Mangroves are highly productive and rich ecosystems that thrive at the interface of land and sea. They provide a wide range of essential goods and services, contribute highly to coastal protection and the livelihood of coastal communities, and are also carbon-rich biomes contributing to carbon sequestration. Mangroves are primarily threatened by anthropogenic activities; a loss in biodiversity has been observed in the past years in many countries including Mauritius. Given their value to the ecosystem, it is important to have effective continuous monitoring of mangrove dynamics. We studied the rate of increase of canopy coverage of planted Rhizophora mucronata forests in two selected sites (Le Morne and Grande Rivière Noire) on a southern African island - Mauritius - using Google Earth Pro historical Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 images. Data were processed using ImageJ software. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been applied for monitoring mangrove growth. The mangrove sites were classified into four zones based on water level and tidal variations. On average, the rate of increase of canopy coverage expressed by a coefficient 'b at Le Morne (b = 1.901) was higher than that at Grande Rivière Noire (b = 1.823). The coefficient 'b' positively correlated with the zonations (r ~ 0.8). Higher 'b values (2.319-2.886) were observed in Zone 1, where the substrate is always covered with water at low tide. The use of remote sensing data along with image processing analysis proved to be an effective tool to obtain relevant information, not only for mapping mangroves but also for monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves. SIGNIFICANCE: • We describe a novel technique whereby remote sensing data are processed through image processing using ImageJ software, to effectively monitor planted mangrove canopy growth by pixel count. • This study highlights the successful application of the technique to obtain relevant information for mapping and monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves. • This technique can be further extended to identify potential areas for mangrove propagation worldwide based on tidal level variations.

RESUMEN Los estratos del Mioceno de la Formación Qom Formation en la sección Ghalibaf, Irán Central (NO Semnan), documentan una alta diversidad de microfacies marinas someras. Estos depósitos, en la sección Ghalibaf, con un espesor total de 445 m, se caracterizan por veitiún microfacies. Las microfacies de carbonatosfueron depositadas en cinco cinturones de facies, incluyendo laguna, pendiente superior, pendiente inferior, bancos de arena de margen de plataforma y facies marginales en una plataforma carbonatada bordeada. La presencia de barreras de arrecifes, intraclastos, oncoides, The presence of barrier reefs, intraclasts, oncoids, y calizas granulares de carga agregada, junto con la ausencia de vastas areas de planicie de mareas, logran distinguirse. De acuerdo a las evidencias antes mencionadas, estos sedimentos fueron depositados en una plataforma carbonatada marginada. Adicionalmente, el carácter heterolítico de depósitos de calcirrudita muestran que las secuencias fueron despositadas en el tipo de plataforma citado. Con base en los datos disponibles de análisis de estratigrafía secuencial, setentaytres órdenes de secuencias deposicionales se caracterizan por límites de secuencia topoe-1 y tipo. Los cambios de nivel del mar relativos entre los límites de secuencia superior e inferior, de acuerdo a las curvas del nivel global del mar, revelan una correlación razonable. Sin embargo, algunas diferencias en otros límites de secuencia pueden deberse a actividad tectónica local en la cuenca sedimentaria de la Formación Qom, lo que produciría cambios locales del nivel del mar. Adicionalmente, datos bioestratigráficos basados en grandes foraminíferos, marcadores índice, que incluyen Praebullalveolina curdica, Borelis melo, Dendritina rangi, Meandropsina iranica, Elphidium sp. 14, Neorotalia viennoti y Miogypsina sp., sugieren las Zonas Bénticas Someras del Mioceno SBZ24-SBZ25, las cuales son equivalentes al lapso temporal del Aquitanian tardío-Burdigalian.

ABSTRACT The Miocene strata of the Qom Formation from the Ghalibaf section, Central Iran (NW Semnan) documented a high diversity of shallow-marine microfacies. These deposits in the Ghalibaf section, with a total thickness of 445 m, are characterized by twenty-one microfacies. The carbonate microfacies are deposited into five facies belts, including a lagoon, upper slope, lower slope, platform-margin sand shoals and margin facies. The presence of barrier reefs, intraclasts, oncoids, and grainstone aggregates, along with the absence of vast tidal flat areas, are distinguished. According to the aforementioned evidences, these sediments were deposited on a rimmed carbonate platform. In addition, the heterolithic calciturbidite deposits also show that the carbonate sequences were sedimented on a rimmed carbonate platform. Based on the available data of sequence stratigraphy analysis, seven third-order depositional sequences are bounded by type-1 and type-2 sequence boundaries. The relative sea-level changes between the upper and lower sequence boundaries in accord with the global sea-level curves reveal a reasonable correlation. However, some differences in other sequence boundaries might be due to local tectonic activities in the Qom Formation sedimentary basin, thereby leading to local sea-level changes. Moreover, biostratigraphic data based on the larger foraminifera index markers, including Praebullalveolina curdica, Borelis melo, Dendritina rangi, Meandropsina iranica, Elphidium sp. 14, Neorotalia viennoti, and Miogypsina sp. suggests the Miocene Shallow Benthic Zones, SBZ24-SBZ25 equivalent to the late Aquitanian-Burdigalian timespan.

