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Dynamics of coastal hypoxia: an experimental study of sediment ecosystem recovery from Anoxia
Program coordinator(s): Prof. dr. J.J. Middelburg
Theme(s): 1
Funding date: 21 June 2010

Abstract
This experimental study addresses the recovery mechanisms of marine ecosystems after Anoxia. We will carry out experiments in the field in which sediment will be completely shut off from oxygen for periods of between one and sixteen weeks, and study the way organisms and biogeochemical cycles recover after oxygen returns. Anoxia in the lower parts of coastal waters can result in large-scale mortality of fish and soil organisms. Well-known ‘dead zones’ include the Gulf of Mexico, the East China Sea and the Baltic Sea. The recovery of these systems is often problematic and little is known about the exact mechanisms involved.

This program contains the following projects:
3091: Dynamics of coastal hypoxia: an experimental study of sediment ecosystem recovery from anoxia
3092: Recovery of faunal-mediated ecosystem functions from hypoxia

Publications