The role of coastal zones in global biogeochemical cycles

Siefert, Ronald L.; Plattner, Gian-Kasper (2004). The role of coastal zones in global biogeochemical cycles. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 85(45), p. 470. American Geophysical Union 10.1029/2004EO450005

Text siefert04eos.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (310kB) | Request a copy

The unique and dynamic coastal ocean is a significant source and sink of a multitude of atmospheric species of importance to global biogeochemical cycles and climate. The transition zone between land and ocean, including the atmosphere as a medium for the exchange of matter and energy, is characterized by a strong physical-biogeochemical coupling, resulting in an inherently complex system. Important biogeochemical exchanges occurring in the coastal zone involve water, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorous, iron, and silica),salts (e.g., chlorine,bromine,and iodine), carbon (e.g.,dissolved organic carbon (DOC),dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and carbon dioxide (CO2), reactive organic trace gases (e.g., nitrogenous, halogenated, and sulfurous hydrocarbons), and inorganic trace gases (e.g., nitrous oxide, N2O).

Coastal zones are of particular importance to humans, as they are characterized by high per area productivity and are responsible for the majority of the world's fish catch. In addition, coastal ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon cycle as large fluxes of carbon and carbon-related tracers move between the land, ocean, and atmosphere in these regions. Most of the world's population lives near coastal zones, and anthropogenic changes and related climate change in these regions can pose serious consequences not only for fisheries but also for global biogeochemical cycles.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

1 since deposited on 25 Aug 2021
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item