Abstract Diatom assemblages and coastal sedimentary facies succession in the deltaic plain of the Colorado River (Argentina) were studied in order to reconstruct the environment conditions in response to Holocene eustatic sea-level changes and delta progradation. Samples were selected from a 200˗cm core (39°35’52” S, 62°6’43” W). Chronology was based on radiocarbon datings in bulk samples and mollusk shells. Nine lithological units were recognized where fine and very fine sand predominate. The core sediments were dominated by tychoplanktonic coastal-marine diatoms. The accompanying flora included stable marine-coastal taxa and allochthonous fluvial fresh-brackish species. Three diatom zones (DZ) were established based on cluster analyses. The LCH site was significantly affected by Late Pleistocene and Holocene sea˗level fluctuations, and the progradation of the deltaic lobe during the last ca. 7,000 14C yr. BP. Ancient tidal channels were flooded in the early Holocene postglacial transgression. Erosive and re˗working processes associated with the formation of estuarine channels, affected valves preservation, yielding with barren sections. Tidal flats and marshes have developed in the area during the late Holocene regression phase. The comparison of the sedimentary sequence with deltaic facies evolution models, confirm the presence of a hiatus, which masks the Holocene Maximum and highstand. Argentina (Argentina sealevel sea level 200cm cm 200 39°3552 393552 39°35 52 39 35 (39°35’52 S 62°643 62643 62°6 43 62 6 62°6’43 W. W . W) shells predominate coastalmarine marine diatoms marinecoastal freshbrackish fresh brackish species DZ (DZ analyses fluctuations ca 7000 7 000 7,00 C yr BP transgression reworking re working preservation sections phase models hiatus highstand 20 3552 39°355 39355 3935 39°3 5 3 (39°35’5 643 62°64 6264 626 62° 4 62°6’4 700 00 7,0 2 355 393 39° (39°35’ 64 62°6’ 70 0 7, (39°35 (39°3 (39° (39 (3 (

RESUMO A costa semiárida do Rio Grande do Norte e do Ceará se destacam entre os maiores produtores de sal marinho do Brasil. A totalidade da produção do primeiro estado e grande parte da produção do segundo é oriunda de um trecho de linha de costa côncavo em relação ao Atlântico, denominado Costa Branca da Costa Semiárida Brasileira. Este trecho apresenta características climáticas a conferir maior produtividade à atividade salineira. Neste trabalho analisam-se dados da dinâmica natural dos condicionantes a influenciar no potencial produtivo do empreendimento salineiro. Nele se constatou que as áreas das planícies flúvio-marinhas dos rios Mossoró e Açu e da planície de maré de Galinhos-Guamaré apresentam maior potencial para produção de sal marinho do Brasil e posto: os solos serem menos permeáveis; o transporte longitudinal de sedimentos e também o assoreamento dos estuários por parte das dunas móveis ser diminuto; a salinidade natural da água ser mais elevada devido ao maior confinamento dela no continente; e maior a deposição de sedimentos das frações silte e argila.

ABSTRACT Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará stand out among the largest producers of sea salt in Brazil. The entire production of Rio Grande do Norte and much of the production of sea salt of Ceará come from a stretch of concave coastline in relation to the Atlantic called Concave Excerpt of semiarid Brazilian East Coast. This section presents climatic characteristics providing increased productivity to salt activity. This study presents data from the natural dynamic of constraints that influence the productive potential of a salt-development. After analysis, it was found that the areas of fluvial-marine plains of Mossoró and Açu rivers and tidal flat in Galinhos-Guamaré are those with the highest potential for production of sea salt in Brazil. The great vocation of these areas for the production of sea salt is due to the following factors: the soils are less permeable; the longshore transport of sediments and also the siltation of estuaries by the dunes are not important; natural water salinity is higher due to its greater confinement on the continent; and being larger the deposit of sediments of silt and clay fractions.

RESUMEN Rio Grande do Norte et Ceará se distinguent parmi les plus grands producteurs de sel de mer au Brésil. Toute la production du Rio Grande do Norte et grande partie de la production de sel de mer du Ceará sont originaires d'une étendue de côte concave par rapport à l´Océan Atlantic nommée Morceau Concave Est de la Côte Semi-Aride du Nord-Est du Brésil. Cette partie présente des caractéristiques climatiques qui accordent une plus grande productivité a l'activité salinière. Cette étude analyse la dynamique naturelle des conditions qui portent influence sur le potentiel de production de sel. Suite aux analyses, il a été constaté que les zones de plaines fluviales-marines de rivières Mossoró et Açu et l'estuaire-estran de Galinhos-Guamaré sont ceux qui ont présenté le plus grand potentiel pour la production de sel de mer au Brésil. La grande vocation de ces zones pour la production de sel de mer se doit aux facteurs suivants : les sols sont moins perméables ; le transport des sédiments longitudinaux est moins important ; les estuaires sons moins ensables par les dunes ; la salinité de l'eau de mer est plus élevée en raison d'un plus grand confinement sur le continent; et les basins sont plus envasés par les fractions fines composés de silt et argile.

Abstract: The identification of topographic lineaments on Digital Elevation Models, high-resolution bathymetric soundings, and an ordinary Kriging prediction map provide the basis for refinement of the traces of known fault zones associated with the Norumbega Fault System in the seacoast region of New Hampshire. On the present topography, simple Euler poles analysis suggests the association of the course of the Piscataqua and the Cocheco rivers with the mechanics of emplacement of the Mesozoic Agamenticus Complex. Topographic profiles, bathymetric soundings, structural analysis of brittle structures, and an ordinary Kriging prediction map of the bedrock topography support the presence of a sub-circular structure that is being interpreted as related to a subsurface plutonic body. An extensional regime model is being presented to illustrate the possible tectonic evolution of Great Bay tidal estuary.

