ALBERT

Description: The Houtman Abrolhos reefs, situated on the western continental margin of Australia, occupy a transitional position between cool-water shelf carbonate sediments to the south and more tropical environments to the north. Their existence at the outer limits of the geographical range for coral reef growth is a result of the warm, poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current. Though the modern reefs differ ecologically from tropical reefs, their geological characteristics have been little known until recently. Each of the three island groups in the Abrolhos consists of a central platform of Last Interglacial reefs, about which windward and leeward Holocene reefs have developed asymmetrically. In the Easter Group the subtidal windward reef in the west is ca. 10 m thick and is backed by a leeward-prograding, lagoon sand sheet which is 0–3 m thick. The emergent parts of the leeward reefs in the east consist of an upward-shallowing sequence comprising reef facies, peritidal rudstone facies, and coral rubble storm ridges. This is underlain by over 26 m of Holocene reef facies. Coring and dating of the Holocene reefs (using both TIMS and 14C methods) in the Easter Group has shown significantly different lithofacies in the windward and leeward reefs, and has allowed reconstruction of Holocene reef growth and sea-level history. Coralline algal bindstones and interbedded coral framestone facies characterise the relatively slow-growing windward Holocene reefs, whereas the fast-growing leeward reefs consist of coral framestone facies which are dominated by Acropora. The leeward reefs commenced growth about 10,000 years ago and the Morley reef grew to 0.3 m above present sea level by 6400 years B.P., recording a relative high sea-level event. This generated Holocene constructional topography characterised by “blue-hole” terrain. Windward Holocene reef growth commenced after 8200 years B.P. following erosion of the windward part of the Last Interglacial platform. High wave energy and competition with macroalgae limited coral growth, and the coralline algal-dominated windward reefs grew more slowly to sea level. The Holocene sea-level record provided by dates from the 26 m core of the Morley reef (a “keep-up” reef) is the first such record from the western continental margin of Australia.

Description: Nine large box cores collected in the western Greenland-Iceland-Norwegian (GIN) Sea were analyzed for calcium carbonate content and coarse fraction components. Stratigraphic control is based on oxygen isotope records performed on four of the cores. All cores were correlated using oxygen and carbon isotope data, fluctuations in calcium carbonate content, coarse terrigenous particle content and volcanic ash beds. Glacial and interglacial cycles are documented by a number of terrigenous particle events and differentiated calcium carbonate production which can be correlated to major paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic shifts. In the older core sections, extensive deposition of ice-rafted detritus (IRD) persisted until about oxygen isotope stage 9 and document a relatively stable environment in this area, strongly influenced by cold surface water masses. The following interval was characterized by variations in the general surface water circulation pattern, although high amounts of IRD are still present in Iceland Sea sediments. Pronounced shifts in terrigenous input and pelagic carbonate records were identified close to the oxygen isotope stage Full-size image (〈1 K) and Full-size image (〈1 K) boundaries, indicating massive melting of icebergs in the western GIN Sea. These enormous inputs of debris were followed by an increase in calcium carbonate production caused by maximum intrusion of warm Atlantic surface waters. Relatively high calcium carbonate contents also show that only little dilution by fine-grained material and a minimum of ice melting occurred during these warm phases. During oxygen isotope stage 5, conditions were more uniform indicating a less pronounced westward penetration of Atlantic waters as compared to the Holocene. The last glacial (stages 4-2) is characterized by the occurrence of “Heinrich”-like events, although high IRD contents were present throughout this interval. A distinct contrast between the northernmost cores and the cores in the south is indicative of a rather strong westward penetration of Atlantic water in the north and of an area dominated by cold water east of the Kolbeinsey Ridge during the Holocene. However, conditions west of Jan Mayen seem to have remained constantly dominated by cold surface waters throughout the whole time investigated.

Description: The Houtman Abrolhos Islands, situated at the western passive margin of the Australian continent, consist of a series of shelf-edge coral reefs. The central platforms of the reefs are Late Pleistocene in age and are generally some 3–5 m above present sea level. The uppermost part of the Last Interglacial reefs normally has an upward-shallowing sequence, consisting of coral framestone, coralline algal bindstone and skeletal grainstone to rudstone. This sequence represents deposition in water depths of less than 2 m, and provides a good indicator of sea level. High-precision mass-spectrometric dates of corals from the Abrolhos reefs, including dates obtained from drill cores, arological, isotopic and stratigraphic criteria are established for the selection of suitable samples for dating and for assessing the reliability of dates. Using the screened dates and the stratigraphic evidence, the timing and character of the sea level variations of the Last Interglacial in the Abrolhos region are examined. The data show that sea level of the Last Interglacial in the Abrolhos was 4 m below its present height by ca. 134 ka BP and probably reached about 2 m above present height at ca. 133 ka BP. The exact time at which sea level reached its peak (6 m above present sea level) cannot be determined from our data. But it is clear that the sea level high stand of the Last Interglacial lasted until ca. 116 ka BP and that for much of the Last Interglacial sea level at the Abrolhos was at a height of about 4 m above its present level

