Benthic Processes
Benthic biology and ecology
Project Manager and Lead Scientist: Jim Barry
This project focuses on quantifying the changes with depth in benthic species abundance and diversity from the continental shelf to the abyssal plane, including the effect of Monterey Canyon as both a source of organic matter to the deep sea as well as a dynamic disturbance. In collaboration with a visiting scientist from JAMSTEC (Japan Marine Science and Technology Institute), the group will be investigating the growth rates of seep clams and deep-sea corals using a strontium labeling technique.