Modelling spatial and temporal patterns in bioturbator effects on sediment resuspension: A biophysical metabolic approach

Tidal flats are biogeomorphic landscapes, shaped by physical forces and interaction with benthic biota. We used a metabolic approach to assess the overarching effect of bioturbators on tidal landscapes. The bivalve common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) was as model organism. C. edule sediment resuspension approximated function overall population rate per unit area. combined i) laboratory observations how affect along gradients bioturbation activity, cohesiveness hydrodynamic force ii) spatial data natural distribution intertidal populations. This allowed us build an integrated gradient. Owing temperature dependence rate, also accounted for seasonal variation in activity. Laboratory experiments indicated that is positively related especially cohesive sediments. Based this observation, we predicted clear pattern relative importance contribution transect. At lower elevations, our indicates hydrodynamics overrules biotic effects; at higher inter-tidal should be too low suspend bioturbated influence expected maximal intermediate elevation mudflat, owing combination moderate stress high bioturbator Also, bio-mediated particularly warm season. Research into dependency may help place phenomenological broader framework theories ecology formulate general expectations coastal ecosystem functioning.