National Project (ANR-Projet Blanc): FORCLIM
National Project (ANR-Vulnérabilité, Milieu et Climat): CHACCRA
National Project (ANR-Vulnérabilité, Milieu et Climat): EXTREMA
Projet National (ANR-Projet Blanc): PROTIDAL
European Program (ESF-Eurocores): PALEOSALT
European program (ESF-Eurocores): RETRO
National Project (EC2CO-PNEC Program): MOBISEA
National Project (LEFE-CYBER-PNEC Program): BIOMIN
Convention of research - the General Council of Vendée/University of Angers
France-Japan Project (BIAF-JAMSTEC) supported by JSPS
France-Denmark Project (BIAF-University of Aarhus)
Austrian Project (FWF project P21542-B17)
National Project TOTAL/IFREMER/BIAF: Foraminiferal Bio-Indicators of Drill mud disposal
France/Japan/The Netherlands International Project: TOMBI
Proxies paleo-oceanographic proxies based on planktic foraminifera
Aim: coordinated by Professor Laurent Labeyrie, combining the research efforts of LSCE (Gif sur Yvettte), BIAF and EPOC (Bordeaux Unviersity). The aim of the project is to ameliorate paleoceanographical proxies based on geochemical measurements on planktonic foraminifera by an intensitive research program on the ecology of these organisms in the Bay Biscay. Field observations (plankton tow and sediment trap data) will be used in combination with a modeling approach.
Person in charge: Laurent Labeyrie (LSCE)
Local coordinator: Hélène Howa (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Coworkers : P. Anschutz (EPOC), B. Malaize (EPOC), F. Bassinot (LSCE), Caillon (LSCE), C. Fontanier (BIAF), C. Waelbroeck (LSCE), C. Cleroux (LSCE), E. Michel (LSCE), E. Cortijo (LSCE), E. Geslin (BIAF), E. Douville (LSCE), E. Robin (LSCE), F. Eynaud (EPOC), F. Jorissen (BIAF), M. Gehlen (CEA), J. Guiot (CEREGE), H. Howa (BIAF), J. Duprat (EPOC), S. Schmidt (EPOC), J.-C. Duplessy (LSCE), L. Bopp (CEA), R. Schiebel (SOC), N. Loncaric (BIAF), S. Retailleau (BIAF), T. Kuhnt (BIAF), S. Terrien (BIAF).
Carbon budget from the continent to the continental shelf
Aim : coordinated by C. Rabouille (LSCE, Gif sur Yvette),the aim of the project is (1) to quantify the fate of dissolved and particulate inputs from the Rhone River in the Gulf of Lion (prodeltaic environments), (2) to quantify the autotroph/heterotroph patterns of the prodelta, (3) to study the temporal variability of the coastal biogeochemical system and its response to different river-related forcings, (4) to study the impact of Rhone inputs of the benthic ecosystems from the shlef environments. Field observations will be used in combination with a physico-biogeochemical modeling approach to appreciate the sensitivity of climate changes.
Person in charge: Christophe Rabouille (LSCE)
Local coordinator: Christophe Fontanier (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Coworkers : J.M. Amouroux (LOOB), P. Bassoulet (LOOB), B. Bombled (LSCE), J.Y. Bottero (CEREGE), R. Buscail (CEFREM), J. Caparros (LOOB), C. Cathalot (LSCE), S. Charmasson (IRSN), B. Charrière (COM), P. Conan (LOOB), F. Diaz (COM), B. Deflandre (LGE), M. Desmalades (LOOB), J.-C. Duchene (LOOB), K. Escoubeyrou (LOOB), C. Estournel (LA), C. Fontanier (BIAF), M. Fornier (COM), M. Gaultier (BIAF), E. Geslin (BIAF), A. Goineau (BIAF), J.-F. Ghiglione (LOOB), A. Grémare (LOOB), C. Grenz (COM), M. Herrmann (LA), F. Jorissen (BIAF), F. Joux (LOOB), P. Kerhervé (CEFREM), N. Laborde (LSCE), B. Lansard (LSCE), F. Lantoine (LOOB), D. Lavergne (LGE), M. Lunven (LOOB), P. Marsaleix (LA), O. Masson (COM), E. Metzger (BIAF), J.D. Meunier (CEREGE), J.-J. Naudin (LOB), L. Oriol (LOOB), M.-E. Pinart (LGE), M. Provansal (CEREGE), A. Prusky (LOOB), M. Pujo-Pay (LOOB), O. Radakovitch (CEREGE), P. Raimbault (COM), J.-L. Reyss (LSCE), R. Sempere (COM), C. Ulses (LA), G. Vetion (LOOB), E. Viollier (LGE), L. Wolfgang (CEFREM), L. Zudaire (LOOB).
