Processes in the benthic boundary layer at continental margins and their implication for the benthic carbon cycle

Processes in the benthic boundary layer (BBL) at different continental marg ins are described and the importance of lateral advection, particle aggrega tion, biodeposition and the resuspension loops within the BBL are discussed . New methods of BBL research are demonstrated and a possible solution is g iven to the benthic carbon budget problem (i.e. benthic carbon demand versu s vertical carbon flux) for continental margins in relation to the understa nding of soft-bottom ecosystems. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.