Search results for " Extreme environment"

The florula of hypersaline habitats in Central Mediterranean and its biological traits

2018

Salinity is one of the most widespread soil degradation processes. In fact in saline soils uneven temporal and spatial water distribution and localized high concentration of salts occur, characterizing restricted habitats where most of the present organisms are halophilic or salt tolerant. Soils could be classified hypersaline when salt concentration exceeds certain thresholds (1, 2). For this study were analysed 10 hypersaline soil localities from Sicily (Birgi, Isola Lunga, Salinelle Marsala, Capo Feto, Piana del Signore, Vendicari) and Tunisia (Qurba, Khniss, Ras Dimas, Chebba). These areas are temporarily flooded in autumn and winter, with longer permanence of water in some zones. Salt …

Mars-105 study : Time-courses and relationships between coping, defense mechanisms, emotions and depression

2013

International audience; This study investigated the time-courses and the relationships between coping, defense mechanisms, emotions and depression considered as key factors in adaptation to ICE (Isolated and Confined Extreme) environments. During the space simulation, the Mars-105 experiment, positive emotion decreased significantly and significant positive correlations were found between mature defenses and both positive emotions and Task-Oriented Coping (TOC), as well as between Disengagement-Oriented Coping (DOC) and symptoms of depression. These findings show the impact of space simulation on affective states and the relations of defense to both coping and emotion, which underline the r…

Soil fungal community composition does not alter along a latitudinal gradient through the maritime and sub-Antarctic

2012

We investigated the relationships between fungal community composition, latitude and a range of physicochemical parameters in 58 soils sampled from a 2370 km latitudinal gradient between South Georgia (54 S, 38 W) in the sub-Antarctic and Mars Oasis (72 S, 68 W) on Alexander Island in the southern maritime Antarctic. Our study, which is based on approximately ten times the number of samples used in previous similar studies, indicates that latitude and its associated environmental parameters are not related to fungal community composition. Significant changes in the composition of soil fungal communities were observed in relation to gradients of the ratio of total organic carbon to nitrogen,…

The influence of thermal extremes on coral reef fish behaviour in the Arabian/Persian Gulf

2019

Despite increasing environmental variability within marine ecosystems, little is known about how coral reef fish species will cope with future climate scenarios. The Arabian/Persian Gulf is an extreme environment, providing an opportunity to study fish behaviour on reefs with seasonal temperature ranges which include both values above the mortality threshold of Indo-Pacific reef fish, and values below the optimum temperature for growth. Summer temperatures in the Gulf are comparable to those predicted for the tropical ocean by 2090–2099. Using field observations in winter, spring and summer, and laboratory experiments, we examined the foraging activity, distance from refugia and resting tim…

Technology for plant food support in Antarctica

2011

Social, occupational and cultural adaptation in Antarctica

2017

International audience; Objectives & Method: This study investigated psychological, social, occupational and cultural variables in adaptation to a one-year wintering in Antarctica with 13 international participants. Results & Conclusion: These psychosocial issues have important implications for pre-mission selection and training, monitoring and support of crews during the mission and post-mission readaptation highlighting the role of psychologists in stressful and extreme situations.

Social, Occupational, and Cultural Adaptation During a 12-Month Wintering in Antarctica.

2016

Background and methods Life in isolated and confined environments (ICEs) is subject to important constraints which can generate psychosociologically impaired outcomes. This study investigated psychological, social, occupational, and cultural variables which are among the most important determinants in adaptation to a one-year wintering in Antarctica for 13 international subjects. Results Our findings confirm and give further insight into the role of social (Cohesiveness, Social Support) and occupational (Implementation/Preparedness, Counterproductive Activity, Decision Latitude, and Psychological Job Demands) dimensions of adaptation to ICEs. Relationships between various social and occupat…