EMODnet Sedimentation rates – Europe

Sedimentation rates are part of EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data network) Geology, Work Package 3 (WP3) Seabed substrate. The objective of WP3 is to compile all available seabed substrate information on a scale of 1:100 000 or finer from all European marine areas, and to update sedimentation rate data collected in the previous phases. WP3 has compiled and harmonized available information on the rate of sedimentation on the seafloor. The information on sedimentation rates for recent sediments is presented as point-source information. Estimations of modern sedimentation rates (centimetres/year) can be based e.g. on established historical records of anthropogenic radionuclides (e.g. 137Cs and 241Am), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead (Pb) and stable lead isotope (206/207Pb ratios). Sedimentation rate estimations can be based also on varve/laminae counting, radionuclide 210Pb and 14C decay dating methods. In addition stratigraphic marker horizons, like in the Baltic Sea, horizons formed by documented Major Baltic Inflow (MBIs) events (Moros et al. 2017), can be used in the estimations. Project partners have delivered information on sedimentation rates available in their national waters including their EEZ. The focus is on the present-day sedimentation rates. That means sediment accumulation to the seabed over the past decades, since AD 1900 or so. Further information about the EMODnet-Geology project is available on the portal (http://www.emodnet-geology.eu/).