Resumen: La identificación de lineamientos topográficos en modelos digitales de elevación, en sondeos batimétricos de alta resolución y en un mapa predictivo de la topografía del lecho rocoso, permite precisar las trazas de fallas asociadas al Sistema Norumbega, en la costa de New Hampshire. El análisis de polos simples de Euler sugiere que la formación del cauce de los ríos Cocheco y Piscataqua muy probablemente estuvo relacionada con los mecanismos de emplazamiento del Complejo Agamenticus del Mesozoico. Los análisis en perfiles topográficos, sondeos batimétricos, topografía del lecho rocoso y el análisis estructural de la deformación frágil confirman la presencia de un cuerpo plutónico sub-circular no expuesto. Finalmente, presentamos un modelo que explica, tentativamente, la evolución tectónica del estuario Great Bay.

A hidrografia e a oceanografia de zonas oceânicas profundas são áreas de trabalho dispendiosas e consequentemente em países com menores recursos financeiros existe normalmente maior carência de dados “in situ”. Este trabalho pretende contribuir para demonstrar que com base em pouca informação local é possível aumentar de forma económica o nosso conhecimento através da combinação de dados e de modelos matemáticos. No presente trabalho é efectuado um estudo da hidrodinâmica forçada pela maré na região do Arquipélago de Cabo Verde e é a analisada a sensibilidade da solução ao vento. O trabalho é baseado no modelo numérico MOHID em modo bidimensional. Os dados batimétricos foram extraídos da base de dados da NASA SRTM 30 (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) e a linha de costa foi extraída da base de dados do NGDC (National Geophysical Data Center). A maré na fronteira oceânica do modelo foi imposta utilizando resultados do modelo global de maré FES2004 e o vento foi imposto utilizando resultados do modelo meteorológico GFS (Global Forecasting System). O sistema de modelação é baseado num modelo de escala regional com passo espacial de 6 km (nível 1), no qual foram encaixados dois modelos de passo espacial de 3 km (nível 2) para detalhar os resultados do escoamento em zonas de menor profundidade - e maior complexidade morfológica - onde o vento tem afecta o escoamento em toda a coluna de água e pode ser representado por um modelo 2D. Os níveis de maré calculados pelo modelo foram comparados com os únicos dados de marés existentes, numa estação localizada no Porto de Palmeira, ilha do Sal para o ano de 2000. A comparação dos resultados do modelo com os dados mostra que o modelo representa corretamente os níveis de maré neste local. Os resultados do modelo mostram também que as correntes nas zonas menos profundas - zonas costeiras e canais entre ilhas - são sensíveis ao forçamento atmosférico, sugerindo que esta sensibilidade poderá estender-se a zonas de maior profundidade na presença de estratificação vertical. A circulação residual em torno das ilhas é o principal produto deste trabalho, com interesse directo para a gestão costeira e sobre a qual não existia nenhuma informação para a região, nem proveniente de medições, nem de outros modelos.

The hydrography and oceanography in deep ocean areas are expensive if based only upon fieldwork and, as a result, countries with smaller financial resources have few data from in situ measurements. This work aims to contribute to demonstrate that based on little local information it is possible to increase our knowledge through the use of numerical models. This paper describes a study of the tidal propagation in the Cape Verde Islands region and the currents induced by the tide assesses the importance of the wind for the circulation using the numerical model MOHID in a two-dimensional mode. The bathymetric data were extracted from the database of NASA SRTM 30 (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and the coast line was extracted from the database of NGDC (National Geophysical Data Center). The tide along the oceanic boundary of the model was imposed using the results from the FES2004 model and the wind was imposed using the GFS (Global Forecasting System) meteorological model results. The modeling system is based on a regional scale model with a spatial step of 6 km (level 1) in which two models with a spatial step 3 km (level 2) were fitted to detail the results of the flow in shallower areas of greater morphological complexity where a 2D model and reproduce the effect of wind forcing. Comparison between computed and measured levels in a station located in Palmeira harbor, Sal Island - the only available measuring station - for the year 2000, shows that the model is able to represent the tide in this location. The model results also show that the currents in the shallower areas along and between islands are very sensitive to the atmospheric forcing, suggesting that this sensitivity may extend to zones of greater depth in the presence of vertical stratification. The residual circulation is the main product of this study with interest for coastal management. It is a completely new result, about which there was no information either from field work or from other models.

