Objective Objective: To identify, quantify and model the principal processes within the abyssal benthic boundary layer which affect the permanent sedimentary record of the incoming chemical flux. Approach: An intensive multi-disciplinary (geochemical, biochemical, physical and biological) study of a highly seasonal abyssal locality in the NE Atlantic over one complete annual cycle. The aims will be to: 1. Quantify and characterise the incoming vertical flux of organic and inorgani matter and its resuspension in the near-bottom layers (by sediment traps, transmissometers and midwater cameras). 2. Measure the rate of its incorporation into the sediment column and the fluxes across the sediment-water interface (by in situ landers, sediment column chemical analysis and sediment profile imaging). 3. Study the interaction between the incoming signal and the benthic biota, including bioturbation (by conventional sampling and analysis and in situ manipulation/experimentation). 4. Incorporate the resulting data into predictive models. European dimension: Logistically, technically and intellectually, this programme could not be achieved by any single European nation alone. The results will be of value to all nations, both in relation to palaeoceanographic interpretation of the sediment record and to the possible use of the deep-sea floor as a repository for waste or as a source of raw materials. Fields of science natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeochemistryengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors Programme(s) FP4-MAST 3 - Specific programme of research and technological development in the field of marine science and technology, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 010201 - The deep sea floor in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL EU contribution No data Address Empress Dock, European Way SO14 3ZH SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (18) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung Germany EU contribution No data Address Columbusstrasse 27515 Bremerhaven See on map Total cost No data Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique France EU contribution No data Address 6,Avenue le Gorgeu 6 29285 Brest See on map Total cost No data Christian-Albrechts Universität Kiel Germany EU contribution No data Address 1-3,Wischhofstraße 24148 Kiel See on map Total cost No data Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique France EU contribution No data Address 1,Avenue de la Terrasse 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette See on map Total cost No data GOETEBORG UNIVERSITY Sweden EU contribution No data Address Kemivagen 10 412 96 GOETEBORG See on map Total cost No data IFREMER - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER France EU contribution No data Address Centre de Brest 29280 Plouzane See on map Total cost No data INTERNATIONAL MARINE DREDGING CONSULTA Belgium EU contribution No data Address 37 45,WILRIJKSTRAAT 2140 BORGERHOUT ANTWERPEN See on map Total cost No data Institut Océanographique 'Fondation Albert I Prince de Monaco' France EU contribution No data Address 195 rue Saint-Jacques 75005 Paris See on map Total cost No data NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE FOR SEA RESEARCH Netherlands EU contribution No data Address Landsdiep 4 1790 AB DEN BURG See on map Total cost No data Queen's University of Belfast United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address 97 Lisburn Road BT9 7AF Belfast See on map Total cost No data THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MARINE SCIENCE United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address OBAN PA37 1QA DUNBEG OBAN ARGYLL See on map Total cost No data THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Bedford Street North L69 3BX LIVERPOOL See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG Germany EU contribution No data Address Zeiseweg 9 22765 HAMBURG See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address DRAKE CIRCUS PLYMOUTH See on map Total cost No data Universiteit Gent Belgium EU contribution No data Address 35,K.L. Ledeganckstraat 9000 Gent See on map Total cost No data University College Galway Ireland EU contribution No data Address 90 Galway See on map Total cost No data University of Patras Greece EU contribution No data Address University Campus 26110 PATRAS See on map Total cost No data Università degli Studi di Ancona Italy EU contribution No data Address Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona See on map Total cost No data