Open AccessA case for addressing the unresolved role of permeable shelf sediments in ocean denitrification
Author(s) -
Chua Emily J.,
Huettel Markus,
Fennel Katja,
Fulweiler Robinson W.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-2242
DOI - 10.1002/lol2.10218
Subject(s) - continental shelf , oceanography , nitrogen cycle , environmental science , denitrification , productivity , nitrogen , earth system science , earth science , geology , chemistry , organic chemistry , economics , macroeconomics
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.