ALBERT

Description: A new technique for the harmonic analysis of current observations is described. lt consists in applying a linear band pass filter which separates the various species and removes the contribution of non-tidal effects at intertidal frequencies. The tidal constituents are then evaluated through the method of least squares. In spite of the narrowness of the fitter, only three days of data are lost through the filtering procedure and the only requirement on the data is that the time interval between samples be an integer fraction of one day. This technique is illustrated through the analysis of a few French current observations from the English Channel within the framework of INOUT. The characteristics of the main tidal constituents are given.

Description: 14C concentrations, as weil as 13C, hydrographic and nutrient data are reported for 5 hydrographic stations that form a transatlantic section near 40° N ("Meteor" cruise no. 23, 1971). Precision (for 14C ± 0.3% or better) and comparability with literature data are specified. A planned intercomparison with the US GEOSECS program within the Newfoundland Basin deep water failed because of variability of water characteristics. The observed 14C values decrease from about Δ 14C = + 80‰ at the surface to -70‰ at 2000 m depth. Deeper down, the values west of the Midatlantic Ridge remain similar, whereas those east of the ridge decrease further, to about -110‰. It is shown that bomb-14C is prominent down to about 1500 m depth. Beyond this depth the bomb 14C component is small and is negligible in the eastern basin below 2800 m. On the basis of the 14C-tritium correlation, the distribution of natural 14C below about 1500 m depth is derived from the observations. In the deep and bottom water east of the ridge the 14C-salinity relationship seemingly is non-linear. Contrary to expectation, the 14C concentration in the bottom water is not lower than found on an US GEOSECS station near 10° N. Apparently, lateral concentration differences in the Northeast Atlantic bottom water as well as nonlinearity of the 14C-salinity relationship at 40°N do not exceed 10‰ in Δ 14C.

Description: The grazing of different copepodite stages of Calanus finmarchicus on natural phytoplankton populations was measured at different times of day and night during the Fladen Ground Experiment (FLEX), from the end of May to the beginning of June 1976, at the central position of the "FLEX box" (58° 55' 00" N, 0° 32' 05" E), on board of the R.V. "Meteor". A big difference between nocturnal and diurnal food intake was found, particularly for the stages V & IV, which at night ingest 4 to 10 times more than during daytime. The maximal daily food intake (24 hours), taking into account the different feeding rates at the different times of the day and expressed as percent of own carbon weight, was found to be 31 %, 83 %, 115 % and 148 % for the copepodite stages V, IV, III, II and I together, respectively, with an initial feeding threshold at about 50-60 µg C · l-1. The total grazing for the upper 40 m depth layer was calculated for each sampling time; a very pronounced grazing rhythm was found, due to the higher ingestion rates at night combined with the vertical migrations. Maximal night ingestions were 100-200 mg C/m2/hour at the end of May to 300-400 mg C/m2/hour at the beginning of June, compared with 1-20 mg C/m2/hour at midday. Making a balance of the positive influence of particulate primary production and the negative influence of grazing on the stock of particulate carbon, we could show that the main cause of the decline of the phytoplankton bloom in this period was Calanus grazing. Other zooplankton activities, namely respiration, production and faecal pellets excretion as measured by four other authors are in balance with our results of ingestion.

Description: "Auftrieb 75" was a joint cruise of R.V. "Meteor" and R.R.S. "Discovery" performed in the area 21-26° N off the northwest African coast during January-March, 1975. Current meter observations from six moorings and CTD/STD observations from three repeatedly covered sections of the cruise are analysed in order to describe the distribution of the water masses and its variability with the changes in the current system. The Canary Current is seen to pass through the northwestern corner of the expedition area, carrying with it a geostrophic eddy with a period in excess of 30 days. The eddy is probably another example of the type generally found in the open ocean circulation. Further south, offshore currents display large variations in strength and direction with a typical time scale of 10-14 days which are believed to reflect largescale mixing processes along the boundary of the Canary Current and the poleward flow of the coastal region, involving North Atlantic Central Water (NACW) and South Atlantic Central Water (SACW). The coastal upwelling undercurrent has been observed along the shelf edge but undergoes large variations in response to the wind and to variations in the horizontal divergence of the offshore currents. On the shelf the circulation responds to the local longshore wind to some extent but is also strongly affected by variations of the currents at the shelf edge. The distribution of water masses at intermediate depth ( 100-800 m) is analysed quantitatively based on the assumption that mixing between NACW and SACW is effective along surfaces of constant density only. lt is shown that most intense mixing occurs at about 22-23° N and is still very important further south. At 25-26° N SACW has been absorbed into the surrounding NACW water mass to a high degree, even in the undercurrent. Isolated bodies of water are found in the southern part of the expedition area, some of which are carried north in the undercurrent. The large variability in the water mass distribution at the source level of the upwelling probably has important consequences for the variations in the efficiency of biological production of the upwelling region.

Description: The main objectives of the Fladen Ground Experiment (FLEX) 1976 were an investigation of the dynamics of the mixed layer and the development of the spring plankton bloom. A quantitative consideration of individual chemical parameters (nutrients, particulate nitrogen and phosphorus) showed it to be advantageous to divide the water column into several layers which are separated from one another by measured temperature gradients. Measurements of particulate matter (phosphorus and nitrogen) revealed two plankton blooms at the central station. The first one (21.4.-14.5.76) was much more extensive than the second one, since the limiting thermocline was at a depth of about 60 m. Silicate was consumed most rapidly during this bloom and almost completely exhausted. The second bloom (19.-30.5.76) produced concentrations of particulate matter which were almost as high as the first one but were limited in only a few meters' water depth by a secondary thermocline, which prevented an influx of nutrients. Nitrate was completely exhausted during the second bloom. A high degree of nutrient depletion in the mixed layer from 24.4.-29.4. and from 22.5.-27.5.76 make these periods appear well-suited for determination of uptake rates. These periods are characterized. by a parallel course of concentration curves in the upper water layers for all nutrients except ammonium, and by the absence of !arge short-term fluctuations. Thus, disturbances due to hydrodynamic effects were minimal. The effects of tidal changes were minimized by using daily averages of the various concentrations. However, from 9.5.-13.5.7 6 in the upper layer a relatively strong and rapid increase was observed in the concentrations of all nutrients, which can probably only be explained by hydrodynamic influences. The nitrogen and phosphorus budgets can only be approximately balanced without considering dissolved organic matter. The strong decrease in dissolved inorganic nutrients during the first plankton bloom is almost comple,tely compensated by the increase in particulate matter. Not considering hydrodynamic influences, deficits after the plankton bloom could be explained by the fact that dissolved organic substances, as weil as sedimentaty matter and zooplankton, either were not considered at all, or at least not quantitatively. The time periods from 2.-7.4. and from 21.4.-14.5.76 show no strong short-term fluctuations in the nitrogen and phosphorus budgets and appear most suitable for calculations of mass fluxes, uptake and production rates, since biological-chemical processes seem to be dominant over hydrodynamic ones during these periods.

Description: The monthly mean meteorologically induced circulation of the North Sea for the period 15 March to 15 April 1976 (JONSDAP '76 INOUT period) is computed using two numerical models. One has a fine grid resolution, is two-dimensional, comprehensively non-linear and covers the North Sea. The other has a coarser grid resolution, is three-dimensional, and linear except for the inclusion of quadratic bottom friction. The depth variation of the two horizontal components of current in this model is accomplished using an expansion of time and horizontally dependent coefficients and depth dependent functions. The three-dimensional modelling technique presented here is sufficiently flexible to allow an arbitraty space and time variation of vertical eddy viscosity, although still retaining a continuous representation of current in the vertical, and allowing for variable bottom topography. Preliminary results presented here for the meteorologically induced circulation of the North Sea during JONSDAP '76 agree weil with present knowledge of the circulation of the North Sea. Comparing surface and bottom currents computed with the 3 D shelf model, it is evident that the windinduced flow varies considerably in both magnitude and direction between sea surface and sea bottom. The distribution of depth mean current computed with the 3 D shelf model over the North Sea is nearly identical to that computed with the 2 D North Sea model. This is particularly encouraging since the 3 D shelf model does not contain the advective terms, which are present in the 2 D model, and has a coarser resolution.

Description: The ecology of the lower marine fungi, namely the thraustochytrids, in the Fladen Ground area (FLEX box) and other parts of the North Sea was studied during 5 cruises in 1975 and 1976. The number of fungi/liter and the number of species showed seasonal fluctuations in the surface water samples from all the stations. A high number was found in September 1976 and a low number in March 1976. These numbers, however, revealed no seasonal fluctuations in the underlying sediments. In both the surface waters and the sediments, a consistently low number of fungi was recorded for certain stations and a high number of fungi for others, the reason for this being unknown. The sediments revealed a very high number of fungi/liter. Observations on the distribution of various species are presented. Certain species occurred more frequently at some stations than at others; certain species occurred more in the water column, e. g. Ulkenia minuta, and still others in the sediments, e. g. Thraustochytrium multirudimentale.

