Seminar by Dr. Hidetaka Nomaki, JAMSTEC

Seminar Title: Deep-sea benthic ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles revealed by in-situ experiments at the western Pacific abyssal plain

Speaker: Dr. Hidetaka Nomaki, Senior Researcher, JAMSTEC

Date: Tuesday, March 09, 2021

Time: 15:00–16:00

Venue: L4E48, Lab 4

Abstract: 

Abyssal plains dominate more than 50% of Earth surface and thus play important roles on the evolution and biodiversity of deep-sea organisms and relevant biogeochemical cycles. Sinking organic matter (OM) flux, derived from ocean surface to the seafloor, is believed to play a crucial role in the abyssal plain benthic ecosystems. However, the biogeochemical cycles starting from the sinking OM and their functions, are poorly understood at abyssal plains. To investigate both heterotrophic and autotrophic activities of the abyssal benthic ecosystems and corresponding carbon and nitrogen cycles, samplings of surface sediment and organism were performed at western Pacific abyssal stations under different surface productivities. We further carried out in situ isotope-tracer experiments to understand how the abyssal ecosystems and its biogeochemical cycles respond to the changes in surface primary producers (from diatom to picoplankton) that will happen in the future due to global warming. I will talk about insights obtained from these cruises and discuss the impacts of the future climate changes on abyssal ecosystems.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://oist.zoom.us/j/92845843810?pwd=U0RlaFZGd2hwQjJ6UTVocGVGbGlJZz09

Meeting ID: 928 4584 3810

Passcode: 936716