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The human respiratory tract microbiome (RTM) is a multi-kingdom microbial ecosystem that inhabits various niches along the respiratory tract (RT). The RTM contributes to host health by stimulating the immune system and protecting against pathogen infection. Colonization of the RT occurs through defined ecological succession events that have short-term and long-term health consequences. Several intrinsic factors (microbial interactions) and extrinsic factors (underscoring the environment) play a significant role in the establishment and ecology of the RTM. Disturbance events, such as antibiotic intake, significantly alter the RTM's ecology and equilibrium. A thriving multi-kingdom microbial ecosystem inhabits the respiratory tract: the respiratory tract microbiome (RTM). In recent years, the contribution of the RTM to human health has become a crucial research aspect. However, research into the key ecological processes, such as robustness, resilience, and microbial interaction networks, has only recently started. This review leans on an ecological framework to interpret the human RTM and determine how the ecosystem functions and assembles. Specifically, the review illustrates the ecological RTM models and discusses microbiome establishment, community structure, diversity stability, and critical microbial interactions. Lastly, the review outlines the RTM responses to ecological disturbances, as well as the promising approaches for restoring ecological balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserving natural resources and halting biodiversity loss are key environmental objectives of the European Union. High Nature Value farmland and forest (HNVFF) areas are associated with high biodiversity and other public goods. Currently, there are few dedicated HNV farmland and no HNV forest quality and quantity monitoring systems implemented in Europe, and none are in use in the Republic of Ireland. This study presents a conceptual framework to monitor quality, quantity, and change of HNVFF areas in the Republic of Ireland. The methods were tested using a set of monad sampling cells distributed across a range of representative landscapes. High resolution sampling cell habitat cover maps were developed using a national spatial database and recent orthoimagery, and a subsequent revision of the cell maps was performed using historical orthoimagery. This enabled a simulation of a 13-year monitoring cycle to compare trends in HNV farmland and forest quality, quantity, connectivity, and habitat categorical change. A contrasting trend of decreasing HNV farmland and increasing HNV forest quantity was observed over the monitoring period.Categorical habitat change detection identified a range of HNV habitat loss and gain, driven predominantly by land use intensification, but also by ecological succession and technogenic pressures. To upscale the monitoring to national scale, a sampling strategy using a recent landscape classification is proposed. The national monitoring approach aims to meet the needs of evolving policy requirements. This provides a useful example for countries seeking to establish their HNVFF and other land cover monitoring systems. [Display omitted] • We present a novel framework to monitor High Nature Value farmland and forests. • A temporal monitoring cycle was simulated to compare trends in HNV habitats. • Contrasting trends in HNV farmland and forest quantity and quality were observed. • Categorical change detection identified a range of HNV habitat loss and gain. • The study provides a useful example for other similar landcover monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We applied a novel conceptual framework to guide marine conservation planning after a natural disaster event in an oceanic island. • Quantifying static (richness, abundance, and biomass) and process-based, dynamic, metrics (productivity and turnover) revealed distinct ecosystem trajectories. • Distinct trajectories in ecological metrics were best predicted by body size and trophic composition of reef fishes. • Factoring in fish biomass and productivity served to fine-tune management decisions. Understanding temporal dynamics in ecological communities is key to develop management plans that target sustainability. Process-based metrics quantify dynamic properties of ecological communities, and thereof have been recently advocated as a promising tool to guide management strategies. To date, however, their empirical application has been limited, hindering their utility to inform conservation planning in response to a range of natural and human-driven disturbances. Here, we compare the succession of fish communities after a catastrophic natural event, a volcanic eruption and the formation of nascent reefs, through the lens of complementary static (species richness, abundance, and biomass) and process-based (productivity and turnover) metrics. We found markedly contrasting dynamics between these metrics, particularly when looking at fish biomass and productivity. During incipient stages of community development, fish productivity increased exponentially, whereas the recovery of fish biomass considerably lagged behind, underscoring high rates of biomass replacement (i.e., turnover) in the system. This buffering response (higher production per unit of biomass) was best predicted by average community body size, highlighting the role of compensatory ecological mechanisms during primary ecological succession. Traits related to resource acquisition, particularly the harnessing of planktonic energy subsidies, further enhanced predicted fish biomass and productivity at local scales. This study therefore supports the burgeoning call to inform conservation and management planning through complementary metrics that give a nuanced understanding on ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With large tracts of Tropical Dry Forests (TDF) in the Americas previously deforested, many places are currently undergoing secondary ecological succession. These processes vary in time and space, creating a landscape with forests of different ages or successional stages. These secondary forests need moreneed more understanding about how their ecosystem functionality is restored and recovering along the succession path. In particular, it is poorly understood how different successional stages moderate extremes of Essential Climatic Variables (ECV) such as temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and the fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetic Active Radiation (f APAR). This paper, therefore, studies the linkages between high temporal resolution tower-based optical canopy phenology time series and seasonal changes in local ECV conditions between early (10–12 years) and late (50+ years) successional stage TDF in southeastern Brazil. We compare diurnal and seasonal patterns of understory ECVs between early/late plots and investigate the canopy's Climate Moderating Capacity (CMC). Our data indicate at least 100 mm of precipitation within two weeks is necessary to initiate leaf flushing in this TDF. We also find that soil moisture and daytime air humidity strongly correlate (R2 > 0.75) with seasonal patterns in canopy vegetation greenness indices and f APAR with a cross-correlation time lag peak of 12–15 days. Our results suggest that the late stage is more effective at cooling (−1.4 ± 0.6 °C vs −0.8 ± 0.6 °C) and reducing daytime evaporation (−0.41 ± 0.2 kPa vs −0.18 ± 0.12 °C) in the understory during the growing season than the early stage. Results suggest that the CMC varies with seasonal canopy leaf area dynamics and with heat and moisture scales, becoming significantly stronger when temperatures and vapour pressure deficits were highest, and correlated strongly with canopy f APAR dynamics (R2 = 0.82). These findings demonstrate that TDFs can effectively regain microclimatic buffering capacity. • The study focuses on how early and late successional stages of TDFs restore ecosystem functionality. • Late succession TDFs are more efficient in cooling and reducing daytime evapotranspiration than early succession TDFs. • There is a strong correlation between canopy vegetation greenness indices and seasonal ECVs patterns. • The microclimatic buffering capacity of TDFs is a complex interplay of seasonal leaf area dynamics and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial community associated with aquatic animals begins to assemble from the embryonic stage and plays a vital role in their growth and survival. However, the microbial community of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus during its embryonic period has not yet been studied. In this study, we investigated the embryonic bacterial community (EBC) of this species across the developmental cycle to elucidate its longitudinal dynamics and biotic sources. The results showed that the diversity of the EBC decreased with host development. The composition of the EBC varied across embryonic development, with a high percent of persistent bacteria and the gradual replacement of γ-Proteobacteria (mainly Oceanospirillaceae and Colwelliaceae) by α-Proteobacteria (Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae) as the major signatures of the succession patterns. Moreover, the unique amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) exhibited the highest functional potentials at the cleavage stage, whereas the shared ASVs did so at the later stages. Furthermore, maternal tissue, mainly the ovary and abdominal setae, contributed the most to the EBC, while rearing water contributed minimally. Overall, our results reveal succession patterns and biotic sources of EBC during the developmental cycle, highlighting that the dominance of embryonic bacteria starts from the early stage of embryo and bacterial vertical transmission is of significance during embryonic development. We also suggest the necessity of microbial management from maternal crabs. • The EBC exhibited a decreased α-diversity and a U-shaped succession trajectory of β-diversity across the developmental cycle. • The persistent bacteria dominated EBC with a gradual replacement of γ-Proteobacteria by α-Proteobacteria. • The unique and shared ASVs exhibited respective functional potentials at the cleavage and later stages. • The EBC was mainly sourced from the ovary and abdominal setae of maternal crab. • Bacterial vertical transmission indicates the necessity of microbial management from the maternal crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost is distributed in Eurasia's middle and high latitudes. It incorporates features observed in high-altitude and high-latitude permafrost, yet it possesses unique characteristics and is sensitive to climate and environmental changes. The characteristics of the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost are systematically summarized, including permafrost distribution, taliks, ground ice, active layer thickness, ground temperature, permafrost thickness, and both zonality and non-zonality patterns. Further, this study clarifies the changing characteristics of regional degradation and local growth of permafrost under climate warming and environmental changes. The significant changes occurring in the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost are assessed in terms of their important and ongoing impacts on regional water‑carbon cycles, ecological succession, landscapes and engineering in cold regions. The interchange between beneficial and adverse effects is revealed in the process of permafrost degradation. In the future, a comprehensive understanding of the degradation pattern of the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost necessitates strengthened regional surveys and long-term continuous monitoring. Model development should account for the unique characteristics of the "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost and its environment changes, enhancing the accuracy of research on permafrost change and environmental evolution. Through the systematic and comprehensive elaboration of the mechanisms underlying synergistic permafrost-environment evolution, these efforts will provide a scientific basis for responding to climate warming and promoting sustainable regional development. • The"Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost shows altitude and latitude zonality, with local dryness and longitude zonality. • "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost has exhibited regional degradation and local growth under climate warming and environmental changes. • The degradation of "Xing'an-Baikal" permafrost has beneficial and adverse effects on the water‑carbon