Description: U/Th (TIMS) and 14C (AMS) measurements are presented from two coral cores from the Easter group of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands between 28°S and 29°S on the western continental margin of Australia. The U/Th measurements on the Morley core from Morley Island cover a depth interval from 0.2 m above present sea level to 24.4 m below present sea level and comprise eleven samples. The ages vary between 6320 ± 50 a, at 0.2 m above sea level, and 9809 ± 95 a, at 24.4 m below sea level (all errors are 2σ). The mean growth rate is 7.1 ± 0.9 m/ka. The 14C dates of selected Morley core corals show that the 14C ages are ∼ 1000 a younger than their corresponding U/Th ages, which agrees with previous results. The main purpose of our 14C measurements is to be able to compare them precisely with other coral cores where no U/Th measurements are available. The U/Th measurements of the Suomi core from Suomi Island cover a depth interval from 0.05 m to 14.2 m below present sea level and consist of four samples. The ages vary between 4671 ± 40 a, at 0.05 m below sea level, and 7102 ± 82 a, at 14.2 m below sea level, with a mean growth rate of 5.8 ± 0.2 m/ka. The growth history of both cores is explained by a simple model in which the growth rates of the Morley core can be interpreted as reflecting local rates of sea level rise, whereas the Suomi core is interpreted as reflecting lateral growth during the past ∼ 6000 a. Our results indicate that sea level relative to the western margins of the Australian continent was about 24 m lower than present at about 9800 a B.P. (14C gives a date of 8500 a B.P.). Sea level then rose and reached a highstand, slightly higher than the present position at about 6300 a B.P (14C date: 5500 a). This highstand declined but was still higher than present at 4600 a B.P. This is in agreement with previous observations along the Australian coastal margins and with observations from the Huon peninsula (Papua New Guinea). Our results are very similar to theoretical numerical models, which take into consideration water loading and isostatic compensation and viscous mantle flow. In contrast, coral cores from Barbados show that corals with a 14C age of ∼ 5500 a B.P. are some ∼ 10 m b.p.s.l. We interpret the difference between the Barbados core and the Morley core as resulting from additional “flooding” of Barbados by water redistribution, due to changes in the Earth's geoid but not reflecting global sea level rise or major addition of melt waters over the past ∼ 6000 a. The difference in the geoid at Barbados between ∼ 6000 a B.P. and the present will require a refinement in the geophysical models. Precise230Th (TIMS) measurements on continental coasts will be required to provide an adequate data base for modelling deformation, flow of mantle material and sea-level height

Description: Mean intracellular pH (pHi) and PCO2 (PiCO2) have been analysed based on pH and total CO2 measurements in tissue homogenates. Tissues were sampled from undisturbed worms (Sipunculus nudus), squid (Illex illecebrosus), trout (Salmo gairdneri), toads (Bufo marinus), and rats. Homogenate metabolism was inhibited by the addition of potassium fluoride and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Model calculations revealed that the influence of dilution, medium buffers, and contamination by extracellular fluids was negligible. In white muscle tissue the resulting pHi values were virtually the same as found in studies using DMO (dimethyloxazolidinedione). If large fractions of mitochondria were present (e.g. in heart muscle), DMO derived pHi values were considerably higher, probably representing overestimates. Homogenate derived pHi values are concluded to represent the effective mean pHi by taking into account pH gradients, and the volumes and buffering of cellular compartments. High time resolution and small variability make this method especially useful to assess rapid changes in pHi, e.g. in exercising animals.

Description: Skin and hair samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) found dead along the west coast of northern Germany in 1988 were analysed for total mercury, cadmium and lead. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the detection limit in most skin samples. The mercury content of the hair (median: 23.1 μg g−1 wet wt) was several magnitudes higher than the mercury content of the skin (0.27 μg g−1 wet wt). Mercury concentrations in hair samples were significantly higher than lead concentrations (0.54 μg g−1 wet wt), which significantly exceeded cadmium levels (0.09 μg g−1 wet wt). Female seals revealed lower cadmium concentrations in the hair than male seals. Accumulations of metals with age were observed for cadmium and lead in hair samples and for mercury in skin samples of male seals. A connection between metal accumulation and pigmentation or rather moult was clearly recognizable.

