Late Quaternary (Marine Isotope Stage 3 to Recent) sedimentary evolution of the Basque shelf (southern Bay of Biscay)     

Blanca Martínez‐García  Arantxa Bodego  Jone Mendicoa  Ana Pascual  Julio Rodríguez‐Lázaro 《Boreas: An International Journal of Quaternary Research》2014,43(4):973-988

Late Quaternary (MIS 3 to Recent) oceanographic evolution of the Basque shelf has been analysed for the first time based on the sedimentological analysis of three cores obtained from the middle and outer shelves. The cores are located in two interfluves separated by the San Sebastian canyon. The variability of the percentage of the planktonic foraminifera species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin. and of δ¹⁸O_bull allowed us to identify the influence of colder and warmer waters in the Basque shelf during the late Quaternary. From ～56 cal. ka BP to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (19 cal. ka BP) the sedimentary record shows a decreasing trend in the mean grain size that correlates with the eustatic sea‐level fall. The last Deglaciation (19–11.5 cal. ka BP) is characterized by a sea‐level rise that produced an important hiatus in the western outer shelf. During the Holocene, the middle and outer shelves present different behaviours. From 11.5 to 6.7 cal. ka BP, in the outer shelf the sea‐level rise that started during the Deglaciation produced a hiatus, whereas in the middle shelf the sedimentary succession records the presence of warm to temperate waters. Between 6.7–4.9 cal. ka BP, the entrance of cold surface water‐masses that only affected the middle shelf has been identified, and temperate to warm waters occurred in the outer shelf. The cold surface water‐masses retreated during 4.9–4.3 cal. ka BP in the middle shelf. Finally, from 4.3 cal. ka BP to Recent, the middle shelf registers a hiatus due to sea‐level stabilization after a generalized transgression, synchronous to a decrease in the energy of the water‐masses in the outer shelf. In conclusion, the environmental changes detected in the Basque shelf are attributed to both regional and eustatic sea‐level changes.  相似文献   

Climate change and infectious diseases: Can we meet the needs for better prediction?     

Xavier Rodó  Mercedes Pascual  Francisco J. Doblas-Reyes  Alexander Gershunov  Dáithí A. Stone  Filippo Giorgi  Peter J. Hudson  James Kinter  Miquel-Àngel Rodríguez-Arias  Nils Ch. Stenseth  David Alonso  Javier García-Serrano  Andrew P. Dobson 《Climatic change》2013,118(3-4):625-640

The next generation of climate-driven, disease prediction models will most likely require a mechanistically based, dynamical framework that parameterizes key processes at a variety of locations. Over the next two decades, consensus climate predictions make it possible to produce forecasts for a number of important infectious diseases that are largely independent of the uncertainty of longer-term emissions scenarios. In particular, the role of climate in the modulation of seasonal disease transmission needs to be unravelled from the complex dynamics resulting from the interaction of transmission with herd immunity and intervention measures that depend upon previous burdens of infection. Progress is also needed to solve the mismatch between climate projections and disease projections at the scale of public health interventions. In the time horizon of seasons to years, early warning systems should benefit from current developments on multi-model ensemble climate prediction systems, particularly in areas where high skill levels of climate models coincide with regions where large epidemics take place. A better understanding of the role of climate extremes on infectious diseases is urgently needed.  相似文献   

Trends,drivers and impacts of changes in swidden cultivation in tropical forest-agriculture frontiers: A global assessment     

Nathalie van Vliet  Ole Mertz  Andreas Heinimann  Tobias Langanke  Unai Pascual  Birgit Schmook  Cristina Adams  Dietrich Schmidt-Vogt  Peter Messerli  Stephen Leisz  Jean-Christophe Castella  Lars Jørgensen  Torben Birch-Thomsen  Cornelia Hett  Thilde Bech-Bruun  Amy Ickowitz  Kim Chi Vu  Kono Yasuyuki  Jefferson Fox  Christine Padoch  Alan D. Ziegler 《Global Environmental Change》2012,22(2):418-429

This meta-analysis of land-cover transformations of the past 10–15 years in tropical forest-agriculture frontiers world-wide shows that swidden agriculture decreases in landscapes with access to local, national and international markets that encourage cattle production and cash cropping, including biofuels. Conservation policies and practices also accelerate changes in swidden by restricting forest clearing and encouraging commercial agriculture. However, swidden remains important in many frontier areas where farmers have unequal or insecure access to investment and market opportunities, or where multi-functionality of land uses has been preserved as a strategy to adapt to current ecological, economic and political circumstances. In some areas swidden remains important simply because intensification is not a viable choice, for example when population densities and/or food market demands are low. The transformation of swidden landscapes into more intensive land uses has generally increased household incomes, but has also led to negative effects on the social and human capital of local communities to varying degrees. From an environmental perspective, the transition from swidden to other land uses often contributes to permanent deforestation, loss of biodiversity, increased weed pressure, declines in soil fertility, and accelerated soil erosion. Our prognosis is that, despite the global trend towards land use intensification, in many areas swidden will remain part of rural landscapes as the safety component of diversified systems, particularly in response to risks and uncertainties associated with more intensive land use systems.  相似文献   

