tidal basin in the East Frisian Wadden Sea, southern North Sea: transgressive deposition and its preservation potential

The late Holocene stratigraphic evolution of a back-barrier tidal basin in the East Frisian Wadden Sea, southern North Sea, was investigated on the basis of a conceptual model relating the rate of sea-level rise to the rate of sediment supply. For this purpose, more than 20 vibra-cores and box-cores were evaluated, complemented by ¹⁴C ages of in situ peats and historical charts. In spite of interspersed short regressive events, the late Holocene stratigraphy generally reveals upward-coarsening grain-size trends indicative of transgressive deposition in the course of sea-level rise rather than erosion and redeposition by migrating channels. A particular feature is the general absence of down-core bioturbation traces, which stands out in sharp contrast to the intensely burrowed modern surface layer. Thus, in the Wadden Sea, high sediment turnover in the course of rapid transgression evidently obliterates most bioturbation traces and other tidal signals such as minor regressive deposits, thereby emphasising the importance of preservation potential.     

Effects of burial and erosion on the seagrass Zostera noltii

The effects of experimental burial and erosion on the seagrass Zostera noltii were assessed through in situ manipulation of the sediment level (− 2 cm, 0 cm, + 2 cm, + 4 cm, + 8 cm and + 16 cm). Shoot density, leaf and sheath length, internode length, C and N content and carbohydrates of leaves and rhizomes were examined 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after disturbance. Both burial and erosion resulted in the decrease of shoot density for all the sediment levels. The threshold for total shoot loss was between 4 cm and 8 cm of burial, particularly during the 2nd week. A laboratory experiment confirmed that shoots did not survive more than 2 weeks under complete burial. There was no evidence of induced flowering by burial or erosion. As well, no clear evidence was found of sediment level effects on leaf and sheath length. Longer rhizome internodes were observed as a response to both burial and erosion, suggesting a plant attempt to relocate the leaf-producing meristems closer to sediment surface or in search of new sediment avoiding the eroded area. The C content of leaves and rhizomes, as well as the non-structural carbohydrates (mainly the starch in rhizomes), decreased significantly along the experimental period, indicating the internal mobilization of carbon to meet the plant demands as a consequence of light deprivation. The significant decrease of N content in leaves, and its simultaneous increase in rhizomes, suggests the internal translocation of nitrogen from leaves to rhizomes. About 50% of the N lost by the leaves was recovered by the rhizomes. Our results indicated that Z. noltii has a high sensitivity to burial and erosion disturbance, which should be considered in the management of coastal activities.     

The interaction between water movement,sediment dynamics and submersed macrophytes

Water movement in freshwater and marine environments affects submersed macrophytes, which also mediate water movement. The result of this complex interaction also affects sediment dynamics in and around submersed macrophyte beds. This review defines known relationships and identifies areas that need additional research on the complex interactions among submersed macrophytes, water movement, and sediment dynamics. Four areas are addressed: (1) the effects of water movement on macrophytes, (2) the effects of macrophyte stands on water movement, (3) the effects of macrophyte beds on sedimentation within vegetated areas, and (4) the relationship between sediment resuspension and macrophytes. Water movement has a significant effect on macrophyte growth, typically stimulating both abundance and diversity of macrophytes at low to moderate velocities, but reducing growth at higher velocities. In turn, macrophyte beds reduce current velocities both within and adjacent to the beds, resulting in increased sedimentation and reduced turbidity. Reduced turbidity increases light availability to macrophytes, increasing their growth. Additionally, macrophytes affect the distribution, composition and particle size of sediments in both freshwater and marine environments. Therefore, establishment and persistence of macrophytes in both marine and freshwater environments provide important ecosystem services, including: (1) improving water quality; and (2) stabilizing sediments, reducing sediment resuspension, erosion and turbidity.     

PALAEOBIOLOGY OF THE CLIMACTICHNITES TRACEMAKER

Abstract:  Trace fossils such as Climactichnites offer rare insights into the palaeobiology of Cambrian soft-bodied animals, especially those that inhabited emergent sand flats and are not known from body fossils. Analysis of field and museum Climactichnites , together with experiments on the preservation of similar modern trails, indicates that the tracemaker was an elongate, bilaterally symmetrical, dorsoventrally flattened, soft-bodied animal with a muscular foot. These characteristics are consistent with the tracemaker being a primitive mollusc or mollusc-like animal. Unlike most Neoproterozoic and Cambrian molluscs, the tracemaker could reach considerable size; at up to c . 69 cm long, it was one of the largest Cambrian animals of its time. When moving on the sediment surface, locomotion resulted from muscular waves generated along the sole of its flexible foot; the foot was extended and then clamped onto the substrate. Contraction of pedal muscles then pulled the body forward. Sedimentary structures associated with Climactichnites  wilsoni , such as polygonal desiccation cracks, raindrop impressions, adhesion structures and gas escape structures demonstrate that the animal inhabited intermittently subaerially exposed environments. The tracemaker's method of locomotion is similar to that employed by modern intertidal gastropods, which make Climactichnites -like trails on exposed sand flats. However, these modern trails are not preserved because of erosion by wind, waves, tides and subsequent bioturbation. Abundant microbial sedimentary structures are associated with C. wilsoni , and together with low levels of vertical bioturbation, intimate that microbial binding may have mediated the preservation of these early mollusc trails.     

Impact of the infaunal Manila clam, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ruditapes philippinarum</Emphasis>, on sediment stability

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of bioturbation by the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, on sediment stability. A laboratory benthic annular flume system (AFS) was deployed to evaluate the relationship between sediment stability of a subtidal mudflat and density of the infaunal clam under the influence of different current velocities. There was a significant correlation between mean erosion rate and current velocities in all treatments with clams (p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between mean erosion rate and R. philippinarum density (p < 0.001), reflecting bioturbation-enhanced sediment erosion. The effects of clam density on sediment erodability were more marked at the lower current velocities. In the control, the critical erosion velocity (Ū_crit) was about 32 cm s⁻¹. With increasing R. philippinarum density, Ū_crit decreased down to the minimum value of about 20 cm s⁻¹ at a density of 206 clams m⁻². This study demonstrated that the burrowing activity of R. philippinarum reduces sediment stability, particularly at relatively low current velocities (25 cm s⁻¹) and at densities below those found in the clam cultivation areas within the Sacca di Goro lagoon.