Description: In the framework of the Fladen Ground Experiment 1976, zooplankton samples were taken during the phytoplankton spring bloom in April-May and after the bloom in June. The plankton was collected with two samplers, a towed multiple high-speed sampler and a newly developed swing net for local sampling. The results of both methods are compared. The mean number and dry weight per m3 are given for the common species, as weil as the density of fecal pellets. The calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus formed 63 %, resp. 90 % of the biomass. The population composition, distribution, dry weight/length relationship and productivity of this species is studied in more detail. The high abundance of fecal pellets, eggs and young stages during the spring bloom indicate a high zooplankton activity in this period. The low density of these indicators and the apparent descent of the older Calanus stages to deep water layers in June signify the dependency of the zooplankton activity on the phytoplankton density. The estimated daily production of Calanus during the phytoplankton bloom was 20 mgC/m2. The significance of the seasonal vertical migration and the role of zooplankton in the northern North Sea ecosystem is discussed. lt is concluded that the Zooplankton could have checked the low algal density in May-June after the spring bloom, but it is far from certain that it stopped the phytoplankton outburst at the end of April and early May.

Description: During the culmination of the phytoplankton spring bloom in the Fladen Ground area in April-Mai 1976, gross primary production was between 1500 and 2000 mg particulate C m-2 day-1, at a crop density (mainly diatoms of the genus Chaetoceros) of about 1500-3500 mg C m-2. Estimates of the C : chlorophyll a ratio in living cells were much lower than those reported in the literature, possibly because part of what is measured as "chlorophyll a" by the common fluorometric method is associated with particles that are not reported as cells. Most of the dark 14C fixation during the bloom's climax was due to abiotic processes. Excretion of 14C-labeled carbohydrates did not account for a significant fraction of the total photosynthetic rate. The low crop after the bloom period, in June, corresponded with nutrient depletion of the euphotic zone. The low photosynthetic efficiency in June may have been a gross underestimate. The presence of relatively high concentrations of chlorophyll derivatives signifies that the algal crop was consumed by heterotrophs, but at a lower rate in April/May than during the June cruise when particularly high molar ratios of phaeophorbide a and phaeophytin a relative to chlorophyll a were found. The high respiratory rate relative to autotrophic production in June manifested itself also in high dark 14C fixation values. The high concentration of phaeophorbide a in the upper 40 m and its scarcity below this depth during the spring bloom climax in April/May implies that copepod grazing at that time took place principally in the euphotic zone. The remarkably high concentration of chlorophyllide a in the surface layer during the bloom period indicates that the part of the crop that was destroyed by the grazers while eating was occasionally as high as the part that was actually ingested.

Description: During the Fladen Ground Experiment (FLEX, March 26-June 6, 1976) quantitative investigations of herbivorous zooplankton were performed. For that purpose 1785 water samples (5 or 10 l) were taken with a rosette sampler at the central station (pos. 58° 55' N, 0° 32' E) from nine to ten standard depths and filtered through 30 µm gauze filters. The development of the most important Zooplankton groups at the central Station is presented in depth-integrated time series (0-100 m) of individuals per m2. The number of individuals of Calanus finmarchicus was converted to biomass (dry weight). At the end of the sampling at the central station the standing stock of Calanus finmarchicus showed about 18 g dry weight per m2. Numerical values for the time lags between different plankton groups are calculated with the aid of the cross-correlation function. The time lag between the diatom ad copepod egg peaks is only up to 2.75 days; that between diatoms and the larvae of bottom invertegrates is 5 days. Between the copepod eggs and the maximum number of nauplii (N I-N VI) there is a time lag of 10.75 days. Another 10.25 days lie between the maximum numbers of nauplii and copepodites (C I-C VI). Considering the depth-integrated time series of the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus copepodites, a succession of the Stages seems to exist. Nevertheless, numerical values for the time lags between the different developmental stages cannot be calculated unambiguously by the cross-correlation technique. This is probably caused by extreme simultaneous fluctuations, especially of the numbers of all stages of Calanus finmarchicus in the last phase of the sampling at the central station.

Description: The third phase of the cooperative data collection program JONSDAP begun in 1970 by the countries bordering on the North Sea was planned to include for the first time biological and chemical measurements in 1976, as well as physical ones. Intensive measurement programs were performed, one concentrating on the currents flowing into and out of the open boarders of the North Sea (INOUT) for 40 days in March/ April and one in which the dependence of the spring plankton bloom on the vertical temperature structure was studied in the Fladen Ground area for 100 days from March to June (FLEX). Around 90 % of the planned program with moored systems and 75 % of the measurements from moving ships were able to be carried out successfully. The large quantities of data required the establishment of two data centers. The current data were collected in Liege, all data from the FLEX box in Hamburg. A cooperative JONSDAP format was agreed on for the exchange of data. Graphic presentations of the data have been compiled in the two-volume Draft FLEX/IN OUT Atlas and distributed to all JONSDAP '76 participants, one of the main purposes of which being the facilitation of interdisciplinary evaluations, now that the intradisciplinary data processing has almost been completed - as presented in this volume.

Description: Measurements of nutrients and the elements phosphorus and nitrogen from the central station in FLEX '76 were used to calculate mass fluxes and budgets for these elements in defined time and depth intervals. The intervals were defined using hydrodynamic and biological criteria. Within these periods rates of increase and decrease were calculated for nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, particulate nitrogen and phosphorus. These rates were also calculated for the layer above and below the main thermocline. The element budget was balanced within some of the defined intervals. This was possible by only considering biological, chemical, and vertical physical interactions at the central station. At the beginning of the phytoplankton bloom we found fluxes with a maximum of 28 ngat · l-1 · d-1 for phosphorus and 590 ngat · l-1 · d-1 for nitrogen. Interaction diagrams are shown for mass fluxes for three periods during the plankton bloom.

Description: Since both German research vessels „Meteor" played a major role in G. Dietrich's work, it seemed appropriate to present his bibliography in this series. An assessment of his scientific achievements was given at an earlier date (H. U. ROLL 1973: In memoriam GüNTER DIETRICH 1911-1972. - ,,Meteor" Forsch.­ Ergebn. A, No. 12: V-X).

Description: Vertical velocity spectra can be determined by three different indirect methods: Following isopycnal surface displacements, following isothermal surface displacements, or calculating water particle displacements from temperature time series at fixed pressure levels, with the mean vertical temperature gradient used for the conversion factor. This third method is the easiest to perform. Data from GATE 1974, obtained by CTD profiling onboard R. V. "Meteor" and by temperature measurements on moorings, are used to check whether the three methods are equivalent. lt is shown that autospectra do not differ significantly within the 95 % confidence intervals, and either method can be applied. This does not infer an equivalence with respect to the actual data points since individual events were found in the low-passed time series with deviations occurring between displacement curves obtained by the different methods. These events were apparently due to the advection of another water mass.

Description: The research programmes of the German groups in JASIN 1978 are summarized, comprising projects that concern the planetary boundary layer, the radiation budget, the oceanic mixed layer and thermocline and the trace element exchange. Lists of the participating scientists and technicians are included. Brief descriptions of the field activities on board the three ships and the aircraft are given, including maps and stations lists.

Description: A first survey of the entire temperature data base from the central station is presented. The development and the changes of the sea surface temperature, the thermocline, and the heat content due to meteorological forces, are described.

Description: A description is given of part of the data on residual currents which were obtained during the INOUT phase of JONSDAP '76. This current measuring programme was the result of a concerted effort of North Sea bordering countries and was aimed at a better understanding of residual water movements in the North Sea. One of the first results of INOUT is the possibility to compare estimates of simultaneously occurrmg inflow/outflow through several North Sea boundary sections. It appears that major inflow/outfow occurs in the neighbourhood of the Norwegian Trench. Estimates for other boundaries are significantly lower. Matching the objectives of INOUT several charts are presented showing measured residual water movements under influence of some "persistent" winds that is to say, during situations with spatial homogeneous windfields not changing too rapidly in time. Under such conditions it is possible to identify residual current systems. However, as can be expected, in cases of spatially inhomogeneous winds and/or winds changing rapidly in time it is harder to interpret the current measurements. In those cases it is necessary to use mathematical North Sea models with the proper wind field input. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) took care that these windfields were stored on magnetic tape during INOUT for this purpose.

