An Integrated Approach to Coastal and Biological Observations
Maritime economy, ecosystem-based management and climate change adaptation and mitigation raise emerging needs on coastal ocean and biological observations. Integrated ocean observing aims at optimizing sampling strategies and cost-efficiency, sharing data and best practices, and maximizing the value of the observations for multiple purposes. Recently developed cost-effective, near real time technology such as gliders, radars, ferrybox, and shallow water Argo floats, should be used operationally to generate operational coastal sea observations and analysis. Furthermore, value of disparate coastal ocean observations can be unlocked with multi-dimensional integration on fitness-for-the-purpose, parameter and instrumental. Integration of operational monitoring with offline monitoring programs, such as those for research, ecosystem-based management and commercial purposes, is necessary to fill the gaps. Such integration should lead to a system of networks which can deliver data for all kinds of purposes. Detailed integration activities are identified which should enhance the coastal ocean and biological observing capacity. Ultimately a program is required which integrates physical, biogeochemical and biological observation of the ocean, from coastal to deep-sea environments, bringing together global, regional, and local observation efforts.
(Frontiers in Marine Science. vol. 6, n° 2296-7745, pp. 314, 24/04/2026)
DMI, UniPi, UNINA, DTU, UCD, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, VLIZ, TalTech, NIOZ, HCMR, CIIMAR, FMI
Modélisation biodynamique de l'accumulation de substances persistantes par des invertébrés benthiques d'eau douce
L'utilisation de modèles toxicocinétiques (parfois désignés comme biodynamiques) dans l'étude de la bioaccumulation des contaminants présente de nombreux avantages, et ouvre la perspective d'utilisations prédictives. Toutefois, l'implémentation de ces modèles pour les contaminants organiques imposait de lever des verrous, comme la prise en compte de la biotransformation et des métabolites résultants, et d'estimer correctement l'incertitude sur les valeurs des paramètres toxicocinétiques. Cette étude a permis de développer un cadre de modélisation générique pour décrire et prédire la bioaccumulation de composés persistants (hexachlorobiphényl, pentachlorobenzène, hexabromocyclododécane - HBCDD, pentabromodiphényl-éther) par différentes espèces d'invertébrés benthiques (insecte Chironomus riparius, crustacé amphipode Gammarus fossarum, mollusque gastéropode Radix auricularia). La démarche suivie pour cette étude est passée par la mise en oeuvre d'essais d'accumulation au laboratoire, qui ont fourni ensuite les données expérimentales permettant de développer le cadre de modélisation et de tester différentes hypothèses sur les voies d'exposition des organismes. L'estimation des paramètres toxicocinétiques est réalisée par inférence bayésienne à l'aide du logiciel JAGS et du package « rjags » du logiciel R ; l'échantillonnage aléatoire pour les distributions de probabilité des paramètres est effectué par l'algorithme « Markov Chain Monte Carlo ». Les différentes hypothèses testées à partir des données expérimentales correspondent à autant de modèles, dont on peut comparer les performances. Dans l'ensemble, ces modèles ont bien reproduit les données expérimentales, sauf dans le cas de l'HBCDD, pour lequel les données expérimentales obtenues n'ont pas apporté suffisamment d'information pour estimer correctement les paramètres toxicocinétiques. Une fonction de biotransformation a également été implémentée avec succès sur la base de données issues de la littérature (aldicarbe, carbaryl, carbofuran, chlorométhyl-1 nitro-4 benzène, pyrène) ; l'inférence bayésienne a permis d'obtenir une incertitude réduite par rapport à celle des modèles originaux reposant sur une inférence classique. Enfin, à titre de preuve de concept, le cadre de modélisation a été adapté à une estimation de la concentration dans le sédiment équivalente à la norme de qualité environnementale pour le biote du benzo(a)pyrène. Ce modèle générique, développé dans un cadre bayésien et pouvant s'adapter à chaque couple espèce-contaminant (ou mélanges) que l'on souhaite étudier se révèle être un outil performant dans la description des toxicocinétiques de contaminants ainsi que dans l'évaluation de l'incertitude sur les paramètres et les prédictions.
