bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methanol exchange between grassland and the atmosphere
Authors: Brunner A. , Ammann C. , Neftel A. , Spirig C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Concentrations and fluxes of methanol were measured above two differently managed grassland fields (intensive and extensive) in central Switzerland during summer 2004. The measurements were performed with a proton-transfer-reaction mass-spectrometer and fluxes were determined by the eddy covariance method. The observed methanol emission showed a distinct diurnal cycle and was strongly correlated with global radiation and water vapour flux. Mean and maximum daily emissions were found to depend on grassland species composition and, for the intensive field, also on the growing state. The extensive field with a more complex species composition had higher emissions than the graminoid-dominated intensive field, both on an area and on a biomass basis. A simple parameterisation depending on the water vapour flux and the leaf area index allowed a satisfying simulation of the temporal variation of methanol emissions over the growing phase. Accumulated carbon losses due to methanol emissions accounted for 0.024 and 0.048% of net primary productivity for the intensive and extensive field, respectively. The integral methanol emissions over the growing periods were more than one order of magnitude higher than the emissions related to cut and drying events.
Sedimentary and mineral dust sources of dissolved iron to the World Ocean
Authors: Moore J. K. , Braucher O.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. A worldwide database of dissolved iron observations is used to improve simulations of the marine iron cycle within a global-scale, Biogeochemical Elemental Cycling (BEC) ocean model. Modifications to the model include: 1) an improved particle scavenging parameterization based on the sinking mass flux of particulate organic material, biogenic silica, calcium carbonate, and mineral dust particles; 2) desorption of dissolved iron from sinking particles; and 3) an improved sedimentary source for dissolved iron. Most scavenged iron (90%) is put on sinking particles to remineralize deeper in the water column. The model-observation mismatches are greatly reduced both in surface waters and in the deeper ocean. Inclusion of desorption has little effect on surface water iron concentrations where adsorption/scavenging is strongly dominant, but significantly increases simulated iron concentrations in the deep ocean. Our results suggest that there must be substantial removal of dissolved iron from subsurface waters (where iron concentrations are <0.6 nM in most regions) to match observed distributions. Aggregation and removal on sinking particles of Fe bound to organic colloids is a likely mechanism. The improved BEC model is used to address the relative contributions of mineral dust and marine sediments in driving ocean productivity and observed dissolved iron distributions. The sedimentary iron source from the continental margins has a strong impact on open ocean iron concentrations, particularly in the North Pacific. Plumes of elevated dissolved iron concentrations develop at depth in the Southern Ocean, extending from source regions in the SW Atlantic and around New Zealand. The lower particle flux and weaker scavenging in this region allows the continental iron source to be advected far from source areas. Both the margin sediment and mineral dust Fe sources significantly impact global scale primary production, export production, and nitrogen fixation, with inputs from dust deposition having a modestly stronger impact. Ocean biogeochemical models need to include the sedimentary source for dissolved iron, or they will overestimate the impact of dust deposition variations on the marine carbon cycle.
Modelling carbon overconsumption and the formation of extracellular particulate organic carbon
Authors: Schartau M. , Engel A. , Schröter J. , Thoms S. , Völker C. , Wolf-Gladrow D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. During phytoplankton growth a fraction of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) assimilated by phytoplankton is exuded in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which can be transformed into extracellular particulate organic carbon (POC). A major fraction of extracellular POC is associated with carbon of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP; carbon content = TEPC) that form from dissolved polysaccharides (PCHO). The exudation of PCHO is linked to an excessive uptake of DIC that is not directly quantifiable from utilisation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), called carbon overconsumption. Given these conditions, the concept of assuming a constant stoichiometric carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for estimating new production of POC from DIN uptake becomes inappropriate. Here, a model of carbon overconsumption is analysed, combining phytoplankton growth with TEPC formation. The model describes two modes of carbon overconsumption. The first mode is associated with DOC exudation during phytoplankton biomass accumulation. The second mode is decoupled from algal growth, but leads to a continuous rise in POC while particulate organic nitrogen (PON) remains constant. While including PCHO coagulation, the model goes beyond a purely physiological explanation of building up carbon rich particulate organic matter (POM). The model is validated against observations from a mesocosm study. Maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters, such as nitrogen- and carbon loss rates of phytoplankton, are determined. The optimisation yields results with higher rates for carbon exudation than for the loss of organic nitrogen. It also suggests that the PCHO fraction of exuded DOC was 63±20% during the mesocosm experiment. Optimal estimates are obtained for coagulation kernels for PCHO transformation into TEPC. Model state estimates are consistent with observations, where 30% of the POC increase was attributed to TEPC formation. The proposed model is of low complexity and is applicable for large-scale biogeochemical simulations.
