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Macrofaunal Communities of Hydrothermal Sediments

During 2007 macrofaunal communities inhabiting active and inactive hydrothermal sediments at bathyal depths (1300-2200) were examined at Middle Valley near Juan de Fuca Ridge and in the Manus Basin off Papua New Guinea. Patterns of abundance, composition, diversity and trophic structure are being studied to assess the relative influence of hydrothermal activity, and similarities to macarofauna in other margin reducing ecosystems (seeps, OMZs). Colonization experiments are underway at Juan de Fuca hydrothermal vents using carbonate, bone and wood to examine faunal substrate preferences and compare recruitment across margin ecosystems. Arctic hydrothermal sediments on the Mohns Ridge are being sampled in collaboration with Dr. Christoffer Schander (Univ. Bergen) aboard the RV Sars in July 2008.

Download: Levin et. al. 2009

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