Frontal dynamics boost primary production in the summer stratified Mediterranean sea   总被引：1，自引：1，他引：0  

Antonio Olita  Arthur Capet  Mariona Claret  Amala Mahadevan  Pierre Marie Poulain  Alberto Ribotti  Simón Ruiz  Joaquín Tintoré  Antonio Tovar-Sánchez  Ananda Pascual 《Ocean Dynamics》2017,67(6):767-782

Bio-physical glider measurements from a unique process-oriented experiment in the Eastern Alboran Sea (AlborEx) allowed us to observe the distribution of the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) across an intense density front, with a resolution (～ 400 m) suitable for investigating sub-mesoscale dynamics. This front, at the interface between Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, had a sharp density gradient (Δρ ～ 1 kg/m³ in ～ 10 km) and showed imprints of (sub-)mesoscale phenomena on tracer distributions. Specifically, the chlorophyll-a concentration within the DCM showed a disrupted pattern along isopycnal surfaces, with patches bearing a relationship to the stratification (buoyancy frequency) at depths between 30 and 60 m. In order to estimate the primary production (PP) rate within the chlorophyll patches observed at the sub-surface, we applied the Morel and Andrè (J Geophys Res 96:685–698 1991) bio-optical model using the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) from Argo profiles collected simultaneously with glider data. The highest production was located concurrently with domed isopycnals on the fresh side of the front, suggestive that (sub-)mesoscale upwelling is carrying phytoplankton patches from less to more illuminated levels, with a contemporaneous delivering of nutrients. Integrated estimations of PP (1.3 g C m^?2d^?1) along the glider path are two to four times larger than the estimations obtained from satellite-based algorithms, i.e., derived from the 8-day composite fields extracted over the glider trip path. Despite the differences in spatial and temporal sampling between instruments, the differences in PP estimations are mainly due to the inability of the satellite to measure DCM patches responsible for the high production. The deepest (depth > 60 m) chlorophyll patches are almost unproductive and probably transported passively (subducted) from upper productive layers. Finally, the relationship between primary production and oxygen is also investigated. The logarithm of the primary production in the DCM interior (chlorophyll (Chl) > 0.5 mg/m³) shows a linear negative relationship with the apparent oxygen utilization, confirming that high chlorophyll patches are productive. The slope of this relationship is different for Atlantic, mixed interface waters and Mediterranean waters, suggesting the presence of differences in planktonic communities (whether physiological, population, or community level should be object of further investigation) on the different sides of the front. In addition, the ratio of optical backscatter to Chl is high within the intermediate (mixed) waters, which is suggestive of large phytoplankton cells, and lower within the core of the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. These observations highlight the relevance of fronts in triggering primary production at DCM level and shaping the characteristic patchiness of the pelagic domain. This gains further relevance considering the inadequacy of optical satellite sensors to observe DCM concentrations at such fine scales.  相似文献   

Growth forms,dispersal strategies and taxonomic spectrum in a semi-arid shrubland in SE Spain     

T. Navarro  V. Pascual  C.L. Alados  B. Cabezudo 《Journal of Arid Environments》2009,73(1):103-112

We have identified the dispersal strategies of major growth forms in a semi-arid Mediterranean shrubland of Cabo de Gata Natural Park (SE Spain), testing (1) whether dispersal strategies and antitelechoric mechanisms vary among growth forms and families, and (2) whether dispersal traits that identify dispersal strategies can be used to predict different ways of plant survival in response to seasonal changes in their habitat. In the survey, the data of 17 dispersal traits were collected of 140 species and analysed using cluster analysis and nonlinear principal components analysis. For shrubs and forbs, low diaspore release height, spheroidal diaspores with a low mass and small size and a low to high diaspore number were associated with restricted spatial dispersal. In contrast, medium to high release height, relatively large and heavy diaspores varying in shape and a high diaspore number were associated with developed spatial dispersal (telechory). Telechory is higher in shrubs than in forbs and grasses, where atelechory/antitelechory predominate. Dispersal was synchronized mainly with the drought period (July and August) and the beginning of the rainy season (October–December). 68% of shrubs and 61.6% of forbs were anemochores, whereas zoochory (6% of shrubs) and ballistic species (8% of shrubs and 6.9% of forbs) were less common. Ombrohydrochory was well represented among forbs (27.3%) but rare among shrubs (4%). The main antitelechoric mechanisms were: bradyspory (30.7%), myxospermy (15.7%) and trypanocarpy (29.4%, only for grasses). Species with restricted spatial dispersal and antitelechoric mechanisms are well adapted to survival in semi-arid climatic conditions, and should be taken into consideration in conservation planning.  相似文献   

