Pickworthiidae and Aqabarellidae New Family (Caenogastropoda, Mollusca) of Aqaba, Jordan: Their Larval Shells and Remarks about Their Evolution and Relation

Among small sized gastropods found in Aqaba (Jordan), Sansonia occurs relatively common with Sansoniacebuana which is recognized from the the fringing reef near the Marine Biological Station at Aqaba, while Mecoliotia and Chrystella are rare. Mecoliotia aqabaensis n. sp and Chrystella shinaqi n. sp are described with the later resembling Chrystella finckhi. They are compared with other members of the Pick-worthiidae, of which a new species of Discrevina from Indonesia is described. A species of Aqabarella new genus resembles in shape of its teleoconch members of the Pickworthiidae but its protoconch is distinct in ornament of the larval shell and shape of the aperture and it is placed in it own family, Aqabarellidae. Aqabarella urdunensis is relatively more common than the rare Aqabarella pulchella. Similar larval shells are found in Vanikoridae, Planaxidae and Cerithiidae, those of Littorinidae and Rissoidae are more distinct and all of them differ from those of the Aqabarellidae, while some ancient small species from the Triassic tropical Tethys had a similar protoconch.

Contribution of Gulf of Aqaba Water(GAW)to Red Sea waters

Data obtained on hydrography and currents in meridional sections in the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea in November 2013 and March 2015 were used to determine the extent of contribution of Gulf of Aqaba Water(GAW)to the formation of Red Sea waters.The southward flow across the Strait of Tiran was^0.02 Sv in both periods which is direct evidence of significant contribution of GAW to Red Sea waters in autumn-winter.A multiple tracer analysis using temperature,salinity,and dissolved oxygen showed that the GAW,on entry into Red Sea,bifurcates into two branches.The upper branch exiting the Strait in the depth range 150-220 m has densities between 28.3 and 28.5,continues to flow at the same depths,and feeds the Red Sea Overflow Water(RSOW).The lower branch that exits between 220 and 250 m above the sill cascades down its southern face,mixes with northward recirculating branch of Red Sea Deep Water(RSDW)and sinks to the bottom and forms part of southward-flowing RSDW.Contribution of GAW to northern Red Sea waters below 100 m depth was 36±0.4%in November 2013 and 42.1±5.4%in March 2015.GAW is traceable down to 17-19°N in RSDW and RSOW.Volume contribution of GAW to RSOW was 9.6*1012 m3,about 50%higher than that for RSDW(6*1012 m3).Analyses of the data from R.V.Maurice Ewing cruise in 2001 gave similar results and lend support for these deductions.

Tide variation and signals during 2000-2004 in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

Variations of tide and mean sea level (MSL) were studied during the period August 2000-March 2004 in the northern Gulf of Aqaba to detect the seasonal differences of tide records and tide components signals. The study revealed seasonal cycle of the MSL in the northern Gulf, which was lower during summer than in winter due to the relative strong wind and higher evaporation during summer. The MSL during the year of 2003 Fwas the lowest comparing to the other years duing the study period which might be related to wind driven force and mixed layer depth. The statistical comparison analysis of the MSL among winters, springs and summers of the years 2000- 2004 exhibited significant difference values (p K1) and a lunar terdiurnal constituent (M3), respectively.

Heavy metals pollution in sediment cores from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The distribution of metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn) was determined in sediment cores collected from five major areas representing different anthropogenic activities along the Jordanian coast during 27 February-11 March 2008. Metal concentrations in these sediments were relatively low compared to reported values from polluted areas. At some of the sites metal concentrations showed fluctuations with depth in the core suggesting changes in metal loading with time. The calculated contamination factors (CFs) for the suite of metals decreased in the following order Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni >Zn > Cu. The Pollution Loading Index (PLI) calculated for the different areas were highest at Phosphate Loading Berth (0.008, 0.2607, 0.0161, 0.007, 47.9375 and 0.0296 for Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd and Cr, respectively) and lowest at Hotel Area (0.0001, 0.0075, 0.0008, 0.0006, 1.0483 and 0.0005 for Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd and Cr, respectively) with others sites between these extremes. Result of this study could be used to assess the magnitude of pollution at each site and guide rational management decisions. Moreover, the data constitutes a baseline against which future anthropogenic effects can be assessed.

