Population genetic structure of the ascidian Styela rustica at Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Arctic

The actual Arctic biota shows a strong affinity with that of the Boreal Atlantic and Pacific ones, as a result of an active recolonization process after the Quaternary glaciations. The geographic distribution of sessile species is usually linked to larvae dispersive capabilities which can be directly related with time spent in the plankton. Ascidians larvae are lecitothorphic and short-lived, which suggest that ascidians could be not efficient dispersers. However, the solitary ascidian Styela rustica (Linnaeus, 1767) (Tunicata, Ascidiacea) shows a wide distribution pattern from the North Atlantic to the Arctic that, together with the relatively recent colonization of the Arctic system could indicate that this species efficiently disperses and colonizes new habitats. In this study we used ISSR-PCR markers to study the genetic structure of five populations of the ascidian Styela rustica at Kongsfjorden, west Spitsbergen (Svalbard archipelago). We analyzed whether this species presents a low genetic structure, as can be expected due to the historical process of recent post glaciations colonization, or if there is genetic differentiation at a local scale, caused by short-lived larvae and limited dispersal potential. The genetic diversity in each population assessed using the marker diversity index (M) ranged from 0.288 to 0.324. Population HN, situated close to a fast retreating glacier, showed the lowest diversity. Processes associated with deglatiation (icebergs calving from the glacier that scour the benthos and the increment of inorganic particulate matter on the water column) would drive to reduced population sizes and explain the reduced genetic variability observed in the HN population with respect to the others in the fjord. This suggests a possible linkage with the global warming process. Although the weak genetic structure found among the studied populations could indicate a founder effect, the genetic landscape shape analysis together with a positive relationship between genetic and geographic distances also suggest possible current gene flow among populations in the fjord.     

River forcing at work: ecological modeling of prograding and regressive deltas

Two explicit landscape simulation models were used to investigate habitat shifts in coastal Louisiana due to varying river forcing and sea level rise scenarios. Wetland conversion to open water and yearly shifts of marsh habitats in two contrasting estuarine regions were examined; the Atchafalaya delta which is a prograding delta area with strong riverine input, and the Barataria Basin is a regressive delta with high wetland loss which is isolated from riverine input. The models linked several modules dynamically across spatial and temporal scales. Both models consisted of a vertically integrated hydrodynamic model coupled with process-based biological modules of above and below ground primary productivity and soil dynamics. The models explored future effects of possible sea level rise and river diversion plans for 30 and 70-year projections starting in 1988. Results showed that increased river forcing had large land preservation impacts, and indicated that healthy functioning of the Mississippi Delta depends largely on inputs of freshwater, nutrients, and sediments in river water. These types of models are useful for research and as management tools for predicting the effects of regional impacts on structural landscape level changes.     

Modelling the influence of nutrient loads on Portuguese estuaries

The effects of implementing Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 (Waste Water Treatment Plan Directive) and Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December (Nitrates Directive) are analysed in 7 Portuguese estuaries (Minho, Lima, Douro, Mondego, Tagus, Sado and Guadiana) and two coastal lagoons (Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa), with a modelling approach. MOHID Water Modelling System was used to perform simulations with three nitrogen load scenarios for each system: a reference scenario, a 50% nitrate removal by agriculture scenario and another with a 100% nutrients removal by waste water treatment plants (WWTP). It is shown that the interaction between hydrodynamic and ecological processes is an important feature to study trophic problems in estuaries. Ecological processes such as primary production only occur inside the system if the residence time of water is high enough to enable organismal activity and if the adequate conditions are found (e.g. light, nutrients, temperature). From the model results it is possible to conclude: (i) in systems with short residence time a reduction in nutrient load will only produce a decrease in nutrient transit and will not affect the system’s global ecological status (e.g. Douro Estuary); (ii) in systems with long residence time the effects will range from significant, when primary production is mostly limited by nutrients (e.g. Ria de Aveiro), to non-significant, when primary production in the system is light-limited (e.g. Tagus Estuary).     

Divergence in germination traits among arctic and alpine populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Koenigia islandica</Emphasis>: light requirements

Light is known to regulate conservative germination strategies and the formation of seed banks. Although these strategies are crucial to survival in tundra environments—especially for annuals—light requirements for germination in arctic–alpine species are seldom investigated. Furthermore, environmental differences between arctic and alpine regions are expected to lead to evolutionary divergence among conspecific populations in seed germination strategies. In this study, we report important differences in germination light requirements among six arctic and alpine populations of the annual Koenigia islandica. Light had little effect on germination of the seeds from Iqaluit (Nunavut, Canada), Yukon (Canada), and Jasper (Alberta, Canada), whereas the seeds from the most severe climates, Svalbard (Norway) and Colorado (USA), had strong light requirements. Stratification of the seeds had little influence on their germination light requirements, with the exception of the population from Dovre (Norway), in which it induced a strong light requirement. Possible adaptive explanations and some implications of these observed germination patterns are discussed.     