In situ and satellite observations of the eastward migration of the Western Alboran Sea Gyre     

M.M. Flexas  D. Gomis  S. Ruiz  A. Pascual  P. Len 《Progress in Oceanography》2006,70(2-4):486

During October 2003 an intensive oceanographic survey (BIOMEGA) was carried out in the Alboran Sea, coinciding with a migration event of the Western Alboran Sea Gyre (WAG). The observations gathered during that cruise constitute the first field evidence of a migrated stage of the WAG. In this work we present the main differences between the 3D hydrodynamic fields observed during BIOMEGA and those corresponding to a WAG located at its usual position. The migration of the gyre was followed by satellite (altimetry and sea surface temperature) imagery. The causes of the gyre migration are explored in terms of the quasi-geostrophic tendency equation, in particular of the dynamics governing scales larger than the Rossby radius of deformation. It is shown that the steady state gyre must be almost equivalent barotropic and that the key process to break down the stationarity would be a density advection at gyre scale. The mechanisms to explain the migration of the WAG proposed by previous authors are discussed in light of the explanation proposed in this work.  相似文献   

The Iberian type of volcano-sedimentary massive sulphide deposits   总被引：6，自引：0，他引：6  

R. Sáez  E. Pascual  M. Toscano  G. R. Almodóvar 《Mineralium Deposita》1999,34(5-6):549-570

The Iberian Pyrite Belt, located in the SW Iberian Peninsula, contains many Paleozoic giant and supergiant massive sulphide deposits, including the largest individual massive sulphide bodies on Earth. Total ore reserves exceed 1500 Mt, distributed in eight supergiant deposits (>100 Mt) and a number of other smaller deposits, commonly with associated stockwork mineralizations and footwall alteration haloes. Massive sulphide bodies largely consist of pyrite, with subordinated sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite and many other minor phases, although substantial differences occur between individual deposits, both in mineral abundance and spatial distribution. These deposits are considered to be volcanogenic, roughly similar to volcanic-hosted massive sulphides (VHMS). However, our major conclusion is that the Iberian type of massive sulphides must be considered as a VHMS sub-type transitional to SHMS. This work is an assessment of the geological, geochemical and metallogenic data available up to date, including a number of new results. The following points are stressed; (a) ore deposits are located in three main geological sectors, with the southern one containing most of the giant and supergiant orebodies, whereas the northern one has mainly small to intermediate-sized deposits; (b) ore deposits differ one from another both in textures and mineral composition; (c) Co and Bi minerals are typical, especially in stockwork zones; (d) colloidal and other primary depositional textures are common in many localities; (e) a close relation has been found between ore deposits and some characteristic sedimentary horizons, such as black shales. In contrast, relationships between massive sulphides and cherts or jaspers remains unclear; (f) footwall hydrothermal alterations show a rough zoning, the inner alteration haloes being characterized in places by a high Co/Ni ratio, as well as by mobility of Zr, Y and REE; (g) ¹⁸O and D values indicate that fluids consist of modified seawater, whereas ³⁴S data strongly suggest the participation of bacterial-reduced sulphur, at least during some stages of the massive sulphide genesis, and (h) lead isotopes suggest a single (or homogeneized) metal source, from both the volcanic piles and the underlying Devonian rocks (PQ Group). It is concluded that, although all these features can be compatible with classical VHMS interpretations, it is necessary to sketch a different model to account for the IPB characteristics. A new proposal is presented, based on an alternative association between massive sulphide deposits and volcanism. We consider that most of the IPB massive orebodies, in particular the giant and supergiant ones, were formed during pauses in volcanic activity, when hydrothermal activity was triggered by the ascent and emplacement of late basic magmas. In these conditions, deposits formed which had magmatic activity as the heat source; however, the depositional environment was not strictly volcanogenic, and many evolutionary stages could have occurred in conditions similar to those in sediment-hosted massive sulphides (SHMS). In addition, the greater thickness of the rock pile affected by hydrothermal circulation would account for the enormous size of many of the deposits. Received: 8 September 1998 / Accepted: 4 January 1999  相似文献   

