Ecosystem Studies
The department of Ecosystem Studies works at the interface between ecology and biogeochemistry in marine and estuarine environments. We study how ecology influences biogeochemical cycles (the ecological perspective on marine biogeochemistry) as well as how organisms and ecological interactions are affected by the biogeochemistry of their environment (the biogeochemical perspective on marine ecosystem functioning). The overall goal is to arrive at a mechanistic understanding of the functioning of marine ecosystems. Such mechanistic insights into ecosystem and food web functioning are particularly relevant when various aspects of global change interact (climate change, ocean acidification, coastal hypoxia) and increasingly impact marine ecosystems.
Three major lines of research
1. Quantification of the transfer of Carbon and Nitrogen in aquatic food webs.
Key approaches are stable isotope labeling and food web reconstruction based on inverse modeling. These techniques are applied to a variety of marine ecosystems (seagrasses, tropical and cold water corals, coastal and deep sea sediments, coastal waters and lakes).
2. Quantification of the overall ecosystem metabolism and metabolic pathways in coastal environments
Key approaches are accurate O2 flux measurements using the newly acquired eddy correlation technique, microprofiling in surface sediments (O2, pH, H2S), time series analysis of water column parameters (e.g. O2, pH, DON), and global data synthesis of sedimentary parameters.
3. The impact of sediment infauna on global sediment biogeochemistry
The goal is to quantify whether and how large benthic fauna, by their bioturbation and bio-irrigation activities, impact the overall biogeochemical cycles of the ocean, both today and in the geological past.
Globally active
The members of the department of Ecosystem Studies are involved in projects all around the world. The map below gives an impression of our research locations.
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R version 2.14.1 (2011-12-22) • googleVis-0.4.2 • Google Terms of Use • Data Policy
R version 2.14.1 (2011-12-22) • googleVis-0.4.2 • Google Terms of Use • Data Policy
Approach
We combine field sampling, laboratory and mesocosm experiments, and mathematical modeling. A main analytical tool is the use of 13C and 15N stable isotopes, analyzed both in the bulk organic matter phase as well as in specific compounds that can be used as biomarkers, such as lipids and amino acids. On the theoretical side, the department is particularly strong in mathematical modeling. New mathematical techniques are developed to better extract relevant ecological information from high-resolution time-series, or to improve the predictive and diagnostic properties of mechanistic models.
Field work is both local and international. Intensive sampling campaigns are currently performed in the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, the Dutch Delta area (Westerschelde, Oosterschelde, Grevelingen). In addition, research within ES has acquired a strong international dimension over the last two decades. Over the period 2005-2010, international sampling campaigns were carried out in the Arctic, the Arabian Sea, the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, in Thailand and Indonesia, China and USA, and new campaigns are planned in Norway and Greenland in 2011.