cycle, ecology, and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Past stone quarrying induced recent geomorphic processes with a delay of decades. • Tree rings verifies a higher rockfall rate in the quarry compared to natural cliffs. • Freeze-thaw cycles are the main trigger of rockfall in abandoned quarries. • Increased stem diameters of trees cause their more effective protective function. Abandoned quarries are a relatively common form of anthropogenic relief. The rocks disturbed by previous mining activities could foster conditions favourable for future dynamic geomorphic processes on quarry faces. Nevertheless, the activity of such processes, particularly that of rockfall, has not yet been studied in detail. This is of particular importance because human infrastructure is often still present in abandoned quarries, and rockfall can cause distinct natural hazards in such conditions. This study focuses on a multidisciplinary analysis of rockfall in selected abandoned quarry in the region of the Carpathians. A dendrogeomorphic analysis of 807 tree-ring series from 130 disturbed trees occupying the talus provided evidence of 264 tree injuries caused by falling rocks during the last 22 years. The reconstructed frequency of rockfall in quarries is several times higher than that of rockfall from natural localities within the studied region but also in Europe. Next, the seasonal dating of rockfall hits to trees displayed the prominence of such events during the tree dormancy period (ca. October to April), suggesting freeze–thaw cycles as the main trigger (the same as for natural localities in the region). Three species of broad-leaved trees of comparable age were used for the reconstruction, but no differences among the species were detected. The number of rockfall hits on tree trunks decreased significantly with increasing distance from the rockfall source zone, suggesting strong gradation of rockfall activity, compared to natural localities. Generally, the multidisciplinary results suggest very unstable conditions of rocks in abandoned quarries, predisposing them to frequent gravitational events. In contrast, ecological succession after mining termination gradually offers a protective function of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native tree plantation is one of the most common ecological restoration techniques used in tropical forests since it catalyzes ecological succession and contributes to the recovery of ecosystem processes. This study assessed the effect of functional trait composition (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf P, leaf C, leaf N, and wood density), functional diversity (functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, and Rao entropy), and aboveground biomass on soil properties in communities undergoing ecological restoration in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The experiment was conducted in a native tree plantation with four treatments based on ecological species groups that were implemented 19 years ago. Structural equation models were used to assess the role of vegetation attributes (trait composition, functional diversity, and aboveground biomass) on soil properties (chemical properties, respiration, and microbial enzymatic activity). Our results showed that trait composition was a more important driver of changes in soil properties than functional diversity or aboveground biomass. The community-weight mean (CWM) of specific leaf area was negatively associated with soil carbon (-0.63) and soil microbial enzymatic activity (-0.77) and positively related to soil phosphorous content (0.72). Functional diversity (Rao entropy index) was negatively correlated with carbon microbial biomass (-0.89). Aboveground biomass alone did not explain changes in soil ecosystem processes. These results underscore the significance of using plant functional traits as an integrated tool to evaluate the links between below and aboveground components in restoration sites of tropical forests. • Soil processes show a stronger link to plant trait composition than functional diversity. • Specific leaf area has a significant association with soil C and microbial enzymatic activity. • Plant functional traits can be utilized to evaluate soil ecosystem function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military training areas are important biodiversity refuges and may serve as viable components of regional conservation networks, mainly due to the blocking of ecological succession by the disturbance regime creating a heterogeneous open habitat mosaic hosting many threatened species. However, European armies have undergone downsizing over the past decades and numerous military training areas have been abandoned. The assessment of the consequences of this abandonment for biodiversity would show us whether these abandoned areas still provide conservation benefits. For this purpose, we carried out bird surveys in 30 abandoned military training areas in Czechia. The surveys were performed in two periods (2009 and 2020–2021) to track small-scale changes in land cover and bird abundance after the areas were abandoned in the 1990s. We tested (i) whether changes in bird abundance were related to land cover changes and (ii) whether the observed bird species' responses to the land cover changes can be explained by species-specific characteristics. Multivariate spatial analyses uncovered significant shifts in land cover composition towards a higher representation of dense shrub, forest and built-up areas at the expense of open areas represented by grassland and sparse shrub. These land cover changes explained a small but significant part of bird abundance variation across the areas. Correspondingly, species benefiting from these land cover changes were associated with dense scrub or forest, such as the Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, or Eurasian Blackcap, whereas species suffering from these changes were associated with grassland, such as the European Stonechat and Eurasian Skylark. Phylogenetically informed interspecific analysis aiming to explain changes in bird abundance between periods confirmed that population declines were linked to open habitat preference, while population increases were linked to the preference for dense shrub and forest. In addition, we found that protected species increased their abundance, most likely due to the existence of conservation management that kept their habitats available. These patterns indicate that military training areas transform toward later successional stages after their abandonment with corresponding changes in bird community composition. However, these changes may not necessarily be negative provided that species of conservation concern enjoy the support of conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, important biodiversity hotspots have been threatened by land use change, placing several species at risk. Some gaps in environmental licensing system represent challenges for the nature conservation and should be further investigated. Far beyond conservation strategies, the process of legalizing land use of some countries urgently needs to be reviewed, especially in places that host biological megadiversity, such as the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. This is the first multiple case study that evaluates the use of ecological descriptors in environmental impact assessment involving vegetation in different successional stages of the Atlantic Forest. The methodology was divided into two steps, i) the selection of the reports in a public environmental agency of São Paulo State and ii) the assessment of ecological criteria inherent to the vegetation survey. This study verified a scarcity of reports presenting adequate ecological descriptors according to the law in their reports, which would improve the assessment of the natural environmental framework. Although ecological parameters appear in some reports, they do not show relevant information, even though for the characterization of the succession stages of the forest fragments, thus hiding important information and leaving aside a parameter that should be essential in the approval/disapproval of reports. Thus, we suggest that the data presented and accepted by the Public Environmental Agency of São Paulo, Brazil, did not adequately characterize the stages of ecological succession in the studied areas, thus putting some ecological patterns and processes at risk. This issue must be urgently reviewed so reports should show the real threats for biodiversity. • Ecological descriptors are underutilized in EIA in Brazil • Biodiversity is threatened by the lack of rigor in EIS and EIR • Environmental agencies must be more rigorous in the ecological criteria presented in EIA • Ecological succession must be carefully evaluated in EIA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substitution of natural habitats with artificial structures, such as coastal defence structures, has significantly detrimental effects on the marine biological community. In this context, the application of ecological engineering to marine ecosystems presents an opportunity to mitigate these environmental impacts and enhance ecosystem services. There are proposals aimed at mimicking structures found in the natural environment to increase topographic complexity in artificial substrates, thereby promoting biodiversity and hindering the establishment of invasive species. The present study focuses on assessing change in the biological community of intertidal pools constructed on existing coastal defence structures and their influence on a halo (5 cm) of humidity created around the pools. Using an inexpensive method, the tidepools were created at the beginning of 2014 using a pneumatic hammer (DeWalt brand D25902K), imitating the tidepools of the adjacent natural substrate. The coastal defence structures (riprap) which were selected for the study host climax communities since they were built >8 years ago. After 7.5 years of the creation of this microhabitat, the value of species richness in the tidepool was 64.2% higher than in the control, Shannon diversity 41.54% and functional diversity 6.27%. The study of the effect on a halo (5 cm) of humidity produced around the pool shows that Shannon diversity is higher than in the control treatment, demonstrating that the microhabitat created mitigates the harsh environmental (high temperature and desiccation) conditions of the intertidal zone beyond the interior of the tidepool. The results showed that the species richness in the tidepools was bigger in the high intertidal than the low, therefore it is more beneficial to create this microhabitat in high intertidal zone. The created microhabitats serve as shelter and breeding sites for animal species that were not previously observed in the studied artificial structure, as detected for species such as Pisania striata, Ocenebra edwarasii , Stramonita haemastoma , Meralarhaphe neritoides , Siphonaria pectinata, Paracentrotus lividus and Spirorbis sp., thus contribute to reducing the fragmentation of their populations. In terms of "ecological succession", the current study demonstrated that typical species of a mature benthic biological community had colonised the created microhabitat 7.5 years later. These species included the Anthozoa Anemonia sulcata , Actinia equina and Exaiptasia diaphana or the endangered Mollusc Dendropoma lebeche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial ecosystem dynamics are strongly modified by stresses associated with climate change, impacting plant growth and development, mortality, and ecological succession. Here we highlight the potential role of plant cell wall esters to link changes in cell wall structure and function with biosphere–atmosphere fluxes of methanol, acetic acid, carbon dioxide (CO 2), and water (H 2 O). