Netherlands Indian Ocean Programme: Part 3. Kenya Shelf And Coastal Ecosystems.

Abstract

The main goal is a study of the effects of the monsoonal regime on coastal marine systems. In particular the following seasonal effects will be considered: (1) the seasonality in productivity of surface waters. the structure of pelagic and benthic systems and sedimentation and exchange processes; (2) inland erosion and erosion of degraded mangrove systems and increased siltation of coastal areas; (3) changes in growth of seagrasses and corals due to siltation. increased nutrient levels and temperature increases; (and 4) changing inputs of nutrients. particulate matter and inorganic pollutants from (semi-) terrestrial origin. including mangrove systems. Long-term climatological changes will be considered as well. in particular (l) the contribution of coastal wetlands to the greenhouse effect through the production of methane; (2) tracing of changes in precipitation over the last 10.000 years in coastal sediments; and (3) changes in coral growth related to sea-level rise.