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Research on Spiekeroog: Million dollar project reveals secrets of the beach!
The University of Oldenburg is opening a new research project on sandy beaches on Spiekeroog with 4.78 million euros under the direction of Prof. Massmann.
Research on Spiekeroog: Million dollar project reveals secrets of the beach!
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has launched the “DynaDeep” project under the leadership of hydrogeologist Prof. Dr. Gudrun Massmann at the University of Oldenburg was provided with important financial resources. The funding amounts to around five million euros, which will be made available over a period of four years. The aim of the project is to develop a better understanding of the dynamics on sandy beaches, especially on the northern beach of Spiekeroog.
A central component of this research is a unique observatory that continuously collects data on the interactions of freshwater and saltwater in the sand. This provides insights into the complex processes that shape coastal ecosystems and their responses to environmental change. A measuring pole that was specially installed on Spiekeroog beach supports these comprehensive investigations.
Research priorities and new findings
The DynaDeep research group was founded in 2021 and deals in depth with the dynamics at the land-sea transition. A particular focus is on the effects of tides and storm surges, which continually shift the sand on the beach. Previous assumptions about low biogeochemical turnover on beaches have been refuted by new data showing that these dynamics operate down to depths of 30 meters.
Research shows that microorganisms obtain new sources of food and oxygen through the constant movement of water in their environment. These findings could be important not only for the Spiekeroog region, but also for other coastal areas in Belgium and France. The team plans to transfer the knowledge gained about the role of sandy beaches in global material cycles internationally.
Interdisciplinary collaboration and local support
The project is supported not only by Massmann's working group, but also by other research institutes, including the Institute of Marine Chemistry and Biology (ICBM). The research activities are carried out in close cooperation with local actors, such as the Wittbülten National Park House and the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park Administration.
This interdisciplinary support as well as the extensive infrastructure, including groundwater measuring points and a geophysical observation system, are crucial for the successful implementation of the project. In addition, funding from the DFG will make a crucial contribution to taking research to the next level and making a valuable contribution to coastal research.
For further information about the DynaDeep project and the associated research results, those interested can visit University of Oldenburg visit.
The challenges and dynamics in coastal regions are becoming increasingly complex, which is why projects like DynaDeep are essential to better understand future developments.