Diagenesis and the Exchange of Soluble Substances between the Oceans and the Sediments

提出了底栖生物过程速率的季节和年际变化以及沉积物-水界面物质循环及其与颗粒通量的关系的研究。该研究旨在确定进入海底的颗粒物质的季节性变化对沉积物反应、溶解组分在界面上的通量、影响沉积物的生物活性以及沉积物中CaCO3的保存的影响。以这种方式，我们试图评估海洋表面事件对底栖生物速率和过程的影响。选定的地点在百慕大附近，其特点是海洋许多地区都有条件，因此得出的结论适用于直接研究区域以外的地区。并提出了在区域尺度上对CaC03在沉积物中保存的影响因素的研究。这些研究的重点是评价底水饱和状态和有机物代谢对CaC03沉积后溶解速率和程度的影响。这些研究将在美国东海岸的一块横断面上进行。

Studies of seasonal and interannual variations of rates of benthic processes and the cycling of material across the sediment-water interface and their relationship to particle fluxes are proposed. The research seeks to determine the influence of seasonal changes in the input of particulate matter to the sea floor on sediment reactions, fluxes of dissolved components across the interface, biological activity as it affects sediments, and the preservation of CaCO3 in the sediments. In this fashion we seek to evaluate the influence of events in the surface ocean upon benthic rates and processes. The site chosen, off Bermuda, is characterized by conditions found in many areas of the ocean making the conclusions drawn applicable beyond the immediate study area. Research on the factors governing the preservation of CaC03 in sediments on a regional scale is also proposed. These studies are focussed upon evaluating the effects on bottom water saturation state and organic matter metabolism upon rates and the extent of post-deposition dissolution of CaC03. The studies would be carried out on a transect of the east coast of the United States.