Characterisation of Rhizaria
in modern oceans
From cells to fossils
Over their life cycle,
Over a period of two years, we will simultaneously quantify in situ Rhizaria along the entire water column. A precise understanding of how and which populations are reflected in fossil records will allow us to quantify the magnitude of modern biogeochemical cycles. Ultimately, ChORhizO will enhance our ability to reconstruct past ocean conditions as well as predict future fossil assemblages.
Rhizaria: unique features
33%
of large zooplankton
Substantial contribution to plankton community worldwide
521
million years
Found in the oceans since the early Cambrian
0.1 to 4
mm diameter
Ranging from a few microns to several millimeters
0-10.000
meters deep
Present from the surface to the deep ocean
Two contrasted locations:
Southern Ocean
Mediterannean Sea
The ChORhizO project will unfold across two carefully selected study sites distinguished by their Rhizaria communities, biogeochemical regimes and the presence of existing sedimentary fossil records.
