UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
Grant: $166,487 - National Science Foundation - Jul. 31, 2009
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Award Description: Intertidal environments have declined rapidly over the past century because of human pressures (e.g. development, sewage inputs, groundwater withdrawal). As the habitats have changed, ever-smaller quantities of detritus are available for the formation and export of DOC to the ocean. This decline may have already impacted coastal ocean productivity and global biogeochemical cycles. A baseline of DOC outwelling and an assessment of its impact on aquatic food webs are urgently needed to accurately evaluate the current and future goods and services of intertidal ecosystems. The objective of this proposed study is to effectively link hydrology and biogeochemistry to assess the role of salt marshes in the global carbon cycle. In addition, this project will provide a broad range of interdisciplinary (hydrology, biogeochemistry, modeling, remote sensing) learning opportunities for all participating students. The project impacts the diverse educational missions of Florida A&M University (a Historically Black and Minority Serving College/University), Louisiana State University (located in an EPSCoR state), the University of Massachusetts Boston (the university serving the highest number of minorities in New England), and the University of Georgia (a Research I institution).
Project Description: The objective of this proposed study is to effectively link hydrology and biogeochemistry to assess the role of salt marshes in the global carbon cycle. Material exchange in intertidal zones is extremely efficient because of the direct proximity to the ocean and the frequent flooding and draining of marsh sediments. A rough global estimate suggests that the annual DOC outwelling from salt marshes is equivalent to the Amazon River DOC discharge or 10% of the estimated global annual land-ocean flux of DOC. Based on a case study in one of the largest pristine salt marsh areas in the US, the Florida Big Bend, the first quantitative estimates of DOC outwelling fluxes will be established. We will also identify transport and transformation mechanisms behind the outwelling, and by quantifying its bioavailability assess the relative impact of salt marsh DOC on coastal and marine food webs.
Jobs Summary: Not started (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Not Started
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