Description: Recordings were made of the voltage differences between the ends of two submarine cables crossing the Pentland Firth; the recordings covered the period from February to October 1976 and thus included the period of the JONSDAP '76 oceanographic experiment in the North Sea. The noise level on these recordings was found to be greater than for similar recordings on cables crossing the Dover Strait and the North Channel of the Irish Sea; reasons for this increased noise level are discussed. Tidal analyses of the recordings were made for six discrete sets of recordings, each of 29 days duration; these analyses produced consistent results for the five major semi-diurnal constituents, namely N2, V2, M2, S2 and K2. However, an examination of the propagation of the M2 tidal constituent in this region showed that the phase of M2, as calculated from the cable recordings, did not obviously aeeord with the ove1·all pattern of propagation of that constituent. Tentatively it was concluded that cable measurements represent the integrated effect of flow over an area surrounding the Pentland Firth where this flow varies widely in both phase and direction. A calibration coefficient for the cable, relating voltage to flow, was calculated by equating the annual variation in the amplitude of the M2 constituent (measured by the cable) with the annual variation in the conduetivity of sea water in the region. The residual component of cable voltage was compared with residual components of (a) the sea surface elevation at Wick and (b) currents derived from current meter measurements at a nearby location in the North Sea; also with wind recordings at Wick. These comparisons indicated that there was neither a significant wind-driven flow through the Pentland Firth, nor a seasonally varying residual flow. It is suggested that a significant component of both the residual flow (as measured by the cables and by the current meters) and the residual elevations at Wick is associated with the propagation of "external surges" into this region.

Description: A simple model is used to simulate the dynamics of phytoplankton and phosphate from April 19 to May 16 during the Fladen Ground Experiment. The model describes the development of vertical profiles in time. lt allows changes of phytoplankton standing stock by turbulent diffusion, sinking of cells, primary production, respiration, mortality and grazing, and changes of phosphate concentration by turbulent diffusion, nutrient uptake and remineralization. The model is used as a means of checking the consistency of the biological assumptions made with the observed phosphate concentration, phytoplankton cell counts and primary production. Local turbulent diffusion coefficients, underwater light climate and Zooplankton standing stock in terms of total copepods are given quantities, the former from a physical upper layer model, the latter two from data. Simulations show that if phytoplankton standing stock and primary production are reproduced fairly well, then phosphate is still too high and vice versa. lt appears that the conversion factor expressing the amount of phosphate necessary to produce l g carbon is crucial. Relating this ratio to the observed decrease of phosphate and the primary production the simulation reproduces the exponential growth phase weil but fails for the rest. This indicates the need of a variable conversion factor in the model, depending on the status of the bloom. lt can be shown that turbulent diffusion is indispensable for the development of the spring bloom. Further it is shown that as a consequence of the assumptions made about two thirds of primary production are taken up by zooplankton. An estimate of potential grazing of copepods shows that copepods starve or have other food sources than living phytoplankton.

Description: The figures contain section data of S, t, total P, N03, chlorophyll a, total particulate P and total phytoplankton. The data indicate that primary production had started only along Norway, probably due to the high stability caused by the presence of water of Baltic origin. Three runs were made; differences between them are discussed in relation to results of current measurements.

Description: Tracking a balloon with a single ship-based theodolite, is a method which has been used for a long time to determine the wind profile over the sea. There are two main sources of error: (a) the incorrect estimate of the height of the balloon and (b) the pitch and roll motions of the ship. In this paper the effects of both errors are investigated. The ship's motion is simulated with use of a transformation from a fixed (earth) to a moving (ship) coordinate system. Some examples are presented to illustrate the magnitude of these effects.

Description: From 8 April to 4 May 1976 chemical changes in the marine environment and primary production were studied in the area of the northern North Sea (Fladen Ground). During most of the observation time, when the ship was keeping close to the central position, the influence of patchiness and advection by currents was relatively small. Under such favourable conditions it was possible to follow the temporal changes and processes in the water during the first phase of the spring phytoplankton bloom. After 19 April a distinct thermocline was established. At the same time the nutrient and C02 concentrations in the surface water began to decrease, due to the uptake by the growing phytoplankton. Before the start of the phytoplankton bloom the ratios (by atoms) were N : Si : P = 14 : 6.5 : 1.0. The ratios of nutrient and C02 uptake into the phytoplankton were ΔC : ΔN : ΔSi : ΔP = 120 : 19 : 9 : 1.0. During periods with high irradiance a remarkable diurnal rhythm of temperature and 02 concentration in the surface water could be observed. From the pH, temperature, salinity und alkalinity data the mean net primary production during the first 12 days of the phytoplankton bloom ( 19 April to 1 May) was calculated. lt was about 2.0 ± 0.4 gC · m-2 • d-1. The same result was obtained from the phosphate data.

Description: During the 1971 "Meteor" survey of the Mediterranean Outflow, seven current meter moorings were deployed and several hydrographic stations executed. The time series data from almost all the current meters revealed a solitary increase in temperature with an amplitude of ≃ 1 °C and a duration of 2-4 days. The present analysis of the event shows that it was due to a thickening of the Mediterranean Outflow and an increase in the volume transport. The origin of the event is traced to the source of the Outflow from where it propagated with a speed of 16 cm s-1. Coinciding with the time at which the event passed the Strait of Gibraltar, the cross channel water level difference revealed an anomalous variation of about 8-cm amplitude and 3-day duration. Through conversion the magnitude of this fluctuation is now shown to simply a significant increase in the Outflow volume transport. An investigation of the reigning meteorological conditions indicates that, simultaneously, an impulse of water in the Alboran Sea was transported westwards by the wind. Through a qualitative and quantitative approach, the atmospheric forcing of the Western Mediterranean is thus linked to a large variation in the Outflow structure.

Description: Measurements by CTDs (Multisonde, Bathysonde) and current profilers were carried out onboard the research vessels "Meteor" and "Planet" during the Joint Air-Sea Interaction Project (JASIN) in 1978. Data from these observations are presented in the form of mean distributions with their standard deviations, as time series and as profiles during the "multiship experiments". Selected time series of terms derived from the data are added: current shear, Vaisala frequency and Richardson Number. The text also contains information concerning instrument calibration and data processing.

Description: The three Federal German research vessels "Planet", "Meteor" and "Poseidon" participated in the Second Multiship Experiment during JASIN 1978 as stationary ships with CTD yo-yo profiling. The analysis is concerned mainly with the weakly stratified layer between the seasonal thermocline and the turbulent mixed layer. The thermoclinic structure of a front in that layer and its tidal/inertial displacement is described and is shown to be in accordance with current meter data from the H2 mooring. It is shown that the CTD yo-yos cannot be treated as pure time-series but that the movement of the ships relative to the seabed and relative to the front has to be taken into account. The method of isopycnic analysis was used to eliminate the effect of internal waves. Temporal coordinates can be converted to spatial coordinates allowing for the tidal/inertial movements. Thus high resolution sections through the front can be given. The thermohaline structure is described on density levels in the seasonal thermocline and in the weakly stratified layer above it.

Description: On a cruise from the eastern into the western Mediterranean Sea in November/December 1978 a total of 126 samples were collected from 8 vertical profiles and 7 coastal stations for trace metal analysis. The sampling, processing and analysis was performed under strict "clean room" conditions. The concentration of the open-sea samples are close to oceanic results gathered under similar conditions. The grand averages from all profiles ( ± st. dev. of the individual samples) of 0.40 ± 0.16 µg l-1 Zn, 17.4 ± 7.4 ng l-1 Cd, 0.21 ± 0.07 µg l-1 Cu, 0.21 ± 0.13 µg l-1 Mn and 0.25 ± 0.09 μg l-1 Fe indicate that a "metal problem" does not exist in the open Mediterranean. A biologically mediated depletion in surface waters or correlation with nutrients have not been observed under the conditions established on this cruise. This is probably due to low primary production and seasonal advection processes prevailing in this sea. The data for manganese show generally higher values in the surface layer (0-75 m) than in deep waters. This could evidently proved in the nearshore profile indicating a terrigenous source for manganese.

Description: We present field measurements of air-sea gas exchange by the radon deficit method that were carried out during JASIN 1978 (NE Atlantic) and FGGE 1979 (Equatorial Atlantic). Both experiments comprised repeated deficit measurements at mixed position over periods of days or longer, using a previously described precise and fast-acquisition, automatic radon measuring system. The deficit time series exhibit variations that only partly reflect the expected changes in gas transfer. By evaluating averages over each time series we deduce the following average gas transfer velocities (average wind velocity and water temperature in parentheses): JASIN phase 1: 1.6 ± 0.8 mid (at -6 mis, 13 °C) JASIN phase 2: 4.3 ± 1.2 mid (at -8 mis, 13 °C) FGGE: 1.2 ± 0.4 mid (at -5 mis, 28 °C) 0.9 ± 0.4 mid (at -7 mis, 28 °C) 1.5 ± 0.4 mid (at -7 mis, 28 °C) The large difference between the JASIN phase 2 and FGGE values despite quite similar average wind velocity becomes even larger when the values are corrected to a common temperature. Both values are, however, fully compatible with the range of gas transfer velocities observed in laboratory experiments and the conclusion is suggested that their difference is caused by the highly different wind variability in JASIN and FGGE. We conclude that in gas exchange parameterization it is not sufficient to consider wind velocity only. A comparison of our observations with laboratory results outlines the range of variation of air-sea gas transfer velocities with wind velocity and sea state. We also reformulate the radon deficit method, in the light of our observed deficit variations, to account explicitely for non-stationarity and horizontal inhomogeneity in the near-surface radon deficit layer (i.e., mixed-layer and upper thermocline). We show that neglection of non-stationarity and horizontal inhomogeneity in previous radon work introduces considerable uncertainty in deduced gas transfer velocities. We furthermore discuss the observational requirements that have to be met for an adequate exploitation of the radon deficit method, of which an observation area of minimum horizontal inhomogeneity and monitoring of the remaining inhomogeneities are thought to be the most stringent ones.

