Particle Sedimentation

Sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the world’s oceans is still poorly understood. We develop new methods to study and understand the nature of vertical downward flux of organic matter in the ocean. Large sinking aggregates such as zooplankton, fecal pellets and marine snow transport organic matter from the surface to the deep ocean. These aggregates affect nutrient and organic matter distribution in the water column, feed life in the dark ocean, determine deposition rates of surface material in the sediments, and control carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.

Working Area

FRAM/AWI-HAUSGARTEN, Arctic Cape Blanc Upwelling Region, NW Africa Porcupine Abyssal Plain, North Atlantic Southern Ocean, Antarctic

Methods

Experimental process studies in the laboratory and in situ observations. Long-term time-series coupled with process studies. Sediment traps, optical systems, and single aggregate studies coupled with mathematical modeling. Development of in situ systems for long-term monitoring and quantification.

SeaPump
https://www.marum.de/wir-ueber-uns/ Helmholtz-Nachwuchsgruppe-SEAPUMP.html