Benthic ecosystems are ecological systems associated with the bottom substrates of aquatic environments, including marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitats, where organisms inhabit or interact with sediments, hardgrounds, or biogenic structures. They encompass diverse communities such as infauna, epifauna, demersal fishes, microphytobenthos, and benthic microbial assemblages that mediate key biogeochemical processes, including organic matter remineralization, nutrient regeneration, and sediment–water fluxes. Benthic ecosystems are structured by gradients in depth, hydrodynamics, sedimentology, oxygen availability, and resource inputs, and they play critical roles in carbon cycling, secondary production, habitat provision, and the coupling of pelagic and sedimentary processes within broader aquatic food webs and ecosystem functioning.
When an earthquake causes a landslide, debris flow, or erosion, it can change the makeup of nearby lakes by introducing larger sediment particles, causing faster sediment buildup, and affecting carbon sequestration. The sediments ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 24, 2025
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Offshore wind farms not only deliver clean energy but can also play a vital role in restoring vulnerable ecosystems both above and below the waterline. This includes seabed habitats, coral reefs, seagrass meadows and coastal ...
Environment
Jul 7, 2025
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43
Scientists have studied the predatory behavior of sharks in deep-sea ecosystems. This research provides insights into the behavior and distribution range of Pacific sleeper sharks. The research is published in the journal ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 3, 2025
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181
Deep-sea mining could impact marine life stretching from the tiniest bottom dwellers to apex predators like swordfish and sharks, a major piece of industry-funded research found Thursday.
Environment
Jul 3, 2025
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109
In recent years, special wash-down areas have been built in marinas to reduce the environmental problems caused by boat bottom paints. An analysis of Hinsholmskilen by the University of Gothenburg shows that the levels of ...
Ecology
Jun 27, 2025
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24
Deep-sea mining in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean could harm ocean life including whales and dolphins, new research shows.
Ecology
Jun 24, 2025
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35
Sea cucumbers spend their lives prowling the ocean floor, scavenging for food and generally minding their own business. We can see snails leading similar lives, slimy but not bothering anyone.
Plants & Animals
Jun 18, 2025
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34
Diseases in the ocean, caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites, can have far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems. For this reason research has primarily focused on their ecological significance. However, the socioeconomic ...
Ecology
Jun 11, 2025
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14
Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines, located 50 meters below the sea surface, is the Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than Mt. Apo. Benham Bank contains one of the richest mesophotic (or deep) coral ecosystems ...
Ecology
Jun 11, 2025
0
36
Human use of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea is visible on the seabed and can significantly impact the habitat of many marine species. In a new study, researchers from Kiel University have used high-resolution hydroacoustic ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 20, 2025
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