Description: In general the natural aerosol reacts very sensitively to the change of relative humidity. This behaviour could be observed from August to September during the Atlantic "Meteor" -Expedition 1965, but not during the periods January to May 1969 and July to August 1974. There are some reasons for the assumption that this is an effect of organic material in the surfaces of the particles. But we do not know if this is an effect of different seasons or of increasing pollution of the atmospheric aerosol.

Description: Data from two current meter moorings and thermosa�linograph records from the Scotia Sea are presented. Results from the first mooring site demonstrate the ex�change of Antarctic Bottom Water between the northern Scotia Sea and the Argentine Basin. The sec�ond current data set illustrates the permanent deep counter current on the continental rise of the southern Drake Passage. Surface temperature and salinity rec�ords describe the position of the Polar Front and the Weddell-Scotia-Confluence during early austral sum�mer 1980/81.

Description: From 27 Janua1y to 23 June 1979 R. V. "Meteor" surveyed the central equatorial Atlantic on a section along 22° W from 3° N to 2° S. During the observation period, a hydrographic section down to 600 m was repeated ten times with a continuous "Howaldt-Bathysonde" CTD and a rosette sampler. The station distance was 10 to 15 nm. The water samples were used to recalibrate salinity and to determine oxygen, nutrients and chlorophyll a. An undulating CTD system ("Delphin") was towed on 11 sections. A profiling distance of one to two nautical miles and a profile depth of 90 m was obtained. Five current meter arrays were moored along 22° W between 3° N and 1° S from January to March 1979. In May and June two moorings were installed at 2° N and at the equator. On the buoys measurements of wind speed and direction were obtained. At 43 stations a wire-guided Aanderaa profiling current meter was successfully lowered. Drifting buoy experiments were repeated three times with clusters of 5 to 10 buoys. A fourth experiment took place in 1978 in the Gulf of Guinea. On the way from and to port XBT sections were carried out. The data sets obtained by these instruments are presented in this data report.

Description: The benthic foraminiferal populations along three traverses across the Northwest African continental margin were analyzed on the base of ea. 60 surface sediment samples. Depth ranges of 213 species were established and the main trends of vertical distribution are compared with those known from adjacent regions. Main faunal breaks occur at 100/200 m and 1OOO/ 1500 m depth of water. Some species show latitudinal distribution boundaries and the same applies to population density (standing stock), reflecting the regional distribution of nutrients supply by river discharge and upwelling processes. - High proportions of Bolivina tests at the lower slope indicate extended downslope transport.

Description: Surface sediments from the continental slope and rise off North-West Africa between the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands are mainly composed of silt-sized material (2-63 µm). A number of sampling profiles were run normal to the coast and the composition of the silt fraction was determined quantitatively by scanning electron microscope analysis. The carbonate portion of the sediment was found to be nearly exclusively of biogenic origin. The most important contributors are planktonic foraminifers and coccoliths with minor contributions derived from pteropods. Plankton-produced biogenic opal such as diatoms and radiolarians play a very minor role. The high production rates of opal-silica plankton which exists in the surface waters of the NW-African upwelling system does not give rise to corresponding increases of opal accumulation in the bottom sediment. Benthic producers consist mainly of foraminifers and molluscs but the entire input from benthic producers is extremely small. An exception to this occurs in the prodelta sediments of the Senegal river. Downslope particle transport is indicated by the occurrence of shallow-water coralline algae, ascidian sclerites and cliona boring chips and can be traced as far down as the continental rise. The non-carbonate silt fraction mostly consists of quartz which is derived as eolian dust from the Sahara desert by the Harmattan and the NE-Trade-wind system. The percentage of carbonate in the surface sediments directly indicates the relative proportions of autochthonous biogenic components and terrigenous allochthonous quartz particles.

Description: Water depth zonation of fifty nine benthonic foraminiferal species in marine sediment surfaces has been described. Some species are combined to groups which mark particular depth zones: an upper and lower shelf-fauna, an upper and lower slope fauna, and a shelf-slope fauna. Dependence on latitude could be ascertained for Textularia panamensis) and submergence effects for Hyalinea balthica.

Description: Five reflection seismic profiles from the borderland between Messina Abyssal Plain and Malta Ridge (= Medina Rise), recorded during "Meteor" cruise no. 50 in 1978, are described. The subbottom/bottom structures are interpreted as a pattern of broad grabens and intercalated SW-NE striking narrow horsts. Within the grabens great thicknesses of Messinian evaporites as well as of Quaternary turbiditic sediments, depending on the respective differential sinking, were accumulated. Some of the horsts rise above the surrounding seafloor. Ontop of the horsts, being mainly composed of pre-Messinian series, only little or no evaporites at all were deposited. The cover of Quaternary sediments depends on the position of the horst with respect to the seafloor. The thickness of Pliocene sediments is constant within the whole studied area. The authors conclude from the observations that the pattern of horsts and grabens acted already during Messinian time producing the variable thickness of the evaporite layer. The relative movements between grabens and horsts as well as a general sinking of the whole area must have acted also in Pliocene and Quaternary time.

Description: During cruise VA 18 of R.V. "Valdivia" an area of 15 X 18 km, lying on a horst within the Clarion fracture zone south-southeast of Hawaii at 14° N and 153° W was studied in detail by reflection seismic measurements and geological sampling. The horst lies between two fracture-zone-parallel grabens. Its top displays a typical abyssal hill topography which is a result of block faulting within the oceanic crust, with faults parallel to the fracture zone and in north-southerly directions. It is assumed that the horst represents an already faulted block of oceanic crust which was included into the fracture zone when it tectonically developed into a system of horsts and grabens upon its transform stage. The surveyed horst differs from its neighbouring grabens by reduced sediment-accumulation rates and hiatuses. Its basement relief has led to a further differentiation of the internal sedimentary pattern. The northward-tilted horse block shows on its southern, more elevated part, frequently signs of erosion or reduced sedimentation, whereas the low lying part is characterized by an increased sediment accumulation. In the area of low accumulation rates and erosion volcanic ash layers with manganese-oxide crusts occur at or near the surface of the sediment layer. Also manganese nodules occur in this area. In the area of high accumulation rates the volcanic ash layers were observed with increased thicknesses in deeper sections of the cores. Crusts and nodules were not found here. This is also the case for the graben south of the horst, where high accumulation rates prevented the formation of manganese crusts and nodules. The reduced accumulation in the southern part of the horst has favored the dissolution of radiolarians as well as the authigenic formation of zeolites and manganese micronodules. The correlation between the reflectors seen in the 3.5 kHz subbottom profiler records and the lithostratigraphic boundaries found via geological sampling was generally good. It allowed the determination of the areal distribution of sedimentary sequences and magmatic rock outcrops.

Description: Three sediment cores from the continental shelf and slope off NW Africa (Banc d'Arguin; 52 m, 665 m, and 973 m water depth) have been investigated by means of a coarse fraction analysis. The two shallower cores have been deposited during less than 10,000 years, the deeper one during the last 36,000 years. The Holocene sedimentation (〈 4000 years) in the deeper part of core 79 from the edge of the Banc d'Arguin is strongly influenced by reworking of Late Glacial dune sands and biogenic particles from shallower water (〈 40 m), as well as eroding current influence. A decrease in grain size of silicate material and a decrease in lateral supply, correlated to a doubling of accumulation rates in the upper part of the core, indicates a more autochthonous sedimentation with less sorting influence in the youngest Holocene. In core 86 from 665 m water depth a turbidite consisting mainly of silicate sand and silt separates two layers of autochthonous Holocene sediments. This turbidite shows a complete bioturbational mixing, only at its bottom the original bedding can be detected. Gradational changes in sediment composition indicate the decreasing admixture of allochthonous material from the bottom of the turbidite in 300 cm to about 140 (100) cm core depth. The depth of provenance of the allochthonous material can be assumed in 100-300 m water depth as indicated by various biogenous particles. Small amounts of shallow water particles in the autochthonous layers indicate a supply from shallow water, which probably occurred by the mechanism of "particle by particle supply". None of the three cores indicates upwelling influence, although oceanographers found intense upwelling in the area of the Banc d'Arguin. The Holocene climate in that area probably has been arid, small variations in terrigenous matter composition and grain size in the Early Holocene might be due to decreased wind strength or to an increase in rain fall. The Peak Glacial section (14,000-22,000 y.B.P.) of the deepest core 88 indicates a very much intensified eolian silt supply and an additional bottom supply of quartz sand. In the interval 22,000-36,000 y.B.P. wind strength decreased, but probably no increase in humidity occurred. So this area in about 19° 40' N had an arid climate in the Late Holocene and in the Peak Glacial. The fragmentation of planktonic foraminifers and the abundance of aragonitic tests of pteropods in core 88 indicate an Early Holocene (8330 y.B.P.) preservation spike. Two minima in fragmentation correlated to maxima in pteropod content at about 15,700 and 21,000 y.B.P. are correlated to maxima in shallow water supply and thus do not reflect preservation conditions, but only lateral supply from the carbonate dissolution minimum zone in about 300 m water depth.

