Ongoing and planned Marine Center activities:

• Dynamics of Particle Clouds Related to Open-Water Sediment Disposal.

• Laboratory studies using a fall cone and other geotechnical instruments to test the time-varying stability and cohesiveness of remolded sediments..

• Field measurements of the sediment-water flux of PAHs made before, during and after dredging/capping operation.

• Laboratory studies of contaminant advection, diffusion and degradation within the capping material.

• Studies of the effects of capping on sediment bio-mixing and benthic community structure.

• Decision analysis balancing the risks and benefits of capping in relation to other materials management options.

• The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool to aid in siting disposal areas.