Extreme meteoclimatic events and pollutant/sediment distribution
Aim : coordinated by F. Eyrolle (IRSN),the aim of the project is to undertsand the impact of extreme meteoclimatic events on the distribution of pullutants and sedimentary bodies in coastal system.
Person in charge: Frédérique Eyrolle (IRSN)
Local coordinator: Christophe Fontanier (BIAF, University of ANGERS) - Free-lance collaboration -
Coworkers : CEFREM, CEREGE, IFREMER, Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées LA, IRPHE, IRSN/DEI/SESURE/LERCM, C. Fontanier (BIAF), A. Goineau (BIAF), M. Gaultier (BIAF), G. Maillet (University of Angers, Laboratoire de Géographie)
Paleo-oceanographic proxies of paleo-salinity
Aim: European Program focussing on the development of independent and quantitative proxies of paleo-salinity. In the context of this program, the BIAF team is responsible for studies on the geochemical composition of intertidal calcareous foraminifera. To this purpose, natural faunas from a salinity transect in the Gulf de Morbihan will be compared with foraminifera raised in the laboratory under various salinity conditions. The results will be completed by an inventory of the impact of salinity changes in open marine environments, along a transect from the Red sea, through the Mediterranean, to the Bay of Biscay.
Person in charge: Jelle Bijma (ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE)
Local coordinator: Frans Jorissen (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Coworkers: J. Bijma (AWI), D. Wolf-Gradow (AWI), H. Arlinghaus (University of MUNSTER ), G.J. Reichart (University of UTRECHT), G.J. Van der Zwaan (University of UTRECHT), G.J. Brummer (Royal NIOZ), S. Schouten (Royal NIOZ), F. Dehairs (Free University of BRUSSELS), L. André (Free University of BRUSSELS), L. Chauvaud (University of BREST), Y.M. Paulet (University of BREST), F.J. Jorissen (BIAF), C. Fontanier (BIAF), E. Geslin (BIAF), H. Howa (BIAF), F. Redois (BIAF), C. Barras (BIAF), E. Leorri (BIAF), P. Diz (BIAF), J. Erez (Hebrew University of JERUSALEM), H. Elderfield (University of CAMBRIDGE), A. Watson (University of east Anglia)
Transitory Biogeochemical Processes in intertidal sediments of Arcachon Basin
Aim : The tidal zone is at the continent-
ocean interface, where the transformation of biogenic and reactive
material is dominated by transient benthic processes. We need
information about net metabolism of coastal zones in order to better
constrain the cycle of carbon, nutrient, or trace metals at the
land-ocean transition. The tidal zone represents a key environment,
which has not been deeply investigated until now.
Our objective is to work on i) the influence of successive emersion and
immersion periods on benthic biogeochemical reactions, and on fluxes of
biogenic compounds and trace metals ii) the chemical dynamics and
specific processes occurring in inter-tidal sandy permeable sediments
iii) the seasonal variability of the processes, and the net metabolism
of environments dominated by the inter-tidal zones. The Arcachon lagoon
tidal area has been chosen because the inter-tidal zone represents 66%
of the surface area. We have determined three major groups of
sedimentary environments: 1) sandy sediments of the upper part; 2) muds
covered with Zostera noltii, 3) uncovered muddy sediments..
Coordinator : Pierre Anschutz (EPOC)
Local coordinator : Edouard Metzger (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Associated Labs : EPOC Talence, LCABIE Pau, LGE-IPGP Paris, LOBB Banyuls, University of Copenhagen, LMGEM Marseille, BIAF Angers
Paleoceanography in the tropical ocean during late Pleistocene-Holocene
Aim: Combining expertise and equipment from five (4IP and 1AP) leading European institutions in palaeoclimate research, we plan to: 1) reconstruct the vertical temperature and density gradients in the ocean interior and their evolution during climate shifts over the last 60,000 years; and 2) investigate the links between high- and low latitude climate change through innovative modeling experiments making use of high quality data that is generated. The role of BIAF is to realise the ecological study of bentic foraminiferal communities off Namibia.