Marine litter at (Al-Ghandoor area) the most northern part of the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

Composition and abundance of submerged marine litter at one selected site within a coral reef area along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba has been estimated. The litter was collected in a clean up voluntarily campaigns that took place in the period 19 September 2006. A total of 14613 items weighing 4112.2 kg were collected during the survey. Mean litter density in the individual sampling sites varied between about 1 and 6 items/m2 with an over all mean density of 2 items/m2. The mean weight of the collected items per sampling site varied between 0.06 and 1.81 kg/m2 with an overall mean of 0.85 kg/m2. Cans accounted for 41% of the collected items, plastic was the second most popular (38%) while glass litter was the third most abundant item (17%). By comparison, other items formed only 4% of the total items collected during the campaigns. Approximately 46% of the plastic litter consisted of fragments followed by bottles bags and containers (18%). Potential sources are pointed out and recommendations and actions to deal with the problem are suggested.

Fish assemblages in seagrass habitat along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba

The spatial distribution and community structure of the fishes were studied at different depths and sites along the Jordanian coast in seagrass habitat. A total of 37,034 fishes were counted representing 132 species belonging to 35 families observed during visual census in three sites (average of 4741.6 fish per transect). Out of the 132 species encountered, 5 species of them including Neopomacentrus miryae Lethrinus borbonicus, Pseudanthias squamipinnis, Lethrinus variegatus, Siganus rivulatus accounted for 57.7% of all individuals. Fishes were most abundant and significantly higher at 12 m depths (mean N = 2889.6) in comparison with shallow 6m depth (mean = 1225.3 with (p = 0.0218). This may be attributed to many plank-tivorous fishes that inhabit this depth such as P. squampinnis, Paracheilinus octotaenia, Chromis pelloura, Decapterus macarellus, and Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis probably with high abundance of plankton at 12 m depth than 6 m. The number of species was significantly higher in Phosphate Loading Berth (PLB;mean S = 54.7) than in Hotels area site (HA;mean S = 12.8) with (p = 0.0002) and Tala Bay site (TB;mean S = 31) with (p = 0.0484). This may be due to higher hard coral cover at Phophate Loading Berth.

Levels of trace metals in three fish species Decapterus macrellus, Decapterus macrosoms and Decapterus russelli of the family carangidae from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Jordan

Fishes of the family Carangidae, Decapterus macarellus, Decapterus macrosoma, and Decapterus russelli, were collected from the Jordanian Aqaba coast during 2008-2009 for the determination of their metal concentrations in various organs (muscle, liver, kidney, gonads, gills, and stomach food contents) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results showed significant differences in metal concentration between species. The present study indicated significant differences of heavy metal elements among different organs of the same species. The results did not reveal any significant differences between male and female organs, and the only significant difference were found for Pb in Decapterus macorsoma and for Cu in Decapterus russelli. The low metal concentrations found in muscle tissue (in all studied species) has implications for human health.

Skeletal extension rate of the reef building coral <i>Porites</i>species from Aqaba and their environmental variables

Annual skeletal extension rates of the sclera-actinian corals Porites species were investigated in 32 colonies from the northern Gulf of Aqaba fringing reef at various depths (1 - 42 m). All corals reveal clear and regular skeletal density banding patterns. Results showed that the high-density annual growth bands were formed during winter and the low-density annual growth bands during summer. The mean annual extension rates of the studied corals reveal a large inter-colony variability with values ranged between 2.36 to 20.0 mm/year. While a general trend of decreasing coral extension rate with depth was observed and best explained by a simple exponential model, the rates clustered into two groups: 10.86 ± 2.54 mm/year in water depths less than 10 m, and 5.23 ± 1.99 mm/year below 12 m. Light intensity seems to be the primary environmental factor responsible for decreasing coral extension rate with depth since the effect of other environmental parameters could be neglected from the Gulf of Aqaba. Time series record of the mean annual coral extension rate showed a slight increasing linear trend which could be linked to increase seawater temperature over the period of time represented.

Levels of Heavy Metals in Fishes (Cheilinus trilobatus) from the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan

Heavy metal concentrations of Ni, Mg, Co, Cr, Cd and Cu were investigatedusing flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in the liver, kidney, muscle, scale, gonad, gill and stomach of Cheilinus trilobatus fish species from the northern Gulf of Aqaba. Cheilinus trilobatus fish species were collected during the period May to August 2013. The results indicated significant differences between different organs of Cheilinus trilobatus for Ni (p = 0.0002), Fe (p = 0.0213), Co (p p Cheilinus trilobatus and its length. The levels of metal concentration of the present study were generally lower or within the ranges of those found in the fish of the Red Sea. After all, Cheilinus trilobatus fish species was found to be safe for consumption and do not pose a significant threat to the health of human consumers.