ResumoEstuários apresentam um gradiente ambiental que varia de condições próximas a de água doce a condições quase marinhas. A salinidade e o alagamento são os principais fatores abióticos para as plantas. Por isso, a zonação vegetal em estuários está proximamente relacionada aos ciclos da maré. É esperado que as habilidades competitivas das plantas sejam inversamente relacionadas à tolerância ao estresse ambiental (tradeoff). Assim, em estuários, a zonação vegetal tende a ser controlada pelo ambiente, próximo à barra, e pela competição, longe da mesma. Esse padrão de zonação tem sido proposto para estuários regulares não tropicais. Para estuários tropicais, a importância relativa da chuva é maior, e não é claro até que ponto esse modelo pode ser extrapolado. Nós medimos a influência da maré ao longo do gradiente ambiental de um estuário tropical irregular e quantificamos a importância relativa do ambiente e o grau de correlação. Contrariamente à ocorrência estreita que seria esperada para estuários regulares, as plantas apresentaram amplas zonas de ocorrência. No entanto, a importância relativa do ambiente e da competição seguiram os mesmos padrões propostos para estuários regulares. As condições ambientais permitem às plantas ocorrerem em zonas mais amplas, mas estas zonas resultam de pontos ocasionais, e as populações da maioria das espécies estão concentradas em zonas relativamente estreitas. Desse modo, concluímos que o padrão de zonação no estuário do Rio Massaguaçu está de acordo com o modelo tradeoff.

AbstractEstuaries present an environmental gradient that ranges from almost fresh water conditions to almost marine conditions. Salinity and flooding are the main abiotic drivers for plants. Therefore, plant zonation in estuaries is closely related to the tidal cycles. It is expected that the competitive abilities of plants would be inversely related to the tolerance toward environmental stress (tradeoff). Thus, in estuaries, plant zonation tends to be controlled by the environment near the sandbar and by competition away from it. This zonation pattern has been proposed for regular non-tropical estuaries. For tropical estuaries, the relative importance of rain is higher, and it is not clear to what extent this model can be extrapolated. We measured the tidal influence along the environmental gradient of a tropical irregular estuary and quantified the relative importance of the environment and the co-occurrence degree. Contrary to the narrow occurrence zone that would be expected for regular estuaries, plants presented large occurrence zones. However, the relative importance of the environment and competition followed the same patterns proposed for regular estuaries. The environmental conditions allow plants to occur in larger zones, but these zones arise from smaller and infrequent patches distributed across a larger area, and most species populations are concentrated in relatively narrow zones. Thus, we concluded that the zonation pattern in the Massaguaçu River estuary agrees with the tradeoff model.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o status ecológico da ictiofauna em um distrito industrial (rio Pará, estuário Amazônico), através do uso de diferentes descritores ambientais. Para avaliar o impacto da zona industrial e terminal de cargas, três áreas foram consideradas: Zona 1 (máximo impacto), Zona 2 (médio risco) e Zona 3 (baixo impacto). Um total de 77 espécies foi capturado. Diferenças na composição da ictiofauna foram encontradas em todas as zonas e ambientes (canal principal e canal de maré). Os índices ecológicos revelaram alterações da comunidade de peixes na área do distrito industrial. Na Zona 1 houve uma redução no número de categorias tróficas (no canal principal) e de peixes de grande porte e o índice de diversidade de Shannon e a riqueza de Margalef foram significativamente mais baixos. A análise multivariada separou as Zonas em três grupos, indicando diferenças marcantes no nível de contaminação nas diferentes áreas de estudo.

The objective of the present study was to describe the ecological status of ichthyofauna in an industrial district (Pará river, Amazon estuary), through the use of different environmental descriptors. To evaluate the impacts of the industrial area and cargo terminal, three areas were considered: Zone 1 (maximum impact), Zone 2 (median impact) and Zone 3 (low impact). A total of 77 species were captured. Differences in the composition of the ichthyofauna were recorded between Zones and environments (main channel and tidal channel). The ecological indices revealed clear evidence of the impact of the industrial hub and cargo terminal on the fish communities. In Zone 1, there was a reduction in the number of feeding groups (in the main channel) and larger fish and the Shannon diversity index and Margalef's richness were also significantly lower. The multivariate analysis separated the different Zones clearly into three groups, indicating marked differences in the levels of contamination in the different parts of the study area.

Se estudió la distribución especial de los macroinvertebrados asociados al intermareal rocoso de la Isla Gorgona, Colombia (Pacífico Oriental Tropical). Los muestreos se hicieron en cuatro localidades alrededor de la Isla: La Ventana y La Camaronera (muestreadas durante Octubre de 2010) y La Mancora y El Muelle (muestreadas durante Marzo de 2011). Se usaron dos métodos: evaluaciones ecológicas rápidas para datos cualitativos y cuadrantes para datos cuantitativos. Se calcularon la riqueza, la abundancia, la diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (H’), y la equidad de Pielou (J’) de las muestras y se compararon, usando ANOVA de una vía, entre las diferentes localidades y las tres zonas intermareales de La Ventana (ver métodos). Se encontraron 121 especies de macroinvertebrados durante el estudio. En todas las localidades, Mollusca fue el taxón más rico y abundante (46% de las especies y 59% de los individuos), seguido por Crustacea (32% de las especies y 33% de los individuos). Los otros grupos equivalieron al 22% de la riqueza y menos 8% de la abundancia. Muchos estudios han mostrado que los moluscos y los crustáceos son los taxa más ricos y abundantes en las comunidades bentónicas marinas. La mayoría de las especies más abundantes fueron herbívoros. La composición específica varió entre zonas. Los resultados de las especies dominantes para cada zona son consistentes con los observados en otras costas rocosas intermareales tropicales. Todas las variables de respuesta mostraron un patrón decreciente desde la zona intermareal baja a la alta (en La Ventana). Los resultados post-hoc indicaron que la zona superior, la zona con las condiciones ambientales más rigurosas, tuvo valores significativamente más bajos que las otras dos zonas para todas las variables de respuesta. Las comparaciones entre las zonas intermareales bajas de las diferentes localidades en la Isla Gorgona mostraron valores más altos en todas las variables de respuesta para las localidades con charcos intermareales. Las localidades más homogéneas topográficamente mostraron la riqueza, abundancia y diversidad más bajas. Se conoce que tanto los charcos intermareales como la heterogeneidad y/o microtopografía del sustrato ofrecen refugio a los organismos habitantes del intermareal contra condiciones físicas extremas. Los resultados sugieren que el estrés ambiental, la heterogeneidad y la estabilidad son factores importantes que afectan la distribución espacial de las especies de macroinvertebrados de las costas rocosas intermareales de la Isla Gorgona.