Description: 86 sediment cores retrieved from water depths greater than 500 m off NW Africa between 12° and 28° N, were investigated by means of X-ray radiographs. Biogenic sedimentary structures occupy more than 90% of the examined area of sediment sections with the remaining 2% being turbidites and 8% slump masses. More than 20 types of lebensspuren can be distinguished. Most of them correspond to ichnogenera known from the fossil record: Chondrites, Corophioides, Helminthopsis, Lophoctenium, Planolites, Scolicia, Skolithos) Teichichnus) Thalassinoides) Trichichnus and Zoophycos. The observations are "uniformitarian" with respect to the lebensspuren encountered. Nevertheless, fossil counterparts to our sediments are not known, because (i) similar sedimentation processes at present are restricted to small areas, (ii) all of them are situated on passive continental margins, which are rarely preserved in the fossil record, and (iii) biogenic structures in silty marlstones are normally not very conspicuous in the fossil state. The sediments are highly bioturbated; in most cases biogenic reworking occurs repeatedly. The behaviour of the infaunal organisms and thus the formation of lebensspuren depends from the nutrient supply: In sediments with Corg greater than 2% only biodeformational structures are observed, while with Corg lower than 2% lebensspuren predominate. The lebensspuren inventory was found to be systematically arranged in a number of "bioturbation levels" below the sediment surface. With increasing sediment depth, a higher specialisation in the behaviour of the fauna is observed. Moreover, in each group of lebensspuren, the diameter decreases. The following levels are established: i. Level with biologically homogenized sediment, ii. Scolicia level (tubes, 2-4 cm diameter), iii. Planolites level tubes, 1 cm diameter), iv. level with small burrows of Chondrites) Helminthopsis (tube systems, 1-3 mm diameter) and spreiten burrows of Corophioides) Lophoctenium) and Teichichnus, v. Zoophycos level (spreiten burrows). With increasing water depth, the thickness of the bioturbated sediment decreases from 80 cm at 500 m to 40-60 cm at 2000 m and 15-25 cm at 4750 m. Based on the levels, biogenic sedimentary structures are grouped into "associations" having ecological significance. The following associations are established: (1) biodeformational association dominating in sediments with Corg greater than 2% ; (2) Scolicia association, (3) Planolites association [(2) and (3) depend on the sediment grain size: (2) in sediments with high content of silicate particles 〉 20 μm, (3) in sediments with clay content 〉 50%] ; ( 4) Vertical spreiten association, (5) Chondrites association, (6) Zoophycos association [( 4) through ( 6) predominate in glacial sediments, (4) in water depth about 1000 m, (5) below 1000 m, and (6) between 2000 and 4000 m]. The formation of different biogenic sedimentary structures and thus the distribution of lebensspuren associations depends on the environmental conditions. Generally, the diversity of lebensspuren is higher in glacial than interglacial sediments. This phenomenon is attributed to a higher rate of Corg accumulation and preservation in glacial sediments, possibly because of changes in the circulation of water masses. The sediments become mixed in different style by different lebensspuren types. Because biogenic reworking is - as a rule - repeated several times, the vertical mixing effect is considerable, though difficult to estimate. Stratigraphic resolution is optimal in core sections with Scolicia, where vertical mixing is restricted. Here stratigraphic resolution reaches an accuracy of about 200-300 years where the sedimentation rate is 10-20 cm/1000 years.

Description: The terrigenous sediment proportion of the deep-sea sediments from off Northwest Africa has been studied in order to distinguish between the aeolian and the fluvial sediment supply. The present and fossil Saharan dust trajectories were recognized from the distribution patterns of the aeolian sediment. The following time slices have been investigated: Present, 6,000, 12,000 and 18,000 y.B.P. Futhermore, the quantity of dust deposited off the Saharan coast has been estimated. For this purpose, 80 surface sediment samples and 34 sediment cores have been analysed. The stratigraphy of the cores has been achieved from oxygen isotopic curves, 14 C-dating, foraminiferal transfer temperatures, and carbonate contents. Silt sized biogenic opal generally accounts for less than 2% of the total insoluble sediment proportion. Only under productive upwelling waters and off river mouths, the opal proportion exceeds 2% significantly. The modern terrigenous sediment from off the Saharan coast is generally characterized by intensely stained quartz grains. They indicate an origin from southern Saharan and Sahelian laterites, and a zonal aeolian transport in midtropospheric levels, between 1.5 and 5.5 km, by "Harmattan" Winds. The dust particles follow large outbreaks of Saharan air across the African coast between 15° and 21° N. Their trajectories are centered at about 18° N and continue further into a clockwise gyre situated south of the Canary Islands. This course is indicated by a sickle-shaped tongue of coarser grain sizes in the deep-sea sediment. Such loess-sized terrigenous particles only settle within a zone extending to 700 km offshore. Fine silt and clay sized particles, with grain sizes smaller than 10-15 μm, drift still further west and can be traced up to more than 4,000 km distance from their source areas. Additional terrigenous silt which is poor in stained quartz occurs within a narrow zone off the western Sahara between 20° and 27° N only. It depicts the present dust supply by the trade winds close to the surface. The dust load originates from the northwestern Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and coastal areas, which contain a particularly low amount of stained quartz. The distribution pattern of these pale quartz sediments reveals a SSW-dispersal of dust being consistent with the present trade wind direction from the NNE. In comparison to the sediments from off the Sahara and the deeper subtropical Atlantic, the sediments off river mouths, in particular off the Senegal river, are characterized by an additional input of fine grained terrigenous particles (〈 6 μm). This is due to fluvial suspension load. The fluvial discharge leads to a relative excess of fine grained particles and is observed in a correlation diagram of the modal grain sizes of terrigenous silt with the proportion of fine fraction (〈 6 μm). The aeolian sediment contribution by the Harmattan Winds strongly decreased during the Climatic Optimum at 6,000 y.B.P. The dust discharge of the trade winds is hardly detectable in the deep-sea sediments. This probably indicates a weakened atmospheric circulation. In contrast, the fluvial sediment supply reached a maximum, and can be traced to beyond Cape Blanc. Thus, the Saharan climate was more humid at 6,000 y.B.P. A latitudinal shift of the Harmattan driven dust outbreaks cannot be observed. Also during the Glacial, 18,000 y.B.P., Harmattan dust transport crossed the African coast at latitudes of 15°-20° N. Its sediment load increased intensively, and markedly coarser grains spread further into the Atlantic Ocean. An expanded zone of pale-quartz sediments indicates an enhanced dust supply by the trade winds blowing from the NE. No synglacial fluvial sediment contribution can be recognized between 12° and 30° N. This indicates a dry glacial climate and a strengthened atmospheric circulation over the Sahelian and Saharan region. The climatic transition phase, at 12,000 y.B.P., between the last Glacial and the Interglacial, which is comparable to the Allernd in Europe, is characterized by an intermediate supply of terrigenous particles. The Harmattan dust transport was weaker than during the Glacial. The northeasterly trade winds were still intensive. River supply reached a first postglacial maximum seaward of the Senegal river mouth. This indicates increasing humidity over the southern Sahara and a weaker atmospheric circulation as compared to the Glacial. The accumulation rates of the terrigenous silt proportion (〉 6 μm) decrease exponentially with increasing distance from the Saharan coast. Those of the terrigenous fine fraction (〈 6 μm) follow the same trend and show almost similar gradients. Accordingly, also the terrigenous fine fraction is believed to result predominantly from aeolian transport. In the Atlantic deep-sea sediments, the annual terrigenous sediment accumulation has fluctuated, from about 60 million tons p.a. during the Late Glacial (13,500-18,000 y.B.P., aeolian supply only) to about 33 million tons p.a. during the Holocene Climatic Optimum (6,000-9,000 y.B.P., mainly fluvial supply), when the river supply has reached a maximum, and to about 45 million tons p.a. during the last 4,000 years B.P. (fluvial supply only south of 18° N).

