Student gathering samples for benthic research.

 

Benthic Ecology Research

 

Troy Alphin and Dr. Martin Posey, Biology and Marine Biology, are the primary researchers in the Benthic Ecology Laboratory at UNCWilmington.  They are taking a population and community approach to understanding coastal habitats in the benthos.

 

In the continental shelf (CORMP), Larry Cahoon, Biology and Marine Biology, has studied the biomass and production of benthic microalgae, as well as re-suspension and transport of benthic and near-bottom microalgae. Some of that work includes storm effects on the shelf ecosystem.

 

Evolution and paleoecology of Coastal Plain molluscs found in the benthos are the focus of Dr. Patricia Kelley's research, Geography and Geology. Ongoing studies include tempo and mode of evolution; role of biological factors such as predation in evolution; predator-prey coevolution and escalation; mass extinction and recovery of mollusc faunas.

 

Dr. Lynn Leonard, Geology and Geography, interdisciplinary study is a multi-year program designed to examine storm-driven sediment and biota dynamics on the continental shelf in the South Atlantic Bight -- an area frequently traversed by both tropical and extratropical storm systems.

 

Coastal North Carolina offers a wide range of benthic habitats available to study Benthic Community Dynamics. Field research is facilitated by a mild ‘year-round' climate and an excellent research fleet including vessels from 16' to 70' which enable researchers to access major estuarine and coastal habitats.

 

UNCW/Benthic Ecology Lab