Biogeochemistry in the Earth System
The research group “Biogeochemistry in the Earth System” investigates biogeochemical processes in the ocean (water column and sediments) and their role in global element cycles (e.g., of carbon, nitrogen, iron and other bioactive elements). By quantifying element turnover and fluxes on different spatial and temporal scales we contribute to a better understanding of how biogeochemical cycles will respond to ongoing and future environmental change. We also use our knowledge on modern marine systems to reconstruct environmental change and the associated dynamics of biogeochemical cycles in the geological past. Much of our research is based on seagoing sampling and measuring campaigns. On ship expeditions we also provide opportunities for students to participate in seagoing fieldwork.
Research team: Prof. Dr. Florian Scholz, PD Dr. Birgit Gaye, Dr. Niko Lahajnar, Dr. Nicole Burdanowitz, Louise Foster, Frauke Langenberg, Marc Metzke, PD Dr. Tim Rixen, Dr. Gesa Schulz, Dr. Timo Spiegel, Filipa Viegas, Dr. Mark Zindorf.
The research group has close collaborations with colleagues at the Helmholtz Centre Hereon (Aquatic Nutrient Cycles, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry), the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (Marine Geosystems , Paleoceanography) and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (Carbon and Nutrient Cycling).
Overarching research foci of the working group:
Quantification of particulate fluxes in the ocean
Collection of particle samples using free-floating and moored sediment traps and bottom water samplers in the benthic boundary layer; analysis of vertical and near-bottom particulate fluxes under natural and anthropogenically perturbed conditions based on the mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic composition of sinking particles, suspended matter and surface sediments.
Pore water-sediment interactions and early diagenesis
Characterization and quantification of biogeochemical processes (element turnover, mineral dissolution and precipitation) in shelf, slope and deep-sea sediments; Quantification and regionalization of accumulation rates and fluxes across the sediment-water interface.
Land-ocean interactions
Analysis of major and trace elements as well as isotopic fingerprints of carbon and nitrogen (particulate and dissolved, organic and inorganic) in soils, rivers, estuaries and continental margin sediments; Impact of natural and anthropogenically induced environmental change on land on biogeochemical processes in the ocean.
Development of paleoceanographic proxies and paleo-environmental reconstructions
Impact of biogeochemical processes in the water column and sediment (early diagenesis) on element and isotope (e.g., of nitrogen, iron, molybdenum) signatures in sedimentary archives; reconstruction of paleo-environmental conditions and the dynamics of biogeochemical cycles in the geological past.