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Physical selective pressure introduced by ADD helped the recovery from bulking. • Settling ability and PHA synthesis ability gradually separated with the operation time. • Deterministic processes drove the succession of microbial culture to PHA synthesis. • Stochastic processes led to the frequent replacement of dominant PHA-producing bacteria. • Predation of Bdellovibrio was proved to be one of the stochastic processes. The production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by mixed microbial culture (MMC) can reduce the pollution of plastics. Ecophysiological study of the microbial community assembly and succession is helpful for comprehensive understanding the MMC PHA production process. The operation mode of sequential aerobic dynamic discharge - aerobic dynamic feeding (ADD-ADF) was applied and the operation can be divided into acclimation phase and maturation phase. Deterministic process caused by selective pressure dominated the community assembly throughout the operation. In the acclimation phase, the physical selective pressure recovered the settling capacity of the system, and settling ability of the MMC was closely related to function of PHA synthesis. However, in the maturation phase, stochastic process caused sludge bulking, making the settling ability and PHA synthesis function of the MMC independent on each other. Stochastic process led to the succession of the dominant PHA-producing bacteria, for example, the predation of Paracoccus and Thauera by Bdellovibrio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We conducted a comparative analysis of soil phosphorus fractions changes under unstable landforms. The aim was to clarify the differences between study area and Walker and Syers (1976) model. • Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) was employed to discern the impact of environmental factors (climate, microbes, and soil) on soil phosphorus fraction within unstable landforms. • Structural equation models (SEMs) were employed to investigate the cycling of soil phosphorus and the availability of bioavailable phosphorus within unstable landforms. Landslides significant influence on bedrock weathering, pedogenesis, and ecological succession, thereby playing a pivotal role in driving biogeochemical cycles. Landslide chronosequences have traditionally served as invaluable study systems for investigating vegetation succession and exploring soil development and nutrient dynamics. In this study, we analyzed soil phosphorus fractions across a 22,000-year landslide chronosequence. Our investigation examined the impact of environmental factors on these fractions and elucidated the supply of bioavailable phosphorus. Our findings revealed a decline in the concentration of all phosphorus fractions with soil age. Notably, even at an age exceeding 22,000 years, primary mineral phosphorus constituted 23 % of the total phosphorus pool at the later stages of soil development, while organic phosphorus accounted for a mere 7 %. This discrepancy can be attributed to frequent landslides replenishing phosphorus stocks. These findings indicate that the Walker and Syers model may not adequately anticipate alterations in soil phosphorus fractions under geologically unstable landscapes. Environmental factors had limited impact on primary mineral phosphorus concentrations. Yet, they significantly influenced occluded and nonoccluded phosphorus. Changes in organic phosphorus concentrations cannot be fully explained by the examined environmental factors, as organic phosphorus in the soil primarily originates from plant litter decomposition. The sources of bioavailable phosphorus in the investigated region were elucidated using structural equation modeling. The bioavailable phosphorus in the study area is mainly derived from nonoccluded phosphorus rather than organic phosphorus. This observation can be attributed to the distinct landform conditions, which sustain elevated levels of primary mineral phosphorus during soil development. Consequently, the continuous availability of nonoccluded phosphorus ensures a reliable supply of bioavailable phosphorus. In conclusion, the landslide chronosequence serves as a vital example of long-term ecosystem development under unstable landforms. Its refinement of the Walker and Syers model under unstable landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we explore the relevance and integration of system theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system. It is proposed that together, these fields explain the evolution, organization, functionality and directionality of life on Earth. We begin by summarizing historical and current thinking on the definition of life itself. We then investigate the evidence for a single unit of life. Given that any definition of life and its levels of organization are intertwined, we explore how the Earth system is structured and functions from an energetic perspective, by outlining relevant thermodynamic theory relating to molecular, metabolic, cellular, individual, population, species, ecosystem and biome organization. We next investigate the fundamental relationships between systems theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system, examining the key characteristics of self-assembly, self-organization (including autonomy), emergence, non-linearity, feedback and sub-optimality. Finally, we examine the relevance of systems theory and thermodynamics with reference to two specific aspects: the tempo and directionality of evolution and the directional and predictable process of ecological succession. We discuss the importance of the entropic drive in understanding altruism, multicellularity, mutualistic and antagonistic relationships and how maximum entropy production theory may explain patterns thought to evidence the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. • An novel analysis of the role of thermodynamics in system theory. • Proposal to understand mutualist/antagonist relations as thermodynamically driven. • Maximum entropy production as explanation of intermediate disturbance hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary ecological succession is imperative for tailing vegetation, driven notably by microbes that enhance tailing nutrient status. Yet, the roles of abundant and rare taxa in tailing primary succession remain underexplored. This study investigates these subcommunities across three succession stages (i.e., original tailing, biological crusts, grasslands). Throughout primary succession, alpha diversity and functional gene abundances of the rare taxa (RT) group consistently rise from bare tailings to grasslands. Conversely, the abundant taxa (AT) group displays an opposing trend. Intriguingly, employing co-occurrence networks, keystone taxa, mantel tests, similarity percentage analysis, and structural equation model, the study uncovers that RT wields a more pivotal role than AT in driving tailing primary succession. Community assembly analysis reveals stochastic control of AT and deterministic control of RT. Additionally, primary succession reinforces stochastic processes in AT, while RT's deterministic process remains unaffected. By unveiling these dynamics, the research enriches our understanding of primary ecological succession in tailings. Recognition of unique diversity patterns and community assembly mechanisms for rare and abundant subcommunities advances tailing ecosystem comprehension and informs ecological restoration strategies. This study thus contributes valuable insights to the complex interplay of microbial taxa during tailing primary succession. [Display omitted] • Alpha diversity contrasts between abundant and rare taxa in succession. • Increasing biotic complexity during primary ecological progression. • Role of rare taxa in tailings' primary succession illuminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between the evolution of species and their ecosystems can be difficult to accurately assess due to the high number of confounding biological variables (e.g. , biotic interactions among community members and the resulting complex relationships between genetic pathways and organism phenotypes). Thus, progress in ecological genomics by making inferences about fundamental ecological patterns and processes is hampered by high biodiversity and subsequent complex biotic interactions. Study systems that are naturally low in biological and ecological complexity, and strongly structured by abiotic drivers, can serve as models for bridging the gap between controlled mesocosm experiments and natural ecosystems. The terrestrial ecosystems of the Antarctic dry valleys have low biodiversity and constrained ecological complexity, primarily because ecological communities are so strongly shaped by physical, rather than biological, factors. The harsh constraints of the physical environment on organismal evolution and the structure of ecological communities make this an optimal natural system for disentangling the influence of specific environmental parameters on genotype/phenotype and gene by environment interactions. This work reviews the biology, evolution, and ecology of an emerging model organism, the free-living nematode Plectus murrayi , in a model ecosystem, the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) of Antarctica. In the MDVs, habitat suitability, including nutrient availability, has been shown to drive organismal (nematode) life history evolution, including growth and reproduction, primarily by way of changes in the expression of developmental genes. Changes in growth rates and reproductive schedules are accomplished primarily through alterations of nuclear rRNA gene copy number. The predicted and observed responses to natural experiments have been replicated in the laboratory, providing a synthesis of field observations and experimental evolution. Studying such natural model systems as this could fill several persistent knowledge gaps in our understanding of how genetic variation, genomic architecture, and gene regulation drive the genotype-phenotype paradigm, and the consequent effects of these drivers on ecosystem structure and functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the global low-carbon scheme of things, manufacturing enterprises are believed to be the main bodies of carbon emissions. As a result, their low-carbon innovation behaviour has become an important driving force for the transformation of enterprises. Against this framework, the processes, laws and characteristics of their evolution trajectory need to be systematically studied. From the standpoint of community ecological succession, this study explores the evolution process of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon innovation behaviour by improving the Kene model. The study also built a SKIN model for the evolution simulation of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon innovation behaviour by using the NetLogo 6.2 software to carry out related simulations. The findings of the study show that: (1) the evolution of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon innovation behaviour in the perspective of community succession has obvious stage characteristics; (2) social low-carbon normative pressure and stakeholder pressure have a positive effect on the evolution of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon innovation behaviour; (3) low-carbon system factors promote the evolution of low-carbon innovation behaviour of innovation subjects; (4) the evolution of low-carbon innovation behaviour in the innovation community has path-dependent. Theoretically, based on the community succession concept, this study deepens research on evolution of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon innovation behaviour. Moreover, the study has laid the foundation for the application of evolutionary theory, upper echelons theory and system theory in the field of manufacturing enterprises' low-carbon research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southernmost Devonian reefs formed along the north-western margin of Gondwana. One of the best-preserved reefal palaeoecosystems of this area is found in the Givetian of Madène el Mrakib (Anti-Atlas, Morocco), exposing a vast, at least ∼1.2 km2 area of reef strata. This contribution documents the ecological succession, taxonomical structure and palaeoecology of this exceptionally diverse reef community. Combined evidence from the sedimentary succession and faunal changes records a trend of progressive shallowing. The ecological succession is characterised by an upsection increase in the abundance and diversity of the reef-building biota, accompanied by a shift in the dominant morphotypes of tabulate corals from platy (pioneering and diversification stages) to branching and massive forms (climax stage). The exceptionally rich, shallow-water reef community occurs in the uppermost part of the succession. The climax community is dominated by extraordinarily large, branching tabulate corals (mostly Thamnopora), with the notable role of massive alveolitid, heliolitid and favositid tabulates, as well as large, solitary rugose corals. A surprising feature of this assemblage is the rather subordinate role of stromatoporoids, generally regarded as a main component of the shallow-water Devonian reefs. Remarkably, the observed community structure is closer to that typical of modern shallow-water reefs, dominated by branching scleractinian corals from the family Acroporidae, than to the archetypal Paleozoic reefs. These distinctive traits of the Madène