Assessing the ability of three land ecosystem models to simulate gross carbon uptake of forests from boreal to Mediterranean climate in Europe
Authors: Jung M. , Le Maire G. , Zaehle S. , Luyssaert S. , Vetter M. , Churkina G. , Ciais P. , Viovy N. , Reichstein M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. We evaluate three terrestrial biosphere models (LPJ, Orchidee, Biome-BGC) with respect to their capacity to simulate climate related trends in gross primary production (GPP) of forests in Europe. We compare simulated GPP and leaf area index (LAI) with GPP estimates based on flux separated eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and LAI measurements along a gradient in mean annual temperature from the boreal to the Mediterranean.The three models capture qualitatively the pattern suggested by the site data: an increase in GPP from boreal to temperate and a subsequent decline from temperate to Mediterranean climates. The models consistently predict higher GPP for boreal and lower GPP for Mediterranean forests. Based on a decomposition of GPP into absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (APAR) and radiation use efficiency (RUE), the overestimation of GPP for the boreal zone appears to be primarily related to too high simulated LAI - and thus light absorption (APAR) – rather than too high radiation use efficiency. On average, the models compare similarly well to the site GPP data (RMSE of ~30% or 420 gC/m2/yr) but differences are apparent for different ecosystem types. Given uncertainties about the accuracy in model drivers, a potential representation bias of the eddy covariance sites, and uncertainties related to the method of deriving GPP from eddy covariance measurements data, we find the agreement between site data and simulations acceptable, providing confidence in simulations of GPP for European forests.
Adjoint sensitivity of the air-sea CO2 flux to ecosystem parameterization in a three-dimensional global ocean carbon cycle model
Authors: Tjiputra J. F. , Winguth A. M. E.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The regional sensitivity of air-sea CO2 flux to ecosystem components and parameters in a three-dimensional ocean carbon cycle model is estimated using an adjoint model. Adjoint sensitivities to the global air-sea CO2 flux reveal that the biological component of the model is significant in the high latitudes of both hemispheres and in the Equatorial Pacific. More detailed analysis indicates that zooplankton grazing activity plays a major role in the carbon exchange in the above regions. The herbivores' ingestion parameter in the model regulates the flux of remineralized (i.e. regenerated) biogenic nutrients; thus, substantially controls the biological production and the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the euphotic zone. Over a 10-year period, reducing the herbivores' ingestion parameter in the model by 25% could increase the global uptake of atmospheric carbon by 6 Pg C. Thus, climate induced changes in the marine ecosystem structure are of importance for the future uptake of atmospheric CO2.
Nitrous oxide distribution and its origin in the central and eastern South Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Charpentier J. , Farias L. , Yoshida N. , Boontanon N. , Raimbault P.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The biogeochemical mechanism of bacterial N2O production in the ocean has been the subject of many discussions in recent years. New isotopomeric tools can help further knowledge on N2O sources in natural environments. This research shows and compares hydrographic, nitrous oxide concentration, and N2O isotopic and isotopomeric data from three stations across the South Pacific Ocean, from the center of the subtropical oligotrophic gyre (~26° S; 114° W) to the upwelling zone along the central Chilean coast (~34° S). Althought AOU/N2O and NO3− trends support the idea that most of N2O source (mainly from intermediate water (200–1000 m)) come from nitrification, N2O isotopomeric composition (intramolecular distribution of 15N isotopes in N2O) reveals an abrupt change in the mechanism of nitrous oxide production, always observed through lower SP (site preference of 15N), at a high – stability layer, where particles could act as microsites and N2O would be produced by nitrifier denitrification (reduction of nitrite to nitrous oxide mediated by primary nitrifiers). There, nitrifier denitrification can account for 40% and 50% (center and east border of the gyre, respectively) of the nitrous oxide produced in this specific layer. This process could be associated with the deceleration of sinking organic particles in highly stable layers of the water column. In constrast, coastal upwelling system is characterized by oxygen deficient condition and some N deficit in a eutrophic system. Here, nitrous oxide accumulates up to 480% saturation, and isotopic and isotopomer signal show highly complex nitrous oxide production processes, which presumably reflect both the effect of nitrification and denitrification at low oxygen levels on N2O production, but non N2O consumption by denitrification was observed.
