Characteristics of the 6 study sites based on conditions at the time of sampling in October 2008 and June 2009.

O2-pen.: oxygen penetration into the sediment as measured with micro-electrodes. Temp: temperature of the bottom water. Sediment accumulation rates (SAR) and the annually accumulated layer of sediment (AAL in cm/yr, at a depth of 10 cm) are based on 137Cs dating and sediment porosity and density as described in the study of Mattila et al. [27].