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The Benthic Exchange of O2, N2 and Dissolved Nutrients Using Small Core Incubations
Published on: August 3, 2016
Benthic exchange and biogeochemical cycling in permeable sediments
Markus Huettel1, Peter Berg, Joel E Kostka
1Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4320;
Annual Review of Marine Science
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Highly permeable sandy sediments on the inner shelf maximize primary production. Their unique properties drive complex water circulation, influencing nutrient cycling and decomposition processes vital to global matter cycles.
Area of Science:
- Marine Geology
- Biogeochemistry
- Oceanography
Background:
- Inner shelf sandy sediments are highly permeable.
- These sediments are in a zone of high nutrient input and mixing, leading to maximum primary production.
- There is a tight coupling between water column and sedimentary processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biogeochemical and biological activity in permeable shelf sands.
- To understand the role of these sediments in global matter cycles.
- To explore the challenges in quantifying production and decomposition in these environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recent technical developments to study permeable sediments.
- Analysis of hydrodynamic and biological forces influencing sediment processes.
- Investigated particle and solute distribution patterns.
Main Results:
- High permeability of shelf sands leads to susceptibility to pressure gradients.
- Dynamic circulation patterns within sediments create diverse biogeochemical reaction zones.
- Effective decomposition of primary production products occurs within these zones.
Conclusions:
- Permeable shelf sands exhibit high biogeochemical and biological activity.
- The intricate coupling between water column and sediment poses quantification challenges.
- These sediments play a significant role in global biogeochemical cycles.
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