Cristina Schultz and Wally Fulweiler (BU)

Sponsor: NSF Chemical Oceanography

Collaborative Research: ULTRA-Data: Synthesizing the role of shallow benthic fluxes in coastal carbon cycle along the East Coast of the United States

Coastal ecosystems provide numerous benefits to humanity. While much research has been focused on the coastal water column, the seafloor has received less attention. The sediments, however, can recycle nutrients to the water column and support the growth of primary producers such as phytoplankton, which sustain the oceanic food web. The sediments can also store carbon for climate benefits and filter excess nutrients from the water column, thereby improving water quality. This project is focused on bringing together a variety of data sources – from observations to modeling results for the Northeast United States. We will conduct data synthesis and model analysis to find patterns of variations and assess changes that could happen in the short and long-term across this region. This study will engage the scientific community to develop best practice guidelines for sediment data collection, as well as develop community driven priorities for future sediment research studies.