(pp. 70, 24/04/2026)
IRSTEA, LBBE, UCBL, VAS, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Low-Cost UAV for High-Resolution and Large-Scale Coastal Dune Change Monitoring Using Photogrammetry
In this paper, coastal dune data are collected at Truc Vert, SW France, using photogrammetry via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). A low-cost GoPro-equipped DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter and a 20 MPix camera-equipped DJI Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter UAVs were used to remotely sense the coastal dune morphology over large spatial scales (4 km alongshore, i.e., approximately 1 km 2 of beach-dune system), within a short time (less than 2 h of flight). The primary objective of this paper is to propose a low-cost and replicable approach which, combined with simple and efficient permanent Ground Control Point (GCP) setup , can be applied to routinely survey upper beach and coastal dune morphological changes at high frequency (after each storm) and high resolution (0.1 m). Results show that a high-resolution and accurate Digital Surface Model (DSM) can be inferred with both UAVs if enough permanent GCPs are implemented. The more recent DJI Phantom 4 gives substantially more accurate DSM with a root-mean-square vertical error and bias of 0.05 m and −0.03 m, respectively, while the DSM inferred from the DJI Phantom 2 still largely meets the standard for coastal monitoring. The automatic flight plan procedure allows replicable surveys to address large-scale morphological evolution at high temporal resolution (e.g., weeks, months), providing unprecedented insight into the coastal dune evolution driven by marine and aeolian processes. The detailed morphological evolution of a 4-km section of beach-dune system is analyzed over a 6-month winter period, showing highly alongshore variable beach and incipient foredune wave-driven erosion, together with wind-driven inland migration of the established foredune by a few meters, and alongshore-variable sand deposition on the grey dune. In a context of widespread erosion, this photogrammetry approach via low-cost flexible and lightweight UAVs is well adapted for coastal research groups and coastal dune management stakeholders, including in developing countries where data are lacking.
(J. Mar. Sci. Eng. vol. 7, 24/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ONF
Bacterial 3-Hydroxy fatty acids : applicability as temperature and pH proxies in soils from the french Alps
(24/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, EDYTEM, USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry], CNRS, Fédération OSUG
Optimization of a gas chromatographic unit for measuring biogenic volatile organic compounds in ambient air
A new online gas chromatographic method dedicated to biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) analysis was developed for the measurement of a 20 BVOC gaseous mixture (; and 2-carene) at a time resolution of 90 min. The optimized method includes an online Peltier-cooled thermodesorption system sample trap made of Carbopack B coupled to a gas chromatographic system equipped with a 60 m, 0.25 mm internal diameter (i.d.) BPX5 column. Eluent was analysed using flame ionization detection (FID). Potassium iodide was identified as the best ozone scrubber for the 20 BVOC mixture. In order to obtain an accurate quantification of BVOC concentrations, the development of a reliable standard mixture was also required. Quantification of BVOCs was reported with a detection limit ranging from 4 ppt for α-pinene to 19 ppt for sabinene. The main source of uncertainty was the calibration step, stressing the need for certified gaseous standards for a wider panel of BVOCs. This new method was applied for the first time to measure BVOCs in a pine forest during the LANDEX episode 1 field campaign (summer 2017). All target BVOCs were detected at least once during the campaign. The two major monoterpenes observed were β-pinene and α-pinene, representing 60 % of the measured terpenoid concentration on average, while isoprene represented only 17 %. The uncertainties determined were always below 13 % for the six major terpenes.
(Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. vol. 12, n° 1867-1381, pp. 6153-6171, 24/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, CERI EE - IMT Nord Europe, IMT Nord Europe, IMT, IMT Lille Douai, IMT
Effects of atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> variability of the past 800 kyr on the biomes of southeast Africa
Very little is known about the impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide pressure (pCO 2) on the shaping of biomes. The development of pCO 2 throughout the Brun-hes Chron may be considered a natural experiment to elucidate relationships between vegetation and pCO 2. While the glacial periods show low to very low values (∼ 220 to ∼ 190 ppmv, respectively), the pCO 2 levels of the interglacial periods vary from intermediate to relatively high (∼ 250 to more than 270 ppmv, respectively). To study the influence of pCO 2 on the Pleistocene development of SE African vegetation , we used the pollen record of a marine core (MD96-2048) retrieved from Delagoa Bight south of the Limpopo River mouth in combination with stable isotopes and geo-chemical proxies. Applying endmember analysis, four pollen assemblages could be distinguished representing different biomes: heathland, mountain forest, shrubland and woodland. We find that the vegetation of the Limpopo River catchment and the coastal region of southern Mozambique is influenced not only by hydroclimate but also by temperature and atmospheric pCO 2. Our results suggest that the extension of mountain forest occurred during those parts of the glacials when pCO 2 and temperatures were moderate and that only during the colder periods when atmospheric pCO 2 was low (less than 220 ppmv) open ericaceous vegetation including C 4 sedges extended. The main development of woodlands in the area took place after the Mid-Brunhes Event (∼ 430 ka) when interglacial pCO 2 levels regularly rose over 270 ppmv.