Person in charge: Trond Dokken (University of BERGEN)
Local coordinator: Edouard Metzger & Christophe Fontanier (BIAF, University of ANGERS) - Free-lance collaboration -
Coworkers: S. Mulitza (University of BREMEN), F. Peeters (University of AMSTERDAM), C. Waelbroeck (CNRS-CEA-UVSQ), L. Skinner (University of CAMBRIDGE), C. Fontanier (BIAF), M. Gaultier (BIAF), E. Metzger (BIAF).
Modelisation of biogeochemical fluxes at sediment-water-air interfaces in intertidal areas
Aim : MOBISEA a pour objectif de renforcer notre compréhension du rôle des sédiments intertidaux perméables sur le contrôle des flux des espèces biogéniques et des nutriments aux interfaces eau-sédiments et sédiments-air. L'action 1 de MOBISEA porte sur la validation par un modèle de couplage hydrodynamique-biogéochimie du rôle joué par la silice comme marqueur du temps de résidence des eaux interstitielles dans les sédiments perméables. L’action 2 de MOBISEA concerne la quantification de l'importance du pompage tidal des sédiments perméables variablement saturés sur les flux d'espèces biogéniques associés à la dégradation de la matière organique. L’action 3 concerne l'échantillonnage des eaux porales et des baïnes du linéaire aquitain pour établir une relation entre l'occupation des sols et la nature (teneurs en N et P) des eaux percolant sur les plages.Coordinator : P. Lecroart (EPOC)
Local associated researcher : Edouard Metzger (BIAF, Université d'ANGERS)
Associated labs : EPOC Talence, MAB Talence, IFREMER Arcachon, LOG Wimereux, LGE-IPGP Paris, BIAF Angers
In situ study of the impact of biologic diversity on organic matter mineralization at the sediment-water interface
Aim : Etude du rôle de la diversité faunistique dans le contrôle des flux benthiques par la mise en place d'une stratégie coordonnée de mesures in situ d’un ensemble de variables indépendantes (paramètres abiotiques, caractéristiques de la matière organique) et de variables dépendantes (bioturbation, reminéralisation, flux àl’interface eau-sédiment) dans une large gamme de conditions écologiques différentes. Les sites envisagés sont le pro-delta du Rhône, l'xtrémité de la zone de dilution du Rhône, le bassin d’Arcachon, le vasière Ouest Gironde et la partie interne de la marge aquitaine.
Study of the role of faunistic variety in the control of benthic fluxes through a coordinated strategy of in situ measurements of a set of independent variables (abiotiques parameters, organic matter characterization) and of dependent variables (bioturbation, remineralization, water-sediment interface fluxes) in a wide range of different ecological conditions. The envisaged sites are the pro-delta of the Rhône, the extreme dilution zone of the Rhône River, the Arcachon basin, the West Gironde mudflats and the internal area of the Aquitaine margin.
Coordinator : A. Gremare (EPOC)
Local coordinator : Edouard Metzger (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Associated labs : EPOC Talence et Arcachon, LOBB Banyuls, LEMAR Brest, BIAF Angers, LGE-IPGP Paris, ECOLAB Toulouse
European network of coastal research - Topic 5 « Long term coastal geo-morphological change »
Aim: To promote the development of new methodologies for the prediction of the long term geomorphological changes of coastal systems and mouths, in particular due to the impact of the climatic evolutions.
Person in charge for the French Network of Coastal Research: Philippe Sergent
Coworkers: Staff members of BIAF (Bio-Indicateurs Actuels et Fossiles, University of ANGERS), University of AIX-MARSEILLE, BORDEAUX I, CAEN, GRENOBLE, LA ROCHELLE, PAU, PERPIGNAN, TOULON ; BRGM and CETMEFF
Aim: Development of the research marine station of "Ile d’Yeu" (FRANCE).
Local coordinator : Hélène Howa (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Coworkers: Staff members of BIAF (Bio-Indicateurs Actuels et Fossiles) and CARTA (Centre Angevin de Recherche sur les Territoires et l'Aménagement), University of Angers
Aim : The research project entitled « Dynamic responses of deep-sea foraminiferal community in relation to oceanic environmental changes » constitute the beginning of a collaboration with the working group of Hiroshi Kitazato. This work consists in the investigation of ecological and biogeochemical patterns of foraminiferal faunas from Sagami Bay.
Local coordinator : Christophe Fontanier (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Coworkers: H. Kitazato (JAMSTEC), T. Toyofuku (JAMSTEC), H. Nomaki (JAMSTEC), M. Tsuchiya (JAMSTEC), K. Oguri (JAMSTEC), C. Fontanier (BIAF)
But : « Denitrification on benthic foraminifera » The aim of this collaboration is to study the ability of benthic foraminifera to live under anoxic conditions. We are quantifying the denitrification processes on benthic foraminifera.
