Mai 19, 2018 – Worms’ World: nutrient cycling in marine muds.
Most gardeners know that earthworms and beneficial insects are critically important for a fertile soil and healthy crops. Far fewer people appreciate that worms, clams, and other mud-dwelling animals play a similar role for coastal marine ecosystems. Along with a local Scientist, we will examine how animals living in muds promote nutrient recycling, fertilize phytoplankton, and clean-up coastal waters.
(Zhu and Aller, 2013). Worm burrows (from the common ragworm Nereis diversicolor) in Flax Pond sediment (left; arrows) and the simultaneous image of hydrogen sulfide concentrations (right). Ventilation of burrows with overlying water oxidizes H2S in surrounding sediment, creating complex, dynamic concentration distributions. (https://www.somas.stonybrook.edu/biennial-report/2014-2015/research-highlights/)
Interviewing Bob:
Where did you go to school?
Yale University (PhD; MPhil); University of Rochester (BS, BA); J.E.B. Stuart HS (Virginia)
What is your area of research?
Marine Biogeochemistry; marine animal-sediment relations
Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
My parents. Love, respect, and enjoyment of nature and the oceans.
What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
Curiosity and passion for understanding our world; setting goals and maintaining the long-term dedication to achieve them.
Why is your research topic important?
The cycling of chemical elements on the Earth’s surface is mediated in large part by organisms and is critical to sustaining life. In order to wisely interact with our planet, it is necessary to understand how different components of ecosystems, for example, biogeochemical processes in the seabed, fit together to produce particular environmental conditions; for example, productive and beautiful coastal regions.
What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
Microcosms demonstrating examples of mud-dwelling animals and their activities; examples of sensors and other techniques used to investigate biogeochemical and biological processes in sediments.
What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
Experience and observe the natural world to build your intuition about how things work; don’t be afraid of getting dirty; participate in a wide range of educational programs to obtain the fundamental intellectual skills necessary for science; enjoy learning and teaming with others.
What is your favorite ocean organism?
I find all of them fascinating and worthy of respect.
Want to learn more about Bob: