Instructor: Dr. Chris Gordon

Project: Mangroves and Sediments

This project will entail extensive study of sediments in the Accra vacinity, near the mouth of the Volta River. The student will put out sedimentary traps and find the rate of disposition. Incorporated in his/her studies, the source of the sediment will be explored, as the student will find the contents and organic disposition of their samples. The students research will be used to assess how efficient mangroves are. The student may be better prepared for this project with a background in biology or experience with physical oceanography or ecosystem functioning.

Among several other questions, the following could be explored:

• What is the rate of sedimentation within mangroves?
• How do mangroves contribute to the stabilization of shorelines?
• What problems exist within mangroves?
• How can these problems be alleviated? What impacts would potential changes have on surrounding ecosystems and communities?