Local coordinator : Emmanuelle Geslin (BIAF, Université d'ANGERS)
Collaborateurs : N. Risgaard-Petersen (Geomicrobiological group, University of AARHUS), E. Piña-Ochoa (Geomicrobiological group, University of AARHUS), S. Høgslund (Geomicrobiological group, University of AARHUS), K. Koho (Geomicrobiological group, University of AARHUS), E. Geslin (BIAF)
Aim : « Low dissolved oxygen events in the Northern Adriatic: in situ experimental insight into benthic responses before, during and post-anoxia ». As in the former FWF project, our research strives to learn about system function by studying system dysfunction. Present knowledge about the behavioral responses and mortalities of benthic organisms is not commensurate with the crucial role this fauna plays in coastal ecosystems. Our proposal is designed to reduce this gap. It will also substantially contribute to the current discussion on the validity of hypoxia thresholds for marine biodiversity.
Local coordinators : Frans Jorissen & Emmanuelle Geslin (BIAF, Université d'ANGERS)
Coworkers: M. Stachowitsch (department of Marine Biology, VIENNE), M. Zuschin (department of Geology, VIENNA), M. De Troch (GENT University, Marine Biology Section, Belgium), J. Faganeli & M. Grego (National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station Piran, Slovenia), R. Twitchett (University of PLYMOUTH, School of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Sciences, UK), F. Jorissen & E. Geslin (BIAF)
Environnemental monitoring with benthic foraminifera
Aim: A national collaboration between TOTAL-FINA-ELF, IFREMER/Sête and BIAF, aiming to develop a foraminiferal index for pollution due to drill mud disposal in open marine environments.
Persons in charge: R. Camps (TOTAL), F. Galgani (IFREMER), Frans Jorissen (BIAF, University of ANGERS)
Involved scientists: R. Camps (TOTAL), F. Galgani (IFREMER, Sête), F.J. Jorissen (BIAF), M. Mojtahid (BIAF), M. Denoyelle (BIAF)
Aim : This project, namely “TOMBI”, is entitled “Ecological Impact of the Tōhoku Tsunami on Marine Biodiversity: Environmental Biomonitoring with live benthic Foraminifera”. Through a multidisciplinary approach based on an international collaboration, Japanese, Dutch and French coordinators want to precise in which manner the Tōhoku Tsunami has altered the ocean floor and the biodiversity of benthic communities. To assess such a fundamental topic, an oceanographic cruise (cruise KT11-20 – namely “TOMBI” – aboard TANSEI MARU R/V) has been supported by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). The scientific cruise took place in August 2011, 5 months after the Tōhoku disaster. At this occasion, coastal and deep-sea marine ecosystems off Aomori and Iwate prefectures (NE JAPAN) were sampled – both prefectures were severely impacted by tsunami waves the height of which ranged between 3 and 9 meters. An international group of Japanese, French and Dutch oceanographers, all specialists in marine ecology and marine biogeochemistry, will join this scientific mission with the objective to study the impact of tsunami on marine biodiversity.
Persons in charge: Christophe Fontanier (BIAF, University of ANGERS), Hiroshi Kitazato (JAMSTEC, Japan), Gert-Jan Reichart (Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Coworkers: H. Kitazato (JAMSTEC), T. Toyofuku (JAMSTEC), K. Oguri (JAMSTEC), N. Ohkawara (JAMSTEC), A. Kurasawa (JAMSTEC), A. Sakaguchi (JAMSTEC) K. Kawamura (Fukada Geology Insitute), G-J Reichart (Utrecht Univ.), K. Koho (Utrecht Univ.), L. denooijer (Utrecht Univ.), C. Fontanier (BIAF), P. Duros (BIAF), A. Movellan (BIAF), R. Schiebel (BIAF), F.J. Jorissen (BIAF), E. Metzger (BIAF), R. Buscail (CEFREM-Perpignan Univ.), P. Kerhervé (CEFREM-Perpignan Univ.), A. Grémare (EPOC-Bordeaux Univ.), B. Deflandre (EPOC-Bordeaux Univ.), P. Anschutz (EPOC-Bordeaux Univ.), H. Etcheber (EPOC-Bordeaux Univ.), O. Radakovitch (CEREGE-Aix/Marseille Univ.).