Zooneuston and zooplankton abundance and diversity in relation to spatial and nycthemeral variations in the Gulf of Aqaba and northern Red Sea

Zooplankton and zooneuston observations were made at seven stations(four from the Gulf of Aqaba and three from the northern Red Sea), during September and October 2016. The main objective of this study was to assess the variability of nycthemeral fauna in relation to the sampling methods using two different types of nets namely,WP2 net and Neuston net along the two study sites, i.e., the Gulf of Aqaba and the northern Red Sea. Zooplankton was sampled vertically using a standard WP2 net from a depth of 200 m to the surface, whereas zooneuston was made using a standard Neuston net from a depth of 0–10 cm of the water surface. Total zooplankton density was maximum during night time((617.83 ± 201.84) ind./m^3) at the Gulf of Aqaba and total zooneuston was maximum during night at the northern Red Sea((60.94±29.48) ind./m^3), respectively. The most abundant taxa were Copepoda, Gastropoda, Bivalva, Chaetognatha, Tunicata and Ostracoda. The abundance was almost 50% higher at night time at both the Gulf of Aqaba and the northern Red Sea. Overall, 30 taxa covering 10 phyla and 27 taxa covering 8 phyla were recorded in the Gulf of Aqaba and the northern Red Sea.

Southern Jordan Coastal Sediments Quality Assessment at Aqaba Special Economic Zone/Red Sea

The bottom surface sediments at the southern part of the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba have been studied. Samples were collected from 10 m depth at nine coastal stations which are located within two main zones: Marine Park Zone and Industrial Zone. Sedimentation rate, grain size oxygenation state, Loss on Ignition, hydrogen sulfide, calcium carbonate, total phosphorous, organic carbon, organic nitrogen, and heavy metals were analyzed to assess and evaluate the quality of bottom surface sediments. The sedimentation rate at the southern part of the Gulf has been affected by Khamassin winds from the south as a result of sand storm events in southern Jordan and adjacent regions. Floods and streams also played a vital role as a transportation agent of the sediments from the interstitial nearby areas to the Gulf. Also construction works played a minor role. Bottom surface sediments at the different sites were quite different in some chemical properties. Sediments from all stations other than the MSS were fine, gray-black and oxygen deficient. Sediments from the MSS and VC are whitish, better oxygenated and have higher calcium carbonate content since they are typically coral reef sediments coral reef sediments. Coral reef carbonate sediments are well known to have high organic nitrogen concentration as compared to silicate sediments, even those in close proximity. The concentration of phosphorous and calcium carbonate is attributed in the phosphate port to the phosphate by the generation of the dust and coral reef. Whilst, heavy metal concentration due to presence of major sources of metal pollution and intensive human activities. These include ship boat activities, domestic sewage discharges and phosphate rock particles from the phosphate port.

Assess the Main Factors Affecting the International Marina of Taba Heights at the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt

The increase in maritime traffic means that ports have to continuously improve their efficiency. This involves reducing the inactivity caused by adverse conditions that affect its operation and maintenance which includes the sedimentation rate, the shallow depth, water current regimes and tidal cycle. This study examines the hypothesis that these factors could affect Taba Heights international marina. The results showed that the harbor offered very good protection against sediment deposition (rate of sediment deposition ranging from 0.2 to 1.9 mg·cm-2·day-1) and currents (two main currents having opposite directions, the first at bearing 261 degree North with mean speed of 3.5 cm/sec., the second at bearing 85 degree North with mean speed of 4.5 cm/sec), while it had a suitable tidal range (0.3 m for neap tidal range and 0.9 m for spring tidal range). The bathymetric study of the marina area showed deeper water at the approaching channel (3.5 to 4.0 meters deep) and inside the marina (3.0 - 4.0 m) than the surrounding marine areas (0.5 to 1.5 meters). The data obtained illustrated that all the investigated factors had limited effect on the operation of Taba Hieghts international marina.

Isolation and molecular identification of <i>Ascomycetes</i>in sediments and waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

Using molecular approach, we aimed to identify fungal phylotypes that exist in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red sea. Several samples were taken from sediments and seawater of three locations along 26 kilometers at 5 m depth. 18S small subunit rRNA gene was targeted for PCR amplification and sequencing. Partial sequences introduced as query in BLASTN phylogenetic analysis revealed 100% identity with Ascomycota, namely, Aspergillus sp. Penicillium sp. and its closely related Eupenicillium sp. The top scorer species in this analysis were Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus wentii, Aspergillus flocculosus, Penicillium expansum and Eupenicillium javanicum with 98% - 100% identity. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrates close relatedness among isolated fungi and potential association with Ascomycetes. This study reports a new geographical location in which facultative marine Ascomycetes exist in, and sheds some light on fungal diversity in Gulf of Aqaba.