Description: Psephitic particles in the region of the Iceland-Faeroe-Ridge have been transported and deposited by means of a complex interplay of glacier movements and drifting icebergs. The composition of the particle association is controlled by the sedimentation of basaltic rock particles derived from the ridge itself and, in addition to that and in southern parts of the ridge, from the Faeroe Islands, the Faeroe-Bank and the Bill Baileys-Bank. Besides, there are crystalline and sedimentary dropstones showing a very varied petrography and a wide range of particle sizes. Their percentage becomes greater as the distance from the ridge increases. The association of dropstones is relatively homogeneous in the region of the ridge and only at greater distances from the ridge it becomes more differentiated. Owing to their composition and distribution, as well as on the basis of characteristic fossils and rock types, the dropstones are derived from Scandinavia and Great Britain. During periods of maximum glaciation, the Iceland-Faeroe-Ridge, the Faeroe-Bank and the Bill Baileys-Bank were under ice.

Description: The aragonite compensation depth was described by pteropods in surface sediments at the northeastern Atlantic continental margin between 12° and 48° N. It rises from 3100 m up to 400 m water depth in the high-productivity zones of fertile upwelling and river discharge.

Description: Seven cores from the West-African continental margin in 12-18° N have been investigated by means of a coarse fraction analysis. Four of the seven cores contain allochthonous material: turbidites and debris flow deposits. The source of the allochthonous material is in about 300-600 m water depth. The age of the slide induced debris flow deposits is at the end of oxygen isotope stage 2. One debris flow deposit is covered by a turbidite (core 13211). The turbidites in the deep-sea core 13207 originate from river-influenced sediments from the West-African continental margin, whereas the autochthonous sequences are influenced by volcanic material from the Cape Verde Islands. Particle by particle supply from upper slope areas has been found in all four cores from the continental slope. Current sorting occurs on the submarine diapir (core 89), whereas core 91 on the NW-flanc, 200 m below core 89, has no current sorting, except for stage 1 and parts of stage 5. The current sorting is reflected by parallel variations of median diameters of whole tests and of fragments of planktonic foraminifers, by higher median diameters of foraminifers on top of the diapir, by reduced accumulation rates and increased sand fraction percentages in core 89 compared to core 91. The Late Quarternary climatic history of the West-African near coastal area (12-18° N) has been redrawn (Fig. 10): - in oxygen isotope stage 1 a humid climate is found in 12-18° N (This "humid impression" in 18° N, which is actually an arid area, is due to the poleward directed undercurrent, which transports Senegal river material to the north). - in oxygen isotope stage 2 an arid climate existed in 14-18° N, whereas in 12° N river discharge persisted. But within stage 2 dune formation occurred in 12° N on the (dry) shelf, additionally to fluviatile sediment input. - Older periods are preserved in autochthonous sediments of core 89 and 91, where oxygen stages 3, 5 and 7 (the latter only in core 89 present) show a humid climate (as well as in stage 5 of core 55), interrupted by short arid intervals in core 89, and stage 4 and 6 show an arid climate, interrupted by short humid periods (s. Fig. 10). The allochthonous stage 5 sediment in core 11 also reflects a humid climate. The dissolution of planktonic foraminifers is strongest in the Late Holocene and shows a minimum in the Early Holocene, where also pteropods are preserved. The degree of carbonate dissolution is related mainly to the fine matter content (〈 63 μm) (Fig. 11) whereas water depth is a less decisive factor.

Description: Seven sediment cores from the cruises of the "Meteor" and "Valdivia" were examined palynologically. The cores were retrieved from the lower continental slope in the area of between 33.5° N and 8° N, off the West African coast. Most of the cores contain sediments from the last Glacial and Interglacial period. In some cases, the Holocene sediments are missing. Some individual cores contain sediments also from earlier Glacial and Interglacial periods. The main reason for making this palynological study was to find out the differences between the vegetation of Glacial and Interglacial periods in those parts of West Africa which at present belong to the Mediterranean zone, the Sahara and the zones of the savannas and tropical forests. In today's Mediterranean vegetation zone at core 33.5° N, forests and deciduous forests in particular, are missing during Glacial conditions. Semi-deserts are found instead of these. In the early isotope stage 1, there is a very significant development of forests which contain evergreen oaks; this is the Mediterranean type of vegetation development. The Sahara type of vegetation development is shown in four cores from between 27° N and 19° N. The differences between Glacial and Interglacial periods are very small. It must be assumed therefore that in these latitudes, both Glacial and Interglacial conditions gave rise to deserts generally. The results are in favour of a slightly more arid climate during Glacial and a more humid one during Interglacial periods. The southern boundary of the Sahara and the adjacent savannas with grassland and tropical woods were situated more to the south during the Glacial periods than they were during the Interglacial ones. In front of today's savanna belt, it can be seen from the palynological results that there are considerable differences between the vegetation of Glacial and Interglacial periods. The woods are more important in Interglacial periods. During the Glacial periods these are replaced from north to south decreasingly by grassland (savanna and rainforest type of vegetation development). The southern limit of the Sahara during stage 2 was somewhere between 12° N and 8° N which is between 1.5 and 5 degrees in latitude further south than it is today. Not only do these differences in climate and vegetation apply to the maximum of the last Glacial and for the Holocene, but they apparently apply also to the older Glacial and Interglacial periods, where they have been found in the profiles. The North African desert belt can be said to have expanded during Glacial times both towards the north and towards the south. All the available evidence of this study indicates that the grassland or the semi-deserts of Southern Europe came into connection with those of N Africa; there could not have been any forest zone between them. The present study was also a good opportunity for investigating some of the basic marine palynological problems. The very well known overrepresentation of pollen grains of the genus Pinus in marine sediments can be traced as far as 21° N. The present southern limit for the genus Pinus is on the Canaries and on the African continent at approximately 31° N. Highest values of Ephedra pollen grains even occur south of the main area of the present distribution of that genus. There does not seem to be any satisfactory explanation for this. In general, it would appear that the transport of pollen grains from the north is more important than transport from the south. The results so far, indicate strongly that further palynological studies are necessary. These should concentrate particularly on cores from between 33° N and 27° N as well as between 17° N and 10° N. It would also be useful to have a more detailed examination of sediments from the last Interglacial period (substage 5 e). Absolute pollen counts and a more general examination of surface samples would be desirable. Surface samples should be taken from the shelf down to the bottom of the continental slope in different latitudes.

Description: Along the Sierra Leone continental shelf edge, bedded rocks, presumably mostly calcareous sandstone, calcarenites and siltstones form exposures up to 10 km long in water depths ranging from 80 to 110 m. These outcrops are found in a 6 km broad zone along the shelf edge; landward they get covered by recent shelf sands. Their apparent strike direction parallds the shelf edge indicating nearly horizontal bedding which locally is interrupted by faulting. On the middle shelf, a terrace is well developed at a water depth of 56 m. Ripples, megaripples, pockmarks 1-5 m in diameter, and canyon-heads form other significant features of the shelf.

Description: The sediments of a 10.67 m long piston core recovered from the Sierra Leone Rise ("Meteor" Core 13519) have been analysed for their paleomagnetic properties. Using detailed demagnetization techniques, the geomagnetic Brunhes/Matuyama boundary could be identified between 9.81 and 9.89 m sub-bottom. This is in excellent agreement with the oxygen isotope stratigraphy by SARNTHEIN et al., this volume. Down to this level, therefore, the average apparent accumulation rate amounts to 13.5 m/m.y. assuming an age of 0.73 m.y. for the reversal boundary (BERGGREN et al. 1983). A second transition in magnetization polarity was recognized between 10.51 and 10.54 m sub-bottom. According to its magnetic signature it was tentatively correlated to the beginning of the Jaramillo event (0.98 m.y.). This would imply that in the lowermost part of the core the apparent accumulation rate decreases to less than 20% of that found in the upper sequences. However, as obviously only a small portion of the Jaramillo event is recorded in the sediment column, a more plausible solution is to keep the overall sedimentation rate about constant by introducing a hiatus of some 2·105 years shortly after the lower Jaramillo/Matuyama reversal boundary. Alternative interpretations are also discussed.