Aboveground Biomass Patterns of Dominant Spartina Species and Their Relationship with Selected Abiotic Variables in Argentinean SW Atlantic Marshes     

Diana I. Montemayor  Alejandro D. Canepuccia  Jesus Pascual  Oscar O. Iribarne 《Estuaries and Coasts》2014,37(2):411-420

Salt marsh zonation patterns generate different abiotic and biotic conditions that can accentuate species inherent differences in primary production and biomass. In South West Atlantic marshes, there are two Spartina species: Spartina alterniflora in the low intertidal and Spartina densiflora in the high intertidal. These two species are generally found in all marshes but with different dominance: In some marshes, the S. densiflora zone occupies higher extents, and in others, the S. alterniflora zone is the one that prevails. We found through field sampling that, in six studied marshes, there is greater S. densiflora live and total (i.e., dead+live) aboveground biomass (g m^?2) in the marshes dominated by S. densiflora than in the ones dominated by S. alterniflora. Spartina alterniflora had similar aboveground biomass in the six marshes, regardless of the dominance of each species. When comparing the two Spartina species within each marsh, S. densiflora had greater live and total biomass in the marshes it dominates. In the marshes dominated by S. alterniflora, both species had similar live and total biomass. In all marshes, there was greater dead S. densiflora biomass. A multivariate analysis using selected abiotic factors (i.e., salinity, latitude, and tidal amplitude) showed that S. alterniflora aboveground biomass patterns are mainly correlated with salinity, while S. densiflora live biomass is mainly correlated with salinity and latitude, dead biomass with salinity and tidal amplitude, and total biomass with salinity alone. We conclude that in S. densiflora dominated marshes, the main processes of that species zone (i.e., nutrient accumulation) will be accentuated because of its higher biomass. We also conclude that climatic conditions, in combination with specific Spartina biotic and ambient abiotic parameters, can affect marsh ecological functions.  相似文献   

Presence and spatial distribution of emerging contaminants (drugs of abuse) in protected agroecological systems (L’Albufera de Valencia Coastal Wetland, Spain)     

Juan Antonio Pascual Aguilar  Vicente Andreu  Pablo Vázquez  Yolanda Picó 《Environmental Earth Sciences》2014,71(1):31-37

The Mediterranean wetlands are unique in biological diversity and provide multiple benefits, constituting a great water reserve for the planet and producing biomass and nutrients for the trophic chain. However, the increasing human impact and socio-economic development in recent decades have caused important losses in these ecosystems. This work was carried out in the Natural Park of L’Albufera (Valencia, Spain), which includes a coastal lagoon, marshlands, dunes and pinewoods, surrounded by rice fields and orchard in its non-urbanized part. Despite this great ecological value, it suffers impacts derived from the high human and industrial occupation and the hydrological contributions of the connected irrigation systems. The study focused on the development of a combined methodology, based on environmental forensics principles, with the aim of identifying the presence, flow paths and spatial distribution of illicit drugs entering the Natural Park. It is organized around two major procedures: analysis of 16 water samples and application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) integrating different sources and data formats, as analysis of 14 drugs of abuse by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry techniques, and social and environmental data in either GIS layers or tabular digital formats. Results show that, at present, most analyzed drugs have been identified in all sample points. Besides the population distribution pattern, the traditional irrigation system connected to sewage treatment plant (STP) locations is the way by which illicit substances are introduced into the Natural Park waters.  相似文献   

Hydrogeological and mineralogical analysis of the pre‐Romanesque monument of Santa María del Naranco,Asturias, Spain     

Beatriz Gonzlez Fernndez  Celia Marcos Pascual  Eduardo Menndez Casares 《Geoarchaeology》2010,25(4):497-513

The church of Santa María del Naranco is an important monument from the pre‐Romanesque period of Asturian art. Here we present research that locates the probable source of travertine used in the construction of a vault within this monument. Since the genesis of this travertine is associated with spring activity, and archival evidence suggests that stone procurement during this period tended to be local, we surveyed existing carbonated aquifers within a 5‐km radius of the monument. We identified a spring (Sopeña) with an associated outcrop of discontinuous travertine that appeared to have been quarried in the past. We conducted X‐ray powder diffraction, electron microprobe, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses of samples extracted from the suspected travertine source, an additional more distant travertine quarry for comparison, and the vault. Matching mineralogy and geochemistry indicate that the Sopeña travertine was the probable source of rock material used in the construction of the vault. This study provides insight into local ancient monument construction and can assist in procuring original stone material for historical restoration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.  相似文献