Sedimentary processes are markedly different from water column processes and thus can greatly affect chemical mass balances in the ocean. The sediment accumulation rates on margins can be orders of magnitude higher than in open ocean regions. Study of these sediments could therefore be useful in understanding controls on and rates of transfer of carbon and associated biogenic materials between water column and bottom sediments and the relation to long-term changes. Therefore a good understanding of the fluxes between the margin and the open ocean is crucial to model development. Studies of coastal oceans are directly relevant to societal needs.
Coastal regions are densely populated and are subject to human exploitation for food.
These regions are responsive to environmental changes resulting from natural processes and human activities. Many important commercial and subsistence marine fisheries are based at the continental margins, where biological production tends to be much greater than in the open ocean. Exploitation of marine organisms by humans results in the removal of biomass from the sea and also may impact the functioning of the marine ecosystem, with consequent implications for carbon fluxes. Hence such projects would be designated joint. Following identification of the research as being concerned with continental margin studies, the recipient core Project Office will submit the research proposal to the co-chairs of the CMTT for consideration.