Organisms found on rocky shores must endure harsh environmental conditions during tidal changes but scientific studies on tropical rocky shores are scarce, particularly in Colombian shores. Here we describe the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrates associated to the intertidal rocky ecosystems of Gorgona Island, Colombia (Tropical Eastern Pacific). Sampling was carried out in four localities around the Island: La Ventana and La Camaronera (sampled during October 2010) and La Mancora and El Muelle (sampled during March 2011). Two methodologies were used: rapid ecological assessments for qualitative data and quadrats for quantitative data. The richness, abundance, diversity (Shannon-Wiener H’), and evenness (Pielou J’) of macroinvertebrates were determined for and compared between, using one way ANOVA, each locality and the three intertidal zones of La Ventana (see methods). One hundred twenty-one species of macroinvertebrates were found during the sampling period. In all localities, Mollusca was the richest and most abundant taxon (46% of the species and 59% of the individuals), followed by Crustacea (32% of the species and 33% of the individuals). The other groups accounted for the remaining 22% of the richness and 8% of the abundance. Several studies have demonstrated that mollusks and crustaceans are the richest and most abundant taxa in marine benthic communities. Most of the abundant species found were herbivores. The species composition varied among zones. The results of dominant species for each zone are consistent with the ones observed in other tropical rocky intertidal shores. All response variables showed a decreasing pattern from the low to the high intertidal (in La Ventana). Post-hoc results indicated that the high intertidal, the zone with the harshest environmental conditions, had significantly lower values than the other two zones for all response variables. Comparisons between the low intertidal zones of the different localities in Gorgona Island showed higher values in all response variables for localities with intertidal pools. The most topographically homogeneous localities showed the lowest richness, abundance, and diversity. Both, tide pools and substrate heterogeneity and/or micro-topography are known to offer refuge against extreme physical conditions to the intertidal dwelling organisms. Results suggest that environmental stress, heterogeneity, and stability are important factors affecting the spatial distribution of macroinvertebrate species on intertidal rocky shores of Gorgona Island. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 189-198. Epub 2014 February 01.

Com base em dados sedimentológicos e geoquímicos, este trabalho relaciona medições espectrofotométricas com a composição do sedimento, e sua aplicação em estudos paleoecológicos das áreas alagáveis da Amazônia. Os dados CIELAB estão diretamente relacionados à composição mineralógica e química dos sedimentos, especialmente quartzo, oxihidróxidos e sulfetos de ferro, e carbono orgânico total. Conteúdos de carbono orgânico total entre 0,4-1%, 1-2%, 3-5% e 15-40% foram relacionados a dados de L* (luminosidade) de 27, 26-15, 7-10 e 7 ou menos, respectivamente. Os valores CIELAB de um depósito com turfa em Marabá, Pará, foram proporcionais a variações no conteúdo de quartzo e carbono orgânico total, mas mudanças nas zonas de cores similares, principalmente nos valores de +a* (vermelho) e +b* (amarelo), ao longo de outros depósitos em Calçoene, Amapá e Soure, Pará, indicam uma relação muito próxima entre os conteúdos de carbono orgânico total, oxihidróxidos e sulfetos de ferro. Além disso, o diagrama Q7/4 (razão entre valores percentuais de refletância em 700 nm e 400 nm, juntamente com dados de L*) indicou sedimentos ricos em ferro para a fácies lama bioturbada no depósito do Amapá, fácies lama bioturbada e areia bioturbada do depósito de Soure, e das fácies areia com laminação cruzada e areia maciça do depósito de Marabá. Ainda, sedimentos ricos em carbono orgânico foram encontrados na lama bioturbada no depósito do Amapá, fácies heterolítica lenticular e lama bioturbada do depósito de Soure, e das fácies lama laminado e turfa do depósito de Marabá. Na área de Marabá, os dados sugerem uma influência autóctone com formação de turfa. As áreas de zonas úmidas costeiras no Marajó e Amapá representam o desenvolvimento típico de planícies de maré com formação de sulfetos e oxihidróxidos de ferro durante alternâncias entre inundação e exposição.