Evaluation of the Crustal Features of the Gulf of Aqaba Deduced from Geophysical Data

The Gulf of Aqaba is considered as an interesting rift system. Therefore, it is important to understand the crustal features and thickness variation along the Gulf;to be able to evaluate the effect of tectonic activities in shaping the Gulf. The obtained data were used to estimate the reliable empirical relations between the Bouguer anomalies (ΔgB) and crustal thickness (Hc) in the Gulf of Aqaba. This equation was used to calculate the depth reliefs to the Moho boundary. The output map of the Moho relief and the corresponding crustal thickness were constructed for the Gulf of Aqaba. The depth from sea level down to the Moho discontinuity in the Gulf of Aqaba varies between about 37 km in the northern deep and abruptly changes to about 28 km at the southern area, Tiran Strait. Below the central part of the gulf, a Moho depth of about 34 km is obtained. The Red Sea crust is thinner than that of the Dead Sea rift;indicating the presence of a mantel upwelling that is related to the spreading of the sea floor. The asymmetry of crustal thickness between the eastern and western borders of the Gulf of Aqaba could be attributed to simultaneous strike-slip motion. The relative displacement between the two borders is observed clearly through the sea floor and Moho discontinuity. The displacement is nearly equivalent to 0.18° (i.e. about 20.4 km) and is assumed to be achieved in about 4.08 to 3.4 million years, according to the estimated rate of the transform motion along the Gulf of Aqaba (Dead Sea transform) that is about 0.5 to 0.6 cm/y.

Water Exchange Calculations Using the Salt Conservation Law in Ayla Lagoons in the Northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The salt conservation law was applied, for the first time, in order to compare the real and calculated values of water outflow (m3/s) and residence time (days) in the lagoons of Ayla Oasis at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. The aim is to obtain the scientific bases of monitoring beside the real observation in areas that could not be measured directly by the current meters. The real measurements of water current by Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) workhorse 600 kHz, salinity and density by the Conductivity, Temperature and Depth meter (CTD 19plusV2), were collected during the period June 2012-May 2013. The statistical analysis was performed using Statview (5.0) software. The results revealed highly significant correlation between the real and calculated values for both water flow (r = 0.90;P = 0.0001) and residence time (r = 0.89;P 3/s) and residence time (0.80 ± 0.72 days) should be taken into consideration to correct the calculated values.

Physical Properties and Exchange System of Seawater in Royal Yacht Club Marina in the Northernmost Gulf of Aqaba

This research was aimed at studying the general environmental status of the marina at Royal Yacht Club (RYC), which is located in the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba. The physical properties (temperature, salinity and density) were measured at surface and bottom water at 19 sites (T1 - T19). Total hydrocarbon was measured at surface at 12 sites (HC1-HC12). The water exchange and residence time were calculated using data of current speed and direction at 16 sites (C1 - C16). The mean values of temperature, salinity and density at surface and bottom waters in the RYC’s marina were 27.13°C ± 0.03°C, 40.51 ± 0.02 psu and 26.83 ± 0.02 kg&#183;m-3, respectively. The results of physical parameters revealed no significant differences among sites, which are all comparable with open waters. The measurements range of total hydrocarbon in the marina was 1.404 mg/l (at site HC11) to 98.56 mg/l (at HC9). In general, all the high values of total hydrocarbon were found at the corners of the marina and at areas with relatively intense boats’ movements. There was no correlation between distribution of total hydrocarbon and temperature (R2 = 0.048;p = 0.49) in the marina. Therefore, the major factors that influence the distribution of total hydrocarbon within the marina are the current system and boats’ movements as well as the location reference to the gate. The residence time of waters inside the marina was 1.32 days. This flushing time is acceptable to secure good environmental conditions inside the marine to avoid stagnant seawater. The mean value of current speed at the RYC’s marina gate with open water was 5.33 ± 2.63 cm/s, which is relatively comparable with current speed in vicinity of study area. In conclusions, the environmental condition of the RYC’s marina is acceptable in term of the residence time and exchange system with open water. Slightly high values of total hydrocarbon were detected, which can be solved by regular cleaning.

Hydrodynamic Modeling of the Gulf of Aqaba

The Gulf of Aqaba (GOA) is unique as it contains significant percentage of the world’s natural marine biodiversity. This unique environment is potentially vulnerable to pollution particularly at its northern tip. One of the major activities affecting the environment of the gulf is the man-made desalination plants that abstract sea water and dispose desalinated brine. In this context, the paper discusses the impact of the abstract and disposal activities on the GOA environment. A 3D hydrodynamic model was developed to cover the GOA. Relevant data were collected for 3D hydrodynamic modeling construction. Delft-3D model developed by Deltares was applied in this study. The 3D model reliability was confirmed since the model results have revealed the existence of a structure of primary eddies along the axis of the Gulf which was previously reported by different researchers. Further numerical simulations were carried out by incorporating various alternatives of seawater abstraction and desalinated brine disposal off the north and north east coast of the GOA. The developed GOA hydrodynamic model, at the present stage, is preliminary where the results provide qualitative assessment on the potential impacts on the water circulation. Accordingly, this study is considered a pace ahead for a better model development and validation in the future studies.

