Grafik11mini-f-web05

palaeontology

The first and second parts of the 3-year project “Monitoring Carbonate Production and Degradation (Azores, Portugal)”, project code DFG-Fr 1134/12 (2006-2008), were carried out successfully in 2006 and September/October 2007.

The project is a collaboration with the Institute of Palaeontology of the University of Erlangen/Germany, Dr. Max Wisshak.

In the first year, with the aid of the submersible LULA, experimental frames were deployed at various depths (50, 150 and 500 meters) in the south Faial Channel. The experimental panels carry carbonate and PVC substrates as well as data loggers for measuring temperature and salinity. Further panels were deployed by scuba divers in shallow water (5 and 15 meters deep).

das-Team-nach-Aussetzen-zwe02

the team after sucessful deployment of two panels
Seekarte-mit-Panelen-kl03

In addition, sample material of deep-sea giant oysters, corals and other calcareous organisms was recovered during the dives. 

So far, occurrence of live organisms of the sampled species of deep-sea oysters  has only been proven in the Azores. The species will be described for the first time within this project.

recovery-panel-web

recovery of panel with LULA
Austern,-Stylasterid-in-49502

rocks with oysters and stylasterids
die-Panele-in-150m-Tiefe-kl02

experimental frame in 150 m of depth

2 experimental frames were deployed at each location. In September/October 2007 one panel was successfully recovered at each location. The second panel will be recovered in 2008 to allow the measurment of the exact ratio of carbon production and degradation over a period of two years.

The graphic shows the locations were frames were deployed, a transect up to 500 metres of depth in the southern Faial Channel. 

das-Team-Riesenauster-kl

the team with a sample of a giant oyster
Further information about this project at:
www.gzn.uni-erlangen.de/en/palaeontology/staff/scientific-staff/wisshak/max-wisshak-s-dfg-projects/fr-113412-bioerosion-ii/

all images are property of Foundation Rebikoff-Niggeler and must not be copied or used without prior consent.

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