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The Darwin Phosphorus cycle project: from preservation mechanisms in marine sediments to global climate change
Project leader: Prof. Dr. ir. C. P. Slomp
Researcher(s): Dr. V. Palastanga
Starting date: 1-feb-2008

Abstract
Perturbations of the marine phosphorus (P) cycle may have affected the uptake and release of CO2 by the oceans during many periods of Earth’s history. In this project, we will use biogeochemical box models for the global ocean to assess the effects of different mechanisms for redox-dependent burial of organic carbon (C) and P for oceanic P availability. In particular, we will assess the global scale effects of enhanced P-release from organic matter linked to the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (project 1). We will start with a quantitative description of the modern P cycle and its coupling to the nitrogen (N) and C cycles, and then specifically focus on the changes that occured in the oceans over glacial-interglacial time scales and in the termination and initiation of oceanic anoxic events (OAEs). The dynamic response of the coastal versus the open ocean to simultaneous changes in thermohaline circulation, sealevel and continental input will be of specific interest. An important goal is also to include a realistic representation of the P cycle in a General Circulation Model (GCM). The results of this study will greatly improve our ability to predict the consequences of enhanced anthropogenic inputs of nutrients to the oceans.

Publications
V. Palastanga, C. P. Slomp, and C. Heinze (2011). Long‐term controls on ocean phosphorus and oxygen in a global biogeochemical model. GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES25 - doi:10.1029/2010GB003827:
Darwin Center authors: Palastanga V., Slomp C. P.

Matthias Egger, Olivia Rasigraf, Célia J. Sapart, Tom Jilbert, Mike S. M. Jetten, Thomas Röckmann, Carina van der Veen, Narcisa Bândă, Boran Kartal, Katharina F. Ettwig, and Caroline P. Slomp (2015). Iron-Mediated Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane in Brackish Coastal Sediments. Environmental Science and Technology49: 277-283.
Darwin Center authors: Ettwig K.F., Jetten M. S. M., Slomp C. P.

Egger MJ, O Rasigraf, CJ Sapart, T Jilbert, MSM Jetten, T Röckmann, C van der Veen, N Banda, B Kartal, KF Ettwig & CP Slomp (2015). Iron-Mediated Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane in Brackish Coastal Sediments. Environmental Science and Technology49: 277-283.
Darwin Center authors: Ettwig K.F., Jetten M. S. M., Slomp C. P.