What influence does the Elbe have on the German Bight?
Joint Communication: Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meersforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
For the first time, Helmholtz researchers are holistically analyzing the input of climate gases, environmental chemicals, nano- and microplastics, and nutrients from the Elbe into the North Sea.
The measurement campaign spans several months and is carried out in the framework of the MOSES (Modular Observation Solutions for Earth Systems) research initiative. The expedition commenced at the end of June in the Czech Republic and will end in the German Bight in mid-September. From August 23 to 25, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon’s research vessel LUDWIG PRANDTL explored the topic between Geesthacht and Cuxhaven. From August 28 to September 15, three coastal research vessels from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI), the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Hereon will be employed one after the other to sample the southern North Sea between Büsum, Helgoland and Cuxhaven in the service of science.
The elaborately coordinated cruises on the Elbe and the North Sea aim to follow a defined „water package“, which has already been investigated in the riverine (freshwater) area of the Elbe since the end of June. The scientists now measure this “package” during the transition into the saline coastal area and into the North Sea. The Elbe estuary, i.e. the part of the Elbe that is influenced by the tide and extends from Geesthacht to Cuxhaven, plays a special role here. Estuaries are characterized by a filter function between the river and the sea: Here, organic substances are decomposed, converted or sedimented. Due to the tidal influence, the residence time of the water in the estuary is significantly longer than in the river itself. (Source: Joint Communication News AWI, GEOMAR and Hereon)
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