SedNet Conference 2019

Sediments found in upland streams, industrialised waterways, busy coastal zones and offshore waters are characterized by a wide variety of sediment properties present in dynamic and less dynamic areas. These areas are inherently interlinked as sediment is transported from catchment to the open sea. The natural flow of sediment from mountainous regions to the ocean is strongly impacted by anthropogenic activities along this journey in terms of both the quantity that is transported and the quality of transporting waters. Sediment distribution is not only impacted by direct human influence but also indirectly as a result of changing weather and climate patterns. A change in sediment dynamics leading to sediment starvation or sediment accumulation is often the concern of river basin and coastal managers who constantly need to adapt to these environmental variations. Historical or emerging contaminants may also hinder the management of these areas.

At the SedNet 2019 conference “Sediments as a dynamic natural resource – from catchment to open sea”, we invite abstracts for a series of sessions aiming to explore these challenges and proposed solutions. This includes how policies and plans are developed for the range of often interlinked issues experienced along the journey from upland areas to the deeper waters such as how sediment quality should be assessed, sediment as an ecosystem service and how excess sediment can be used beneficially. The challenges posed as a result of anthropogenic influences, resource exploitation and climate change shall also be explored as well as emerging problems being examined such as contaminants resulting from discharge of waste.

The proposed thematic sessions are:

1. Sediment management concept and sediment policy

2. Sediment quality guidance, sediment quality assessment

3. How can sediment management influence ecosystem services provision?

4. Climate change and sediments: direct and indirect consequences

5. Circular economy – sediment as a resource

6. Societal impacts of disturbed sediment continua and mitigation measures?

7. The impact and transport of microplastics

8. Ballast water and sediments – BWM Convention

9. Deep sea sediments

10. Nuclear and isotopic analytical techniques in sediment analysis