| Abstract |
Hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions in aquatic ecosystems increase in
number, duration and extent due to global warming and eutrophication.
Global warming will lead to degassing of oxygen, increased
stratification, reduced deep-water circulation and changes in wind
patterns affecting transport and mixing. Projected increases in hypoxia
(e.g. doubling of “dead zones”) are accompanied by enhanced emission of
greenhouse gases, losses in biodiversity, ecosystem functions and
services such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
A better understanding of global changes in oxygen depletion
requires a global observation system continuously monitoring oxygen at
high resolution, including assessment of the role of the seafloor in
controlling the sensitivity of aquatic systems to and recovery from
hypoxia.
Hypox will monitor oxygen depletion and associated processes in aquatic
systems that differ in oxygen status or sensitivity towards change:
- open ocean, oxic with high sensitivity to global warming (Arctic),
- semi-enclosed with permanent anoxia (Black Sea, Baltic Sea) and
- seasonally or locally anoxic land-locked systems (fjords, lagoons, lakes) subject to eutrophication.
|