Based on sedimentological and geochemical data, this work relates spectrophotometric measurements with sediment composition and its application in palaeoecological studies of Amazon wetlands. The CIELAB values are directly related to mineralogical and chemical composition, mostly involving quartz, iron oxyhydroxides and sulfides (e.g. pyrite), and total organic carbon. Total organic carbon contents between 0.4-1%, 1-2%, 3-5% and 15-40% were related to L* (lightness) data of 27, 26-15, 7-10 and 7 or less, respectively. The CIELAB values of a deposit in Marabá, Pará, were proportional to variations in quartz and total organic carbon contents, but changes in zones of similar color, mainly in the +a* (red) and +b* (yellow) values of deposits in Calçoene, Amapá and Soure, Pará, indicate a close relationship between total organic carbon content and iron oxyhydroxides and sulfides. Furthermore, the Q7/4 diagram (ratio between the % re?ectance value at 700 nm to that at 400 nm, coupled with L*) indicated iron-rich sediments in the bioturbated mud facies of the Amapá deposit, bioturbated mud and bioturbated sand facies of Soure deposit, and cross-laminated sand and massive sand facies of the Marabá core. Also, organic-rich sediments were found in the bioturbated mud facies of the Amapá deposit, lenticular heterolithic and bioturbated mud facies of the Soure deposit, and laminated mud and peat facies of the Marabá deposit. At the Marabá site, the data suggest an autochthonous influence with peat formation. The coastal wetland sites at Marajó and Amapá represent the development of a typical tidal flat setting with sulfide and iron oxyhydroxides formation during alternated flooding and drying.

The utilization of estuaries as nursery zones for fish and invertebrates is widely known, but differences in the success of resource exploitation vary between resident and opportunistic estuarine species. The distribution and diet of larval Myxodes viridis (Pisces, Clinidae) were studied at 2 locations (up-estuary and down-estuary) in the Corral Bay estuary, one of the largest estuaries in southern Chile, during the austral spring 2009 at 3 depths (surface, pycnocline, deep) during the flood and ebb of 4 tidal cycles. Larvae were collected mostly at the down-estuary station during the ebb phase. Feeding incidence was also greater during the ebb phase; larvae changed from omnivory to carnivory as they developed, predating mainly on nauplii and calanoid copepodites. Although the feeding success was similar for each developmental stage along the water column, diet of preflexion and flexion larvae was different in the first 3-4 m depth (surface and pycnocline) in relation to deeper waters (7-10 m depth, near to the bottom). This suggests that the pycnocline may affect the composition of the diet of small, larval M. viridis but not the size, number or volume of ingested prey. Additionally, because foraging is predominantly based on the different life stages of copepods, larvae emerging during the ebb tide may increase the off-estuary advection into nearby shelf waters, indicating that this species is not a user of the estuary during its early development.

Es ampliamente reconocida la utilización de estuarios como zonas de crianza para peces e invertebrados, pero el éxito en la explotación de los recursos variará entre las especies residentes del estuario y las oportunistas. Se estudió la distribución y dieta de larvas de Myxodes viridis (Pisces, Clinidae) en 2 localidades del estuario de Bahía Corral (estuario-arriba y estuario-abajo), uno de los estuarios más grandes del sur de Chile, durante la primavera austral de 2009 a 3 profundidades (superficie, picnoclina, profundo) durante la fase llenante y vaciante de 4 ciclos mareales. Las larvas fueron recolectadas principalmente en la estación estuario-abajo durante fase vaciante. La incidencia alimentaria también fue mayor en la fase vaciante; las larvas cambiaron de omnivoría a carnivoría a medida que se desarrollaban, depredando principalmente sobre nauplii y copepoditos calanoideos. Aunque el éxito alimentario fue similar para cada estado de desarrollo en la columna de agua, la dieta de larvas en preflexión y flexión estuvo basada en diferentes ítems presa dentro de los primeros 3-4 m de la columna de agua (superficie y picnoclina) con respecto de aguas más profundas (7-10 m, cerca del fondo). Esto sugiere que la picnoclina pudiera afectar la composición de la dieta de larvas pequeñas de M. viridis, pero no el tamaño, número o volumen de presas ingeridas. Además, ya que el forrajeo está basado predominantemente en diferentes estados de desarrollo de copépodos, las larvas que emergen durante vaciante pueden incrementar la advección fuera del estuario hacia zonas costeras cercanas, indicando que esta especie no es un usuario frecuente del estuario durante su desarrollo larval.

The matte/slag tidal zone in a nickel-copper-iron-sulphide matte smelting furnace is subject to severe process conditions that can lead to premature failure of the lining. The MgO-FeO-SiO2 slag is aggressive to refractory bricks, while the Ni-Cu-Fe-S matte is aggressive to water-cooled copper cooling elements, and can penetrate and sulphidize refractory bricks. A novel approach to the lining design was taken at a PGM smelting furnace, where an indirectly-cooled graphite ring was applied in the matte/slag tidal zone, with refractory bricks on the hot face. The graphite was cooled by the copper cooling elements in the slag zone, obviating the need for copper cooling elements in the tidal zone. In this paper the effectiveness of different lining designs utilizing varying degrees of cooling in the slag zone and slag/matte tidal zones is compared. In comparison to water-cooled copper in various configurations, cooled graphite shows promise as an indirect refractory cooling system in the tidal zone area of furnaces.

