Oceanographic discontinuities (e. g. frontal systems, upwelling
areas, ice edges) are often areas of enhanced biological
productivity. Considerable research on the physics and biology of
the physical boundaries defining these discontinues has been
accomplished (see [I D. The interface between water and sediment is
the largest physical boundary in the ocean, but has not received a
proportionate degree of attention. The purpose of the Nato Advanced
Research Workshop (ARW) was to focus on soft-sediment systems by
identifying deficiencies in our knowledge of these systems and
defining key issues in the management of coastal sedimentary
habitats. Marine sediments play important roles in the marine
ecosystem and the biosphere. They provide food and habitat for many
marine organisms, some of which are commercially important. More
importantly from a global perspective, marine sediments also
provide "ecosystem goods and services" [2J. Organic matter from
primary production in the water column and contaminants scavenged
by particles accumulate in sediments where their fate is determined
by sediment processes such as bioturbation and biogeochemical
cycling. Nutrients are regenerated and contaminants degraded in
sediments. Under some conditions, carbon accumulates in coastal and
shelf sediments and may by removed from the carbon cycle for
millions of years, having a potentially significant impact on
global climate change. Sediments also protect coasts. The economic
value of services provided by coastal areas has recently been
estimated to be on the order of $12,568 9 10 y" [3J, far in excess
of the global GNP.
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