9404077 SHAW Temporal variation in the particulate flux to the deep sediment community drives variation in benthic respiration and the deposition of particle bound nutrients and minor elements. Particulate flux can be measured on a near continuous basis with sequencing sediment traps. However, particulate decomposition and the resultant benthic flux of dissolved species has been measured only for brief periods seasonally in the deep ocean. To address the need for more frequent measurements, a bottom transecting free vehicle "Rover" is being built to collect near continuous data on benthic community oxygen utilization. Complimentary measurement of the benthic flux of nutrients and minor elements will elucidate the relationship between productivity and burial for particle bound species. This project involves building a long development sampler to collect and preserve benthic chamber sampler which will "piggyback" the "Rover". The sampler will be made up of the controller and a series of syringe racks. Each rack will have the capability of collecting and preserving 18 chamber samples in duplicate. The controller will have the capacity to collect from eight racks. Four racks will be built for this project allowing six collections each for twelve emplacements of the benthic chamber over a six month deployment. This sampling frequency will allow a greater understanding of the seasonal variability of the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and trace elements at the sediment water interface.