A geochemical modelling study of the evolution of the chemical composition of seawater linked to a global glaciation: implications for life sustainability
Authors: Le Hir G. , Goddéris Y. , Donnadieu Y. , Ramstein G.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The Snowball Earth theory initially proposed by Kirschvink (Kirschvink, 1992) to explain the Neoproterozoic glacial episodes, suggested that the Earth was fully ice-covered at 720 My (Sturtian episode) and 640 My (Marinoan episode). This succession of extreme climatic crises induced a stress which is considered as a strong selective pressure on the evolution of life (Hoffman et al., 1998). However recent biological records (Corsetti, 2006) do not support this theory as little change is observed in the diversity of microfossils outcrops before and after the Marinoan glacial interval. In this contribution we address this apparent paradox. Using a numerical model of carbon-alkalinity global cycles, we quantify several environmental stresses caused by a global glaciation. We suggest that during global glaciations, the ocean becomes acidic (pH~6), and unsaturated with respect to carbonate minerals. Moreover the quick transition from ice-house to greenhouse conditions implies an abrupt and large shift of the oceanic surface temperature which causes an extended hypoxia. The intense continental weathering, in the aftermath of the glaciation, deeply affects the seawater composition inducing rapid changes in terms of pH and alkalinity. We also propose a new timing for post glacial perturbations and for the cap carbonates deposition, ~2 Myr instead of 200 kyr as suggested in a previous modelling study. In terms of Precambrian life sustainability, seawater pH modifications appear drastic all along the glaciation, but we show that the buffering action of the oceanic crust dissolution processes avoids a total collapse of biological productivity. In opposite short-lived and large post-glacial perturbations are more critical and may have played a role of environmental filter suggested in the classic snowball Earth theory. Only a permissive life (prokaryotes or simple eukaryotes) may explain the relative continuity in microfossils diversity observed before, during and after Neoproterozoic glaciation events.
Spatio-temporal variability of marine primary and export production in three global coupled climate carbon cycle models
Authors: Schneider B. , Bopp L. , Gehlen M. , Segschneider J. , Frölicher T. L. , Joos F. , Cadule P. , Friedlingstein P. , Doney S. C. , Behrenfeld M. J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This study compares spatial and temporal variability in net primary productivity (PP) and particulate organic carbon (POC) export production (EP) from three different coupled climate carbon cycle models (IPSL, MPIM, NCAR) with observation-based estimates derived from satellite measurements of ocean colour and inverse modelling. Satellite observations of ocean colour have shown that temporal variability of PP on the global scale is largely dominated by the permanently stratified, low-latitude ocean (Behrenfeld et al., 2006)\\nocite{Behrenfeld06} with stronger stratification (higher SSTs) leading to negative PP anomalies and vice versa. Results from all three coupled models confirm the role of the low-latitude, permanently stratified ocean for global PP anomalies. Two of the models also reproduce the inverse relationship between stratification (SST) and PP, especially in the equatorial Pacific. With the help of the model results we are able to explain the chain of cause and effect leading from stratification (SST) through nutrient concentrations to PP and finally to EP. There are significant uncertainties in observational PP and especially EP. Our finding of a good agreement between independent estimates from coupled models and satellite observations provides increased confidence that such models can be used as a first basis to estimate the impact of future climate change on marine productivity and carbon export.
Atmospheric CO2 modeling at the regional scale: an intercomparison of 5 meso-scale atmospheric models
Authors: Sarrat C. , Noilhan J. , Dolman A. J. , Gerbig C. , Ahmadov R. , Tolk L. F. , Meesters A. G. C. A. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Ter Maat H. W. , Pérez-Landa G. , Donier S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Atmospheric CO2 modeling in interaction with the surface fluxes, at the regional scale is developed within the frame of the European project CarboEurope-IP and its Regional Experiment component. In this context, five meso-scale meteorological models participate in an intercomparison exercise. Using a common experimental protocol that imposes a large number of rules, two days of the CarboEurope Regional Experiment Strategy (CERES) campaign are simulated. A systematic evaluation of the models is done in confrontation with the observations, using statistical tools and direct comparisons. Thus, temperature and relative humidity at 2 m, wind direction, surface energy and CO2 fluxes, vertical profiles of potential temperature as well as in-situ CO2 concentrations comparisons between observations and simulations are examined. This intercomparison exercise shows also the models ability to represent the meteorology and carbon cycling at the synoptic and regional scale in the boundary layer, but also points out some of the major shortcomings of the models.
Temperature sensitivity of soil respiration is dependent on readily decomposable C substrate concentration
Authors: Larionova A. A. , Yevdokimov I. V. , Bykhovets S. S.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Temperature acclimation of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is one of the major uncertainties in predicting soil CO2 efflux by the increase in global mean temperature. A reasonable explanation for an apparent acclimation proposed by Davidson and colleagues (2006) based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics suggests that temperature sensitivity decreases when both maximal activity of respiratory enzymes (Vmax) and half- saturation constant (Ks) cancel each other upon temperature increase. We tested the hypothesis of the canceling effect by the mathematical simulation of the data obtained in the incubation experiments with forest and arable soils. Our data confirm the hypothesis and suggest that concentration of readily decomposable C substrate as glucose equivalent is an important factor controlling temperature sensitivity. The highest temperature sensitivity was observed when C substrate concentration was much lower than Ks. Increase of substrate content to the half-saturation constant resulted in temperature acclimation associated with the canceling effect. Addition of the substrate to the level providing respiration at a maximal rate Vmax leads to the acclimation of the whole microbial community as such. However, growing microbial biomass was more sensitive to the temperature alterations. This study improves our understanding of the instability of temperature sensitivity of soil respiration under field conditions, explaining this phenomenon by changes in concentration of readily decomposable C substrate. It is worth noting that this pattern works regardless of the origin of C substrate: production by SOM decomposition, release into the soil by rhizodeposition, litter fall or drying-rewetting events.
