Redefining sediment transport predictions in benthic ecosystems

该项目旨在了解和预测沉积物的移动，以及沉积物运输的速率和模式。沉积物动态控制着世界上一些最宝贵的海洋生态系统的健康和生产力，包括海草草甸和珊瑚礁。然而，理论和预测模型需要定量地了解这些生态系统中的大的底部粗糙度的泥沙输运已被证明是难以捉摸的。该项目将综合实验室和实地方案，以开发这些沉积物动态的预测模型，这将有助于更好地了解、管理和保护这些重要的生态系统及其服务。

This project aims to understand and predict the mobilisation of sediment, and the rates and modes of sediment transport. Sediment dynamics control the health and productivity of some of the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral reefs. However, the theory and predictive models needed to quantitatively understand sediment transport over the large bottom roughness in these ecosystems has proven elusive. This project will integrate comprehensive laboratory and field programmes to develop predictive models of these sediment dynamics, which should help better understand, manage and protect these critical ecosystems and their services.