Nematodes and meiofauna in sediments obtained during Belgica cruise BG06/13, north-east Atlantic ...

• Main Authors: Ingels, Jeroen, Tchesunov, Alexei, Vanreusel, Ann
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: PANGAEA 2011
• Subjects: MidiCorer; BG06/13; Belgica; Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas HERMES; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/pangaea.776718; https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.776718

The Gollum Channels and Whittard Canyon (NE Atlantic) are two areas that receive high input of organic matter and phytodetritus from euphotic layers, but they are typified by different trophic and hydrodynamic conditions. Sediment biogeochemistry was analysed in conjunction with structure and diversity of the nematode community and differences were tested between study areas, water depths (700 m vs 1000 m), stations, and sediment layers. The Gollum Channels and Whittard Canyon harboured high meiofauna abundances (1054-1426 ind. 10 cm**-2) and high nematode diversity (total of 181 genera). Next to enhanced meiofauna abundance and nematode biomass, there were signs of high levels of organic matter deposition leading to reduced sedimentary conditions, which in turn structured the nematode community. Striking in this respect was the presence of large numbers of 'chemosynthetic' Astomonema nematodes (Astomonema southwardorum, Order Monhysterida, Family Siphonolaimidae). This genus lacks a mouth, buccal cavity and ... : Supplement to: Ingels, Jeroen; Tchesunov, Alexei; Vanreusel, Ann (2011): Meiofauna in the Gollum Channels and the Whittard Canyon, Celtic Margin - how local environmental conditions shape nematode structure and function. PLoS ONE, 6(5), 1-15 ...