Biogeochemical factors contributing to enhanced carbon storage following afforestation of a semi-arid shrubland
Authors: Grünzweig J. M. , Gelfand I. , Yakir D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Ecosystems in dry regions are generally low in productivity and carbon (C) storage. We report, however, large increases in C sequestration following afforestation of a semi-arid shrubland with Pinus halepensis trees. Using C and nitrogen (N) inventories, based in part on site-specific allometric equations, we measured an increase in the standing ecosystem C stock from 2380 g C m−2 in the shrubland to 5840 g C m−2 in the forest after 35 years, with no significant change in N stocks. The total amount of C produced by the forest was estimated as 6250 g C m−2. Carbon sequestration following afforestation was associated with increased N use efficiency as reflected by an overall increase in C/N ratio from 7.6 in the shrubland to 16.6 in the forest. The C accumulation rate in the forest was particularly high for soil organic C (SOC; increase of 1760 g C m−2 or 50 g C m−2 yr−1), which was associated with the following factors: 1) Analysis of a small 13C signal within this pure C3 system combined with size fractionation of soil organic matter indicated a significant addition of new SOC derived from forest vegetation (68% of total forest SOC) and a considerable portion of the old original shrubland SOC (53%) still remaining in the forest. 2) A large part of both new and old SOC appeared to be protected from decomposition as about 60% of SOC under both land-use types were in mineral-associated fractions. 3) A short-term decomposition study indicated decreased decomposition of lower-quality litter and SOC in the forest, based on reduced decay rates of up to 90% for forest compared to shrubland litter. 4) Forest soil included a significant component of live and dead roots. Our results showed the considerable potential for C sequestration, particularly in soils, following afforestation in semi-arid regions, which is particularly relevant in light of persistent predictions of drying trends in the Mediterranean and other regions.
Early diagenetic overprint in Caribbean sediment cores and its effect on the geochemical composition of planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Regenberg M. , Nürnberg D. , Schönfeld J. , Reichart G.-J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Early diagenetic features are noticed in the vicinity of carbonate platforms. Planktonic foraminifera of two tropical Atlantic deep-sea sediment cores show the strict relation between micro-scale euhydral crystallites of inorganic precipitates, higher oxygen isotope values and Mg/Ca ratios, and lower Sr/Ca ratios than expected for their pelagic environment in the time interval of ~100 000–550 000 calendar years before present. Laser ablation Mg/Ca (Sr/Ca) of crystallite-bearing foraminiferal chamber walls revealed 4–6 times elevated (2–3 times depleted) ratios, when ablating the diagenetic overgrowth. Crystalline overgrowth in proportions of 10–20% are estimated to cause the observed geochemical alteration. The extent of foraminiferal Mg/Ca alteration, moreover, seems to be controlled by the composition of the bulk sediment, especially the content of high-magnesium calcite. Anomalous ratios of >6 mmol/mol only occur, when high-magnesium calcite has dissolved within the sediment. The older parts (back to ~800 kyrs) of the records are characterized by similar trends of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca. We discuss possible scenarios to accommodate the obtained geochemical information.
Phosphate availability and the ultimate control of new nitrogen input by nitrogen fixation in the tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Moutin T. , Karl D. M. , Duhamel S. , Rimmelin P. , Raimbault P. , Van Mooy B. A. S. , Claustre H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Due to the low atmospheric input of phosphate into the open ocean, it is one of the key nutrients that could ultimately control primary production and carbon export into the deep ocean. The observed trend over the last 20 years, has shown a decrease in the dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) pool in the North Pacific gyre, which has been correlated to the increase in di-nitrogen (N2) fixation rates. Following a NW-SE transect, in the Southeast Pacific during the early austral summer (BIOSOPE cruise), we present data on DIP, dissolved organic phosphate (DOP), and particulate phosphate (PP) pools and DIP turnover times (TDIP) along with N2 fixation rates. We observed a decrease in DIP concentration from the edges to the centre of the gyre. Nevertheless the DIP concentrations remained above 100 nmol L−1 and TDIP were more than a month in the centre of the gyre: DIP availability remained largely above the level required for phosphate limitation. This contrasts with recent observations in the western Pacific Ocean at the same latitude (DIAPALIS cruises) where lower DIP concentrations (<20 nmol L−1) and TDIP<50 h were measured during the summer season. During the BIOSOPE cruise, N2 fixation rates were higher within the cold water upwelling near the Chilean coast. This observation contrasts with recently obtained model output for N2 fixation distribution in the South Pacific area and emphasises the importance of studying the main factors controlling this process. The South Pacific gyre can be considered a High P Low Chlorophyll (HPLC) oligotrophic area, which could potentially support high N2 fixation rates, and possibly carbon dioxide sequestration, if the primary ecophysiological controls, temperature and/or iron availability, were alleviated.
