Geology of the Tropics

We study biologically formed sediments in tropical shallow seas. In particular, we investigate the influence of changed environmental conditions – such as ocean acidification, sea level rise, increases in water temperature as well as eutrophication – on these biogenic systems. As an example: Increased nutrient content leads to a shift from tropical coral reefs to deposition systems characterised by filter organisms such as for example mussels and bryozoans. This effect has consequences for the services of tropical coastal ecosystems. At the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) we conduct interdisciplinary research and combine natural and social sciences. We closely cooperate with our partners in the tropics and support the development of local capacities, expertise and structures for sustainable coastal zone management.

Working Area

Tropical shallow-water seas: Ghana, Mauritania, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Galapagos, Bahamas and other regions along the tropical belt

Methods

Petrography, light and scanning electron microscopy, experimental ecology, geochemistry, sediment analyses, field work