Quality of tidal mudflats changes in gas extraction area of Wadden Sea

As tidal flats subside due to gas extraction, their composition changes. This is shown in a paper published in this month's Journal of Applied Ecology. "The average grain size in the parts of the mudflats where gas is extracted has decreased over 10% in 12 years. With that, sand is getting finer," says NIOZ researcher Allert Bijleveld. In this period, the composition of the benthic life in subsided areas has also changed in comparison to similar areas where subsidence due to gas extraction did not occur.