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"Prager, Ellen J"
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Chasing science at sea
To the average office-dweller, marine scientists seem to have the good life: cruising at sea for weeks at a time, swimming in warm coastal waters, living in tropical paradises. But ocean scientists who go to sea will tell you that it is no vacation. Creature comforts are few and the obstacles seemingly insurmountable, yet an abundance of wonder and discovery still awaits those who take to the ocean. Chasing Science at Sea immerses readers in the world of those who regularly go to sea—aquanauts living underwater, marine biologists seeking unseen life in the deep ocean, and the tall-ship captains at the helm, among others—and tells the fascinating tale of what life—and science—is like at the mercy of Mother Nature. With passion and wit, well-known marine scientist Ellen Prager shares her stories as well as those of her colleagues, revealing that in the field ingenuity and a good sense of humor are as essential as water, sunblock, and GPS. Serendipity is invaluable, and while collecting data is the goal, sometimes just getting back to shore means success. But despite the physical hardship and emotional duress that come with the work, optimism and adventure prompt a particularly hardy species of scientist to return again and again to the sea. Filled with firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs of dealing with the extreme forces of nature and the unpredictable world of the ocean, Chasing Science at Sea is a unique glimpse below the water line at what it is like and why it is important to study, explore, and spend time in one of our planet’s most fascinating and foreign environments.
eBook
Carbonate nodule growth on Florida's outer shelf and its implications for fossil interpretations
The use of carbonate nodules as paleoenvironmental indicators is generally based on examples of modern nodule growth. Although nodules are found in both shallow- and deep-water environments, research on their composition, formation, and depositional setting has been limited almost exclusively to shallow depths. The lack of deep-water studies results primarily from the logistical difficulties associated with research below 20-30 m. Consequently, interpretation of fossil deposits containing carbonate nodules may be biased by our lack of knowledge regarding nodule formation in relatively deep-water habitats. Recent observations of carbonate nodule growth on Florida's outer shelf reveal the processes by which carbonate nodules may form in a relatively deep (35-65 m), quiet-water setting. Observations in situ and examinations of internal nodule structure indicate that encrusting organisms-primarily the foraminifera, Gypsina vesicularis, and various coralline algae genera-grow on a nodule's upper as well as lower surfaces. Nodule formation may therefore be facilitated by slight repositioning rather than complete overturning. On Florida's outer shelf, repositioning of nodules occurs (1) frequently as a result of intense biologic activity at the sea floor, and (2) infrequently as a consequence of physical transport during hurricane-strength storms or periodic surge events. These findings suggest that in addition to the traditional association with shallow-water habitats and physical turbulence, fossil carbonate nodules may be indicative of a relatively deep, quiet-water setting characterized by persistent bioturbation and occasional near-bottom flow.
Journal Article
Volcano!
A fire-breathing dragon takes children on a grand adventure to learn more about volcanoes. Venturing into an active volcano, kids discover how magma inside the Earth begins to bubble and push its way upward, causing steam to escape through cracks overhead. Young readers will travel to active volcano sites around the world to discover the different characteristics and behavior of various volcanoes.
Book
The Influence of Seagrass on Shell Layers and Florida Bay Mudbanks
Aerial photography indicates that sometime since the early 1970's, an emergent ridge of shell debris developed on a mudbank north of Calusa Key in Florida Bay. Coarse shell deposits on and within the Bay's shallow mudbanks are believed to be the product of transport during major storm events and subsequent winnowing. However, shell material from the ridge contains nuclear bomb14C, supporting formation within the past 30 years and the last major hurricanes to influence Florida Bay were Donna and Betsy (1960 and 1965). Results from this study suggest that the Calusa ridge and other coarse shell deposits in Florida Bay can result from, 1) periodic seagrass mortality and wave-induced transport during frequent winter cold fronts and/or 2) mollusc blooms and subsequent burial. A survey of bottom types indicates that dense to intermediate beds of seagrass, mainly Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass), occur within the shallow basins of western Florida Bay and along the margins of Bay mudbanks. Wave measurements and modeling indicate that Thalassia along mudbank margins can reduce incoming wave energy by over 80%. Seagrass beds also host particularly dense populations of molluscs from periodic \"blooms\" and are believed to be the major source of coarse sediments in the Bay. Thus, if bank-edge seagrass dies, sediments, including shell debris, become exposed and subject to greatly increased wave energy. Modeling indicates that winds typical of winter cold fronts in South Florida can produce near-bottom velocities and shear stress at a grass-free bank edge which are sufficient to transport coarse carbonate grains. Shell layers found at depth in mudbank cores can also be explained by previous episodes of sediment accretion over mollusc-rich seagrass beds or grass bed mortality at the edge of a mudbank and shell transport during cold front passage. The latter implies that mortality of marginal seagrass beds has occurred throughout the history of Florida Bay and that the historical influence of hurricanes on sedimentation in the Bay may have been overestimated.
Journal Article
Seasickness: a sacrifice to Neptune
The sea has spawned many tales of courage and romance, but the most common experience is motion sickness. Seasickness, which is not limited to humans and knows no bounds of race, fame or finance, is discussed.
Magazine Article
Anatomy of a Galapagos Beachrock
Floreana Island in the Galapagos has at least two kinds of beachrock, which is hard, pavementlike conglomerates of sand, cobbles and debris that can be found throughout the tropics and subroptics. Calcium carbonate is the cement that holds beachrock together.
Magazine Article
Modeling of circulation and transport in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana and its implications for oyster harvesting management
Contamination of oyster-rich waters in south Louisiana by sewage-related wastes is believed to occur on a seasonally varying basis, and pose a serious threat to both human welfare and the local economy. Fluctuations in the meteorologic and oceanographic conditions in the region are believed to be responsible for the variability observed in bacterial concentrations. To gain a better understanding of the relationship between transport processes, environmental forcing, and the potential for contamination, a combined program of in situ measurements and numerical modeling techniques was conducted in the nearshore waters of Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana. A finite element model based on the vertically integrated equations of motion and continuity was used to simulate flow under various environmental regimes. Wind, tides, and runoff were incorporated based on real-time measurements within the study area. Observations of large-scale circulation were used to calibrate and verify the ability of the model to realistically simulate flow. Lagrangian-type particle tracking was employed to specifically examine tidal advection and residual transport in the pollution-prone northwestern region of the bay. Results indicate that the patterns of transport within the nearshore waters of Terrebonne Bay are highly complex and depend on the interactions of tides, wind, runoff, and changes in mean sea level within the bay. Residual flow of particulate materials within the bay is commonly seaward at a rate of 0.8 to 5.0 cm/s depending on location and environmental conditions occurring during the time of release. Even under the strongest of transport regimes, the residence time within the oyster-rich upper reaches of the bay appears to be on the order of 2 or more days. Rising sea level within the bay, daily landward advection by the incoming tide, and several wind/tide combinations produce transport patterns conducive to contamination. Consequently, the likelihood for contamination of oyster-rich waters is not a function of season or any one environmental parameter. Present management strategies for oyster harvesting are not supported by these results, and efforts towards more effective treatment of wastewater prior to discharge, and the use of depuration processes post-harvest are recommended.
Dissertation