Ocean biogeochemistry exhibits contrasting responses to a large scale reduction in dust deposition
Authors: Tagliabue A. , Bopp L. , Aumont O.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Dust deposition of iron is thought to be an important control on ocean biogeochemistry and air-sea CO2 exchange. In this study, we examine the impact of a large scale, yet climatically realistic, reduction in the aeolian Fe input during a 240 year transient simulation. In contrast to previous studies, we find that the ocean biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen are relatively insensitive to a 60% reduction in Fe input from dust. Net primary productivity (NPP) is reduced in the Fe limited regions, but the excess macronutrients that result are able to fuel additional NPP elsewhere. Overall, NPP and air-sea CO2 exchange are only reduced by around 3% between 1860 and 2100. While the nitrogen cycle is perturbed more significantly (by ~15%), reduced N2 fixation is balanced by a concomitant decline in denitrification. Feedbacks between N2 fixation and denitrification are controlled by variability in surface utilization of inorganic nitrogen and subsurface oxygen consumption, as well as the direct influence of Fe on N2 fixation. Overall, there is relatively little impact of reduced aeolian Fe input (<4%) on cumulative CO2 fluxes over 240 years. The lower sensitivity of our model to changes in dust input is primarily due to the more detailed representation of the continental shelf Fe, which was absent in previous models.
Microbiology and atmospheric processes: the role of biological particles in cloud physics
Authors: Möhler O. , DeMott P. J. , Vali G. , Levin Z.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. As part of a series of papers on the sources, distribution and potential impact of biological particles in the atmosphere, this paper introduces and summarizes the potential role of biological particles in atmospheric clouds. Biological particles like bacteria or pollen may be active as both cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and heterogeneous ice nuclei (IN) and thereby can contribute to the initial cloud formation stages and the development of precipitation through giant CCN and IN processes. The paper gives an introduction to aerosol-cloud processes like CCN and IN in general and provides a short summary of previous laboratory, field and modelling work investigating the CCN and IN activity of bacterial cells and pollen. Recent measurements of atmospheric ice nuclei with a continuous flow diffusion chamber (CFDC) and of the heterogeneous ice nucleation efficiency of bacterial cells are also briefly discussed. As a main result of this overview paper we conclude that a proper assessment of the impact of biological particles on tropospheric clouds needs new laboratory, field and modelling work investigating the abundance of biological particles in the atmosphere and their CCN and heterogeneous IN properties.
Environmental controls over methanol emission from leaves
Authors: Harley P. , Greenberg J. , Niinemets Ü. , Guenther A.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Methanol is found throughout the troposphere, with average concentrations second only to methane among atmospheric hydrocarbons. Proposed global methanol budgets are highly uncertain, but all agree that at least 60% of the total source arises from the terrestrial biosphere and primary emissions from plants. However, the magnitude of these emissions is also highly uncertain, and the environmental factors which control them require further elucidation. Using a temperature-controlled leaf enclosure, we measured methanol emissions from leaves of six plant species by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry, with simultaneous measurements of leaf evapotranspiration and stomatal conductance. Rates of emission at 30°C varied from 0.3 to 38 μg g (dry mass)−1 h−1, with higher rates measured on young leaves, consistent with the production of methanol via pectin demethylation in expanding foliage. On average, emissions increased by a factor of 2.4 for each 10°C increase in leaf temperature. At constant temperature, emissions were also correlated with co-varying incident photosynthetic photon flux density and rates of stomatal conductance. The data were analyzed using the emission model developed by Niinemets and Reichstein (2003a, b), with the incorporation of a methanol production term that increased exponentially with temperature. It was concluded that control of emissions, during daytime, was shared by leaf temperature and stomatal conductance, although rates of production may also vary diurnally in response to variations in leaf growth rate in expanding leaves. The model, which generally provided reasonable simulations of the measured data during the day, significantly overestimated emissions on two sets of measurements made through the night, suggesting that production rates of methanol were reduced at night, perhaps because leaf growth was reduced or possibly through a direct effect of light on production. Although the short-term dynamics of methanol emissions can be successfully modeled only if stomatal conductance and compound solubility are taken into account, emissions on longer time scales will be determined by rates of methanol production, controls over which remain to be investigated.