el Mrakib community make it particularly suitable for comparative studies between Devonian and modern reef ecosystems, showing that these communities shared notable similarities in terms of their ecological successions, zonation patterns, dominance of branching corals and high morphological variability in shallow-water environments, and adaptations of corals to turbulent conditions. • Well-preserved, diverse shallow-water reef reported from the Middle Devonian of Morocco. • Extensively exposed biostromal unit (at least 1.2 km2). • Over 50% of reef builders are represented by very large branching tabulate corals. • Distinctive from majority of Devonian reefs. • Remarkable similarities with the contemporary shallow-water reefs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-fire short-term vegetation dynamics showed a high species turnover. • Alien plant species with c - scores increased over time. • Short-term vegetation recovery involves species-specific strategies such as dispersal ability. • The leaf area did not show any significant pattern over time, with a slight increase observed in the short-term. Wildfire events significantly affect plant communities. Understanding the post-fire vegetation dynamics and how native and alien species interact to shape the composition and structure of the community is crucial to address conservation policy. Dispersal mechanisms and resource exploration strategies are two functional strategies which can explain variability in species response to disturbance. Here, we investigated how functional traits shape the short-term dynamic after a wildfire event in a Mediterranean pine forest. We collected plant co-occurrences and abundances in permanent plots of 100 m2 across four distinct sampling sessions (from late winter to early autumn, every 2 months). Functionally relevant traits including leaf traits and dispersal-related traits were also retrieved for the recorded species. We then derived the Grime's strategies of the recorded species from the collected leaf traits, and we computed the dispersal ability of each species as a function of the corresponding dispersal traits. To compare Grime's strategies and leaf traits across the monitoring cycles, we calculated the community weighted mean for each cycle as the average of species trait values in each plot. Further, we estimated variations in species abundances and species composition within each plot by using temporal turnover analysis, which showed a continuous post-fire increase in community-level vegetation cover and a strong compositional change driven by a spread of alien species. Associating these patterns to the recorded functional traits revealed that dispersal ability is crucial in post-fire recolonization. Moreover, ruderal species, being the most represented strategy soon after the fire, give way over time to more competitive species showing higher leaf area. Thus, short-term vegetation recovery involves different species-specific strategies that shape the ecological succession over time. Our case study highlights that knowledge about how functional traits drive plant colonization strategies is critical to assess the post-fire restoration status of Mediterranean pine forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructions of ecosystem dynamics in tropical East Africa during the latest Pleistocene and the Holocene provide important long-term ecological insights, but so far, only a few, sometimes incomplete terrestrial records exist. In this paper, we present a new high-resolution palynological record from the Lake Victoria basin, covering the period from 16,600 to 9000 cal yr BP, when Afromontane forests and tropical rainforests gradually replaced the savanna. We discuss this dataset in the context of published palaeoclimate data, TEX 86 inferred temperature and δD leaf wax inferred precipitation records, to assess long-term ecological successions and their potential causes. By ca. 16,500 cal yr BP, the movement of the Afrotropical rainbelt, not only brought an increase in temperature and moisture into the Lake Victoria basin, but also promoted the spread of arboreal taxa, such as Celtis and Podocarpus, at the expense of the savanna. At that time, fires were prominent in the sparse Afromontane vegetation. Later from ca. 15,500–15,000 cal yr BP, temperature and humidity rose and Afromontane trees such as Olea and Macaranga spread slightly, while grasses were burning in the savanna. During the period from 13,250 to 10,700 cal yr BP, Afromontane vegetation dominated by Olea became more prominent and expanded towards the lowlands where the tropical rainforest or gallery forest established; however, the savanna only marginally retreated. An initial spread of tropical rainforests occurred from ca. 11,500–11,100 cal yr BP during the onset of the Holocene, when temperatures and moisture further increased. Subsequently, between 10,700 and 10,300 cal yr BP the tropical savanna was largely replaced by the tropical rainforest, while the Afromontane forest likely spread to higher elevations, similar to the patterns observed today. Our high-resolution record demonstrates the dynamic response of African tropical ecosystems to major temperature and humidity variations from 16,600 to 9000 cal yr BP, including some of the most important landscape transformations in East Africa in the past 20,000 years. • Lake Victoria's first high–resolution pollen record (latest Pleistocene-Early Holocene). • Afromontane species prominent at lower elevations prior to the onset of the Holocene. • Moisture prevails over temperature in early Holocene's vegetation shifts. • Warm and/or humid conditions favoured both Afromontane and rainforest communities. • Colder or drier periods were associated with savanna grassland vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term monoculture of susceptible soybeans naturally develops suppressiveness to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines if fields are not tilled or biocides applied. Nematode community indices, that integrate the responses of different taxa and trophic groups to perturbation, provide a tool to monitor the ecological status of soil communities. We tested the hypothesis that soil suppressiveness to Heterodera glycines is correlated positively to management practices that favor both greater trophic diversity (food web complexity) and a later stage ecological succession (less disturbance) within free-living nematode communities. A factorial combination of cultivation, crop rotation, and biocide application treatments were monitored for four years in a field with a history of no-till and monoculture of susceptible soybean for 15 years. Crop rotation had the greatest impact on nematode community index values followed by descending order of cultivation and biocides. Suppressive soils did have greater food web complexity, but not necessarily ecological succession. Nematode community composition was influenced by covariables nitrogen and organic matter content (mean 6.6%), but not pH or salinity. The study is novel by using a food web approach that includes multiple trophic levels rather than simply population ecology. • Relatively complex food webs correspond with suppressive soils. • Free-living nematode communities change when disease suppression is disrupted. • Suppressive soil contained a common core of bacterivores and omnivore-predators. • Crop rotation affected soil food web complexity more than cultivation and biocides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Earthworm casts are hotspots of microbial activity playing an important role in the nutrient cycling of soil ecosystems. Cast ageing can be considered an ecological succession, where copiotrophic bacteria are replaced by oligotrophic bacteria as the ratio labile/recalcitrant substrates decreases. Here we use next-generation sequencing to describe the bacterial communities (microbiome) of fresh casts (day 0) from the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa and how they change over time (7, 15, 30 and 60 days) under natural conditions. We also look for the main, transitional and day-specific core microbiomes of A. caliginosa casts and assessed whether bacterial communities in each ageing stage are clearly distinct in their composition or can be merged into metacommunities. Fresh cast microbiomes were mainly comprised of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria (62% of the total sequences) and, in a lesser extent, of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia (36% of the total sequences). These fresh casts were richer in amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) than soil microbiomes, which also had lower abundances of Bacteroidetes but higher abundances of other bacterial phyla. As expected, copiotrophic bacteria (Alphaproteobacteria but not Bacteroidetes) significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased in abundance with cast ageing, while oligotrophic bacteria (Actinobacteria , Acidobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria) increased (P < 0.03) their proportion. This also resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in alpha-diversity over the first 15 days and larger differences in beta-diversity among bacterial communities of ageing casts. Despite differences in beta-diversity, microbiomes of ageing casts were grouped into two metacommunities, one comprised of younger samples collected at days 0 and 7, and another comprised of older samples collected at days 15, 30 and 60. These two metacommunities corresponded to decreased patterns in labile C and N pools in cast ageing. We found a main core microbiome comprised of eight bacterial taxa (~5% of the total sequences). Additionally, we also found transitional and day-specific core microbiomes that were richer and compositionally different from the main core microbiome. This suggests different levels of redundancy in the cast microbiomes to buffer responses to external perturbations (e.g., weather oscillations). Highlights • Fresh cast microbiomes are richer and different from soil microbiomes. • Ageing greatly modifies cast microbiome composition and diversity. • Cast microbiomes maintain a core of bacteria for at least 60 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of the dinoflagellates Cochlodinium and Alexandrium are known to have serious negative impacts on marine ecosystems and the aquaculture industry. We investigated the appearance and succession patterns of both HAB species in the southern sea of Korea and performed a bioassay using C.polykrikoides and A.affine cultures to evaluate their competitive relationship. From June to August in 2017, the surface water temperature increased from 17.4 °C to 26.8 °C, the salinity decreased from 34.2 to 30.8, and strong stratification developed. The nutrient concentrations remained low in the surface layer and high in the bottom layers. C.polykrikoides dominated in July; however, A.affine reached bloom levels throughout the study area in August. The growth experiments were carried out on each species at six water temperature (15, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 and 30 °C) and six salinity (20, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32) levels. The maximum growth rate for C. polykrikoides (0.31 day−1) was measured at 25 °C and a salinity of 32, and for A. affine (0.43 day−1) at 25 °C and a salinity of 30. At all salinity levels, C. polykrikoides cells died within 2 days when temperature were 30 °C, while A.affine maintained high growth rates (0.35–0.39 day−1). Further, C. polykrikoides is salinity sensitive at the lowest salinity level of 20 in 25 °C and 27 °C, but A. affine did not respond sensitively to changes in salinity. In contrast, A. affine did not grow at low temperature of 15 °C, but C. polykrikoides could survive in high salinity range (26–32). In co-cultivation at a 1:1 cell inoculation ratio, A.affine had a competitive advantage over C. polykrikoides at all temperatures; however, when the inoculation ratios were varied, the species with a higher initial cell density showed a competitive advantage at all temperatures except 30 °C. Combined the field and bioassay results indicated that A. affine may have an advantage over C. polykrikoides under relatively higher temperature and low salinity conditions, which is important when evaluating the species succession and blooms in the southern sea of Korea during summer. • Succession phenomenon from C. polykrikoides to A. affine in Korean coastal area. • Influence of Changjiang diluted water in the southern sea of Korea, during summer in 2017. • A. affine had better environmental tolerance than C. polykrikoides to higher water temperature and lower salinity ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aiming to describe coastal Atlantic Rain Forest (ARF) regeneration dynamics, we evaluated attributes linked to soil biota and mycorrhizal symbiosis in two coastal ARF sites in Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. In each site, we selected forest transects in early regeneration (ER) and advanced regeneration (AR) stages, i.e., about 20 and 50 years without agricultural use, respectively. Soil total organic carbon (TOC) was higher in AR than in ER stage. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) varied between sites and was higher in the AR than in the ER stage. Basal respiration and q CO 2 rates differed between sites and were, respectively, higher and lower in advanced regeneration stage areas. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization and AM fungal spore density were higher in the ER stage, with no difference between sites. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for correlation between soil microbiological and chemical attributes showed that the variables with the most influence on sample separation for the first component were total spore number, soil MBC, root mycorrhizal colonization, and soil TOC. Soil pH, available P, and q CO 2 had the highest influence on the second component. This analysis separated samples by regeneration stage, and sites differed only in AR stage. PCR-DGGE analysis on DNA extracted from soil samples showed that AMF community structure differed more between sites than between regeneration stages. Highlights • Soil microbial biomass and respiration are higher in later stages of plant succession. • Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus spore numbers and root colonization are lower in later stages of regeneration. • AMF community structure differs more between sites than between regeneration stages [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exceptionally well-preserved fossil cryptic communities have been discovered in submarine cavities of the Lower and Middle Devonian (Emsian to Givetian) mud mounds in the Hamar Laghdad area (Anti-Atlas, Morocco). The cryptic biota encrusted the roofs of the cavities and grew predominantly oriented upside down. These unique coelobiotic communities were dominated by various solitary rugose corals, which very often displayed a "calice-in-calice" growth pattern. Apart from the rugosans, the cavities were inhabited by other sessile invertebrates: tabulate corals, cladochonids, crinoids and lithistid sponges. Many of the skeletons were encrusted by microbial structures. The high density of organisms overgrowing each other points to intensive competition for space in all studied Devonian submarine crypts. The late Emsian to latest Givetian cavities were colonised by various sets of coelobiotic inhabitants mostly originating from the surrounding deep-water marine environments. It is suggested that the local species pool was a decisive factor in determining the ecological succession and taxonomic structure of cryptic communities. The changes in taxonomic composition and diversity, over time and space, were primarily related to variations in local physical environment. Consequently, the communities in crypts affected by venting of high-temperature fluids or hydrocarbon seepage were of low diversity and included endemic elements and characteristically small specimens. • Cryptic communities developed in Devonian deep-water carbonate mounds. • The communities were dominated by solitary rugose corals growing upside down. • Changes in composition and diversity were related to variations in local physical environment. • Local species pool was a decisive factor in determining ecological successions of the cryptic communities. • Communities affected by hydrothermal and methane venting included endemic taxa and small specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nonequilibrium thermodynamic theory has much to offer in explaining ecological and evolutionary processes. Formalizing biological processes in terms of thermodynamic parameters reveals that the generation of natural organization and complexity is an emergent property of entropy in systems maintained far from equilibrium. Understanding the interplay between thermodynamics, ecology and evolution provides key insights into how underlying stochastic dynamics such as mutation and drift yield highly structured populations and communities. Here, a stochastic mathematical model of ecological evolution, the Tangled Nature Model, is utilized to explore the ecological dynamics and the emergence of structure that are so crucial to biology. The results of the model's simulations demonstrate that the punctuated equilibria successively generated by the model's dynamics have increasing entropies, and that this leads to emergent order, organization, and complexity over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A limestone-based barrier showed average long-term P-PO 4 and DP removal effectiveness of 12.4% and 13.0%, respectively. • Removal effectiveness increased with influent concentration. • Maximal P-PO 4 and DP reduction was 2.04 and 3.59 mg P/L, respectively. • Schoenoplectus lacustris and Glyceria maxima were the plants most effective at P and N accumulation. • Biomass harvesting from the buffer zone (171 m2) removed 5.8 kg P and 40 kg N. This paper presents a pilot study meant to reduce phosphorous (P) inflow into the Sulejów Reservoir (Poland) by constructing a riparian plant buffer zone enhanced with a limestone-based barrier along the reservoir shoreline. The location was characterized by high P contamination of shallow groundwater (with influent P-PO 4 concentration ranging between 0.62 and 4.1 mg P/L and DP varying between 0.68 and 9.42 mg P/L). Firstly, we constructed a limestone-based barrier across the mount of a periodically flowing stream and tested its effectiveness at P removal over a period of 3.5 years. P-PO 4 and DP removal effectiveness rates were found to be variable, increasing with influent concentration, but overall long-term average effectiveness was similar for P-PO 4 and DP removal, at 12.4% and 13.0%, respectively. Secondly, we also planted six selected plant species along the shoreline and observed their natural ecological succession over the same period. Higher P uptake was observed for Schoenoplectus lacustris and Glyceria maxima one year after planting, whereas Phragmites australis needed three years to root. Furthermore, the species composition of the plant community increased from 17 to 34 species. Overall, the study provides an example of how the phosphorus recovery-and-reuse approach should be considered in improving measures for the reduction of diffuse pollution from rural areas, especially in terms of the development of nature-based solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global warming is inferred to have been one of the main causes of the Permian-Triassic (P-Tr) boundary mass extinction. Although a strong temperature rise in tropical sea-surface temperatures during the latest Permian has been documented, coeval climate changes in terrestrial sections are less well-known. Here, we analyzed multiple weathering indexes (including CIA, CIW, and PIA) for two terrestrial sections in North China (Shichuanhe and Yima), all of which show a major excursion toward higher values (greater weathering intensity) around the end-Permian plant extinction (EPPE). At Shichuanhe, the CIA (chemical index of alteration) increases from 70 to 75 over the interval of 11–36 m, which straddles the EPPE at 33 m, and then decreases from 75 to 71 in the overlying strata. At Yima, CIA increases from 63 to 79 over the interval of 57–68 m, extending up to the EPPE at 68 m, and then gradually decreases from 78 to 72 in the overlying strata. These results imply a strong warming event coupled with intense chemical weathering in soil environments leading up to the end-Permian plant extinction. The decline in CIA values following the EPPE may reflect loss of weathered soils through physical erosion rather than climatic cooling. Estimation of atmospheric temperatures from the CIA data indicate rapid rises at Shichuanhe (from ~11.6 °C to 16.5 °C) and Yima (from 9.3 °C to 18.4 °C) during the end-Permian crisis. The findings in this study are consistent with the hypothesis that a sharp temperature rise caused the extinction of terrestrial organisms during the end-Permian crisis. Highlights • Chemical weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA) were applied to two terrestrial P-Tr boundary sections of the North China Craton. • All indices show large increases during the end-Permian extinction (EPE), reflecting a shift to warmer climatic conditions. • CIA-based temperature estimates imply warmings of ~5 °C at Shichuanhe and ~9 °C at Yima during the P-Tr transition. • Post-EPE declines in CIA do not indicate reduced chemical weathering intensities but exposure of less weathered bedrock. • Our results show the utility of chemical weathering studies of fine-grained terrestrial sediments during major bioevents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We document a diverse ichnoassemblage from marine interbeds of the Lower Triassic terrestrial succession in the Houzhougongmiao (HZGM) section of Shaanxi Province, northwestern China. Integrated biostratigraphic data (bivalve, palynology and conchostracan) reveals that the ichnofossil-bearing marine beds are Griesbachian (Induan, Early Triassic) in age. The marine interbeds are interpreted to be the result of the earliest Triassic transgression of the Paleotethys Ocean northward onto the southern margin of the North China Craton. The HZGM ichnoassemblage includes 17 ichnospecies in 16 ichnogenera and is dominated by shallow-tier Asteriacites and Biformites produced by ophiuroids, the scratch marks or trackways Dimorphichnus , Diplichnites , and Monomorphichnus produced by arthropods, and a rare occurrence of the fish swimming trace Undichna. Of these, the hook-shaped imprints Biformites , representing the moving arm impressions of ophiuroids, are reported for the first time from the Lower Triassic. These trace-makers are interpreted to have lived in a low energy, semi-restricted, shallow embayment environment. Although possessing relatively high ichnodiversity, the HZGM ichnoassemblage differs clearly from other coeval diverse ichnocoenoses in the lack of complex burrow forms (i.e. Thalassinoides , Diplocraterion , or Rhizocorallium) and a mixed layer, and in having abundant shallow tiers. In addition, high ichnodiversity may occur at both high and low latitudes during the Griesbachian (or Induan). Accordingly, the resting trace or trackway-dominated ichnoassemblage from the HZGM section may represent the initial recovery of the trace-maker ecosystem after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Trace-makers such as arthropods and ophiuroids were perhaps opportunistic organisms that proliferated in marginal marine settings when other biota were still suffering post-extinction biotic depletion and environmental stresses. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • We report a diverse marine ichnoassemblage from the late Griesbachian. • Dominated by Asteriacites and Biformites produced by ophiuroids, arthropods trackways. • The HZGM ichnoassemblage lack of complex burrow forms (i.e. Thalassinoides , Rhizocorallium). • High ichnodiversity may occur at both high and low latitudes during the Griesbachian. • Arthropods and ophiuroids perhaps were opportunistic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present recent study results of the Lower Triassic conodont succession from the Ganxi and Jianshi areas of Enshi city, western Hubei Province, South China, which were situated on a carbonate ramp at the northeastern margin of the Upper Yangtze Platform. Therein, the uppermost Permian to Lower Triassic succession is well exposed and yielded abundant conodonts. A total of nine conodont zones are differentiated: (1) Clarkina yini Zone, (2) Clarkina meishanensis Zone, (3) Hindeodus changxingensis Zone, (4) Hindeodus parvus Zone, (5) Hindeodus postparvus Zone, (6) Clarkina planata Zone, (7) Neoclarkina aff. discreta Zone, (8) Neospathodus dieneri Zone, and (9) Novispathodus waageni Zone. The Ns. dieneri M1, Ns. dieneri M2, and Ns. dieneri M3 Subzones have also been distinguished within the Ns. dieneri Zone, and the Nv. waageni eowaageni and Nv. waageni waageni Subzones are recognizable within the Nv. waageni Zone in Jianshi. Most of the zones occur in succession, but the C. planata Zone is a local ecozone reflecting deeper water biofacies during H. postparvus Zone time. In the Jianshi section, the Permian–Triassic boundary is placed at Bed 136-2 based on the appearance of Hindeodus parvus immediately above the disappearance of Changhsingian taxa, while the Induan–Olenekian boundary (IOB) is drawn at Bed 225 + 40 cm based on the first appearance of Nv. waageni eowaageni within the upper range of the Ns. dieneri Zone indices. The Enshi conodont zones overall correlate well with those recognized elsewhere in South China and worldwide. Highlights • Nine conodont zones were established from the Enshi area. • The Permian–Triassic boundary is placed at Bed 136-2 in the Jianshi section. • The Induan–Olenekian boundary is drawn at Bed 225 + 40 cm in the Jianshi section. • The Enshi conodont zones overall correlate well with those recognized elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Concerns about both climate change and energy security stress the importance of clean energy technologies. This paper examines the minerals used in clean energy technologies (mainly solar energy, wind energy and electric vehicles), of which 12 elements are identified to be dependent on resources outside China. Therefore, a quantitative, relative assessment of short-to medium-term supply risks is measured for 12 elements by analyzing the following factors: country concentration, import reliance, import concentration, country risk, depletion time, companion metal fraction, recycling potential and substitutability. The results highlight four elements to present a high risk, namely: tin, cobalt, chromium and nickel; while lithium, copper and titanium are the most impossible to encounter a supply disruption; the remaining five elements (silver, cadmium, zirconium, manganese and selenium) appear a moderate risk. An uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulation shows a robust reliability on most of the 12 elements except for cobalt and tin. Mitigation strategies to alleviate the potential supply disruption are also discussed, such as broadening import sources; investing domestic and global mining; recycling and substitution; stockpiling. Highlights • Concerns of climate and energy crisis stress the importance of clean technologies. • Supply risks associated with clean energy minerals for China are assessed. • Nine supply risk indicators are used to evaluate twelve elements. • Sn, Co, Cr and Ni are shown higher supply risks than the other 8 elements. • Some suggestions to alleviate supply risks are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gypsum is widely used in the construction sector in internal coatings. The fact that the chemical composition of gypsum does not change makes the material fully and eternally recyclable, potentially solving the important problem of the large amounts of gypsum waste that each year go to landfills. Up to now, most of the works that use gypsum wastes subjected the material to a previous heating process. This implies a significant energy consumption, reducing the environmental benefits of the recycling process. This paper shows the second part of a research on which two different types of gypsum waste were used as a substitute of commercial gypsum: gypsum waste from industrial plasterboard production and flue gas desulphurization gypsum from a thermal central plant. In this research, the influence of the heating process on the development of new gypsum plaster composites containing different types and contents of waste was studied. Their mechanical properties and thermal conductivity were determined and a brief environmental analysis, using the Life Cycle Assessment method, was carried out. Based on the findings of this paper, it is confirmed that it is possible to substitute 100% of commercial gypsum with gypsum waste from industrial plasterboard production without any heating treatment, but maintaining a good performance. With this action, apart from the benefits in terms of environmental impacts, a slight improvement in the density, mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the plaster was obtained. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • FGD gypsum and gypsum waste from plasterboards were used. • Thermal and mechanical properties of gypsum-waste plasters were analysed. • The feasibility of using uncalcined gypsum waste from plasterboards was tested. • A slight improvement on the mechanical properties was obtained for some mixtures. • A simplified environmental study was conducted using the LCA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Whereas Photovoltaic Thermal Systems (PVT), Phase Change Materials (PCM) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer have been thoroughly studied individually, the effects of their combination need to be more investigated. The current study proposed a new PVT system integrated with PCM and PEM electrolyzer to produce hydrogen in a hydrogen fuel filling station. Based on the energy and exergy balance equations, a mathematical model is developed to analyse the effects of different types of PV and PCM sets on the thermal and electrical performances. Variations in the temperature of system components, generated electricity, hydrogen production as well as the energy/exergy amounts and efficiencies with time are presented for different effective parameters. Based on the obtained results, we found that PV type is one of the most dominant parameters of the system. PCM utilization improves the electrical, thermal energies and exergy efficiencies. The highest daily amount of produced hydrogen is obtained for 16th August 2018 with mono-crystalline semitransparent PV and 120 kg of RT35 PCM type (88.71 gr/day). While the hydrogen production for the same PVT system without PCM is 5.32% less than the case with PCM. Moreover, the maximum diurnal energy efficiency is obtained 35.04% for mono-crystalline semitransparent PV and RT35 PCM during the summer, while the maximum daily exergy efficiency of 15.17% is achieved for the integration of mono-crystalline semitransparent PV and RT28 PCM type in the winter. Highlights • A PVT system combined with PCM and PEM electrolyzer is numerically investigated. • The generated power and hydrogen besides energy/exergy efficiencies are calculated. • All thermal and electrical energy/exergy efficiencies improved by adding PCM. • The highest monthly amount of produced hydrogen is calculated for Jun. • PCMs with high L PCM , reserve higher energy amounts and have higher efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Examined the effectiveness of emission reduction policies under climate change. • Used the LEAP-OSeMOSYS model for optimisation analysis in Australia. • Results show that policies may be less effective considering future climate. • Carbon tax policies were economically beneficial. • Recommend clean energy substitution and innovative energy policies. Abstract The power sector exercises huge impacts on global warming through emitted greenhouse gases [GHGs], with Australia not an exception. Over the years, the effectiveness of policies that have emerged to curtail GHGs emissions from electricity generation seem barely investigated. To address this gap, the study identifies potential energy reduction policies and climate change scenarios for the Australian power sector by applying approaches from combined backcasting and exploratory scenario. The Long-range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) system and its integrated Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) was used for optimisation analysis. Results identified cost optimisation scenarios as a least-cost generation pathway with less climate change impact, followed by renewable energy target and energy productivity scenarios. Economic analysis shows that emission reduction policy will result in added cost to the economy, while carbon tax policies will yield economic benefit in installation cost, resource savings and environmental externalities reductions by 2050. The environmental analysis reveals that emission reduction policy will increase cumulative emissions, while future temperatures may double the emissions from the base case scenario. We conclude that future low-carbon pathways lie in clean energy substitutions and innovative energy policies, while global warming raises the need to switch to clean energy technologies early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Triassic–Jurassic boundary interval was characterised by the change from warm, semiarid–arid to a hot and humid climate in the Tethyan domain linked to input of greenhouse gases from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) activity and Pangaea breakup. This study provides the very first outcrop evidences of palaeoclimatic evolution during the Triassic–Jurassic boundary interval in the then southern hemisphere, along the eastern margin of Gondwana facing the western Tethys. In the Tethyan Salt Range of Pakistan a succession of Upper Triassic dolomites, green-black shales (Kingriali Formation) to overlying Lower Jurassic quartzose sandstones, shales, laterites and conglomerates (Datta Formation) represents the sedimentary archives of this critical time interval. Bulk and clay mineralogy of the Upper Triassic shales indicate the presence of mainly illite while kaolinite is a minor component. The kaolinite content, a reflection of the mature stage of chemical weathering and hence hot–humid conditions, increases up-section in the overlying shales and sandstone–shale succession. The following laterite–bauxite horizons lack illite and are entirely composed of kaolinite, boehmite and haematite. The bulk rock geochemistry of the succession confirms a similar trend. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA molar) displays an increasing trend from the Upper Triassic (CIA 68–80) to the overlying Lower Jurassic strata (CIA 90–97). The overall results for the succession reveal an increasing chemical maturity trend from Rhaetian to Hettangian thereby supporting a change from warm-arid to a hot and humid palaeoclimate, probably extreme greenhouse conditions. Similar changes in the clay mineralogy and sediment geochemistry across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary have been reported from basins across Europe. Thus the Salt Range provides sections from the southern hemisphere for correlations across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Understanding the trend of temperature and rainfall is of prime importance for climate change related research. This research aims to identify the trends of temperature and rainfall for the last 50 years (1966–2015) for Bangladesh. To detect the trends, the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test in combination with a trend-free pre-whitening approach for correcting the time series to eliminate the influence of serial correlation has been used whereas the Sen's slope method is used for identification of the trend value. Maximum, minimum, and mean monthly temperatures have been analyzed to identify the monthly, seasonal and annual trend. Four seasons are distinct in Bangladesh, namely, pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. In case of rainfall, mean monthly rainfall, 1-day maximum rainfall and consecutive 3-day maximum rainfall are analyzed in a similar fashion. For maximum, minimum and mean monthly temperature, the majority of the stations show an increasing trend for all three indices. Monsoon season observes highest increasing trend of 0.015 °C/yr for mean monthly temperature whereas the winter season shows the negative trend of −0.002 °C/yr. On an annual basis, the trend is increasing with a value of 0.008 °C/yr or 0.4 °C in 50 years having significance level, p <.05. On the other hand, mean rainfall shows an increasing trend for the three seasons except for winter, however, significance level in this case is p >.10. The trend of mean rainfall for annual basis shows an increasing trend of 5.675 mm/yr. The trend in one day and consecutive three-day maximum rainfall depicts that the trend is increasing in few places whereas in other places the trend is decreasing with no significant change. The research concludes that the climate of Bangladesh is getting cooler and drier for winter, on the other hand, warmer and wetter for the rest of the year. Highlights • Data did not show significant serial correlation except for post monsoon temperature and winter rainfall series • In case of rainfall, the country as a whole observed no significant trend for all the three indices analyzed. • It has been predicted that, because of climate change, there will be gradual increase of temperature and change in rainfall pattern [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to understand of the processes controlling phytoplankton successions in the NE Black Sea, long-term data series are needed. We compiled 15 years (2002–2017) of measurements from which the existence emerges of a tight link between phytoplankton species dominance and nutrients concentrations. The latter is strongly influenced by wind direction. The link between algal dominance and nutrients is mediated by the growth strategy adopted by algal species. In spring, when nutrients are abundant, small diatoms such as Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima , with a "rapid growth strategy", prevail. In late spring and early summer, when N is low and P and Si are high, coccolithophorids such as Emiliania huxhleyi dominate, thanks to an "affinity growth strategy". Large diatoms, especially Pseudosolenia calcar-avis , dominate in summer and autumn, when their "storage growth strategy" allows the exploitation of discontinuous upwelling of nutrients. These seasonal changes of dominant species influence the structure of the food web. Highlights • A 15-years data series was used to describe phytoplankton dynamics in the Black Sea. • The seasonal changes of phytoplankton are primarily driven by nutrients and winds. • The growth strategy determines species dominance in different nutritional regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Forest ecological succession was characterized by 21 LiDAR waveform metrics. • The metrics can be classified into point-, line-, area-, or shape-based groups. • The metrics were evaluated by multiple comparison analysis and ISODATA clustering. • Successional stages can be well differentiated using shape- and area-based metrics. Abstract During the past several decades, full-waveform LiDAR has been widely employed to estimate biophysical and biochemical attributes of forests. Many LiDAR metrics have been proposed for distinguishing tree species. However, little work has been dedicated to identifying tools for accurately classifying forests in different levels of ecological succession. This paper explores the potential of full-waveform LiDAR metrics in the identification and classification of tropical dry forests (TDFs) at three levels of ecological succession: early, intermediate, and late. Based on the effective LiDAR waveform and the cumulative return energy curve from the Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor (LVIS), we derived a total of 21 LiDAR metrics which can be classified into point-, line-, area-, or shape-based groups. We further evaluated their ability in differentiating TDF succession using multiple comparison analysis (Duncan method and Tamhane’s T2 method) and ISODATA clustering. Our results showed that the response of LiDAR energy could well reflect the variation in TDF vertical structure. The effective LiDAR waveform of the early successional stage was characterized by one narrow peak; the late successional stage was characterized by multiple major and minor peaks; and the intermediate stage showed transitional characteristics. The normalized cumulative curves tended to be linear with the development of succession. Our multiple comparison analysis suggested that shape- and area-based metrics were generally better than point- and line-based ones in the differentiation of successional stages. Meanwhile the late successional stage can be identified by metrics from any of the four metric groups, the early and intermediate successional stages can be better identified using shape- or area-based metrics. Our ISODATA classification results further confirmed the advantages of area-based metrics since they presented the highest accuracies in nearly all accuracy measurements and for all successional stages. Our study suggests the encouraging potential of LiDAR waveform metrics in the quantification of tropical forests structure as a function of different levels of ecological succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Paleogene succession of the Bohai Bay Basin (BBB), a highly productive petroleum basin in northeastern China with predominantly lacustrine fill, is poorly dated at present. Here, we generated an internal astronomical time scale (ATS) for the Paleogene strata of the Bohai Bay Basin (Dongying Depression, Jiyang Subbasin) using multitaper method (MTM) spectral analysis of high-resolution gamma ray logs. This ATS, which extends from 66 to 23 Ma, is anchored to the standard geologic time scale by calibration to the Paleogene/Neogene boundary (23.03 Ma) at the top of Dongying Formation. Based on this ATS, we recalibrated the ages of biozones, rifting episodes, and paleoclimate stages within the BBB. The recalibrated ages of rifting episodes and related fluctuations in sedimentation rates exhibit a close relationship to secular variation in production rates of Pacific oceanic plateaus and spreading rates of the Southeast Indian Ridge, confirming that the subsidence history of the BBB was significantly influenced by subduction of the Pacific Plate along the eastern margin of Asia and by collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Age recalibration also facilitated re-evaluation of the relationship of sedimentation in the Bohai Bay Basin to the Paleogene climate history of East Asia, e.g., confirming a cooling and drying trend throughout the Eocene. Highlights • The Bohai Bay Basin (BBB) accumulated > 5000 m of sediment from 66 to 23 Ma without major hiatuses. • At an average sedimentation rate of ~ 130 m Myr− 1, this Paleogene succession yields high temporal resolution. • Sedimentation in this lacustrine environment is sensitive to small changes in astronomical insolation forcing. • Orbital signals in gamma ray and geochemical profiles permit construction of an absolute astronomical time scale. • Recalibration of subsidence rates and basin rifting episodes document a close relationship to Indo-Pacific oceanic magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semideciduous Seasonal Forest is a phytophysiognomy of Atlantic Forest with high plant richness but low representativeness in few remnants areas in different successional stages. The assessment of the degree of conservation of those areas helps to indicate whether there is a need for taking strategies to favor forest succession. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify litterfall and its nutrient content, accumulated litter biomass on topsoil, leaf litter decomposition, and topsoil (0–10 cm) chemical attributes as possible indicators of successional stages in areas of Seasonally Semideciduous Forest. We collected available information in literature on CAPES Portal and Google Scholar (May/2021 to February/2022) for Pinheiral municipality, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Accumulated litter biomass, nutrient content (N, P, K) in total litterfall, pH and P availability in topsoil, leaf litter decomposition constant, and half-life time of leaf litter were the most sensitive attributes to indicate the successional stage in the study area, according to Principal Component Analysis. This multivariate analysis indicated that areas in early successional stage were associated with higher values of leaves contribution, half-life of leaf litterfall, contents of Ca and K in total litterfall, whereas areas in middle successional stage were associated with higher values of pH, total organic carbon, exchangeable Ca2+, K+, and Mg+, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity, and lower values of extractable acidity and exchangeable Al3+ in the topsoil. Areas in advanced stages of succession were associated to higher values of total litterfall and its nutrient content (N, K, Mg), accumulated litter biomass, available P in topsoil, and leaf litter decomposition constant. The Cluster multivariate analysis revealed that the areas in advanced successional stage presented high dissimilarity in relation to the areas in early and middle successional stage. • Some nutrient cycling attributes indicated the successional stage in the study area. • Advanced successional stage showed high dissimilarity to other successional stages. • Early stage showed higher leaves contribution, Ca and K contents in litterfall. • Middle successional stage showed higher topsoil fertility. • Advanced stage showed higher litterfall, accumulated litter, and decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domoic acid (DA)-producing algal blooms have been the issue of worldwide concerns in recent decades, but there has never been any attempt to investigate the effects of DA on microbial ecology in marine environments. Protists are considered to be key regulators of microbial activity, community structure and evolution, we therefore explore the effect of DA on the ecology of protists via metagenome in this work. The results indicate that trace amounts of DA can act as a stressor to alter alpha and beta diversity of protistan community. Among trophic functional groups, consumers and phototrophs are negative responders of DA, implying DA is potentially capable of functional-level effects in the ocean. Moreover, microecological theory reveals that induction of DA increases the role of deterministic processes in microbial community assembly, thus altering the biotic relationships and successional processes in symbiotic patterns. Finally, we demonstrate that the mechanism by which DA shapes protistan ecological network is by acting on phototrophs, which triggers cascading effects in networks and eventually leading to shifts in ecological succession of protists. Overall, our results present the first perspective regarding the effects of DA on marine microbial ecology, which will supplement timely information on the ecological impacts of DA in the ocean. [Display omitted] • The microbial ecology impacts of DA was uncovered for the first time. • Trace amounts of DA can act as a stressor to alter protistan community structure. • Presence of DA can induce shifts in protistan community assembly process. • DA is capable of functional-level effect in marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monitored were postfire successions in the dwarf-shrub layers of two Scots pine forests. • Data on bilberry or/and cowberry presence/absence in 2000 quadrats sized 20´20 cm. • Reexaminations of quadrat states were made each 5 years during 1980–2005 period. • Markov-chain transition matrices calibrated by weight-averaging transition frequencies. • Retrospective analysis locates the monitoring period in the total course of succession. Retrospective analysis in a Markov chain model of vegetation succession is a concept that we launched a few years ago with regard to studying the cowberry-vs.-bilberry competition dynamics in the dwarf-shrub layer of certain Scots pine forests on sandy soils. The concept was motivated by the need to know the course of succession in the past, mathematically grounded by the convergence to a unique steady state of the time-homogeneous Markov chain, and methodically provided by its being invulnerable to any shifts along the time axis. In 1980, permanent sample plots were laid down in two kinds of Scots pine forest with known dates of the last fire, and they were being repeatedly inspected for each 5 years till 2005. Two thousand quadrats sized 20 × 20 cm were checked up in each forest type for having one of the four principle statuses: both species were absent from the quadrat (∅), the bilberry was present alone (V), the cowberry was present alone (W), and the both species were present (VW). Each 5-year step detected transitions between any pair of states, and we calibrate the transition matrix by averaging the transition frequencies over the entire observation period individually for each forest type. Calibrated transition matrix gives the unique steady-state distribution of statuses among the quadrats and enables the estimation of how long the two-species succession proceeds from the very beginning till the steady state. The task is nontrivial since the general postfire succession passes certain no-berry stages after the fire, while the year when the berries appeared in quadrats for the first time is not known. An original idea of how to determine that year, hence the position of the monitoring period in the complete course of postfire succession, relies upon an optimal least-squares choice among the year-specific arrays of model distributions, and we apply here this idea to a dry Cladina–Vaccinium Scots pine forest and a wet Polytrichum–Myrtillus type. In the dry forest, the dynamics are shown to be much slower, with the dwarf-shrubs phase starting in 1975, i.e., 80 years after the fire, while it took just one 5-year step for the dwarf shrubs to appear in the wet type, i.e., 25 years prior the first field observation. Model findings are discussed with regard to the ecological knowledge of successions in pine forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract After the mass extinction at the end of the Ordovician period, metazoan reefs recovered and became widespread on the Yangtze carbonate platform by the late Aeronian, as recorded by a diverse and complex reef system in the Shihniulan Formation. In the overlying siliciclastic-dominated Hanchiatien Formation, the reefs declined in size and biodiversity along with a sudden facies change during the lower Telychian. Without any phototrophic organisms, small reefs were primarily built by abundant bryozoans, which crop out in the lower part of this formation at the southern tip of Chongqing, Southwest China. These reefs occur as massive argillaceous limestones, varying in size from 1.6 to 2.8 m in thickness and 6 to 16 m in diameter. The reefs are surrounded by gray-green shales and silty shales. Distinct vertical ecozonation is present, and four growth stages have been recognized, represented by four facies types from bottom to top: (1) auloporid coral-echinoderm-bryozoan packstone/floatstone, (2) fenestrate bryozoan-echinoderm bafflestone, (3) Fistulipora - Asperopora framestone, and (4) Fistulipora framestone. In tropical mid- to outer-ramp settings, these bryozoan reefs showcase an unusual reef community in heterozoan carbonates, which were probably influenced by internal waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Increasing the efficiency of the household sector's energy consumption plays a significant role in reducing CO 2 emissions, particularly for Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country. However, there is a lack of analytical studies on the driving forces of emissions from the household sector in Indonesia, including the contribution of one of the world's largest efforts to promote a cleaner cooking fuel program. We intend to examine the characteristics of the Indonesian energy matrix and its evolution in the household sector alongside the impact of kerosene to the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) conversion program to the Indonesian emissions change in the sector. We also investigate the underlying determinant of emissions change, both directly and indirectly, from household energy consumption in Indonesia from 2000 to 2015. For this purpose, we conduct the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition analysis. We found that population and income led to increases of both direct and indirect energy emission, while the impact of energy intensity was the opposite. The fuel mix and carbon intensity effect, which reflects the conversion of kerosene to LPG, contributes to reducing direct emissions with limited effect. High share growth of coal in electricity generation led to increasing indirect emissions for the period. Our findings have important policy implications, particularly for increasing the share of new and renewable energy in the national energy mix and for intensifying energy efficiency in the household sector. Highlights • Population and income stimulate direct and indirect household energy emissions. • Household's energy intensity effect reduces CO 2 emission in the sector. • The kerosene conversion program lowers direct household's fuel combustion emissions. • Energy mix effect significantly reduces direct household's fuel combustion emissions. • The impact of kerosene conversion program on carbon intensity is less perceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Mine overburden contains more C and N than recent topsoil used in reclamation. • C and N contents increased with age only on reclaimed grassland. • P content displayed no changes with age in both reclaimed and unreclaimed sites. • Microbial biomass and respiration increased with age in both sites. Abstract Understanding changes in soil chemical and microbial properties under different vegetation types on post-mining sites is an important step in developing management practices to enhance ecosystem functions. Changes in soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stock, pH, bulk density and microbial properties (microbial biomass, respiration and ergosterol content) were studied in chronosequences on reclaimed and unreclaimed grasslands on heaps after lignite mining in the northwest of the Czech Republic. Reclaimed sites were established by applying topsoil and seeding cultural grasses and legumes. Unreclaimed sites were only levelled and spontaneously colonized by grassy vegetation dominated by bushgrass (Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth). Topsoil application created more favourable conditions for organic matter accumulation in soil. The C and N contents in the soil of reclaimed sites increased with age, while no significant changes occurred in unreclaimed sites. The results indicated a high potential for C sequestration in reclaimed grasslands with topsoiling, estimated at up to 1.6 t ha y−1. The P content did not change with age in either reclaimed or unreclaimed sites. Microbial biomass and respiration increased with chronosequence in both sites. However, respiration did not differ between reclaimed and unreclaimed sites, while microbial biomass was significantly higher in reclaimed sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Increasing evidence points to greater temporal variation in deep-sea ecosystems than previously thought. In cold seeps, most available evidence focuses on successional stages of megafauna, with few studies on temporal variability in infaunal communities. We present a temporal study of infaunal communities and sedimentary organic matter characteristics from Barkley Hydrates outcrop, a chemosynthetic environment that receives organic matter from chemosynthetic and photosynthetic (phytodetritus) origins. In order to help interpret results from the outcrop, we contrast temporal variability in outcrop communities during two sampling periods with corresponding variation in an adjacent background sedimentary habitat (both habitats at ~900 m depth, offshore of British Columbia, Canada), that receives food input only from a photosynthetic source (phytodetritus). Comparisons with the background community help in differentiating chemosynthetic from photosynthetic food effects at the outcrop. Our results show contrasting temporal patterns for each community. First, lower (though not significantly) total density at the outcrop site in May 2014 corresponded to a significant change in species characteristic of that location (i.e., oligochaetes, dorvilleid polychaetes, and bivalves) in the previous sampling period (i.e., September 2013). Background communities did not change significantly in total density or species composition. Changes at the outcrop coincided with higher values of δ13C in sediment layers in May 2014, indicating reduced contributions of chemosynthetic organic matter to the total organic carbon pool relative to September 2013, and low bottom water methane concentrations. Second, although not significantly different, we detected more recruits in September 2013 for multiple species (Bipalponephtys cornuta , Cossura longocirrata , ampharetid polychaetes, Leitoscoloplos sp., and Levinsenia sp.) at the background site, following increased surface primary productivity in summer (June-August 2013). The presence of recruits of ampharetid polychaetes at both sites in September 2013 suggests that, although most individuals from the hydrate site depend on chemosynthetic food sources and therefore track temporal variation of organic matter chemosynthesised from methane, some outcrop site species also track phytodetritus pulses, much as observed in the background community. Our results demonstrate the utility of temporal studies in identifying the primary food source(s) fueling seafloor communities, and the dynamic nature of deep-sea infaunal communities from contrasting sites in Barkley Hydrates. Highlights • Barkley Hydrates infaunal community structure changed from Sept. 2013 to May 2014. • Decreased densities of characteristic species drove temporal changes. • Chemosynthetic organic matter in sediments decreased over time (enriched δ13C). • Ampharetids recruited in Sept. 2013 at the outcrop, matching background patterns. • Most, but not all, taxa at the outcrop depend on chemosynthetic organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative sea-level rise (SLR) raises geomorphic base levels, displaces salt water and tidal or backwater effects inland, and changes the hydrology of aquatic and upland environments. On an all-other-things-being equal basis, we can predict some transitions associated with SLR. However, in real coastal landscapes, all other things are not equal. Factors other than sea-level influence geomorphic, hydrological, and ecological processes and controls, environmental interactions often complicate or obscure process-response relationships, and local disturbances may interrupt or overprint them. In this study relationships among coastal environments in North Carolina, USA were investigated as they respond to changes in multiple environmental gradients driven by relative sea level rise, to determine the extent to which the spatial complexity of landscape response can be explained by environmental gradients. Spatial adjacency graphs reflecting observed patterns of contiguity were derived empirically, and five key environmental gradients related to relative sea-level were identified (elevation, hydroperiod, salinity, vegetation, and process regime). The spectral radius of the spatial adjacency graph indicates a complex system that on the landscape level cannot be described or modeled based on linear gradients or successional relationships. Yet, spectral graph theory measures show that the complexity of the system can be fully explained, in the aggregate, by the five identified gradients, despite some redundancy of information therein. This indicates that coastal responses to SLR should be assessed based on multiscalar, nested environmental gradients rather than a single advancing front of change or linear sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here a more complete cosmogenic chronology of Pleistocene glacial deposits for the Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA. Fifty-one new and thirty-nine re-calculated 10 Be and 26 Al exposure ages from Sinks and North Fork canyons, Stough Basin, Cirque of the Towers and the Temple Lake valley allow us to more tightly constrain the timing and sequence of glacial alloformations in the southern portion of the range. Moraines, diamicts and bedrock exposures here have previously been correlated with as many as five Pleistocene and four Holocene glacial events. Exposure ages from Pleistocene alloformations associated with trunk glaciers in Sinks Canyon and North Fork Canyon generally confirm earlier age estimates. Cosmogenic radionuclide (CRN, 10 Be and 26 Al) ages from moraines and striated bedrock surfaces previously mapped as Pinedale correspond to MIS2, while boulder exposure ages from moraines mapped as Bull Lake correspond generally to MIS5-MIS6. Geomorphic data from a moraine previously mapped as Younger pre-Sacagawea Ridge appears to correspond most closely to the Sacagawea Ridge glacial episode (MIS-16), but the uncertainty of a single 10 Be exposure age suggests the unit could be as young as MIS-10 or as old as MIS-18. Boulders from a diamict on Table Mountain previously reported as Older pre-Sacagawea Ridge yield two 10 Be exposure ages that suggest the presence of Early Pleistocene glacial activity here possibly older than 1–2 Ma (>MIS-30). Bedrock exposure ages within Sinks Canyon suggest the Pinedale valley glacier had retreated from the floor of Sinks Canyon to above PopoAgie Falls by ca. 15.3 ka. Cirque glaciers in Stough Basin appear to have retreated behind their riegels by ca. 16 ka, which suggests the cirque glaciers were decoupling across their riegels from the valley glaciers below at this time, prior to their readvance to form Lateglacial moraines. New 10 Be boulder exposure ages from moraines previously correlated to the Temple Lake and Alice Lake allostratigraphic units in the cirques of Stough Basin and Cirque of the Towers show general equivalence to the stadial event just prior to the onset of the Bølling interstadial (17.5–14.7 ka) and to the Intra-Allerød Cold Period-Younger Dryas stadial phase (13.9–11.7 ka), respectively. From this evidence, the Temple Lake Alloformation of the Wind River Mountains now should correspond to the INTIMATE GS-2.1a (Oldest Dryas) stadial event while the Alice Lake Alloformation should correspond to the INTIMATE GS-2 stadial (IACP-Younger Dryas). Thus, we consider that evidence no longer exists for early-to mid-Holocene glacial events in the southern Wind River Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]