High resolution temporal and spatial study of the benthic biology and geochemistry of a north-eastern Atlantic abyssal locality

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 sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › geochemistry
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › sensors › optical 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

Address

Empress Dock, European Way
SO14 3ZH Southampton
United Kingdom

Links

Participants (18)

Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung

Germany

Address

Columbusstrasse
27515 Bremerhaven

Links

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

France

Address

6,avenue Le Gorgeu 6
29285 Brest

Links

Christian-Albrechts Universität Kiel

Germany

Address

1-3,wischhofstraße
24148 Kiel

Links

Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique

France

Address

1,avenue De La Terrasse
91198 Gif-sur-yvette

Links

GOETEBORG UNIVERSITY

Sweden

Address

Kemivagen 10
412 96 Goeteborg

Links

IFREMER - INSTITUT FRANÇAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER

France

Address

Centre De Brest
29280 Plouzane

Links

INTERNATIONAL MARINE DREDGING CONSULTA

Belgium

Address

37 45,wilrijkstraat
2140 Borgerhout Antwerpen

Links

Institut Océanographique 'Fondation Albert I Prince de Monaco'

France

Address

195 Rue Saint-jacques
75005 Paris

Links

NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE FOR SEA RESEARCH

Netherlands

Address

Landsdiep 4
1790 AB Den Burg

Links

Queen's University of Belfast

United Kingdom

Address

97 Lisburn Road
BT9 7AF Belfast

Links

THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MARINE SCIENCE

United Kingdom

Address

Oban
PA37 1QA Dunbeg Oban Argyll

Links

THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL

United Kingdom

Address

Bedford Street North
L69 3BX Liverpool

Links

UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG

Germany

Address

Zeiseweg 9
22765 Hamburg

Links

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

United Kingdom

Address

Drake Circus
Plymouth

Links

Universiteit Gent

Belgium

Address

35,k.l. Ledeganckstraat
9000 Gent

Links

University College Galway

Ireland

Address

90 Galway

Links

University of Patras

Greece

Address

University Campus
26110 Patras

Links

Università degli Studi di Ancona

Italy

Address

Via Brecce Bianche
60131 Ancona

Links