Picoplankton diversity in the South-East Pacific Ocean from cultures
Authors: Le Gall F. , Rigaut-Jalabert F. , Marie D. , Garczarek L. , Viprey M. , Gobet A. , Vaulot D.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. In late 2004, the BIOSOPE cruise sailed between the equatorial influenced waters off Marquesas islands and the nutrient enriched waters of the Chilean upwelling. Along the way, it explored the Southeast Pacific gyre centred around Easter Island, which is probably the most oligotrophic oceanic region on earth. During this cruise, we undertook a vigorous effort to isolate novel photosynthetic picoplanktonic eukaryotes. Two strategies were attempted on board: enrichment of samples with culture medium and sorting of specific populations by flow cytometry based on chlorophyll fluorescence. Over 1900 pre-cultures were started and then further purified by flow cytometry, serial dilution or pipette isolation to yield a total of 212 strains. These strains were characterized morphologically and for more than 50% of them, genetically, through partial sequencing of the 18 S rRNA gene. Among the characterized strains, the largest number are stramenopiles (Heterokontophyta) with a record of 38 strains belonging to the species Pelagomonas calceolata (Pelagophyceae). Strains from the recently described genera Bolidomonas and Florenciella have been re-isolated for the first time since their description. Two other abundant groups are the Chlorophyta, especially Prasinophyceae, and the Haptophyta, especially the genera Phaeocystis and Emiliania. A limited number of heterotrophic flagellates have also been isolated, all of them closely related to known species. Finally over a dozen of unicellular cyanobacteria strains have been obtained, some forming unusual short chains. Overall our strategy was quite successful since it allowed us to isolate a large number of picoplankton strains but failed in two respects. First, apparently very few novel taxa have been obtained. One set of strains is related to Prasinoderma coloniale (Prasinococcales, Prasinophyceae) but their sequences are sufficiently different from the latter to probably belong to a new genus or species. The sequences of two other strains are phylogenetically affiliated to stramenopile environmental sequences, probably corresponding a new algal class. Second, very few strains have been obtained from the very oligotrophic central gyre itself. Future work should probably combine flow cytometry sorting with culture media and cultivation approaches specifically developed for oligotrophic water species.
Heterotrophic bacterial production in the South East Pacific: longitudinal trends and coupling with primary production
Authors: Van Wambeke F. , Obernosterer I. , Moutin T. , Duhamel S. , Ulloa O. , Claustre H.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Spatial variations of heterotrophic bacterial production and phytoplankton primary production were investigated across South East Pacific Ocean (–141° W, –8° S to –72° W, –35° S) in November–December 2004. Bacterial production (³H leucine incorporation) integrated over the euphotic zone encompassed a wide range of values, from 43 mg C m−2 d−1 in the hyper-oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre to 392 mg C m−2 d−1 in the upwelling off Chile. Within the gyre (120° W, 22° S) records of low phytoplankton biomass (7 mg TChla m−2) were obtained and in situ 14C based particulate primary production rates were as low as 153 mg C m−2 d−1, thus equal to the value considered as a limit for primary production under strong oligotrophic conditions. In the South Pacific gyre average rates of ³H leucine incorporation rates, and leucine incorporation rates per cell (5–21 pmol L−1 h−1 and 15–56×10−21 mol cell−1 h−1, respectively), were in the same range as those reported for other oligotrophic sub tropical and temperate waters. Rates of dark community respiration, determined at selected stations across the transect varied in a narrow range (42–97 mmol O2 m−2 d−1), except for one station in the upwelling off Chile (245 mmol O2 m−2 d−1). Bacterial growth efficiencies varied between 5 and 38% and bacterial carbon demand largely exceeded 14C particulate primary production across the South Pacific Ocean. Net community production also revealed negative values in the South Pacific Gyre (–13±20 to –37±40 mmol O2 m−2 d−1). Such imbalances being impossible in this area far from any external input, we discuss the techniques involved for determining the coupling between primary production and bacterial heterotrophic production.
The full greenhouse gas balance of an abandoned peat meadow
Authors: Hendriks D. M. D. , van Huissteden J. , Dolman A. J. , van der Molen M. K.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Globally, peat lands are considered to be a sink of CO2, but a source when drained. Additionally, wet peat lands are thought to emit considerable amounts of CH4 and N2O. Hitherto, reliable and integrated estimates of emissions and emission factors for this type of area have been lacking and the effects of wetland restoration on methane emissions have been poorly quantified. In this paper we estimate the full GHG balance of a restored natural peat land by determining the fluxes of CO2, CH4 and N2O through atmosphere and water, while accounting for the different GWP's. This site is an abandoned agricultural peat meadow, which has been converted into a wetland nature reserve ten years ago by raising the water level. GHG fluxes were measured continuously with an eddy-correlation system (CO2) and flux chamber measurements (CH4 and N2O). Meteorological and hydrological measurements were done as well. With growing seasons of respectively 192 and 155 days, the net annual CO2 uptake was 276±61 g C m−2 for 2004 and 311±58 g C m−2 for 2005. Ecosystem respiration was estimated as 887±668 g C m−2 for 2004 and 866±666 g C m−2 for 2005. CH4 fluxes from water, saturated land and relatively dry land varied: total annual CH4 fluxes are 10.4±19.2 g C m−2 yr−1, 101 g C m−2 yr−1±30 and 37.3±10.9 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively, and a annual weighed total CH4 emission of 31.27±20.44 g C m−2 yr−1. N2O fluxes were too low to be of significance. The carbon-balance consists for the largest part of CO2 uptake, CO2 respiration and CH4 emission from wet land and water. CO2 emission has decreased significantly as result of the raised water table, while CH4 fluxes have increased. In global warming potentials the area is a very small sink of 71 g CO2-equiv m−2 (over a 100-year period).