Description: Coccolith and dinoflagellate cyst assemblages have been investigated in five sediment cores from the Norwegian Sea and Fram Strait. Both fossil groups are characterized by similar patterns of composition. The assemblages contain high proportions of single species. The coccolith flora is of low diversity and consists almost entirely of Coccolithus pelagicus and Emiliania huxleyi. The dinoflagellate cysts are generally dominated by Operculodinium centrocarpum and Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus. Other species, especially Bitectatodinium tepikiense, Peridinium faeroense and Impagidinium pallidum, sometimes contribute considerably to the assemblages. Based on the abundance of the assemblages and the ratio change between the dominating species it has been possible to establish three intervals of distinct major changes in surface water mass conditions. Sparse occurrences of coccoliths and dinoflagellate cysts have been observed before 10,000 yrs. B.P., indicating harsh environmental conditions with a distinct influence of meltwater and temporarily very slight inflow of Atlantic water. The modern surface-water circulation pattern was reinitiated during Termination IB. The assemblages suggest slightly cooler and probably less saline surface water conditions than are present today until 7500 yrs B.P. Solar insolation may have caused a first temperature peak which is responsible for the early Holocene productivity maximum. A considerable change in the composition of dinocyst and coccolith assemblages occurs corresponding approximately to the onset of the Holocene climatic optimum. This change was most probably linked to an almost synchronous reorganization of the hydrographic properties in the entire North Atlantic realm after the ice sheets had vanished. Since 6000 yrs B.P. the Norwegian Current with its modern oceanographic and ecological properties has been fully established.

Description: The effects of feeding a prepared surimi diet (fish-based) and a prepared pelleted diet (shrimpbased) on the survival, growth and feeding rate of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis L. were evaluated during a 45-day experiment. One hundred and twenty juveniles of laboratory cultured cuttlefish (74.5 ± 12.36 g) were divided into three treatments and were fed thawed shrimp (control), pellets or surimi. Survival rates on these diets were 95.0%, 67.5% and 22.5%, respectively. Preliminary data indicated that the low survival of cuttlefish fed surimi may have been caused by low levels of copper in their blood (131 vs 244 μg/ml) since copper is required for their respiratory blood pigment, hemocyanin. Instantaneous growth rates were 2.71 % body weight BW/day for cuttlefish fed raw shrimp, 0.33% BW/day for cuttlefish fed pellets, and 0.54% BW/day for cuttlefish fed surimi. The feeding rate of cuttlefish fed shrimp was high (6–8% BW/day). The feeding rate on pellets increased with time (from 〈 1 to 3% BW/day) but never reached the level for raw shrimp. The feeding rate on surimi increased to equal the rate for raw shrimp during days 1–30 (8 to 9% BW/day) and thereafter decreased (〈4% BW/day). In conclusion, there was a major distinction between the palatability of a prepared diet and the ability of that diet to support growth. Surimi was highly palatable but resulted in poor survival, suggesting low nutritional quality. In contrast, pellets were less palatable but produced maintenance growth. Development of practical surimi diets will require supplementation of the surimi with soluble micro- and macronutrients.

Description: Sediments of 13 piston cores from opposite continental slopes of the South China Sea, off southern China and Sabah (northern Borneo), were analyzed by sedimentological methods and dated by oxygen isotope stratigraphy. Sediments mostly consist of hemipelagic clay with 20% carbonate off Sabah and 40% off China. We calculated terrigenous and carbonate accumulation rates for up to 11 time-slices from the Holocene to oxygen-isotope stage 6. Terrigenous accumulation rates generally increase with water depth and reach a maximum at the middle slope off Sabah and at the lower continental slope off China. During glacial and interglacial times this distribution pattern did not markedly change, despite an increase of accumulation rates for glacial periods by a factor of 2 to 5 compared to interglacial periods. Rates are negatively correlated with positions of sea level, which controls the partition of fluviatile terrigenous material for deposition on shelf, slope, and abyssal plain. Carbonate accumulation rates are higher off China by a factor of 2 compared to Sabah, probably indicating higher calcareous plankton productivity.

Description: For over thirty years man has studied “outer space” and installed satellites which watch the surface of the Earth. The great depths of the world ocean are, however, practically unknown and there is an urgent need to put abyssal benthic laboratories into “inner space” in order to study basic phenomena of interest to marine science and climatology as well as man's impact on the oceans. In view of the numerous problems related to global change, as a first step emphasis should first be on the role of the oceans and their inherent processes, which are the focus of such international programmes as the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) and the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS). Multi-disciplinary registration of key events at selected key sites investigating the variability in time and space are of the utmost importance. The same methods and techniques must be used for the study of human impacts on the deep oceans caused by mining of metalliferous resources and by waste disposal as well as in basic studies. However, the investigation of the inner space of our planet has certain requirements. As long-term and large-scale investigations become more and more important, development of automized systems, largely independent from research vessels will be required. This will demand high capacities of energy for all technical functions as well as high storage capacities for data and samples. As a consequence the needs for two different—although overlapping—functional approaches are defined for future deep-sea deployments. (A) A system for long-term registration of the natural variability and long-term monitoring of human impacts: (B) A system for short-term observations and short-time experimentations. This report summarizes their technological demands. The envisioned interdisciplinary technology should deliver information on physical, biological and geochemical processes and their variabilities in the deep oceans. The prospected systems need to have the ability for real time video observation, data transfer and experimental manipulation, as well as sensing and sampling facilities with large storage capacities for long-term deployments. Prospective costs of the described multipurpose abyssal benthic laboratory will presumably exceed the funds for deep-sea research of a single country. A joint European effort could solve this problem and help to manifest a leading role for European marine science in international deep-sea and global change research.