German Bight -image: data from ESA, processed by Hereon

Global Coast

The coasts are diverse, and each one is unique. To understand their importance for global processes and to facilitate the comparison of different coastal forms, the “Global Coasts” department conducts basic research on nutrient and carbon budgets. These budgets are permanently altered through biological production and degradation processes, through currents, river input, atmospheric exchange, storms and through human activity, making this a complex topic. For budgeting, we use measurement data from continuous automated surface observations and fixed stations as well as from sea floor measurements from underwater equipment. We obtain necessary data, for example, from FerryBoxes, the COSYNA observation system and field campaigns such as MOSES. We utilize the data obtained for computer model analyses and modern data analysis technologies (Digital Earth), which we use to provide information to support policy and society.