Scottish Association for Marine Science

About: Scottish Association for Marine Science is a facility organization based out in Oban, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Sea ice & Benthic zone. The organization has 524 authors who have published 1765 publications receiving 70783 citations. The organization is also known as: SAMS & Scottish Marine Station for Scientific Research.

Chapter 7 U- and Th-Series Nuclides as Tracers of Particle Dynamics, Scavenging and Biogeochemical Cycles in the Oceans

Abstract: Publisher Summary The steady improvement in the understanding of the marine biogeochemical cycles for many elements is intimately linked to the understanding of the cycling of particle-reactive radionuclides in the oceans Much of the current knowledge on particle formation, particle dissolution and the physical and chemical exchange between different particulate and dissolved pools in the ocean relies on the natural clocks that are provided by the U- and Th-decay series Particle sinking rates, turnover rates of particles, as well as aggregation and disaggregation rates have been determined using multiple thorium isotopes measured in various colloidal and particle size-fractions These rates depend on the development of appropriate models Most models used to study particle dynamics with thorium isotopes assume a single adsorption rate onto the smallest particles Adsorption and scavenging of radionuclides depend on the chemical characteristics of the particles, their size distribution, and on the presence of colloids and organic ligands In large parts of the ocean, adsorption is controlled by organic fractions like transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), and these organic phases are not uniformly distributed over the particle classes In the existing models, particles are considered as homogeneous in composition and the resulting rate constants, therefore, generally refer in fact to particles of an average, characteristic type Improved in situ analysis techniques can provide better data on particles under natural conditions Imaging techniques with high spatial resolution, combined with information on trace element distribution, obtained from synchrotron based analysis of particles, or electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), can enable study of the structure of natural particles Although much new insight has been gained through recent research into these processes, further work is needed to understand how these tracers are distributed among the various particle sizes and chemical fractions of the marine suspended matter

Benthic infaunal communities across the Weddell Sea Basin and South Sandwich Slope, Antarctica

Abstract: The present study represents the first quantitative investigation of deep-sea benthic infauna in Antarctica. Box cores and multicores were used to collect sediment from 12 stations across the slope and abyssal basin of the Weddell Sea and the slope off the South Sandwich Islands, including sites in the South Sandwich Trench (6300 m). The multicore was a more efficient sampler than the box core. Nine phyla of invertebrates were found, dominated by annelids (67%), crustaceans (20%); other phyla (13%). A total of 117 taxa were identified to the species level: 72 were polychaetes; 45 were crustaceans. Many taxa are new to science. Highest densities were at the 1000 m depth on the western slope of the Weddell Sea (260 individuals per 0.1 m−2) and at ca. 2200 m on the South Sandwich Slope (132 individuals per 0.1 m−2); lowest densities were in the central Weddell Sea Basin (39 individuals per 0.1 m−2). Species richness and rarefaction analysis suggest that the fauna is undersampled. The 117 species identified in this study were represented by only 237 specimens, indicating that species were being added at a rate of one species for every two specimens collected. Rarefaction curves do not begin to reach an asymptote supporting high estimates of diversity. Some species appear to be limited to distinct zones in upper and middle slope depths, other species extend from the slope to the abyssal basin, and at least two species appear to be restricted to the abyssal basin. In general, the densities of infauna on the slopes surrounding the Weddell Sea Basin have lower densities than well-studied areas off North America. However, abyssal populations in Antarctica appear to have denser infaunal populations than those from off New England and the North Pacific Gyre. Productive surface waters of the Weddell Sea and subsequent sinking of phytoplankton to the seabed are probable reasons for the higher benthic productivity in Antarctic abyssal sediments. Similarity analyses were not informative because so few species were collected. Two stations in the Weddell Abyssal Basin were the only ones to exhibit a high level of similarity due to two shared polychaetes. Data on reproductive status of some polychaetes suggest that species limited to abyssal depths are reproducing there. Other species with broader depth ranges may be receiving recruits from slope depths. The results suggest that the deep-water infauna in Antarctica is largely endemic, but has some components that occur along other continental margins and adjacent abyssal basins.

Deep-water ichthyoplankton of the Skagerrak with special reference to Coryphaenoides rupestris Gunnerus, 1765 (Pisces, Macrouridae) and Argentina silus (Ascanius, 1775) (Pisces, Argentinidae)

Abstract: Two species, Coryphaenoides rupestris and Argentina silus, were abundant in the ichthyoplankton of the 150–550 m depth zone of the Skagerrak in 1992. Eggs of C. rupestris occurred only in October and December and a single yolk sac larva was caught in December. Postlarvae and juveniles occurred in all months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Oct, Dec) and showed a continuous increase in length through the year. This confirms earlier indications of a single late autumn spawning period. By October the juveniles had attained a demersal mode of life. Argentina silus eggs and larvae occurred year-round, but eggs were most abundant in the spring. Most of the other fish eggs and larvae were probably caught incidentally in surface layers. Exceptions may be four postlarval Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.

Planning, licensing, and stakeholder consultation in an artificial reef development: the Loch Linnhe reef, a case study

Abstract: In the UK, artificial reefs are sometimes perceived by the public as an excuse for dumping of waste materials. This negative perception, combined with the increased role (and statutory requirement) for public consultation in the granting of licences, means that artificial reef projects are greatly assisted by a structured approach to planning and consultation early in the developmental process. At present, a statutory framework governing reef construction within Europe has not been agreed, but new guidelines were issued in 1998 under the auspices of the Oslo Paris Commission. The Loch Linnhe Artificial Reef is a large-scale reef complex being constructed on the west coast of Scotland and intended for research purposes. It was the first artificial reef application to be successful under the new guidelines and therefore has particular relevance to any reef development occurring within Europe and, more generically, worldwide. The licensing process was assisted by open dialogue with a range of user groups and local bodies. Early and constructive consultation within a formal management structure impressed local government and licensing agencies, facilitated informed debate, and greatly enhanced the public's understanding of complex issues related to artificial reef construction. The whole process was considered by many as being beneficial in obtaining the final permission for deployment. Copyright 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bromine is an endogenous component of a vanadium bromoperoxidase.

Abstract: On the basis of EXAFS and MS/MS experimental results and a reinterpretation of the electron density map obtained by X-ray crystallography, we describe a new post-translational modification, that is, a 3,5-dibromotyrosine residue that is incorporated in the polypeptide chain of a vanadium haloperoxidase.