Bioturbation effects on coastal Ocean Acidification

Within the framework of our ongoing research in Ocean Acidification, the department of Ecosystem Studies of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) in Yerseke is searching for an enthusiastic and dedicated Master student to conduct a six-month research project where coastal biology meets geochemistry.

Due to elevated emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, oceanic uptake of CO₂ is increasing and the oceanic carbonate system altered in a phenomenon termed Ocean Acidification (OA). As the oceanic pH has steadily decreased in near-perfect conjunction with increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels (Left figure), the oceanic uptake of CO₂ will decrease as a consequence of alterations in the seawater carbonate system. However, recently there have been observations of a strong discrepancy between open ocean acidification and OA trends of shelf seas. Measurements of pH trends over the last 30 years in the North Sea show a very different pattern in seawater pH from that of open ocean values (Right figure).

Doney et al., 2009 (Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci.)	Provoost et al., 2010 (Biogeoscience)

How come that in relatively shallow shelf systems like the North Sea, the trend in pH decrease of the open ocean is not followed ? Which geochemical processes contribute to this discrepancy ?

To answer these questions, the Master student will conduct an experimental research project with us in Yerseke. In this project, sediment from the Oosterschelde will be collected and subjected to different treatments. During the experiment(s), fluxes of alkalinity, DIC, O₂, dissolved metals and nutrients between the sediment and the overlying water will be measured, both in the presence and absence of sediment biology (worms, shells, shrimps etc.) and modelled as a function of biological activity.

Upon completion of the experimental part of the project and the following data analysis, the student is expected to contribute to the preparation of a peer-reviewed article. Naturally, the contribution will yield the student her/his name on the research paper. As such, we invite students to send us a short CV and a letter of interest.

We are looking for a MSc. student with a strong background in geochemistry and  a keen interest in geochemical modelling. Knowledge of sediment biology is not required, although it certainly helps to be interested in ecological processes.

Are you or do you know such a person ? Please contact:

The period will be from September 2013 onwards, for about five to six months. NIOZ Yerseke will provide subsidised accommodation in our own student guesthouse “De Keete”. “De Keete” is a lively apartment complex conveniently located in Yerseke at walking distance from the institute, and around the corner of the local supermarket. The village of Yerseke is reached by taking the highway A58 from Roosendaal westwards, direction Bergen op Zoom/Goes/Vlissingen and taking exit 33. There is an NS train station at ca. 4 km from the village (station Kruiningen-Yerseke) where there is one train per hour that connects directly to Rotterdam/Schiphol International Airport/Amsterdam and one train connecting to Roosendaal.