Comments on the role of the water-sediment fluxes in the Northern-central Adriatic Sea (VECTOR632 Cruise
Ravaioli M.; Spagnoli F; Focaccia P.; Giordano P.; Albertazzi S.; Campanelli A.; Nisi M.; Giani M.;
In the context of the studies about the role of the Northern Adriatic continental shelf in the Mediterranean carbon cycles, on October 2008, an oceanographic cruise was carried out on board of Dallaporta oceanographic vessel. The cruise, related to the 6.3 work activity of the Project VECTOR, aimed to: determination of benthic fluxes of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) and of other dissolved substances involved in early diagenetic processes, characterization of the diagenetic environments which produce benthic fluxes, definition of the dissolution and/or precipitation carbonate rates, implementation of numerical models able to explain the investigated processes.
The first results of VECTOR632 cruise allowed the identification of some areas with different biogeochemical characteristics which are causing of early diagenetic processes for degree and type distinguished. Mainly, these differences were depending on the input intensity of reactive organic matter, on sedimentation rate and chemical/physical conditions of the water column. In particular has been highlighted the existence of: an area located near to the Po River mouths characterized by intense and anoxic processes of early diagenesis that lead to a high recycling of the ,reactive organic matter reaching the seabed, and to dissolved nutrients and DIC intense fluxes towards the water column; an area in front of the Emilia-Romagna coast identified by inputs of partially decomposed organic matter that generates weak diagenesis processes and low water-sediment fluxes; an area, in the Meso-Adriatic Depression, distinguished by very low inputs of solid matters and reactive organic matter which are causing of very weak and oxic early diagenesis with benthic fluxes near to zero values.
Furthermore, a previously undefined area has been individuated south of the Conero mount marked by more intense processes than those reported in the northern and southern areas. These processes seem to be depending on the more intense input of suspended solid and organic matters of Apennine origin that accumulate for the less hydrodynamic energy present in the south-east area of the Conero mount coast.
2010 - Abstract in atti di convegno
V.E.C.T.O.R., workshop finale. Roma, 18-19 ottobre 2010, pp. 37–37, Roma, 18-19/10/2010
Keywords: Carbon Cycle, Adriatic Sea