A case for addressing the unresolved role of permeable shelf sediments in ocean denitrification. Issue 1 (22nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chua, Emily J.; Huettel, Markus; Fennel, Katja; Fulweiler, Robinson W.
• Is Part Of: Limnology and oceanography letters. Volume 7:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2021-10-22
• Subjects: Limnology -- Periodicals; Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.46
• DOI: 10.1002/lol2.10218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2378-2242

Abstract

Abstract: The marine nitrogen cycle is a main driver of ocean productivity and affects global climate. Despite decades of study, we still have an incomplete understanding of the role of the marine nitrogen cycle in the Earth system. While marine sediments play a major role in nitrogen cycling in the ocean, magnitudes and mechanisms are largely unconstrained. Recent research suggests that permeable sandy sediments on the highly energetic and dynamic continental shelf are key components of the marine nitrogen cycle, but data to quantify their contribution are lacking. Here, we use insights from measurements and modeling studies to substantiate the hypothesis that shelf sediments are an overlooked driver of the marine nitrogen cycle. Specifically, we propose that permeable shelf sediments are sites for intense nitrogen conversions and suggest a three‐pronged approach to address unresolved controversies.