Description: Foraminifera shells from modern sediments document the hydrography of the coastal upwelling region off Northwest-Africa (12-35° N) through the stable isotopic composition of their shells. Oxygen isotopes in planktonic foraminifers reflect sea-surface temperatures (SST) during the main growing season of the different species: Globigerinoides ruber (pink and white) and G. sacculifer delineate the temperatures of the summer, Globorotalia inflata and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata those of the winter. Oxygen isotopes in Globigerina bitlloides document temperature ranges of the upwelling seasons. δ18O values in planktonic foraminifera from plankton hauls resemble those from surface sediment samples, if the time of the plankton collection is identical with that of the main growing season of the species. The combined isotopic record of G. ruber (white) and G. inflata clearly reveals the latitudinal variations of the annual mean SST. The deviation of the δ18O values from both species from their common mean is a scale for the seasonality, i.e. the maximum temperature range within one year. Thus in the summer upwelling region (north of 25° N) seasonality is relatively low, while it becomes high in the winter upwelling region south of 20° N. Furthermore, the winter upwelling region is characterized by relatively high δ18O values - indicating low temperatures - in G. bulloides, the region of summer upwelling by relatively low δ18O values compared with the constructed annual mean SST. Generally, carbon isotopes from plankton hauls coincide with those from sediment surface samples. The encrichment of 13C isotopes in foraminifers from areas with high primary production can be caused by the removal of 12C from the total dissolved inorganic carbon during phytoplankton blooms. It is found thatcarbon isotopes from plankton hauls off Northwest-Africa are relatively enriched in 13C compared with samples from the western Atlantic Ocean. Also shells of G. ruber (pink and white) from upwelling regions are enriched in the heavy isotope compared with regions without upwelling. In the sediment, the enrichment of 13C due to high primary production can only be seen in G. bulloides from the high fertile upwelling region south of 20° N. North of this latitude values are relatively low. An enrichment of 12C is observed in shells of G. rnber (pink), G. inflata and P. obliquiloculata from summer-, winter- and perennial upwelling regions respectively. Northern water masses can be distinguished from their southern counterparts by relatively high oxygen and carbon values in the "living" (= stained) benthic foraminifera Uvigerina sp. and Hoeglundina elegans. A tongue of Mediterranean Outflow Water can be identified far to the south (20° N) by 13C-enriched shells of these benthic foraminifera. A zone of erosion (15-25° N, 300-600 m) with a subrecent sediment surface can be mapped with the help of oxygen isotopes in "dead" benthic specimens. Comparison of δ18O values in aragonitic and calcitic benthic foraminifers does not show a differential influence of temperature on the isotopic composition in the carbonate. However, carbon isotopes reflect slight differences under the influence of temperature.

Description: From a 10.7 m long gravity core from the Sierra Leone Rise (5° 39,5' N, 19° 51'W) a detailed oxygen and carbon isotope record of both planktonic and benthonic foraminifera species was obtained extending from the Recent to the Jaramillo event. The analysis yielded six major results. 1. Benthos oxygen isotopes varied by 1.8-2.2‰ from interglacial to glacial times and may indicate a synglacial cooling of North Atlantic Deep Water at 2800 m depth by 1-3° C. 2. Variable anomalies between the benthos and plankton δ18 O record indicate a cooling of sea-surface temperatures (SST) by up to 6° C during some glacial stages. 3. Southerly trade winds and equatorial upwelling may exert the primary control of SST variations, in particular of extreme values of cold and warm stages and of the abrupt character of climate transitions and their leads and lags, and finally, of variable sedimentation rates. 4. The benthos δ13C record correlates well with the flux and preservation of organic matter. 5. A new time scale, CARPOR, was established from the assumption that terrigenous sediment supply was ± constant but CaC03 varied considerably. When applied to the δ18O record, three major and numerous short-term variations of sedimentation rates (0.8 to 4.0 cm/kyr) can be distinguished. 6. The climatic record was modified by bioturbation much more strongly during cold than during warm stages.

Description: Planktonic foraminiferal tests of the spinose species Orbulina universa, of the non-spinose Globorotalia tumida-menardii complex, and of a mixed species assemblage (grain size fraction 200-400 μm) were isolated from Sierra Leone Rise core 13 519-2 and analyzed for free, total, and bound (by difference) amino acids to study the isoleucine epimerization mechanism in fossil foraminiferal tests and to define empirical calibration curves for dating deep-sea sediments over the past 900,000 years. Total isoleucine epimerization curves typically separate into three "linear" segments of decreasing apparent rates with increasing time and exhibit a pronounced "species effect". The degree of epimerization attained at time is considerably lower in 0. universa than in G. tumida-menardii while the mixed species results scatter between the limits delineated by the two monospecific curves. Total allo/iso ratios are closely related to the proportion of free to total isoleucine accumulating in the tests indicating that the rate of hydrolysis of matrix proteins and peptides controls the overall epimerization reaction. The results are consistent with experimental evidence (KRIAUSAKUL & M1TTERER 1978, 1980 a, b) whereupon isoleucine epimerizes at a rapid rate in terminal positions but at slow rates in interior positions as well as in the free state. Notwithstanding free isoleucine exhibits the highest degree of epimerization due to preferential hydrolysis of extensively epimerized terminal isoleucine. Species-specific hydrolysis and epimerization rates are maintained until about 50% of bound isoleucine have been hydrolyzed to the free state corresponding to a total allo/iso ratio of about 0.5. Remaining peptide units appear to be more resistent against hydrolysis and separate species then show the same apparent epimerization rate dominantly controlled by the slow conversion rate in the free state until equilibrium is achieved in Miocene samples under deep-ocean temperature conditions (KING & HARE 1972 a). The degree of epimerization attained at comparable time in separate species will, however, remain different due to different initial rates of hydrolysis. Selective leaching of free isoleucine from the tests results in a lowering of total allo/iso ratios and apparent rate constants when significant amounts have been generated by diagenetic hydrolysis. Comparison with results based on Pacific core V 28-238 (KING & NEVILLE 1977) indicates an inverse relationship between the intensity of surficial carbonate dissolution and post-depositional leaching. Tests deposited under less corrosive conditions (Atlantic core 13519-2) will more significantly deviate from a closed system during diagenesis than those deposited in more corrosive bottom waters (Pacific core V 28-238). Carbonate dissolution removes proteinaceous lamellae from more external shell structures, which otherwise - if preserved during deposition - will preferentially be subject to leaching of free amino acids during diagenesis. This effect may qualify the applicability of empirical epimerization calibration curves to different depositional environments although the general agreement of the epimerization curves obtained for both sites is promising for future research. Identical apparent epimerization rates in G. tumidamenardii tests younger than 120,000 years (when leaching is stiH insignificant) at both Atlantic and Pacific sites are not consistent with the presently different bottom water temperatures in these regions. It is concluded that glacial North Atlantic Deep Water was cooler than at the present at the Sierra Leone Rise.

Description: 33 species of polychaetes were collected, 27 of them were determined to species level. The majority of the species are cosmopolitans. Pulliella armata FAUVEL was found the first time in the Atlantic Ocean off Northwest Africa.

Description: The new Harpacticoidea genus Thieliella nov. gen. of the family Ancorabolidae SARS sensu LANG, 1909 with two new species from 500 m depth of the Island-Faroer-Ridge is described and discussed: Thieliella nordatlantica nov. spec. and Th. reducta nov. spec.

Description: 80 species of polychaetes were collected, 76 of them were determined to species level. One species (Harmothoe [Austrolaenilla] meteorae n. sp.) was described as new species. The majority of the species including the species of the cruises 26 and 44 are cosmopolitans (18%); 16% are distributed in cool temperate to tropical zones, 12.5% have their distribution in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and 11% are distributed in tropical-subtropical to warm temperate zones.

Description: Nine species of Flustridae were collected by the R.V. "Meteor" in one subantarctic and three antarctic stations. Two new genera (Austroflustra and Neoflustra) and three new species (Austroflustra gerlachi, A. australis and Neoflustra dimorphica) are described. The diagnosis of the family is emended to include species with adventitious avicularia. Nematoflustra bifoliata D'HONDT and Flustra thysanica MOYANO are placed in the genus Securiflustra SILEN, and Flustra vulgaris KLUGE is transfered to Austroflustra.

Description: The species Stenhelia (Delavalia) noodti n. sp., Stenhelia (Delavalia) islandica n. sp., Pseudomesochra scheibeli n. sp. and Ameira faroerensis n. sp. are described from 500 m depth on the Island-Faroer-Ridge. Of special interest is Stenhelia (Delavalia) noodti n. sp. showing a reduction of the Exp A2 to one segment, a character described for this genus for the first time.

Description: In samples from the Iberian Basin and off Cape Blanc, dredged from below 2000 m, 10 species of ophiuroids were found, viz. Ophioscolex sp., Ophiambix meteoris, Amphioplus verrilli, Amphilepis sp., Ophiochiton ternispinus, Amphiophiura convexa, Ophiocten latens, Ophiura ljungmani, Ophiomusium lymani, and Ophiosphalma armigerum. The distribution of the species found is summarized. The descriptions of Amphioplus verrilli, Ophiochiton ternispinus, Ophiomusium lymani, and Ophiosphalma armigerum are extended. Silax pulvinus is supposed to be synonymous with Amphioplus verrilli. The genus Silax is withdrawn. Most of the genera and many of the species are cosrnopolitans. The ophiuroids found have no morphological characteristics distinguishing them as deep-sea forms.

