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 margins are described and the importance of lateral advection, particle aggregation, biodeposition and the resuspension loops within the BBL are discussed. New methods of BBL research are demonstrated and a possible solution is given to the benthic carbon budget problem (i.e. benthic carbon demand versus vertical carbon flux) for continental margins in relation to the understanding of soft-bottom ecosystems.