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STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

Objectif

The main objective of this project is to study the physical, chemical and biological factors controlling coastal ecosystems.
Studies have been made on the production, flux and fate of carbon and nitrogen in coastal marine environments. The main focus was a close examination of the couplings between carbon and nitrogen and the transport across the sediment to water interface. The work included laboratory experiments, field work using large mesocosms and during a cruise. A principal scientific output was the development of new methods to examine carbon and nitrogen fluxes and quantitative descriptions of the flow of energy between various trophic compartments. These analysis include studies of nitrogen-15 and carbon-13 used as inorganic and organic tracers and from measurements of their natural abundance, a number of studies using radioactive isotopes and measurements of abundance and activity of viruses. The results were integrated by means of a mathematical dynamic model which contains a description of the structure and function of coastal ecosystems based on mass balances of carbon and nitrogen.
Detailed research will be carried out on the formation, flux and fate of organic matter in the water column and sediments in coastal ecosystems with particular attention to the elements carbon and nitrogen. The trophic structure of food webs will be studied by means of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes as well as by means of a number of new techniques designed to measure biomass and production of bacteria, phytoplankton, flagellates, ciliates, and mesozooplankton. Particular attention will be paid to the use of flow-cytometry and the role of viruses. The methodological approach of SAFE includes laboratory experiments as well as intensive studies in mesocosms and on open marine stations. The data are integrated over time and depth to construct a carbon budget of the water column, and combining results from unmanipulated and manipulated mesocosms allows for identification of major factors controlling production and decomposition of organic matter.

Thème(s)

Data not available

Appel à propositions

Data not available

Régime de financement

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinateur

Water Quality Institute
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
11,Agern Allé
2970 Hørsholm
Danemark

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Coût total
Aucune donnée

Participants (2)