Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

About: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a nonprofit organization based out in Falmouth, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Mantle (geology). The organization has 5685 authors who have published 18396 publications receiving 1202050 citations. The organization is also known as: WHOI.

An experimentally determined carbon : volume ratio for marine “oligotrichous” ciliates from estuarine and coastal waters

Abstract: The biomass of marine “oligotri chous” ciliates has often been estimated by measuring the cell volume of preserved samples and converting to units of carbon based on theoretical carbon: volume (C: vol) ratios of 007–011 pg µm−3 Using laboratory cultures of several strains of Laboea strobila, Strombidium spp, and Strobilidium spiralis, we experimentally derived a C: vol conversion factor of 019 pg µm−3 for cells preserved with 2% vol : vol Lugol’s iodine Cell volume estimates of Lugol’s-preserved cells averaged 76% of cell volume estimates of Formalin-preserved cells Hence a C : vol ratio of 014 pg µm−3 applies to Formalin-preserved cells Our study indicates that the biomass of oligotrichous ciliates in marine systems has been significantly underestimated by the use of inappropriate C: vol ratios

Experimental cpx/melt partitioning of 24 trace elements

Abstract: Cpx/melt partition coefficients have been determined by ion probe for 24 trace elements at natural levels in an alkali basalt experimentally equilibrated at 1,380°C and 3 GPa. One goal was to intercompare Ds for both high-field-strength elements and rare earth elements (REE) in a single experiment. Relative to the REE spidergram, Hf and Ti show virtually no anomaly, whereas Zr exhibits a major negative anomaly. Other incompatible elements (Ba, K, Nb) fall in the range of published values, as do elements such as Sr, Y, Sc, Cr and V. Pb shows a value intermediate between La and Ce. Values for Be, Li and Ga are reported for the first time, and show that Be is as incompatible as the light REEs whereas Li and Ga are somewhat more compatible than the heavy REE.

Development of a sequential extraction method for different forms of phosphorus in marine sediments

Abstract: A sequential extraction method (SEDEX) has been developed to separately quantify five sedimentary P reservoirs: loosely sorbed P; ferric iron-bound P; authigenic carbonate fluorapatite + biogenic apatite + CaCO3-associated P; detrital apatite P; and organic P. The SEDEX method successfully separates two of the main categories of authigenic phosphate phases called upon most often as sedimentary sinks for diagenetically mobilized P: ferric oxyhydroxide-associated P and authigenic carbonate fluorapatite (CFAP). It offers a means for separating authigenic CFAP from detrital apatite of igneous or metamorphic origin. The importance of this distinction is that CFAP represents an oceanic sink for reactive P, whereas detrital apatite does not. In addition, a means for reversing secondary adsorption of P onto residual solid surfaces during extraction has been developed. Extensive standardization of the SEDEX method for application to marine sediments has been performed with analogs for naturally occurring phosphatic phases.

The state of the art in underwater acoustic telemetry

Abstract: Progress in underwater acoustic telemetry since 1982 is reviewed within a framework of six current research areas: (1) underwater channel physics, channel simulations, and measurements; (2) receiver structures; (3) diversity exploitation; (4) error control coding; (5) networked systems; and (6) alternative modulation strategies. Advances in each of these areas as well as perspectives on the future challenges facing them are presented. A primary thesis of this paper is that increased integration of high-fidelity channel models into ongoing underwater telemetry research is needed if the performance envelope (defined in terms of range, rate, and channel complexity) of underwater modems is to expand.

Calibration of unsaturation patterns in long-chain ketone compositions for palaeotemperature assessment

Abstract: A series of long-chain (C37, C38, C39), primarily di- and tri-unsaturated methyl and ethyl ketones, first identified in sediments from Walvis Ridge off West Africa and from the Black Sea1, has been found in marine sediments throughout the world2. The marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi and members of the class Prymnesiophyceae are now the recognized sources of these compounds3,4. Experiments with laboratory cultures of algae showed the degree of unsaturation in the ketone series biosynthesized depends on growth temperature2,5, a physiological response observed for classical membrane lipids6. Brassell and co-workers2,7 thus proposed that systematic fluctuations in the unsaturation of these alkenones noted down-core in sediments from the Kane Gap region of the north-east tropical Atlantic Ocean and correlated with glacial-interglacial cycles provide an organic geochemical measure of past sea-surface water temperatures. Using laboratory cultures of E. huxleyi, we have calibrated changes in the unsaturation pattern of the long-chain ketone series versus growth temperature. The calibration curve is linear and accurately predicts unsaturation patterns observed in natural particulate materials collected from oceanic waters of known temperature. We present evidence supporting the proposed palaeotemperature hypothesis2,7 and suggesting absolute 'sea-surface temperatures' for a given oceanic location can be estimated from an analysis of long-chain ketone compositions preserved in glacial and interglacial horizons of deep-sea sediment cores.