Phospholipid synthesis rates in the eastern subtropical South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Van Mooy B. A. S. , Moutin T. , Duhamel S. , Rimmelin P. , Van Wambeke F.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Membrane lipid molecules are a major component of planktonic organisms and this is particularly true of the microbial picoplankton that dominate the open ocean; with their high surface-area to volume ratios, the synthesis of membrane lipids places a major demand on their overall cell metabolism. The synthesis of one class of membrane lipids, the phospholipids, also creates a demand for the nutrient phosphorus, and we sought to refine our understanding of the role of phospholipids in the upper ocean phosphorus cycle. We measured the rates of phospholipid synthesis in a transect of the eastern subtropical South Pacific from Easter Island to Concepcion, Chile as part of the BIOSOPE program. Our approach combined standard phosphorus radiotracer incubations and lipid extraction methods. We found that phospholipid synthesis rates varied from less than 1 to greater than 200 pmol P L−1 h−1, and that phospholipid synthesis contributed between less than 5% to greater than 22% of the total PO43− incorporation rate. Changes in the percentage that phospholipid synthesis contributed to total PO43− incorporation were strongly correlated with the ratio of primary production to bacterial production, which supported our hypothesis that heterotrophic bacteria were the primary agents of phospholipid synthesis. The spatial variation in phospholipid synthesis rates underscored the importance of heterotrophic bacteria in the phosphorus cycle of the eastern subtropical South Pacific, particularly the hyperoligotrophic South Pacific subtropical gyre.
Dissolved iron distribution in the tropical and sub tropical South Eastern Pacific
Authors: Blain S. , Bonnet S. , Guieu C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Dissolved iron (DFe) distributions (<0.2 μm) were determined in the upper water column (0–400 m) of the south eastern tropical and subtropical Pacific, in October–November 2004. Data were collected along a transect extending from the Marquesas Islands to the Chilean coast with most of the stations located in the south Pacific gyre. The concentrations of DFe presented large variability with highest values observed at both extremities of the transect. In the Chilean upwelling, DFe concentrations ranged between 1.2–3.9 nM. These high values result from inputs from the continental margin and are likely maintained by anoxic conditions in the water corresponding to the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). In subsurface waters near the Marquesas, that were also associated with the extension of the OMZ, DFe concentrations varied between 0.15–0.41 nM. Vertical transport of this water by mesoscale activity eastward of the archipelago may explain the dissymmetric east-west distribution of chlorophyll a evidenced by satellite images. Using the new tracer Fe*=DFe–rFe:P (PO43−) we show that DFe was in deficit compared to PO43− resulting from the remineralisation of organic matter. This suggests that the Marquesas islands and the surrounding plateau are not a significant source of DFe. In the gyre, DFe concentrations in the upper 350 m water column were around 0.1 nM and the ferricline was located well below the nitracline. These low concentrations reflect the low input of DFe from the atmosphere, from the ventilation of the upper thermocline with water containing low DFe, and from the low biological activity within in this ultra oligotrophic gyre.
Relative stability of soil carbon revealed by shifts in δ15N and C:N ratio
Authors: Conen F. , Zimmermann M. , Leifeld J. , Seth B. , Alewell C.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Life on earth drives a continuous exchange of carbon between soils and the atmosphere. Some forms of soil carbon, or organic matter, are more stable and have a longer residence time in soil than others. Relative differences in stability have often been derived from shifts in δ13C (which is bound to a vegetation change from C3 to C4 type) or through 14C-dating (which is bound to small sample numbers because of high measurement costs). Here, we propose a new concept based on the increase in δ15N and the decrease in C:N ratio with increasing stability. We tested the concept on grasslands at different elevations in the Swiss Alps. Depending on elevation and soil depth, it predicted mineral-associated organic carbon to be 3 to 73 times more stable than particulate organic carbon. Analysis of 14C-ages generally endorsed these predictions.
Inorganic carbon time series at Ocean Weather Station M in the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Skjelvan I. , Falck E. , Rey F. , Kringstad S. B.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) has been collected at Ocean Weather Station M (OWSM) in the Norwegian Sea since 2001. Seasonal variations in CT are confined to the upper 50 m, where the biology is active, and below this layer no clear seasonal signal is seen. From winter to summer the surface CT concentration typical drops from 2140 to about 2040 μmol kg−1, while a deep water CT concentration of about 2163 μmol kg−1 is measured throughout the year. Observations show an annual increase in salinity normalized carbon concentration (nCT) of 1.3±0.7 μmol kg−1 in the surface layer, which is equivalent to a pCO2 increase of 2.6±1.2 μatm yr−1, i.e. larger than the atmospheric increase in this area. Observations also show an annual increase in the deep water nCT of 0.57± 0.24 μmol kg−1, of which about a tenth is due to inflow of old Arctic water with larger amounts of remineralised matter. The remaining part has an anthropogenic origin and sources for this might be Greenland Sea surface water, Iceland Sea surface water, and/or recirculated Atlantic Water. By using an extended multi linear regression method (eMLR) it is verified that anthropogenic carbon has entered the whole water column at OWSM.
Gross community production and metabolic balance in the South Pacific Gyre, using a non intrusive bio-optical method
Authors: Claustre H. , Huot Y. , Obernosterer I. , Gentili B. , Tailliez D. , Lewis M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. The very clear waters of the South Pacific Gyre likely constitute an end-member of oligotrophic conditions which remain essentially unknown with respect to its impact on carbon fixation and exportation. We describe a non-intrusive bio-optical method to quantify the various terms of a production budget (Gross Community Production, community losses, net community production) in this area. This method is based on the analysis of the diel cycle in Particulate Organic Carbon (POC), derived from high frequency measurements of the particle attenuation coefficient cp. We report very high integrated rates of Gross Community Production within the euphotic layer (average of 846±484 mg C m−2 d−1 for 17 stations) that are far above any rates determined using incubation techniques for such areas. Furthermore we show that the daily production of POC is essentially balanced by the losses so that the system cannot be considered as net heterotoph. Our results thus agree well with geochemical methods, but not with incubation studies based on oxygen methods. We stress to the important role of deep layers, below the euphotic layer, in contributing to carbon fixation when incident irradiance at the ocean surface is high (absence of cloud coverage). These deep layers, not considered up to now, might fuel a part of the heterotrophic processes in the upper layer, in particular through dissolved organic carbon release. We further demonstrate that, in these extremely clear and stratified waters, integrated Gross Community Production is proportional to the POC content and surface irradiance via an efficiency index ψGCP*, the water column cross section for Gross Community Production. We finally discuss our results in the context of the role of oligotrophic gyre in global carbon budget and of the possibility of using optical proxy from space for the development of gross community rather than primary production global models.
Towards operational remote sensing of forest carbon balance across Northern Europe
Authors: Olofsson P. , Lagergren F. , Lindroth A. , Lindström J. , Klemedtsson L. , Eklundh L.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Monthly averages of ecosystem respiration (ER), gross primary production (GPP) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) over Scandinavian forest sites were estimated using regression models driven by air temperature (AT), absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) and vegetation indices. The models were constructed and evaluated using satellite data from Terra/MODIS and measured data collected at seven flux tower sites in northern Europe. Data used for model construction was excluded from the evaluation. Relationships between ground measured variables and the independent variables were investigated. It was found that the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) at 250 m resolution was highly noisy for the coniferous sites, and hence, 1 km EVI was used for the analysis. Linear relationships between EVI and the biophysical variables were found for both coniferous and deciduous data: correlation coefficients ranged from 0.91 to 0.79, and 0.85 to 0.67, respectively. Due to saturation, there were no linear relationships between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the ground measured parameters found at any site. APAR correlated better with the parameters in question than the vegetation indices. Modeled GPP and ER were in good agreement with measured values, with more than 90% of the variation in measured GPP and ER being explained by the coniferous models. The site-specific respiration rate at 10°C (R10) was needed for describing the ER variation between sites. Even though monthly NEE was modeled with less accuracy than GPP, 61% and 75% (dec. and con., respectively) of the variation in the measured time series was explained by the model. These results are important for moving towards operational remote sensing of forest carbon balance across Northern Europe.
Competition for inorganic and organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorous between phytoplankton and bacteria during an Emiliania huxleyi spring bloom (PeECE II)
Authors: Løvdal T. , Eichner C. , Grossart H.-P. , Carbonnel V. , Chou L. , Thingstad T. F.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. Using 15N and 33P, we measured the turnover of organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) substrates, and the partitioning of N and P from these sources into two size fractions of marine osmotrophs during the course of a phytoplankton bloom in a nutrient manipulated mesocosm. The larger size fraction (>0.8 μm), mainly consisting of the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi, but also including an increasing amount of large particle-associated bacteria as the bloom proceeded, dominated uptake of the inorganic forms NH4+, NO3−, and PO43−. The uptake of N from leucine, and P from ATP and dissolved DNA (dDNA), was initially dominated by the 0.8–0.2 μm size fraction, but shifted towards dominance by the >0.8 μm size fraction as the system turned to an increasing degree of N-deficiency. Normalizing uptake to biomass of phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria revealed that organisms in the 0.8–0.2 μm size fraction had higher specific affinity for leucine-N than those in the >0.8 μm size fraction when N was deficient, whereas the opposite was the case for NH4+. There was no such difference regarding the specific affinity for P substrates. Since heterotrophic bacteria seem to acquire N from organic compounds like leucine more efficiently than phytoplankton, our results suggest different structuring of the microbial food chain in N-limited relative to P-limited environments.