As formações de restinga são predominantes por toda a costa brasileira e diversas são as conotações empregadas para essas formações, seja referindo-se à composição vegetal, ou seja, no sentido geológico. A vegetação ocorrente sobre as planícies costeiras brasileiras, onde se enquadram as Restingas, tem recebido um tratamento muito heterogêneo pelos pesquisadores e estudiosos que atuaram ou atuam na área. Diferentes fitofisionomias de restinga podem ocorrer em apenas um trecho da costa brasileira. Apesar da área de estudo se tratar de uma APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental, os estudos sobre a vegetação de restinga são ainda escassos. As regiões litorâneas principalmente as Restingas, vem sofrendo ao longo dos tempos com a degradação e perdas ambientais, devido ao grande e crescente desenvolvimento imobiliário e turístico devido a sua beleza cênica ambiental. O objetivo deste trabalho permeiou em contribuir ao conhecimento da vegetação das restingas do Litoral Norte da Bahia através de analises florísticas e fitossociológicas de um trecho da vegetação em Massarandupió, no município de Entre Rios-BA, Brasil, a fim de subsidiar a indicação de áreas prioritárias para a criação de Unidades de Conservação mais restritivas dentro da APA - Área de Proteção Ambiental do Litoral Norte do Estado da Bahia. Para o levantamento floristico, foram realizadas caminhadas por trilhas escolihas aleatoriamente, enquanto que para a amostragem fitossociológica, apenas foram consideradas as fisionomias lenhosas terrestres (arbustivo-arbórea e arbórea). Nestas foram distribuídas 5 parcelas de 10x10m cada ao longo de transecções de 200m, perfazendo um total de 2000m² de área amostrada. Na fisionomia arbórea foram amostrados todos os indivíduos com CAP=10cm enquanto que para a arbustiva-arbórea, os indivíduos que apresentaram CAS=5cm foram amostrados. Foram coletadas informações sobre o número de indivíduos de todas as espécies inclusas nas parcelas além da estimativa visual das alturas. Foram caracterizadas e identificadas quatro fitofisionomias: a) Manguezal, b) Zonas Úmidas, c) Mata de Restinga, d) Restingas em Moitas e Vegetação Praial. Foram identificadas 136 espécies distribuídas em 59 familias botânicas, sendo as famílias de maior riqueza específica Cyperaceae (12) Fabaceae (10), Asteraceae (7), Arecaceae (7) Myrtaceae (5), Rubiaceae (5), Araceae (4), Clusiaceae (4), Poaceae (4) e Melastomataceae (4). Quanto aos dados fitossociológicos, na Mata de Restinga a espécie mais importante é Coccoloba alnifolia (VI = 151,90), enquanto que Alibertia sp. (VI = 117,95) é espécie mais importante na Restinga em Moitas. Dentre as espécies identificadas a Poecilanthe itapuana e Bactris soeiroana são endêmicas para o Litoral Norte do Estado da Bahia, além das espécies ditas focais e com distribuições restritas ao longo do Litoral Brasileiro. Neste sentido é de extrema importância a conservação da vegetação local, haja vista a sua complexidade ecológica e a pressão da implantação de grandes projetos hoteleiros, aspectos relevantes para a delimitação do perímetro das Unidades de Conservação (UC's).

Restinga formations are prevalent throughout the Brazilian coast and there are several connotations used for these formations, is referring to the vegetation composition, in other words, in geologic sense. The vegetation found in coastal plains, where restingas are found, has received a very heterogeneous treatment by researchers who have worked or work in the field. Different restinga physiognomies can occur in only a part of the Brazilian coast. Although the study area it is an EPA - Environmental Protection Area, studies about restinga vegetation are still shortage. The coastal regions especially Restingas, has suffered over time with environmental degradation and growing estate development and tourism because of its natural beauty. The objective of this work is to contribute to knowledge about restingas vegetation of the North Coast of Bahia through floristic and phytosociological analysis of the components shrubs - a stretch of arboreal vegetation in Massarandupió in the city of Entre Rios, Bahia, Brazil, in order subsidizing an indication of priority areas for the creation of protected areas within the more restrictive area inside the EPA - Environmental Protection Area of the North Coast of Bahia. For the floristic analysis were performed random walks across the polygon of interest, while for phytosociological sampling, were leased a transect of 200 m with 5 parcels of 10x10m in each for a total of 2000m ² samples from the individuals that fit the character selection with CAP = 15cm for trees and shrubs in the areas of Restinga Forest and CAS = 5cm for individuals in the "Restinga's Moita" beyond count of specimens and measurement of visual height. Were characterized and identified four vegetation types. a) Mangrove: Throughout Subaúma River estuarine zone located in the city of Massarandupió, Bahia, Brazil represents one of the main ecosystems of object extraction, and the vegetation characteristic of the species Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa are much more frequent in areas at higher tidal influence; b) Wetlands: In the pleistocene marine terraces can be caused or flood plains of river systems (perennial) or zones of deflation of the dune fields tipe "blowout" (non-perennial systems). In perennial systems that are constantly supplied by continental drainage occurs a peculiar vegetation, with a predominance of herbaceous plants; c) the Restinga Forest: This forest type is associated with older sediments of pleistocene alluvial or occurrence in areas downwind of the dune system "blowout" where local environmental conditions favor the formation of a forest sclerophyllous forest with physiognomy closed with canopy readily apparent with 7-10m in height, in this training is the most common species Kilmeyera reticulata, Coccoloba alnifolia, Ouratea suaveolans, Myrcia rostrata; d) in Restingas Clumps: An open physiognomy with vegetation arranged in clumps, or as islands of vegetation interspersed with clean soil, herbaceous or sub-shrub. The bushes mostly have one or a few tree species that can reach up to 4-5 meters high, they almost always prominent in a central position in the bush as Clusia hilariana, Manilkara salzmanii, Emmotum affine and Coccoloba alnifolia that suggesting function facilitator e) Vegetation Praial: here we found a small number of species, small and creeping appearance, being somewhat variable in width, generally not exceeding 50m extension on cord on the dunes and dune-front locations. Some shrubs occur as Chrysobalanus icaco. As regards the provision of the species, would Remiria maritima and Panicum racemosum, both stoloniferous, with Marsypianthes chamaedrys, Panicum racemosum and Chamaesyce hyssopifolia are common throughout the cord-dune. Ipomoea pes-capre and Ipomoea stolonifera near the line of the beach, usually not exceeding in the first 25m from the beginning of the vegetation toward the mainland. In floristic analysis 124 species were identified, that the richest families are Cyperaceae (11), Fabaceae (10), Asteraceae (7), Arecaceae (6) Myrtaceae (5), Rubiaceae (5), Araceae (4), Clusiaceae (4) and Melastomataceae (4). For the phytosociological information, especially in Restinga Forest, the most important species are Coccoloba alnifolia (VI = 151.90), while Alibertia sp. (VI = 117.95) is the most important species in restinga bushes. In compilations where floristic and phytosociological demonstrate the connectivity of the vegetation types, vegetation characteristics for both in size and species, as described by the geomorphology of the area. Among the species identified Bactris soeiroana and Poecilanthe itapuana are endemic to the northern coast of Bahia, in addition to said focal species and restricted distributions along the Brazilian coast. In this regard it is of utmost importance to conservation of local vegetation, due to their ecological complexity and pressure of the deployment of large hotel projects, aspects relevant to the delimitation of the boundaries of Conservation Units (CUs).