Description: A general study of structure, biomass, and dynamic estimates on meiofauna was carried out during PREFLEX (1975) and FLEX (1976), in 117-141 m water depth. On the basis of these data an attempt was made to estimate meiofauna production, and this is discussed in relation to the energy input from the spring phytoplankton bloom. Sampling was performed at five stations, but only the stations 1, 4, and 5 were covered by a complete series from August 1975 to July 1976. At each station, from four replicate box core samples, two were withdrawn to study the abundance, distribution, and biomass of meiofauna, the content of chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE), and chemical and grain size analyses. At all stations grain size feil in the range of fine sand having median diameters (MD) of 〈125 μm. From Station 1 to 5 an increase in MD was observed. Highest values of CPE (7.81 μg ml-1) and organic matter (4.7%) were obtained in June and July (1976)/August (1975), respectively. Meiofauna abundance was fairly uniform at all stations examined. Station 1 displayed maximal numbers during the whole investigation period. The abundance per 100 cm2 varied between 15,550 and 34,900 organisms. All meiofauna studied both in total and as separate taxa showed annual cycles of abundance. Low abundance values were recorded during early summer, and maximum values during winter. High numbers of Foraminifera were obtained for August 1975 (9,460 per 100 cm2) and July 1976 (9,710 per 100 cm2). From December to June the values decreased from 3,280 to 1,030 per 100 cm2. At station 1 maximum values of meiofauna biomass were recorded ranging from 1.5 to 2.7 g DWT m-2. The mean meiofauna dry weight amounted to 2.1 g DWT m-2. Based on minimum production, the P/B ratio for the area of Station 1 might have a mean of 1.4. Taking into consideration generation times we believe that a turnover ratio of 2 is a conservative value for the Fladen Ground meiofauna. The annual production would amount to 4.2 g DWT m-2 yr-1. This is 27.5% of the energy supply during the spring phytoplankton bloom, which is channelled into the meiofauna. The hypothesis is put forward that the energetic strategy of deep offshore meiofauna differs distinctively from that of shallow inshore meiofauna. While the shallow inshore meiofauna show a relatively fast response to organic matter input, the deep offshore meiofauna reacts much more slowly, the food energy consumption seems to be spread out over a longer period.

Description: A general study of structure, biomass estimates and dynamics on the macrofauna was carried out in August 1975 and March 1976 during PREFLEX (1975) and FLEX (1976), the Fladen Ground Experiment. On the basis of these data an attempt was made to estimate macrobenthic production expressed as minimum production (MP). The macrobenthic production is discussed together with meiobenthic annual production (FAUBEL, HARTWIG & THIEL 1983) and with indirectly estimated microbenthic production in relation to an energy input from the water column of about 25g C m-2 year-1 (STEELE 1974). From the production estimates of the three benthic components a rough energy budget is proposed. Sampling was performed at five Stations for endofauna twice during the time of investigation and for epifauna once. At each station two replicate box core samples (30 X 20 cm) were taken for endofauna. Epifauna was sampled with an Agassiz trawl once at each Station. The total numbers of endofauna increased from station l to 5. This was valid as well for August 1975 (4,233-12,166 individuals per m2 and 10 cm sediment depth) as for March 1976 (1,008-2,925 individuals). The polychaetes were the dominant organisms with a share of 33 to 62%. The densities for the endofauna decreased from August 1975 to March 1976 by a mean factor of 2.8. Abundances of epifauna amounted to values between 11 and 102 individuals per 1000 m2. The biomass dry weights (DWT) for macrobenthic endofauna varied between 0.97g DWT m-2 and 6.42g DWT m-2 in August 1975 and between 0.27g DWT m-2 and 2.64g DWT m-2 in March 1976. The mean amounted to 1.74g DWT m-2. Dry weights of epifauna biomass gave values between 4.9 and 83.1g DWT, 1000 m-2. The minimum production for the total macro-endofauna at Fladen Ground amounted to 1.43g DWT m-2 yr-1 or 0.82g C m-2 yr-1. This resulted in a minimum turnover rate (P/B) of 0.8. The share produced by the polychaetes amounted to 1.06g DWT m-2 yr-1 or 74%.

Description: Based on more than 1800 neuston tows, the ranges and mean abundances per area of 10 taxa of beloniform fish are calculated. The distributional patterns of fry of most oceanic taxa are a consequence of both surface temperatures and direction of currents. Oxyporhamphus microptems has a strictly tropical distribution; in the centre of its distribution the mean abundance reaches 10-50 ind./1000 m2. Nanichthys simulans occurs polewards of 0. micropterus, mainly within the great warm circulation systems. Scomberesox saurus has a bipolar subtropical-temperate distribution with seasonal shift of the boundaries, and a general abundance of 30-40 ind./1000 m2, though in subtropical frontal zones values above 100 ind./1000 m2 are common. Exocoetus volitans covers the warmer parts of the Atlantic, but has two antiequatorial belts of maximum abundance within the tropics (25-35 ind./1000 m2). The other exocoetid taxa have similar poleward boundaries as E. volitans. E. obtusirostris and genus Cypselurus average 1.5 ind./1000 m2, whilst Prognichthys gibbifrons, Danichthys rondeletii and genus Hirundichthys have mean abundances of an order of 0.5 ind./1000 m2. Belone svetovidovi is strictly neritic, and shows great regional differences of abundance off NW Africa.

Description: Macro- and meiobenthic abundance and biomass as well as metabolic activity (respiration, ETS activity) have been studied along a transect ranging from 130 to 3000 m water depth off northern Morocco (35° N) during "Meteor" cruise No. 53 (1980). The distribution of chloroplastic pigment concentration (chlorophyll a, pheophytins) in the sediment has been investigated as a measure of sedimented primary organic matter. High chloroplastic pigment concentrations were found on the shelf and around the shelf break, but values declined rapidly between 200 and 600 m depth. Below 1200 m pigment concentrations remained at a relatively uniform low level. Macrobenthic abundance and biomass (wet weight) decreased with increasing water depth and with distance from the shore. Significant changes occurred between the shelf and upper slope and below 2000 m depth. Meiobenthic abundance and biomass (ash free dry weight) followed the same general pattern, but changes were found below 400 and 800 m depth. In the depth range of 1200 to 3000 m values differ only slightly. Meiofauna abundance and biomass show a good correlation with the sedimentary chloroplastic pigment concentrations. Respiratory activity of sediment cores, measured by a shipboard technique at ambient temperatures, decreased with water depth and shows a good correlation with the pigment concentrations. ETS activity was highest on the shelf and decreased with water depth, with significant changes between 200 and 400 m, and below 1200 m depth, respectively. Activity was generally highest in the top 5 cm of the sediment and was measurable, at all Stations, down to 15 cm sediment depth. Shelf and upper slope stations exhibited a vertical distribution pattern of ETS activity in the sediment column, different from that of deeper Stations. The importance of biological activity measurements as an estimate of productivity is discussed. To prove the thesis that differences in benthic abundance, biomass and activity reflect differences in pelagic surface primary production, in the case of the NW-African coast caused by different upwelling intensities, the values from 35° N were compared with data from 21° N (permanent upwelling activity) and 17° N (ca. 9 months upwelling per year). On the shelf and upper slope (〈 500 m) hydrographical conditions (currents, internal waves) influence the deposition of organic matter and cause a biomass minimum between 200 and 400 m depth in some regions. But, in general, macrobenthic abundance and biomass increases with enhanced upwelling activity and reaches a maximum in the area off Cape Blanc (21° N). On the shelf and in the shelf break region meiofauna densities are higher at 35° N in comparison to 21° N; but in contrast to the decreasing meiofauna abundance with increasing water depth at 35° N, an abundance maximum between 400 and 1200 m depth is formed in the Cape Blanc region; this maximum coincides with the maximum of sedimenta1y chloroplastic pigment equivalents. The comparison of ETS activities between 35° N and 21° N shows on the shelf activity at 21° N is up to 14 times higher and on the slope 4-9 times higher, which demonstrates that benthic activity responds to the surface productivity regime.

Description: 7 new Harpacticoidea species and the female of a known species of the family Cletodidae (Crustacea, Copepoda) new to science are dealt with in this paper. Heteropsyllus serratus n. sp. Mesocletodes trisetosa n. sp. Mesocletodes parabodini n. sp. Mesocletodes variabilis n. sp. Paranannop11s plumosus n. sp. Paranannopus langi WELLS, 1965 ♀ Metahuntemannia pseudomagniceps n. sp. Metahuntemannia atlantica n. sp. As far as possible the species relationships within each genus are discussed. All species were collected at 500 m depth on the Iceland-Faroer-Ridge.

Description: In the present paper results of taxonomic investigations on 1137 specimens of Cyllopus magellanicus DANA 1853 and of 730 specimens of Cyllopus lucasii BATE 1862 are reported. A brief diagnosis and key are given for the genus and the species. For the first time larvae of the pantochelis stage of these species are described. The habitus of the larvae are very similar, small differences were found on the structures of the pereopod 3-6. Due to special morphological similarities it is concluded that the larvae of both species display a parasitic way of life like Vibilia. The distribution of the species in the Antarctic Ocean is circumpolar: C. magellanicus occurs probably only within the West Wind Drift while C. lucasii was found within both the West and the East Wind Drift. Remarkable is the occurrence of a great number of males of C. magellanicus in the uppermost layer (30-0 cm depth), meanwhile the females of this species were found only in deeper layers.