Difference between revisions of "Template:This weeks featured article"

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(→‎Chemical and conventional ammunition in the Baltic Sea)
(Light fields and optics in coastal waters)
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==Chemical and conventional ammunition in the Baltic Sea==
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==Light fields and optics in coastal waters==
  
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[[image:Fig-1_german-coast.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Figure 1: Dumping sites and areas of suspicion concerning dumped ammunition at the German Baltic Sea coast]]  
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The quantitative study of underwater light fields in coastal waters and shelf seas has important applications in ecology, engineering and [[remote sensing]]. This article introduces the theoretical basis of optical measurements. Attention is paid to descriptors of light fields, optical properties of natural waters and light field modelling. For more information about the measurement of light field, see also the article [[Optical measurements in coastal waters]].
  
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At the end of World War II it was necessary to find a fast and economical way of disposal for the enormous quantities of no more required conventional and chemical ammunition from German and allied stocks. Usual methods of destruction like detonation, burning or even simple emptying soon emerged as very time-consuming and dangerous. Dumping at sea seemed to be the much more efficient and – concerning the general security – the less problematic solution attempt. Environmental aspects and the issue of protection of the sea were completely ignored at that time. 
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'''Relevance'''
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The quantitative study of underwater light fields in coastal waters and shelf seas has important applications in ecology, engineering and [[remote sensing]]. Underwater light fields:
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Details about type and amount of sea dumped conventional and chemical ammunition vary considerably. Trends indicate that the biggest part of conventional ammunition were dumped in the German coastal waters within the 12-nautical miles zone, while the both biggest dumping sites for chemical ammunition are located in the Skagerrak and the Bornholm Basin.
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# play an important role in determining rates of photosynthesis by phytoplankton and macrophytes, and therefore set limits on the productivity of marine ecosystems.
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Based on diverse accidents, especially concerning fishery, a discussion about possible risk potentials of dumped ammunition for humans and environment arose mid of the 1980’s in which context first assessments finished that a fairly long-term threat for the marine environment can not be ruled out and that the existing, quite considerable lacks of knowledge – especially concerning ecotoxicology – have to be filled by specific investigations.
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# influence the range at which objects are visible under water, which is of great significance for diving and engineering operations and also for visual interactions between predators and prey species.
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# determine the volume reflectance of seawater which is important for [[optical remote sensing]].
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Underwater light fields are vulnerable to human activities. Anthropogenic disturbances such as eutrophication, dredging operations and accelerated soil erosion due to the de-afforestation of river catchments can modify underwater light climates in coastal regions.  Increases in [[turbidity]] produced by these activities can damage important ecosystem components such as coral reefs and sea grass beds.

Revision as of 14:36, 21 July 2008

Light fields and optics in coastal waters

The quantitative study of underwater light fields in coastal waters and shelf seas has important applications in ecology, engineering and remote sensing. This article introduces the theoretical basis of optical measurements. Attention is paid to descriptors of light fields, optical properties of natural waters and light field modelling. For more information about the measurement of light field, see also the article Optical measurements in coastal waters.

Relevance The quantitative study of underwater light fields in coastal waters and shelf seas has important applications in ecology, engineering and remote sensing. Underwater light fields:

  1. play an important role in determining rates of photosynthesis by phytoplankton and macrophytes, and therefore set limits on the productivity of marine ecosystems.
  2. influence the range at which objects are visible under water, which is of great significance for diving and engineering operations and also for visual interactions between predators and prey species.
  3. determine the volume reflectance of seawater which is important for optical remote sensing.

Underwater light fields are vulnerable to human activities. Anthropogenic disturbances such as eutrophication, dredging operations and accelerated soil erosion due to the de-afforestation of river catchments can modify underwater light climates in coastal regions. Increases in turbidity produced by these activities can damage important ecosystem components such as coral reefs and sea grass beds.

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