The Great Gulf of Aqaba 1995 Earthquake Design Response Spectra over Sinai Peninsula and Some Jordanian Soils

The Gulf of Aqaba area is considered one of the most terrific touristic areas in the Middle East. The aim of the present work is to determine the amount of seismic hazards that the constructions may suffer due to seismic activities. This is done by determining the design response spectrum for this area from available earthquake response spectra, then taking into consideration the soil response for some Egyptian and Jordanian soils. The main shock of the November 22, 1995, the Gulf of Aqaba and its aftershocks were mainly used in producing the design response spectrum. This earthquake was considered as the biggest earthquake that hit this area since 160 years. Its magnitude was determined as Mw = 7.2. Thousands of aftershocks with intermediate magnitude followed the main shock, such as the aftershock that occurred on November 23, 1995 with a local magnitude of ML = 5.4. The best estimate of the focus location was determined in the area between Dahab and Nuweiba cities. This great earthquake was felt in Lebanon, Syria and Israel in the North and Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan in the South. The touristic areas surrounding the Gulf of Aqaba were mostly affected. Different accelerograms for this great earthquake were collected and soil responses spectra for Sinai Peninsula and some Jordanian soils were calculated. The design response spectrum shows an average spectral acceleration of about 250 cm/sec2 for frequency range between 1 - 10 HZ. Soil Amplifications were then calculated using Microtremors site response technique and maximum spectral accelerations filtered by the soil were in range between 120 - 450 cm/sec2 for the study area. The analysis presented here is intended to be used in the future to allow reducing the seismic risk, help in proper structural design and detailing of buildings and structures to account for beam-column connections and shear reinforcement.

Factors Influencing the Successful Adoption of Human Resource Information System: The Content of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority

This study examines the key factors that have impact on the successful adoption of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)/Jordan. In order to accomplish the purpose of the study four critical factors are inquired. So, four critical factors are inquired: First, TAM Model (Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU)). Second, Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI). Third, Top Management Support (TMS). Finally, Individual Experience with Computer (IEC). The research model was applied to collect data from the questionnaires answered by 45 users of HRIS as a source of primary data, based on a convenience sample the response rate was about 91%. In addition, the results were analyzed by utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Software (SPSS). Furthermore, the findings were analyzed;multiple Regression analysis indicated that all research variables have significant relationship on successful adoption of HRIS. The findings indicated IT infrastructures have a positive and significant effect on the successful adoption of HRIS. But there is no significant of PU, PEOU, TMS, and IEC on the successful adoption of HRIS. Finally, the results indicated that no significant statistical differences of demographic characteristics on HRIS adoption. Depending on the research’s findings;the researchers proposed a set of recommendations for better adoption of HRIS in SEZA.

Calcium Composition and Microstructure of Coral Stylophora pistillata under Phosphate Pollution Stress in the Gulf of Aqaba

Corals and coral-reef ecosystems have been known to be extremely sensitive to environmental pollution, which effects on growth and calcification of their skeletons. Diffused phosphate dust during loading and shipment in seawater was found to cause serious impacts on corals by inhibiting calcification in their skeletons. Calcium concentrations in cultured fragments of coral Stylophora pistillata from Phosphate Terminal (PT) site in the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba were investigated and compared with fragments from the same colony cultured in the Marine Science Station (MSS) site as marine protected area. Energy Disperse X-rays (EDX) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine the elemental composition of coral fragments and identify their microstructural characteristics, respectively. EDX results showed that coral samples from the Phosphate Terminal (PT) site were poorly mineralized with significantly low concentrations of calcium which were only about 12% of those from the MSS control site. Moreover, higher amounts of O and C in the elemental analysis of corals from the PT site indicated domination of organic matrix content in their skeleton which is typical for corals under phosphate pollution stress. This result was in accordance with the SEM images of the PT samples which exhibited alteration in their microstructure morphology resembling organic matrix as a major constituent, unlike the SEM images from the MSS protected area. These results strongly suggest that phosphate dust which is diffused during exportation through loading and shipping in the Gulf of Aqaba has adverse impacts on corals and marine ecosystem through decreasing calcium mineralization in their skeletons.