(Climate of the Past. vol. 15, n° 1814-9324, pp. 1083-1097, 24/04/2026)
MARUM, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UMass Amherst, UMASS
The Ogooue Fan (offshore Gabon): a modern example of deep-sea fan on a complex slope profile
The effects of changes in slope gradient on deposition processes and architecture have been investigated in different deep-sea systems both in modern and ancient environments. However, the impact of subtle gradient changes (< 0.3∘) on sedimentary processes along deep-sea fans still needs to be clarified. The Ogooue Fan, located in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Guinea, extends over more than 550 km westwards of the Gabonese shelf and passes through the Cameroon volcanic line. Here, we present the first study of acoustic data (multibeam echosounder and 3.5 kHz, very high-resolution seismic data) and piston cores covering the deep-sea part of this West African system. This study documents the architecture and sedimentary facies distribution along the fan. Detailed mapping of near-seafloor seismic-reflection data reveals the influence of subtle slope gradient changes (< 0.2∘) along the fan morphology. The overall system corresponds to a well-developed deep-sea fan, fed by the Ogooue River sedimentary load, with tributary canyons, distributary channel-levee complexes and lobe elements. However, variations in the slope gradient due to inherited salt-related structures and the presence of several seamounts, including volcanic islands, result in a topographically complex slope profile including several ramps and steps. In particular, turbidity currents derived from the Gabonese shelf deposit cross several interconnected intra-slope basins located on the low gradient segments of the margin (< 0.3∘). On a higher gradient segment of the slope (0.6∘), a large mid-system valley developed connecting an intermediate sedimentary basin to the more distal lobe area. Distribution and thickness of turbidite sands is highly variable along the system. However, turbidite sands are preferentially deposited on the floor of the channel and the most proximal depositional areas. Core description indicates that the upper parts of the turbidity flows, mainly composed of fine-grained sediments, are found in the most distal depocenters.
(Solid Earth. vol. 10, pp. 851-869, 24/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, SHOM
Climate‐driven changes in macrobenthic communities in the Mediterranean Sea: A 10‐year study in the Bay of Banyuls‐sur‐Mer
Marine ecosystems worldwide are affected by both natural variation and human activities; to disentangle and understand their individual role in influencing the macrobenthic community composition is challenging. The relationship between in-terannual variability in atmospheric circulation, dictated by the climatic oscillation indices, and the benthic macrofauna composition was assessed at four sampling sites located in the Bay of Banyuls-sur-Mer (NW Mediterranean Sea). Between 2004 and 2013, these sites were sampled annually during autumn/winter and analyzed for sediment grain-size and benthic macrofauna composition (species richness, abundance, and biomass). Temporal changes in these descriptors were correlated with two climatic indices (NAO and WeMO indices) and a set of environmental parameters integrated over three different time periods (i.e., whole year, springtime, and wintertime). Our results confirm the occurrence of major temporal changes in the composition of macrobenthic communities within the Gulf of Lions. More specifically, the results indicate that (a) the WeMO appears to be more closely related to benthic macrofauna composition in the Bay of Banyuls-sur-Mer than the NAO, (b) winter is a better integration period than spring or the whole year as a proxy for community composition changes, and (c) Rhône River water flow is likely involved in the control of benthic macrofauna composition in the whole Gulf of Lions. The present study highlights the importance of WeMO as a regional proxy, which can be used to evaluate changes in benthic macrofauna linked to climatic variability.
