Seasonal and diel variation in the open ocean concentration of marine snow aggregates
Lampitt, R.S.; Hillier, W.R.; Challenor, P.G. (1993). Seasonal and diel variation in the open ocean concentration of marine snow aggregates. Nature (Lond.) 362(6422): 737-739
In: Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 0028-0836; e-ISSN 1476-4687, more
|  |
| Keywords |
Audiovisual materials > Videotape recordings
Chemistry > Geochemistry > Biogeochemistry
Cycles > Chemical cycles > Geochemical cycle > Biogeochemical cycle
Environments > Aquatic environment > Pelagic environment
Marine snow
Particulates
Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
Temporal variations
Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Diurnal variations
Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Seasonal variations
ANE, Porcupine Abyssal Plain [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Lampitt, R.S.
- Hillier, W.R.
- Challenor, P.G.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
Marine snow, generally defined as aggregated particles of diameter greater than 0.5 mm, is thought to play an important role in oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Recent studies have focused on its unusual physical, biological and chemical properties but its temporal variability has received scant attention. The authors report observations of the abundance, volume concentration and size distribution of marine snow over a five-month period at a single site in the Northern Atlantic. At a depth of 270 m, marine snow particles demonstrated strong seasonal and diel variability. Volume concentrations in spring were about 20 times those in summer and autumn with late morning concentrations up to three times higher than at other times of the day. Our results suggest that the marine snow forms as a result of highly dynamic interactions in the particle pool. We believe that the mid-water biota and their migratory behaviour are responsible for the diel variability; they are therefore likely to have a significant influence on marine snow concentrations and hence on open-ocean material flux. |
|
