In many shallow oceanic environments, wave-induced flow and sediment transport are dominant processes on the scales of benthic organism feeding and growth. However, the response of marine benthic organisms to oscillatory flow and oscillatory sediment transport has not been investigated. Using coupled field and laboratory experiments, the effects of oscillatory flows on the feeding biology of intertidal and shelf invertebrates will be studied. Many of the experimental tests will utilize a uniquely constructed oscillatory wave tank which will have future benefits in the study of the adaptations of benthic animals to their physical environments.
