title: The moss Bryum argenteum var. muticum Brid. is well adapted to cope with high light in continental Antarctica

authors: Schroeter, Burkhard

subjects: acclimation

abstract: The net photosynthetic rate (NP), chlorophyll fluorescence, carotenoid content and chlorophyll content of the cosmopolitan moss Bryum argenteum were measured in the field at Botany Bay, southern Victoria Land, continental Antarctica (77°S). Comparisons were made between sun- and shade-adapted forms, and changes were followed as the moss emerged from under the snow and during exposure of shade and sun forms to ambient light. Shade forms had lower light compensation and saturation values for NP but little difference in maximal NP rates. Shade forms exposed to ambient light changed rapidly (within five days) towards the performance of the sun forms. Surprisingly, this change was not by acclimation of shoots but by the production of new shoots. Chlorophyll and carotenoid levels measured on a molar chlorophyll basis showed no difference between sun and shade forms and also little change during emergence. The constant molar relationship between carotenoids and chlorophyll plus the high levels of the xanthophyll cycle pigments suggest that protection of the chlorophyll antenna was constitutive. This is an adaptation to the very high light levels that occur when the plants are active in continental Antarctica and contrasts to the situation in more temperate areas where high light is normally avoided by desiccation.

text: The moss Bryum argenteum var. muticum Brid. is well adapted to cope with high light in continental Antarctica The net photosynthetic rate (NP), chlorophyll fluorescence, carotenoid content and chlorophyll content of the cosmopolitan moss Bryum argenteum were measured in the field at Botany Bay, southern Victoria Land, continental Antarctica (77°S). Comparisons were made between sun- and shade-adapted forms, and changes were followed as the moss emerged from under the snow and during exposure of shade and sun forms to ambient light. Shade forms had lower light compensation and saturation values for NP but little difference in maximal NP rates. Shade forms exposed to ambient light changed rapidly (within five days) towards the performance of the sun forms. Surprisingly, this change was not by acclimation of shoots but by the production of new shoots. Chlorophyll and carotenoid levels measured on a molar chlorophyll basis showed no difference between sun and shade forms and also little change during emergence. The constant molar relationship between carotenoids and chlorophyll plus the high levels of the xanthophyll cycle pigments suggest that protection of the chlorophyll antenna was constitutive. This is an adaptation to the very high light levels that occur when the plants are active in continental Antarctica and contrasts to the situation in more temperate areas where high light is normally avoided by desiccation.

year: 2012

title: The potential for battery electric vehicles in New Zealand

authors: Duke, Mike

subjects: battery electric vehicles

abstract: Several challenges are facing personal transport in New Zealand; the need to reduce carbon emissions, the depletion of cheap oil reserves, increasing congestion, localised pollution and the need for long term sustainability. One possible solution to replace petrol/diesel cars could be the mass deployment of cost competitive, comfortable, attractive, energy efficient battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This paper first discusses the social and technical barriers that have hindered the development of this type of electric vehicle and secondly, how they can now be overcome. The electricity supply for a New Zealand fleet of 2 million battery electric cars is also discussed.

text: The potential for battery electric vehicles in New Zealand Several challenges are facing personal transport in New Zealand; the need to reduce carbon emissions, the depletion of cheap oil reserves, increasing congestion, localised pollution and the need for long term sustainability. One possible solution to replace petrol/diesel cars could be the mass deployment of cost competitive, comfortable, attractive, energy efficient battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This paper first discusses the social and technical barriers that have hindered the development of this type of electric vehicle and secondly, how they can now be overcome. The electricity supply for a New Zealand fleet of 2 million battery electric cars is also discussed.

year: 2008

title: Te Ao Hurihuri population: Past, present & future

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

subjects: Maori

abstract: The NIDEA Te Ao Hurihuri series uses data from the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings to examine key aspects of Maori population change.

text: Te Ao Hurihuri population: Past, present & future The NIDEA Te Ao Hurihuri series uses data from the New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings to examine key aspects of Maori population change.

year: 2014-07