Functional classifications of coastal barrier island vegetation

Abstract. Due to the complexity of coastal barrier vegetation, it is useful to apply a functional-type approach to assess the response of barrier island vegetation to climate change. In this paper, a simple clustering analysis is applied to a group of 19 plant associations, based on six plant attributes and six environmental constraints. This analysis results in the suggestion that the main division of the vegetation types at Virginia Coast Reserve is between herbaceous and woody types, which differs from the existing classification which recognizes three groups: xeric-mesic herbaceous, woody and hydric-halophytic herbaceous. Considerations about grouping plant functional types are also addressed in this paper. At a global scale, inclusion of barrier plant functional types may not be so important for the climate-change response of vegetation, but it may be necessary to consider these important systems for spatially explicit modelling of landscape responses.     

Respiratory changes due to extreme cold in the Arctic environment

Effects of acute exposure and acclimatisation to cold stress on respiratory functions were investigated in healthy tropical Indian men (n=10). Initial baseline recordings were carried out at Delhi and thereafter serially thrice at the arctic region and once on return to Delhi. For comparison the respiratory functions were also evaluated on Russian migrants (RM;n=7) and Russian natives (RN;n=6). The respiratory functions were evaluated using standard methodology on a Vitalograph: In Indians, there was an initial decrease in lung vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume 1st s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) on acute exposure to cold stress, followed by gradual recovery during acclimatisation for 4 weeks and a further significant improvement after 9 weeks of stay at the arctic region. On return to India all the parameters reached near baseline values except for MVV which remained slightly elevated. RM and RN showed similar respiratory functions at the beginning of acute cold exposure at the arctic zone. RN showed an improvement after 10 weeks of stay whereas RM did not show much change. The respiratory responses during acute cold exposure are similar to those of initial altitude responses.     

PHYSIOLOGY OF SEA ICE DIATOMS. I. RESPONSE OF THREE POLAR DIATOMS TO A SIMULATED SUMMER-WINTER TRANSITION1

Three axenic polar sea ice diatom cultures were subjected to a 30 day simulated summer-winter transition in which light and temperature were decreased and salinity was increased to mimic seasonal changes previously reported for ice-covered polar seas. The diatoms responded to these changes by a reduction in cellular metabolism as indicated by: 1) A decline in growth rate and photosynthetic rate; 2) a decrease in cellular ATP; and 3) the storage and subsequent utilization of endogenous carbon reserves. In addition, heterotrophic potential of the three clones increased by as much as 60-fold. In some cases, the decrease in light intensity characteristic of the onset of polar winter was alone sufficient to trigger these physiological changes.     

Regulating Shipping in the Arctic Ocean: An Analysis of State Practice

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) permits state parties to establish an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 200 nautical miles from their coast. Coastal states have exclusive jurisdiction over resources within the EEZ, but navigational and other high seas freedoms continue to exist. A significant number of states have, however, enacted legislation that departs from the LOSC, interfering with the navigational rights and freedoms of other states. This article analzses this development with a specific focus on the Arctic. It investigates the powers of Arctic coastal states to regulate shipping in the EEZ and thereby navigation in the Arctic Ocean. It adds to the existing literature by providing an analysis of state practice, suggesting that despite uncertainty concerning the interpretation of the LOSC Article 234 and the right to exercise legislative jurisdiction over ice-covered waters, a not insignificant number of states have claimed jurisdiction in their own EEZ beyond the rights granted in the LOSC, and are therefore not in a position to object to extensive jurisdictional claims in the Arctic.     

1996—2016年松嫩平原传统大豆种植结构的时空演变

在转基因大豆冲击下,我国传统大豆种植面积大幅下降,研究大豆主产区传统大豆种植结构及其动态变化对我国大豆进出口贸易和保障国家粮食安全意义重大.本研究基于1996—2016年Landsat TM/OLI遥感影像,以遥感、地理信息系统技术为支撑,利用随机森林方法提取大豆空间分布信息,并结合景观格局指数分析松嫩平原大豆种植结构时空演变特征.结果表明: 1996—2016年,松嫩平原大豆种植面积呈波动变化;在与其他地物类型面积转换中,大豆与其他作物面积间的转换最明显;大豆斑块面积占作物总面积的比例呈先增后减特征,而斑块密度指数和分离度指数均呈先减后增趋势.松嫩平原传统大豆种植结构时空演变表现出种植面积波动变化、破碎度增加、空间分布趋于离散的特征;国内外市场及政策导向成为传统大豆种植结构变化的重要影响因素.