(Ecology and Evolution. vol. 9, pp. 10483-10498, 24/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LECOB, SU, CNRS, OOB, SU, CNRS
La Jument Lighthouse: a real scale laboratory for the study of giant waves and their loading on marine structures
This paper presents results from an experiment designed to improve the understanding of the relation between extreme breaking waves and their mechanical loading on heritage offshore lighthouses. The experiment, conducted at La Jument, an iconic French offshore lighthouse, featured several records of wave, current and structure accelerations acquired during severe storm conditions, with individual waves as high as 24 m. Data analysis focuses on a storm event marked by a strong peak in the horizontal accelerations measured inside La Jument. Thanks to stereo-video wave measurements synchronized to the acceleration record we were able to identify and describe the breaking wave responsible for this intense loading. Our observations suggest that this giant wave (19 m high) had a crest elevation high enough to directly hit the lighthouse tower, above the substructure. This paper reveals the potential for conducting ambitious field experiments from offshore lighthouses in order to collect valuable storm waves and wave loading observations. This offers a possible second service life for these heritage structures as in situ laboratories dedicated to the study of the coastal hydrodynamics and its interaction with marine structures.
(Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Physical and Engineering Sciences (1990–1995). vol. 377, n° 0962-8428, pp. 20190008, 24/04/2026)
LGO, UBS, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, FEM, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UT2J, Comue de Toulouse, UT2J, Comue de Toulouse, CEA-LETI, DRT (CEA), CEA, LHEEA, ECN, CNRS, LPO, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, UHM, SIAME, UPPA, Cerema
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Aromatic Alkene Ozonolysis: Influence of the Precursor Structure on Yield, Chemical Composition, and Mechanism
The influence of the precursor chemical structure on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation was investigated through the study of the ozonolysis of two anthropogenic aromatic alkenes: 2-methylstyrene and indene. Experiments were carried out in three different simulation chambers: ICARE 7300L FEP Teflon chamber (ICARE, Orléans, France), EUPHORE FEP Teflon chamber (CEAM, Valencia, Spain), and CESAM evacuable stainless steel chamber (LISA, Créteil, France). For both precursors, SOA yield and growth were studied on a large range of initial concentrations (from ∼60 ppbv to 1.9 ppmv) and the chemical composition of both gaseous and particulate phases was investigated at a molecular level. Gas phase was described using FTIR spectroscopy and online gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and particulate chemical composition was analyzed (i) online by thermo-desorption coupled to chemical ionization mass spectrometry and (ii) offline by supercritical fluid extraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results obtained from a large set of experiments performed in three different chambers and using several complementary analytical techniques were in very good agreement. SOA yield was up to 10 times higher for indene ozonolysis than for 2-methylstyrene ozonolysis at the same reaction advancement. For 2-methylstyrene ozonolysis, formaldehyde and o-tolualdehyde were the two main gaseous phase products while o-toluic acid was the most abundant among six products detected within the particulate phase. For indene ozonolysis, traces of formic and phthalic acids as well as 11 species were detected in the gaseous phase and 11 other products were quantified in the particulate phase, where phthaldialdehyde was the main product. On the basis of the identified products, reaction mechanisms were proposed that highlight specific pathways due to the precursor chemical structure. These mechanisms were finally compared and discussed regarding SOA formation. In the case of 2-methylstyrene ozonolysis, ozone adds mainly on the external and monosubstituted double bond, yielding only one C8- and monofunctionalized Criegee intermediate and hence more volatile products as well as lower SOA mass than indene ozonolysis in similar experimental conditions. In the case of indene, ozone adds mainly on the five-carbon-ring and disubstituted C═C double bond, leading to the formation of two C9- and bifunctionalized Criegee intermediates, which then evolve via different pathways including the hydroperoxide channel and form highly condensable first-generation products.
(Journal of Physical Chemistry A. vol. 123, n° 1089-5639, pp. 1469-1484, 24/04/2026)
LISA (UMR_7583), INSU - CNRS, UPD7, UPEC UP12, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LCE, AMU, INC-CNRS, CNRS, LASIRE, INC-CNRS, CNRS, ICARE, UO, CNRS, INSIS - CNRS