(Table 1) Results of geothermal measurements in the Black Sea 2000 and 2001 expeditions

According to the World Ocean Program in the northeastern part of the continental slope of the Black Sea geothermal, seismologic and seismic studies were carried out. An analysis of heat flow distribution allowed to distinguish a negative geothermal anomaly near the Dzhubga area, where the Russia-Turkey pipeline was being constructed. During seismological observations (August-September 1999, September 2001) more than 1200 seismic events were recorded. They proved high tectonic activity of the region under study, which stimulates gravitational sediment transport on the continental slope. The seismo-acoustic survey carried out in the area of the geothermal anomaly revealed no reflecting horizons within the sedimentary cover. This may be related to turbidite-landsliding processes. Results of modeling of the heat flow anomaly showed that it had originated approximately 1000 years ago due to a powerful landslide. This also suggests a possibility of an avalanche displacement of sedimentary masses in the area of the pipeline at present.

Sampling data, experimental data and fecal pellet characteristics of water pump samples in the strait of Øresund between Denmark and Sweden during 2004/2005

Copepod fecal pellets are often degraded at high rates within the upper part of the water column. However, the identity of the degraders and the processes governing the degradation remain unresolved. To identify the pellet degraders we collected water from Øresund (Denmark) approximately every second month from July 2004 to July 2005. These water samples were divided into 5 fractions (<0.2, <2, <20, <100, <200 µm) and total (unfractionated). We determined fecal pellet degradation rate and species composition of the plankton from triplicate incubations of each fraction and a known, added amount of fecal pellets. The total degradation rate of pellets by the natural plankton community of Øresund followed the phytoplankton biomass, with maximum degradation rate during the spring bloom (2.5 ± 0.49 d**-1) and minimum (0.52 ± 0.14 d**-1) during late winter. Total pellet removal rate ranged from 22% d**-1 (July 2005) to 87% d**-1 (May). Protozooplankton (dinoflagellates and ciliates) in the size range of 20 to 100 µm were the key degraders of the fecal pellets, contributing from 15 to 53% of the total degradation rate. Free-living in situ bacteria did not affect pellet degradation rate significantly; however, culture-originating bacteria introduced in association with the pellets contributed up to 59% of the total degradation rate. An effect of late-stage copepod nauplii (>200 µm) was indicated, but this was not a dominating degradation process. Mesozooplankton did not contribute significantly to the degradation. However, grazing of mesozooplankton on the pellet degraders impacts pellet degradation rate indirectly. In conclusion, protozooplankton seems to include the key organisms for the recycling of copepod fecal pellets in the water column, both through the microbial loop and, especially, by functioning as an effective 'protozoan filter' for fecal pellets.