Particle dynamics in the water column & in the water-sediment interface & their relationship with the ecophysiology of benthic particle feeders, Potter Cove

In the present project the dynamics of particulate matter at the
water-bottom interface will be studied, identifying the role of the
main physical forcing factors controlling such dynamics. The relative
ecological importance of microalgae, microheterotrophs and bacteria
as parts of the particulate matter at the WSI will be related to
physical forcing factors, to understand how these dynamics affects the
energy transfer from the water-bottom interface to the benthic
organisms and towards higher trophic levels. Additionally, results
will be related to colonization and successional events.