The tempo-spatial variation of macrobenthic communities was studied on a tidal flat of Wenzhou Bay, China from November 2003 to August 2004. We collected 38 macrobenthic species belonging to 23 families, 8 classes and 7 phyla, most of which were arthropods and molluscs. Species richness, density and biodiversity significantly differed between tidal zones, seasons and the interaction between them. The tempo-spatial variations of the macrobenthic communities were also shown in cluster and ordination analysis. The middle tidal zone during autumn tends to have the highest values of the community descriptors. Thus, tidal zone and seasons have significant roles in structuring these communities.

Saltmarsh foraminifera are used as indicators of sea-level change which occurs during the Holocene. In Chile however, the saltmarsh foraminifera have been poorly studied, so it is unknown the feasibility of using them for this purpose. To address this issue, a research was conducted in the intertidal Quillaipe Inlet, Chile, in order to determine the vertical distribution of foraminifera and to analyze the parameters that explain their distribution and determine the species that are useful as indicators of sea level. The results revealed 18 species (nine calcareous and nine agglutinated) distributed in two zones (I and II). Zone I was restricted to the saltmarsh and inhabited exclusively by agglutinated community. Here, diversity (H' = 0.567), pH (6.6) and salinity (18.7) values were low with a dominance of agglutinated species Haplophragmoides manilaensis. Zone II was restricted to tidal fíat and inhabited by a calcareous-agglutinated community. In contrast, diversity (H' = 0.909), pH (7.7) and salinity (32.8) values were higher, and the dominant species was the calcareous Ammonia beccarii. On the other hand, the agglutinated association Trochamminita salsa-Jadammina macrescens was restricted to the top of the saltmarsh and to low salinity and pH values. We conclude that the distribution of foraminifera is controlled by salinity, pH and the elevation of intertidal área and suggest that Trochamminita salsa-Jadammina macrescens association could be used as indicators of the maximum sea-level in the Quillaipe Inlet.

Los foraminíferos de las marismas salobres son utilizados como indicadores del cambio producido en el nivel del mar durante el Holoceno. No obstante, los foraminíferos de las marismas de Chile han sido escasamente estudiados por lo que se desconoce la factibilidad de utilizarlos para este fin. Para subsanar esto se desarrolló una investigación en el intermareal de la ensenada de Quillaipe, Chile, con los objetivos de determinar los foraminíferos y su distribución vertical; analizar los parámetros que explican su distribución y determinar las especies que son útiles como indicadoras del nivel del mar. Los resultados revelaron 18 especies (nueve aglutinadas y nueve calcáreas) distribuidas en dos grandes Zonas (I y II). La Zona I se restringió a la parte más alta y vegetada del intermareal (marisma) y estuvo habitada solo por taxa aglutinados. Aquí se registraron bajos valores de diversidad (H' = 0.567), pH (6.6) y salinidad (18.7) y un dominio de la especie aglutinada Haplophragmoides manilaensis. En cambio, la Zona II se limitó a la zona menos elevada y sin vegetación del intermareal (llanura de marea) y estuvo habitada por una comunidad calcárea-aglutinada. Contrariamente, los valores de diversidad (H' = 0.909), pH (7.7) y salinidad (32.8) fueron más altos, y la especie dominante fue la calcárea Ammonia beccarii. Por otro lado, la asociación aglutinada Trochamminita salsa-Jadammina macrescens se restringió a la parte más alta de la marisma y a los valores más bajos de salinidad y pH. Estos antecedentes permiten concluir que la distribución de los foraminíferos está controlada por la salinidad, el pH y la elevación del intermareal y que la asociación Trochamminita salsa-Jadammina macrescens son indicadoras del máximo nivel del mar en la ensenada de Quillaipe.