Sedimentfalle

A Sedimentfalle, or sediment trap, is a device used in aquatic environments to collect and measure the amount of sediment settling from the water column. These traps are typically deployed for specific periods, allowing researchers to quantify the flux of particulate matter, including organic matter, inorganic particles, and biological debris, to the bottom of a body of water. The design of sediment traps can vary, but many consist of a collection chamber, often a cylinder or cone, with an opening facing upwards. They are usually anchored to the seabed or suspended in the water column.

The collected material can then be analyzed to determine its composition, origin, and rate of deposition. This information is crucial for understanding biogeochemical processes, such as nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, within aquatic ecosystems like lakes, oceans, and rivers. Sediment traps help scientists assess the impact of human activities, such as deforestation or agricultural runoff, on sediment loads and water quality. By understanding sedimentation rates and composition, researchers can also reconstruct past environmental conditions and predict future changes in aquatic environments.