Nitrogen Dynamics
Bacteria sequester nitrate from ocean water and transport this solute into the sediments where a variety of transformations occur. We are quantifying the reactions and rates as they relate to N2 gas production, anammox and carbonate dissolution. This study involves microbial physiology, geochemistry, modeling and experimental studies with various types of in situ and laboratory sediment incubations. Several cruises are planned to explore these issues culminating in a 14 day trip to southern Baja in Fall 2009. Collaborators: M. Prokopenko-USC, D. Sigman-Princeton
