Modelling mass accumulation rates and 210Pb rain rates in the Skagerrak: lateral sediment transport dominates the sediment input

• DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1331102
• Publication Date: 2024-02-27T05:00:45Z
• Authors: Timo Spiegel; Markus Diesing; Andrew W. Dale; Nina Lenz; Mark Schmidt; Stefan Sommer; Christoph Böttner; Michael Fuhr; Habeeb Thanveer K...; Cosima-S. Schulze; Klaus Wallmann
• Keywords: Sedimentation; Seafloor Spreading

Sediment fluxes to the seafloor govern fate of elements and compounds in ocean serve as a prerequisite for research on elemental cycling, benthic processes sediment management strategies. To quantify these over areas, it is necessary scale up mass accumulation rates (MAR) obtained from multiple sample stations. Conventional methods spatial upscaling involve averaging data or interpolation. However, approaches may not be sufficiently precise account variations MAR, leading poorly constrained regional budgets. Here, we utilize machine learning approach porosity 210 Pb 145 65 stations, respectively, Skagerrak. The models predict distributions by considering several predictor variables that are assumed control rain rates. distribution MAR based predicted existing sedimentation rate data. Our findings reveal highest occur two parallel belt structures align with general circulation pattern While high intermediate water depths, situated closer coastlines due lower porosities at shallow depths. Based distributions, calculate total 34.7 Mt yr -1 4.7 · 10 14 dpm . By comparing atmospheric rates, further estimate 24% originates local input, remaining 76% being transported laterally into updated Skagerrak combined literature other major sources sinks present tentative budget North Sea, which reveals an imbalance outputs exceeding inputs. Substantial uncertainties revised might close this imbalance. hypothesize previous estimates suspended inputs Sea have been underestimated, recently elevated coastal erosion surrounding region Sea.