A dynamic benthic laboratory

It has long been recognised that, when considering bed sediment stability for proposed marine or coastal works, dredging activities spoil ground etc., the ability to understand the erosion/depositional processes of cohesive sediment and related chemical and biological parameters are essential. Collection of sediment for laboratory testing of shear strength, erodability, biological activity, etc., although often used, is losing credibility and frequently produces seriously misleading results. This paper describes a new Euromar project under the European Eureka umbrella, known as BISCUIT (Benthic In-Situ Carousel European Integrated Technology), for research aimed at advancing technology for the eventual production of a dynamic benthic chamber (lander) capable of integrated measurements of these parameters. The benthic chamber will consist of an annular flume that is open only at the base such that when deployed on the seabed an area of undisturbed sediment is sealed from the surrounding water. A unique re-circulating water injection system will apply controlled and known shear stresses to the internal water column such that natural bed shear stresses are applied to the sediment being studied